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+
+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75282 ***
+
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: VIEW OF THE HARBOR AND TOWN OF BOSTON IN 1723
+
+From an engraving in the British Museum after a drawing by William
+Burgis]
+
+
+
+
+                       THE
+                     PIRATES
+                     OF THE
+                   NEW ENGLAND
+                      COAST
+                    1630-1730
+
+
+                       By
+
+               GEORGE FRANCIS DOW
+ Curator of the Society for the Preservation of
+             New England Antiquities
+
+                       and
+
+               JOHN HENRY EDMONDS
+          Massachusetts State Archivist
+
+                 INTRODUCTION BY
+        CAPT. ERNEST H. PENTECOST, R.N.R.
+
+
+                 [Illustration]
+
+
+             MARINE RESEARCH SOCIETY
+              SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
+
+                      1923
+
+
+
+
+             PUBLICATION NUMBER TWO
+
+                     OF THE
+
+             MARINE RESEARCH SOCIETY
+                  SALEM, MASS.
+
+
+               COPYRIGHT, 1923, BY
+           THE MARINE RESEARCH SOCIETY
+
+
+                   PRINTED IN
+          THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
+           BY THE JORDAN & MORE PRESS
+              BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS
+
+
+
+
+                   THIS VOLUME
+               IS DEDICATED TO THE
+            MARINERS AND MERCHANTS OF
+            NEW ENGLAND WHO SUFFERED
+            LOSS OF LIFE OR PROPERTY
+                 AT THE HANDS OF
+                     PIRATES
+
+
+
+
+PREFACE
+
+
+There is scarcely a sandy beach on New England’s long and deeply
+indented coastline that has not connected with it some traditionary
+tale of the landing of pirates or their buried treasure. Many of these
+half-forgotten tales may have had an origin in the operations of early
+smugglers or in the evasion of the British Navigation Acts, but it
+is undoubtedly true that pirates did frequent this coast, beginning
+with the early days of its settlement, and during their periodical
+appearances, robbed and destroyed shipping almost at will. In gathering
+material relating to this subject no attempt has been made to include
+the traditionary lore. The public records of the time supply an
+astonishing amount of detailed information, but the principal source
+for first-hand information on the operations of pirate vessels during
+the first twenty-five years of the eighteenth century, the period
+when piracy was most frequent and least controlled, is the “History
+of the Pirates” by Capt. Charles Johnson. It has been claimed that
+the author at one time sailed in a pirate ship and therefore wrote
+from a personal knowledge of many of the events described. It seems
+impossible that anyone could have obtained such a circumstantial
+narrative of illicit life on the open sea unless he had lived in
+intimate personal acquaintance with a number of those who took part in
+the stirring actions recounted. Some of his tales are so extraordinary
+that they seem improbable--impossible of belief. And yet, the portion
+of his history relating to the North Atlantic coast has been verified
+by original records and items of current news in the newspapers and
+found to be a truthful relation in all essential details. With so
+much corroborative evidence at hand it is only fair to concede the
+probability that other portions of his “History,” not verified at this
+time, are also based upon fact.
+
+The account of piracy to be found in the following chapters is based
+upon original documents in the Massachusetts State Archives, in the
+records of the Vice-Admiralty Courts, the Courts of Assistants and the
+Quarterly Courts. Printed accounts of trials have supplied valuable
+information and many details that have greatly enriched the narrative
+have been gleaned from newspapers published at the time. Intermingled
+are personal anecdotes and details recorded by Captain Johnson, of
+captures, murders and injuries inflicted upon the officers and crews of
+plundered merchant vessels.
+
+Many friends have aided in the preparation of this volume. Capt. Ernest
+H. Pentecost, R.N.R., of Topsfield, has freely placed at our disposal
+his collection of voyages and books on piracy and related subjects. He
+also has critically examined the manuscript and given it the benefit
+of his technical knowledge of things nautical. Mr. John W. Farwell
+of Boston has generously permitted the reproduction of portions of
+several rare maps in his fine collection of early charts and maps.
+Mr. Julius H. Tuttle, Librarian of the Massachusetts Historical
+Society, and Mr. George Parker Winship, Librarian of the Harry Elkins
+Widener Collection, Harvard College Library, have kindly allowed the
+reproduction of early engravings and title pages of rare books. Cordial
+thanks also are due to Mr. Howard M. Chapin, Librarian of the George
+L. Shepley Library, Providence; Mr. Charles H. Taylor, Mr. William W.
+Cordingley, the Bostonian Society and the Society for the Preservation
+of New England Antiquities, all of Boston; the Peabody Museum of Salem;
+and to all others who in any way have furthered the production of this
+volume.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+
+       PREFACE                                               v
+
+       TABLE OF CONTENTS                                   vii
+
+       LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS                                ix
+
+       INTRODUCTION BY CAPT. ERNEST H. PENTECOST, R.N.R.  xvii
+
+     I THE BEGINNINGS OF ENGLISH PIRACY                      1
+
+    II DIXEY BULL, THE FIRST PIRATE IN NEW ENGLAND WATERS
+         AND SOME OTHERS WHO FOLLOWED HIM                   20
+
+   III JOHN RHODES, PILOT OF THE DUTCH PIRATES ON THE
+         COAST OF MAINE                                     44
+
+    IV THOMAS POUND, PILOT OF THE KING’S FRIGATE, WHO
+         BECAME A PIRATE AND DIED A GENTLEMAN               54
+
+     V WILLIAM KIDD, PRIVATEERSMAN AND REPUTED PIRATE       73
+
+    VI THOMAS TEW, WHO RETIRED AND LIVED AT NEWPORT         84
+
+   VII JOHN QUELCH AND HIS CREW, WHO WERE HANGED AT
+         BOSTON AND THEIR GOLD DISTRIBUTED                  99
+
+  VIII SAMUEL BELLAMY, WHOSE SHIP WAS WRECKED AT
+         WELLFLEET AND 142 DROWNED                         116
+
+    IX GEORGE LOWTHER, WHO CAPTURED THIRTY-THREE
+         VESSELS IN SEVENTEEN MONTHS                       132
+
+     X NED LOW OF BOSTON AND HOW HE BECAME A PIRATE
+         CAPTAIN                                           141
+
+    XI CAPTAIN ROBERTS’ CURIOUS ACCOUNT OF WHAT HAPPENED
+         ON LOW’S SHIP                                     157
+
+   XII THE BRUTAL CAREER AND MISERABLE END OF NED LOW      200
+
+  XIII THE STRANGE ADVENTURES OF PHILIP ASHTON             218
+
+   XIV NICHOLAS MERRITT’S ACCOUNT OF HIS ESCAPE FROM
+         PIRATES                                           270
+
+    XV FRANCIS FARRINGTON SPRIGGS, THE COMPANION OF
+         NED LOW                                           277
+
+   XVI CHARLES HARRIS, WHO WAS HANGED AT NEWPORT WITH
+         TWENTY-FIVE OF HIS CREW                           288
+
+  XVII JOHN PHILLIPS, WHOSE HEAD WAS CUT OFF AND
+         PICKLED                                           310
+
+ XVIII WILLIAM FLY, WHO WAS HANGED IN CHAINS ON
+         NIX’S MATE                                        328
+
+   XIX PIRATE HAUNTS AND CRUISING GROUNDS                  338
+
+    XX PIRATE LIFE AND DEATH                               353
+
+       APPENDIX
+           I CAPTAIN PLOUGHMAN’S COMMISSION                371
+          II CAPTAIN PLOUGHMAN’S INSTRUCTIONS              373
+         III DYING SPEECH OF CAPTAIN QUELCH                376
+          IV JOHN FILLMORE’S NARRATIVE                     379
+           V AN “ACT OF GRACE”                             381
+
+       INDEX                                               383
+
+
+
+
+ILLUSTRATIONS
+
+
+ BOSTON HARBOR FROM THE SURVEY IN THE “ENGLISH
+   PILOT,” Part IV. London, 1707             _Front end-paper_
+
+   From an original in the Harvard College Library.
+
+
+ VIEW OF THE HARBOR AND TOWN OF BOSTON IN
+   1723                                         _Frontispiece_
+
+ From an engraving in the British Museum after a drawing
+   by William Burgis.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF CAPT. CHARLES
+   JOHNSON’S “HISTORY OF THE PIRATES,” London, 1724          1
+
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ MAP OF THE WEST INDIES ABOUT 1720, SHOWING “THE
+   TRACTS OF THE SPANISH GALLIONS”                          10
+
+   From Herman Moll’s “Atlas Minor,” London, 1732, in the
+   Harvard College Library.
+
+
+ CAPT. HENRY MORGAN, THE BUCCANEER, BEFORE PANAMA           14
+
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen,
+   Murderers, Pyrates,” etc., London, 1734, in the Harry
+   Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF REV. COTTON
+   MATHER’S “PILLARS OF SALT, AN HISTORY OF SOME
+   CRIMINALS EXECUTED IN THIS LAND,” Boston, 1699           26
+
+   From an original in the Harvard College Library.
+
+
+ RICHARD COOTE, EARL OF BELLOMONT, GOVERNOR OF
+   MASSACHUSETTS, 1699-1700                                 42
+
+   From a rare engraving in the Harvard College Library.
+
+
+ VIEW OF CASTLE WILLIAM, BOSTON HARBOR, ABOUT
+   1729, AND A MAN-OF-WAR OF THE PERIOD                     54
+
+   From the only known copy of an engraving probably by
+   John Harris, after a drawing by William Burgis.
+
+
+ AN ARMED SLOOP NEAR BOSTON LIGHTHOUSE IN 1729              62
+
+   From the only known copy of a mezzotint by William
+   Burgis, published Aug. 11, 1729, and now in the
+   possession of the United States Lighthouse Board.
+
+
+ SAMUEL SEWALL, CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPERIOR
+   COURT IN MASSACHUSETTS, 1718-1728                        66
+
+   From an original painting in possession of the
+   Massachusetts Historical Society.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF “A FULL ACCOUNT
+   OF THE PROCEEDINGS IN RELATION TO CAPT. KIDD,”
+   London, 1701                                             82
+
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ JOSEPH DUDLEY, GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, WHO
+   PRESIDED AT THE TRIAL OF CAPTAIN QUELCH                 102
+
+   From an original painting in possession of the
+   Massachusetts Historical Society.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF “THE TRIAL OF
+   CAPT. JOHN QUELCH FOR PIRACY,” London, 1704             106
+
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF REV. COTTON
+   MATHER’S “FAITHFUL WARNINGS TO PREVENT FEARFUL
+   JUDGMENTS,” Boston, 1704                                112
+
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ REV. COTTON MATHER, PASTOR OF THE SECOND (NORTH)
+   CHURCH, Boston, 1685-1728                               114
+
+   From a mezzotint by Peter Pelham after a portrait
+   painted in 1728.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF “THE TRIAL OF
+   EIGHT PERSONS INDITED FOR PIRACY,” Boston, 1717         116
+
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ SPANISH DOUBLOON                                          126
+
+   From the original gold coin, found on the beach at
+   Wellfleet, Mass., where Bellamy’s pirate ship was
+   wrecked in 1717 and now in the possession of Charles
+   H. Taylor.
+
+
+ SPANISH PIECE OF EIGHT                                    126
+
+   From the original eight real piece in the cabinet of
+   the    Massachusetts Historical Society.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF REV. COTTON
+   MATHER’S “INSTRUCTIONS TO THE LIVING FROM THE
+   CONDITION OF THE DEAD,” Boston, 1717                    130
+
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ CAPT. GEORGE LOWTHER AT PORT MAYO                         138
+
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen,
+   Murderers, Pyrates,” etc., London, 1734, in the Harry
+   Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library.
+
+
+ THE IDLE APPRENTICE SENT TO SEA                           142
+
+   From an engraving by William Hogarth in the “Industry
+   and Idleness” series, published in 1747. The young
+   reprobate is being rowed past Cuckold’s Point on the
+   Thames where may be seen a pirate hanging from a gibbet.
+
+
+ A BARQUE IN THE WEST INDIES ABOUT 1720                    146
+
+   From an engraving in Lobat’s “Nouveau Voyage,” Vol. II,
+   Paris, 1722, in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ A BRIGANTINE IN THE WEST INDIES ABOUT 1720                146
+
+   From an engraving in Lobat’s “Nouveau Voyage,” Vol. II,
+   Paris, 1722, in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ CAPT. EDWARD LOW IN A HURRICANE                           152
+
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen,
+   Murderers, Pyrates,” etc., London, 1734, in the Harry
+   Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library.
+
+
+ ONE OF LOW’S CREW KILLING A WOUNDED SPANIARD              204
+
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “Historie der Engelsche
+   Zee-roovers,” Amsterdam, 1725, in the Harvard College
+   Library.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF “ASHTON’S MEMORIAL:
+   THE STRANGE ADVENTURES OF PHILIP ASHTON,”
+   Boston, 1725                                            222
+
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ PIRATES BOARDING A SPANISH VESSEL IN THE WEST INDIES      238
+
+   From an engraving in “The History and Lives of the most
+   Notorious Pirates,” by an old Seaman, London, n.d., in
+   possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.
+
+
+ MAP OF THE BAY OF HONDURAS SHOWING RATTAN
+   ISLAND AND PORT MAYO                                    242
+
+   From the map in “Voyages and Travels of Capt. Nathaniel
+   Uring,” London, 1726, in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ MAP SHOWING RUATAN ISLAND IN THE BAY OF HONDURAS
+   WHERE PHILIP ASHTON ESCAPED FROM PIRATES                256
+
+   From a map in the “American Atlas,” by Thomas Jefferys,
+   London, 1776, in the possession of John W. Farwell.
+
+
+ “SWEATING” ON CAPTAIN SPRIGG’S PIRATE VESSEL              278
+
+   From an engraving in “The History and Lives of the most
+   Notorious Pirates,” by an old Seaman, London, n.d., in
+   possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.
+
+
+ PIRATES KILLING A CAPTURED MAN                            284
+
+   From an engraving in “The History and Lives of the Most
+   Notorious Pirates,” by an old Seaman, London, n.d., in
+   possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.
+
+
+ FIGHT ON A PIRATE SHIP                                    284
+
+   From an engraving in “The History and Lives of the Most
+   Notorious Pirates,” by an old Seaman, London, n.d., in
+   possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.
+
+
+ WILLIAM DUMMER, LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS,
+   WHO PRESIDED AT THE TRIAL OF CAPT.
+   CHARLES HARRIS FOR PIRACY                               296
+
+   From the portrait by Robert Feke in possession of the
+   Trustees of Dummer Academy.
+
+
+ “VIEW OF NEWPORT, R. I., IN 1730,” SHOWING, AT THE
+   LEFT, GRAVELLY POINT, ON WHICH THE PIRATES WERE
+   HANGED IN 1723                                          308
+
+   The original painting really represents the town at a
+   somewhat later date. Reproduced from a lithograph copy
+   made in 1864, now in the George L. Shepley Library,
+   Providence, R. I.
+
+
+ FISHING SHIP AND STATION ON THE NEWFOUNDLAND
+   COAST ABOUT 1710                                        314
+
+   From an insert in Herman Moll’s “Map of North
+   America,” London [1710-1715], in the possession of
+   John W. Farwell.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF REV. COTTON MATHER’S
+   “THE CONVERTED SINNER ... A SERMON PREACHED ... IN THE
+   HEARING AND AT THE DESIRE OF CERTAIN PIRATES, A LITTLE
+   BEFORE THEIR EXECUTION,” Boston, 1724                   324
+
+   From an original in the library of the American
+   Antiquarian Society.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF “THE TRYALS OF
+   SIXTEEN PERSONS FOR PIRACY,” Boston, 1726               328
+
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF REV. BENJAMIN
+   COLMAN’S “SERMON PREACHED TO SOME MISERABLE
+   PIRATES,” Boston, 1726                                  334
+
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF REV. COTTON
+   MATHER’S “VIAL POURED OUT UPON THE SEA,”
+   Boston, 1726                                            336
+
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ CAPT. BARTHOLOMEW ROBERTS                                 340
+
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Pirates,” London, 1725, in the possession of George
+   Francis Dow.
+
+
+ CAPT. JOHN AVERY TAKING THE GREAT MOGUL’S SHIP            346
+
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen,
+   Murderers, Pyrates,” etc., London, 1734, in the Harry
+   Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library.
+
+
+ CAPT. EDWARD TEACH, COMMONLY CALLED “BLACK BEARD”         350
+
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen,
+   Murderers, Pyrates,” etc., London, 1734, in the Harry
+   Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library.
+
+
+ FAC-SIMILE OF THE TITLE-PAGE OF “THE TRIALS OF
+   FIVE PERSONS FOR PIRACY, FELONY AND ROBBERY,”
+   Boston, 1726                                            354
+
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ THE PIRATE SHIPS “ROYAL FORTUNE” AND “RANGER”
+   IN WHYDAH ROAD, JAN. 11, 1722                           360
+
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of
+   the    Pirates,” London, 1725, in possession of George
+   Francis Dow.
+
+
+ NIX’S MATE, BOSTON HARBOR, IN 1775, WHERE CAPTAIN
+   FLY WAS GIBBETTED IN 1726                               368
+
+   From an engraving in the “Atlantic Neptune,” Part III,
+   London, 1781, in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+
+
+ MONUMENT ON THE SHOAL, FORMERLY NIX’S MATE, IN
+   1637 AN ISLAND OF MORE THAN TEN ACRES                   368
+
+   From a photograph made about 1900.
+
+
+ MAP OF CAPE COD IN 1717, SHOWING THE LOCATION OF
+   THE PIRATE WRECK                           _Back end-paper_
+
+   From a chart surveyed and published by Capt. Cyprian
+   Southack of Boston, now in possession of John W.
+   Farwell.
+
+
+
+
+INTRODUCTION
+
+
+Why did men go a-pirating, or “on the account” as the pirates called
+it? The sailors said it was few ships and many men, hard work and
+small pay, long voyages, bad food and cruel commanders. “Hard ships
+make hard men.” “Many sailed but few returned.” “No kind words on deep
+water.” “No law off soundings.” “We live hard and die hard and go to
+Hell afterwards.” These are some of the sea sayings that have come down
+to us from long ago, and they go to prove that the narrow channel of
+sailor men was narrow indeed and full of rocks and shoals which could
+only be cleared by very careful steering.
+
+The sea was ever a hard calling, especially in the days of which this
+work treats. The men before the mast were little better than slaves:
+“Growl you may but go you must” was the saying. Small pay (which
+they “earned like horses and spent like asses”), scanty food and
+often stinking water with generally hard usage turned many an honest
+sailorman into a desperate pirate.
+
+Sea captains thought it good policy to keep their men as “busy as the
+Devil in a gale of wind” to prevent them doing a job o’ work for that
+Gentleman with the long tail, who, it was said, took especial interest
+in the doings of “those who go down to the sea in ships.” “Six days
+shalt thou labour as hard as thou art able, the seventh, holy-stone
+the main deck and chip the chain cable.” Capt. Thomas Phillips wrote
+in 1693, that “nothing grates upon the seamen more than pinching their
+bellies, or treating them with cruel or reproachful words.”
+
+One can easily imagine a group of hard-bitten men sheltering under the
+lee of the long boat on a dirty night; wet, cold and tired; listening
+with hungry interest to the yarns of an “old stander” who had been “on
+the account,” telling of the time he sailed with Bart Sharp or “Long
+Ben” Avery; picturing with many a brave oath, that other channel,
+the broad one, straight, with smooth water, pieces-of-eight to port,
+dollars and doubloons to starboard, snug harbors in tropic isles, dusky
+maids, punch, tobacco and grub in plenty, laced coats and chains of
+gold.
+
+There is another side to the picture, not so pleasant, to be sure,
+but easily dimmed by a noggin of rum or a swig or two of flip. ’Tis
+naught, after all, but the yard-arm of a man-of-war with a man on the
+end of a tricing line with his flippers seized to his sides; and on a
+seashore, a wooden erection with a something hanging--something that
+looks uncommonly like a sailorman, watching, with wry face, the ebbing
+and flowing of the tide. But there’s nothing in the picture to make one
+of the right sort go about ship. Better a short choking sensation than
+a long starving in merchants’ employ or scurvy rotting for a pay ticket
+on board a king’s ship.
+
+Capt. Charles Johnson tells us in his book on pirates, that one “Mary
+Read, a female pirate, being asked by her captain, before he knew
+she was a woman, why she followed a life so full of danger and at
+last to the certainty of being hanged, replied: as to the hanging she
+thought it no great hardship, for were it not for that every cowardly
+fellow would turn pirate and so infest the seas that 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 dastardly rogues
+honest; that many of those who were now cheating the widows and orphans
+and oppressing their poor neighbors who had 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 merchant would venture out and the trade in a
+little time would not be worth following.”
+
+There is an old saying that “Peace makes pirates.” The lawless
+scamps--“sweepings of Hell and Hackney”--who manned the privateers were
+especially prone to go a-pirateering in times of peace. They could
+not or would not settle down to steady work and small pay or be bound
+by laws and conventions. They loved roving and loot too well. Better
+to hang a sun-drying than to live with “a southerly wind in the shot
+locker.” It was but a step, after all, and that a short one, if half
+be true that has been written of privateers by men of regular navies.
+But perhaps they were a little prejudiced. Many rich prizes were taken
+by the private ships of war, often robbing the regulars of the chance
+of filling their pockets. Those who manned the King’s ships, like all
+others that used the seas, suffered from loot hunger and to satisfy
+the same would often sail very close to the wind, so close, in fact,
+that several of the King’s captains were caught flat aback and made a
+stern board towards the rocks. Some cleared by discharging their golden
+ballast, others, by the wind of influence.
+
+Coasters and fishermen were not so apt to turn pirates. Their work was
+hard and risky; but fresh food, “full and plenty,” and shore influence
+kept them steady. They were not as a rule of such an adventurous type
+as deep-water seamen. Occasionally, however, some lusty young fisherman
+or coaster would go a-roving. Perhaps some maid had been unkind or too
+kind.
+
+Some sailed under the “Jolly Roger” because they thought that he
+who dared, toiled and ventured, deserved as great a percentage of
+the profits as he who sat at home in personal safety and comfort
+and handled the pen. It was their only chance of getting even with
+the merchants and that chance a good one. Governments had little to
+spend on pirate chasing; besides, who could better stand a little
+cash-letting than the money-fat merchants. But well as they might
+have been able to stand it they roared so during the operation that
+governments were forced at last, Acts of Grace having failed, to
+send men-of-war to cruise against “the gentlemen of fortune following
+the sea.” They effected little. After one pirate-hunting squadron had
+returned unsuccessful, sailors’ yarns floated around that told of the
+commodore’s ship springing a leak out Madagascar way, and of great
+store of powder, shot and rum being landed to lighten her. The leak
+stopped as suddenly as it began and when the boats’ crews landed to
+bring off the powder, shot and rum, all had disappeared. The yarns went
+on to tell that when the commodore was taking a walk on shore, he found
+several small kegs stowed under a palm tree down by the water’s edge,
+and how heavy they were, and how carefully they were kept in the after
+cabin of the Commodore’s ship, and that the officers said they had
+nothing in ’em but honey; but Barney Brown, the boatswain’s mate, swore
+his Bible oath that he heard the clink of coin when a-rolling them
+along the deck.
+
+There’s no doubt that many were worthy, but only Kidd was hanged.
+
+The news of Captain Avery’s rich prize, the Mogul’s ship, with her
+cargo of wealth and beautiful women, including, it was said, one of
+the Great Mogul’s daughters, made many an old tarpaulin hitch up his
+breeches and turn his quid. The fame of the beauty of the fair captives
+was such that the mariners lost all their admiration for the Boston
+Kates and Wapping Pegs of the ports where sea-faring men mostly took
+their ease. “No! damme, no! Might as well ask a man to thirst for a sup
+of sour beer when good rum’s to be had.” So off they’d go a-pirating,
+hoping to capture something of the Miss Mogul sort with something to
+keep her on.
+
+The Peace of Ryswick forced hundreds of West India privateers or
+buccaneers who had preyed on the Spaniards, to seek for purchase under
+the black flag in all seas and from all nations.
+
+Spain’s jealous policy regarding trade with her over-sea subjects, and
+monopolies such as enjoyed by the East India Company, were resented
+by all free merchants. Ships were fitted out and loaded with suitable
+cargoes for the illegal trade. These interlopers were fast and well
+manned and armed to enable them to wrong the _guarda costas_.
+
+With a fair whack of luck great gains were made; but some failed to
+get their whack; found shore officials suffering from honesty, a very
+uncommon disorder among them in those days and easily cured by most
+anything of value. But some of the patients required such enormous
+doses, that rather than give the medicine and by so doing make a broken
+voyage, the interlopers would throw the bones with Davy Jones. They
+had the ship, they had the guns, and many a willing hand and if they
+lacked black bunting there was store of black tarpaulin with artists of
+sufficient skill to paint “the Skull and Bones.” Hurrah for the “Jolly
+Roger”! A “gold chain or a wooden leg”! We’ll take what we can’t make!
+
+When a prize was taken the pirate quartermaster would seek for recruits
+from among the prisoners. Every lad of them of spirit, impressed by
+the sight of such a bold swaggering crew rapping out their first-rate
+oaths and well ballasted with punch, with their bravery of laced hats,
+ribbons and pistols, was ready enough to square away for the broad
+channel.
+
+Although many were willing, few volunteered to sign the pirate
+articles. The many wanted the plea of force, to let go, in case of
+getting on a lee shore in a law storm. It was a very light anchor,
+more like to drag than hold, but “better a kedge than nothing at all.”
+Landsmen, the pirates despised, nor pricked they the halt, lame or
+feeble.
+
+The pirate wind was an ill wind, but it blew wonderful luck to those
+merchants who loaded ships to their scuppers with fiery Jamaica,
+red-hot brandy, gunpowder, small arms and cannon balls, and sent
+them off to trade with some negro king, ’twas said. On the voyage
+they would call at a lonely isle for wood and water and there they
+would meet other ships manned by the most open-fisted merchants ever
+known. No wrangling over a bale or two. Such bargains, the like of
+which never could have been made even with the most unsophisticated of
+dusky potentates. It was true, these merchants lacked the gravity of
+their kind; tossed the bowl about a good deal; and swore,--well, like
+pirates! And so home with a rich cargo.
+
+With such a reputation for reckless daring, why, it may be asked,
+were the pirates not more successful when engaging ships of war?
+John Atkins, surgeon on board the “Swallow,” man-of-war, that took
+three pirate ships on the Guinea coast in 1722, tells the reason.
+“Discipline,” says the Doctor, “is an excellent path to victory; and
+courage, like a trade, is gained by an apprenticeship, when strictly
+kept up to rules and exercise. The pirates though singly fellows of
+courage, yet wanting such a tie of order and some director to unite
+that force, were a contemptible enemy. They neither killed or wounded a
+man in the taking; which ever must be the fate of such rabble.”
+
+From whatever source the pirates sprang, they were, taking them by and
+large, brisk, courageous men, who were for making hasty estates at the
+expense of the public and ever athirst for the juice of the sunny isle,
+that magic fluid which helped them to forget that last pilot of many a
+good pirate,--the Man with the Silver Oar.
+
+                                                ERNEST H. PENTECOST.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration:
+
+                               A GENERAL
+
+                                HISTORY
+
+                                OF THE
+                        _Robberies and Murders_
+                         Of the most notorious
+
+                               PYRATES,
+
+                               AND ALSO
+           Their _Policies_, _Discipline_ and _Government_,
+
+          From their first RISE and SETTLEMENT in the Island
+          of _Providence_, in 1717, to the present Year 1724.
+
+                                 WITH
+
+        The remarkable ACTIONS and ADVENTURES of the two Female
+                Pyrates, _Mary Read_ and _Anne Bonny_.
+
+                         To which is prefix’d
+     An ACCOUNT of the famous Captain _Avery_, and his Companions;
+              with the Manner of his Death in _England_.
+
+            The Whole digested into the following CHAPTERS;
+
+                   Chap. I. Of Captain _Avery_.
+                        II. The Rise of Pyrates.
+                       III. Of Captain _Martel_.
+                        IV. Of Captain _Bonnet_.
+                         V. Of Captain _Thatch_.
+                        VI. Of Captain _Vane_.
+                       VII. Of Captain _Rackam_.
+                      VIII. Of Captain _England_.
+                        IX. Of Captain _Davis_.
+                         X. Of Captain _Roberts_.
+                        XI. Of Captain _Worley_.
+                       XII. Of Captain _Lowther_.
+                      XIII. Of Captain _Low_.
+                       XIV. Of Captain _Evans_.
+
+                       And their several Crews.
+
+                          To which is added,
+           A short ABSTRACT of the Statute and Civil Law, in
+                          Relation to PYRACY.
+
+                      By Captain CHARLES JOHNSON.
+
+ _LONDON_, Printed for _Ch. Rivington_ at the _Bible_ and _Crown_ in St.
+   _Paul’s Church-Yard_, _J. Lacy_ at the _Ship_ near the _Temple-Gate_,
+   and _J. Stone_ next the _Crown_ Coffee-house the back of _Greys-Inn_,
+   1724.
+]
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I
+
+THE BEGINNINGS OF ENGLISH PIRACY
+
+
+“As in all lands where there are many people, there are some theeves,
+so in all Seas much frequented, there are some Pyrats.” So wrote Capt.
+John Smith, the one-time Admiral of New England, when commenting in
+1630 on the “bad life, qualities and conditions of Pyrats,”[1] and this
+characterization remained true for many years after his day. Piracy
+was as old as the art of transportation by water and until suppressed
+by force in comparatively recent times it was a favorite trade among
+seamen when times were hard or temptations great.
+
+The reign of Queen Elizabeth (1558-1603) was characterized by a great
+development of the maritime power of England. This was the time when
+Drake and Hawkins and other great navigators fought with the ships
+of Spain and brought fame and fortune to English seamen. Much of the
+fighting at sea, however, was but little removed from freebooting and
+it is now difficult to judge what was legalized warfare and what was
+piratical capture. Notwithstanding the frequent opportunity for brave
+men to attack rich Spanish ships common piracy flourished and in 1563
+there were over four hundred known pirates sailing the four seas.[2]
+
+When James I (1603-1625) came to the throne he resolved to live at
+peace with all nations and so found little employment for a navy.
+In the first year of his reign he recalled all “letters of marque,”
+and two years later, by proclamation, forbade English seamen to seek
+employment in foreign ships. In consequence many poverty-stricken
+seamen became pirates, urged on by their necessities. “Some, because
+they became sleighted of those for whom they had got much wealth; some,
+for that they could not get their due; some, that had lived bravely,
+would not abase themselves to poverty; some vainly, only to get a
+name; others for revenge, covetousnesse, or as ill; and as they found
+themselves more and more oppressed, their passions increasing with
+discontent, made them turne Pirats.”[3]
+
+By 1618, there were ten times as many pirates as there had been during
+the whole reign of Queen Bess. About the only voyage open to an English
+seaman at that time was the fishing venture of Newfoundland, which
+was toilsome in the extreme and full of exposure and hardship. The
+dirty carrying trade to Newcastle, for coals, while a good school for
+seamen, was despised and thought beneath the ability of an active man,
+and the long voyage to the East Indies was tedious and dangerous. As
+for the navy--berths were few and the food poor, the pay was small
+and the service a kind of slavery. Ordinary seamen received only ten
+shillings a month, which was raised to fifteen shillings when Charles
+I (1625-1649) became king. But even this small wage was subject to a
+deduction of six pence for the Chatham Chest founded in 1590 for the
+relief of injured and disabled seamen.
+
+Peter Easton was one of the most notorious of the English pirates
+during the reign of James I. In 1611 he had forty vessels under his
+command. The next year he was on the Newfoundland coast with ten of
+his ships where he trimmed and repaired, appropriated provisions and
+munitions and took one hundred men to man his fleet.[4] On June 4,
+1614, Henry Mainwaring, was at Newfoundland, with eight vessels in his
+fleet. Mainwaring became even better known than Easton and a few years
+later was pardoned and placed in command of a squadron and sent to
+the Barbary coast in an unsuccessful attempt to drive out the pirates
+located there. While he was on the Newfoundland coast he plundered the
+fishing fleet of carpenters and marines and the provisions and stores
+that he needed. Of every six seamen he took one. From a Portuguese
+ship he looted a good store of wine and a French ship supplied him
+with 10,000 fish. Some of the fishermen deserted their vessels and
+voluntarily went with him. In all he took four hundred men, many of
+whom were “perforstmen,”[5] and then sailed back across the Atlantic
+to continue his impartial plundering of the ships of Spain and other
+nations.
+
+It was an easy matter for the English pirates to obtain bread, wine,
+cider and fish and all the necessaries for shipping on the Newfoundland
+coast as the fishermen were unarmed and moreover did not stand
+together. Not many pirates went there, however, as the voyage across
+the Atlantic was long and the prevailing winds apt to be westerly or
+northwesterly during the summer months. Notwithstanding, the fishing
+fleets suffered so much from these attacks that by 1622, men-of-war
+were sent out to convoy and remain on the station during the fishing
+season. In 1636, three hundred English fishing vessels were in the
+fleet that sailed for home under convoy.
+
+The Irish coast was another favorite resort where pirates went to
+careen and obtain provisions from the country people. Broadhaven was
+a favorite rendezvous. The Irish coast not only was a good place to
+provision but also there “they had good store of English, Scottish and
+Irish wenches which resort unto them, and these are strong attractions
+to draw the common sort of them thither.”[6]
+
+Mainwaring in his account of English piracy at this period, supplies an
+interesting description of their methods of attack.
+
+“In their working they usually do thus: a little before day they take
+in all their sails, and lie a-hull, till they can make what ships are
+about them; and accordingly direct their course so as they may seem
+to such ships as they see to be Merchantmen bound upon their course.
+If they be a fleet, then they disperse themselves a little before
+day, some league or thereabouts asunder, and seeing no ships do most
+commonly clap close by a wind to seem as Plyers.[7] If any ships stand
+in after them, they heave out all the sail they can make, and hang out
+drags to hinder their going, so that the other that stand with them
+might imagine they were afraid and that they shall fetch them up. They
+keep their tops continually manned, and have signs to each other when
+to chase, when to give over, where to meet, and how to know each other,
+if they see each other afar off.
+
+“In chase they seldom use any ordnance, but desire as soon as they can,
+to come a board and board; by which course he shall more dishearten
+the Merchant and spare his own Men. They commonly show such colours as
+are most proper to their ships, which are for the most part Flemish
+bottoms, if they can get them, in regard that generally they go well,
+are roomy ships, floaty[8] and of small charge.”
+
+Mainwaring also comments on the ease with which successful pirates
+might obtain a pardon and of this he spoke with personal knowledge of
+how it was done, writing, “if they can get £1000 or two, they doubt
+not but to find friends to get their Pardons for them. They have also
+a conceit that there must needs be wars with Spain within a few years,
+and then they think they shall have a general Pardon.”
+
+Capt. John Smith in his “True Travels,” relates that the pirates
+prospered exceedingly and became a serious menace to trade so that
+“they grew hatefull to all Christian Princes.” Their increase in number
+finally induced them to establish a rendezvous on the Barbary coast
+in Northern Africa.[9] Ward, Bishop and Easton, all Englishmen, were
+among the first to go there, and were soon joined by others,--Jennings,
+Harris and Thompson and some who were hanged, at last, at Wapping
+on the Thames. The Mediterranean was the center of a rich commerce
+and these outlawed seamen banded together in small fleets, plundered
+impartially the vessels of Genoa, Malta, England or Holland. Success
+brought on indolence and the riotous, debauched life they led after
+a time deprived them of leaders of spirit, so that the Moors began
+to dominate their operations.[10] Some pirates were enslaved, others
+became renegades and accepted the Mohammedan faith and all, at last,
+became merged into the Barbary corsair and for nearly two centuries
+sailed out of ports in Algiers and Tunis and were the terror of
+mariners, not only about the Strait of Gibraltar but for some distance
+up and down the Atlantic coast,--robbing, enslaving or exacting tribute
+from all so unfortunate as to fall into their hands. Another group of
+rovers made their home port at Sallee harbor, on the west coast of
+Morocco. The “Salley rovers” were a great danger to vessels engaged in
+the Guinea trade.
+
+From this it will be seen that piracy in European waters, in the
+early years of the seventeenth century, had its origin in a lack of
+legitimate employment for seamen. This condition was brought about
+by a period of peace and aggravated by an imperfectly developed
+maritime commerce that could not be quickly increased in order to find
+occupation for idle men. “I could wish Merchants, Gentlemen, and all
+setters forth of ships,” concludes Captain Smith, “not to bee sparing
+of a competent pay, nor true payment; for neither souldiers nor Sea-men
+can live without meanes, but necessity will force them to steale; and
+when they are once entered into that trade, they are hardly reclaimed.”
+
+Another contributing factor, that later helped to supply suitable
+material for piratical ventures, may be found in the character of
+the shifting population of the American colonies. In all frontier
+settlements, in all parts of the world and at all times, there exist
+irresponsible and lawless elements sloughed off by more perfectly
+controlled governments. This was true in the early days of the seaport
+towns along the Atlantic coast. Prisoners of war, poor debtors,
+criminals from the gaols and young men and boys kidnapped in the
+streets of English towns, were shipped across the Atlantic and sold to
+planters and tradesmen for a term of years under conditions closely
+approaching servitude. It became a trade to furnish the plantations
+with servile labor drawn from the off-scourings of the mother country.
+Even the English government took a hand and in 1661 “a committee
+was appointed to consider the best means of furnishing labor to the
+plantations by authorizing contractors to transport criminals, beggars,
+and vagrants. Runaway apprentices, faithless husbands and wives,
+fugitive thieves and murderers were thus enabled to escape beyond the
+reach of civil or criminal justice.”[11] Once landed in the colonies
+and having tasted the hardships of forced labor, a roving disposition
+was soon awakened and runaway servants were almost as common as
+blackbirds. Numbers of these men joined marauding expeditions and
+eventually became pirates of the usual type.
+
+Undoubtedly privateering was the principal training school that
+taught adventurous men to accept a roving commission not only
+against Spaniards but against men of all nations. Like pirates, the
+privateersmen lived on spoil and while legally restricted in their
+attacks to the vessels of an enemy nation it was easy sometimes to
+overlook the color of a flag if an honest living was not at hand and
+one was far from home. In fact, it has been said that “privateers in
+time of war are a nursery for pirates against a peace.” A stirring
+description of an attack on a Spanish ship is given in the “Accidence
+for all Young Seamen,” published in London in 1626, and written by
+Capt. John Smith, the “Admiral of New England.” It may well serve as an
+account of what took place at that time on nearly every privately armed
+vessel attacking an enemy.
+
+“A sail, how stands she, to windward or leeward, set him by the
+Compass. He stands right a-head. Out with all your sails, a steady
+man at the helm, sit close to keep her steady. He holds his own. Ho,
+we gather on him. Out goeth his flag and pennants or streamers, also
+his Colours, his waist-cloths and top armings, he furls and slings his
+main sail, in goes his sprit sail and mizzen, he makes ready his close
+fights fore and after. Well, we shall reach him by and by.
+
+“Is all ready? Yea, yea. Every man to his charge. Dowse your top sail,
+salute him for the sea. Hail him! Whence your ship? Of Spain. Whence
+is yours? Of England. Are you Merchants or Men of War? We are of the
+Sea. He waves us to leeward for the King of Spain, and keeps his luff.
+Give him a chase piece, a broadside, and run a-head, make ready to tack
+about. Give him your stern pieces. Be yare at helm, hail him with a
+noise of Trumpets.
+
+“We are shot through and through, and between wind and water. Try
+the pump. Master, let us breathe and refresh a little. Sling a man
+overboard to stop the leak. Done, done. Is all ready again? Yea, yea.
+Bear up close with him. With all your great and small shot charge him.
+Board him on his weather quarter. Lash fast your grapplins and shear
+off, then run stem line the mid ships. Board and board, or thwart the
+hawse. We are foul on each other.
+
+“The ship’s on fire. Cut anything to get clear, and smother the fire
+with wet cloths. We are clear, and the fire is out. God be thanked!
+
+“The day is spent, let us consult. Surgeon look to the wounded. Wind up
+the slain, with each a piece or bullet at his head and feet. Give three
+pieces for their funeral.
+
+“Swabber make clean the ship. Purser record their names. Watch be
+vigilent to keep your berth to windward; and that we loose him not in
+the night. Gunners sponge your Ordnances. Carpenters about your leaks.
+Boatswain and the rest, repair the sails and shrouds. Cook see you
+observe your directions about the morning watch. Boy. Hulloa, Master,
+Hulloa. Is the kettle boiling. Yea, yea.
+
+“Boatswain call up the men to Breakfast; Boy fetch my cellar of
+Bottles. A health to you all fore and aft, courage my hearts for a
+fresh charge. Master lay him aboard luff for luff. Midshipmen see the
+tops and yards well manned with stones and brass balls, to enter them
+in the shrouds. Sound Drums and Trumpets, and St. George for England.
+
+“They hang out a flag of truce. Stand in with him, hail him amain,
+abaft or take in his flag. Strike their sails and come aboard, with the
+Captain, Purser, and Gunner, with your Commission, Cocket, or bills of
+loading.
+
+“Out goes their Boat. They are launched from the ship’s side. Entertain
+them with a general cry, God save the Captain, and all the Company,
+with the Trumpets sounding. Examine them in particular; and then
+conclude your conditions with feasting, freedom, or punishment as you
+find occasion.”
+
+During the middle years of the seventeenth century the West India
+waters were covered with privateers commissioned to prey upon Spanish
+commerce. Not only did the home government issue these commissions but
+every colonial governor as well, so that thousands of men were out of
+employment when a peace was declared. Merchants then took advantage
+of such conditions and poorly paid and poorly fed their seamen and
+this bred discontent and made willing volunteers when the first pirate
+vessel was encountered.
+
+Not infrequently it was difficult to separate privateering from piracy.
+John Quelch, who was hanged in Boston for piracy, in 1704, preyed upon
+Portuguese commerce as he supposed in safety and not until he returned
+to Marblehead did he learn of the treaty of peace that made him a
+pirate. In 1653, Thomas Harding captured a rich prize sailing from
+Barbadoes and in consequence was tried in Boston for piracy, but saved
+his neck when he was able to prove that the vessel was Dutch and not
+Spanish. In 1692, the Governor and Council of Connecticut were informed
+that “a catch and 2 small sloops, with about 30 or 40 privateers or
+rather pirates,” were anchored off East Hampton, Long Island, and had
+sold a ketch to Mr. Hutchinson of Boston and bought a sloop of Captain
+Hubbard, also of Boston.
+
+Newport, R. I., sent out many privateers. In 1702 it was reported that
+nearly all of the able-bodied men on the Island were away privateering.
+The town also profited frequently from the visits of known pirates,
+as in 1688, when Peterson, in a “barkalonga” of ten guns and seventy
+men, refitted at Newport and no bill could be obtained against him from
+the grand jury as they were neighbors and friends of many of the men
+on board. Two Salem ketches also traded with him and a master of one
+brought into “Martin’s Vineyard,” a prize that Peterson “the pirate,
+had taken in the West Indies.”[12] Andrew Belcher, a well-known Boston
+merchant and master of the ship “Swan,” paid Peterson £57, in money and
+provisions, for hides and elephants’ teeth taken from his plunder.
+
+The ill-defined connection between privateering and piracy was fully
+recognized in those days and characterized publicly by the clergy. In
+1704 when Rev. Cotton Mather preached his “Brief Discourse occasioned
+by a Tragical Spectacle in a Number of Miserables under Sentence of
+Death for Piracy,” he remarked that “the Privateering Stroke so easily
+degenerates into the Piratical; and the Privateering Trade is usually
+carried on with an Unchristian Temper, and proves an Inlet unto so much
+Debauchery and Iniquity.”
+
+The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, by which peace was made between England
+and Spain, was signed in 1668, but the colonial authorities were
+so little concerned by the depredations of the English privateers
+on Spanish commerce in the West Indies that their commissions were
+not revoked until 1672 and even then, for a time, the doings of the
+adventurous, privately armed vessels were not scrutinized too closely.
+
+The Peace of Ryswick in 1697 put an end to most of the privateering in
+the West Indies and sixteen years later England’s wars with France,
+over the Spanish succession, lasting for nearly a half-century,
+ended with the treaty of peace signed at Utrecht. By its terms Great
+Britain received Newfoundland and Nova Scotia, and the right to send
+African slaves to America. While the notable battles of this war had
+been fought on land yet, in many respects, it had been a conflict
+between naval powers and the peace released a great many men who found
+themselves unable to obtain employment in the merchant shipping. This
+was particularly true in the West Indies where the colonial governors
+had commissioned a large number of privateers. When adventurous spirits
+have been privately employed under a commission to sail the seas and
+plunder the ships of another nation, it is but a step forward to
+continue that fine work without a commission after the war is over. To
+the mind of the needy seaman there was very little distinction between
+the lawfulness of one and the unlawfulness of the other.
+
+[Illustration: MAP OF THE WEST INDIES ABOUT 1720, SHOWING “THE TRACTS
+OF THE GALLIONS”
+
+From Herman Moll’s “Atlas Minor,” London, 1732, in the Harvard College
+Library]
+
+Another training school for pirate ships also existed among the
+buccaneers who flourished in the West Indies during the last half
+of the seventeenth century. Spain at that time claimed sovereignty
+over all the lands lying in or about the Caribbean Sea, a territory
+which she looked upon as a great preserve over which to exercise
+absolute control and from which to extract the wealth of the mines.
+Manufactures were forbidden and commerce with other nations was not
+permitted. Clothing and supplies of all kinds, wines, oil, and even
+some kinds of provisions must be purchased from merchants in distant
+Spain. No foreigner might land under pain of death and no foreign ship
+was permitted to anchor in any of their harbors. Twice each year a
+splendid fleet left Spain, bound for Mexico and the Isthmus of Panama,
+laden with all kinds of merchandise required by Spanish-America. On
+the arrival of the galleons a great fair was held where the traders
+met and for forty days Porto Bello, the city of the deadly climate,
+was thronged by the merchants of Peru, cargadores and sailors from the
+ships, negroes and native Indians.
+
+By the year 1630, small settlements had been established by the
+English on the islands of Bermuda, St. Christopher, Tortuga and the
+Barbadoes, and Frenchmen were on Hispaniola; but before many years St.
+Christopher and Tortuga were ravaged by Spanish fleets, the women and
+children murdered and all able-bodied men condemned to slavery in the
+mines. The limitations of English navigation laws at this time were
+crowding the home ports with unemployed seamen; some took to begging on
+the high roads, but the more adventurous found their way to the West
+Indies where twice each year journeyed the fleet of great ships laden
+with gold and silver from the mines of Mexico and Peru, pearls from
+Margarita and precious gems gathered from two continents. Here, too,
+came the scum of Europe and on the island of Tortuga a settlement grew
+that was frequented by lawless vagabonds coming from everywhere who
+lived variously by hunting, planting and piracy.
+
+The name “buccaneer,” afterwards applied to these rovers, was derived
+from the hunters who smoked the flesh of the wild cattle that they
+killed, over a “boucane” or wood fire. Two centuries and a half later,
+the French half-breeds canoeing in the Canadian backlands spoke of “la
+boucane” when they lighted their camp fires. The hunters went to the
+mainland in large parties and killed the wild cattle for their hides.
+“After the hunt was over” writes Esquemeling,[13] the historian of the
+buccaneers, “they commonly sail to Tortuga to provide themselves with
+guns, powder and shot, and necessaries for another expedition; the
+rest of their gains they spend prodigally, giving themselves to all
+manner of vice and debauchery, particularly to drunkenness, which they
+practiced mostly with brandy.” The tavern keepers and the hangers-on
+of both sexes, watched for the return of the buccaneers, “even as at
+Amsterdam, they do for the arrival of the East India fleet.”
+
+It was a Frenchman, known among his associates as “Peter the Great,”
+who first played the uproarious game of piracy on the Spanish fleet.
+With only twenty-eight men he cruised off the coast of Hispaniola in
+an open boat at the time of year when the galleons passed on their
+homeward voyage. On sighting the fleet he followed during the night
+and notwithstanding the fact that the Vice-Admiral had been told of
+the suspicious craft, so confident was he of the strength of his ship
+that she was allowed to straggle from the convoy. When the boatload
+of desperadoes ran alongside they scuttled their craft and boarded
+the Spaniard yelling like demons. They were dressed in their usual
+manner, in shirts soaked in the blood of wild cattle, leather breeches
+and moccasins of rawhide, and the Vice-Admiral, sitting in his cabin
+playing cards, may well have imagined, as in fact he cried out--“The
+ship is invaded by devils.”
+
+After the news of the rich capture reached Tortuga, many of the
+buccaneers turned to piracy and in a few years the Spanish seas were
+infested with small fleets of pirate vessels which obeyed fixed laws
+and were governed by a single chief. Desperate men in every European
+port came out to join them and in time many thousand men recognized
+the command of the great captains of the “Brethren of the Coast,”
+as they styled themselves. Before the end of the first year that
+followed the capture of the Spanish galleon, twenty large vessels
+had been taken, two great plate ships had been cut out of the harbor
+of Campeachy and a trade in looted merchandize had sprung up between
+Tortuga and Europe that soon made the piratical settlement one of the
+richest in America.
+
+The “Brethren of the Coast” established among themselves a code of laws
+the larger number of which related to captured booty. All offences
+against these laws were severely punished, the commonest penalty being
+“marooning” which consisted of landing the offender on an uninhabited
+key or island with only a small supply of food. The most desperate
+might well shrink from such an end. The invariable practice required
+that everything should be held in common and at the last be divided
+into shares according to a fixed ratio. The captain drew the largest
+number, of course, and the sailing master, carpenter and surgeon came
+next. There was also a tariff by which to indemnify those who were
+mutilated while fighting. For a right arm, six hundred Spanish pieces
+of eight were awarded or a corresponding value in slaves. The left arm
+was worth only five hundred pieces of eight, and a leg was of equal
+value. An eye was worth one hundred and a finger the same. The booty
+brought into the pirate rendezvous at Tortuga was enormous. Frequently
+pirates would land bringing in five or six thousand pieces of eight
+per man and a single vessel once brought in loot amounting to 260,000
+pieces. Huge sums were gambled away in a single night and drunken
+buccaneers would sometimes buy pipes of wine and force every passer-by
+to drink or fight.
+
+The success of the buccaneers before long paralyzed Spanish commerce
+and fewer ships were sent to the American colonies so that the
+“Brethren,” then numbering several thousands, began to plan attacks
+upon land. The first Spanish settlement assaulted was Campeachy, on
+the coast of Yucatan. An Englishman named Lewis Scot led this attack
+which resulted in much loot and the almost entire destruction of the
+city. Another Englishman named Davis took Nicaragua and plundered
+the churches of vast quantities of plate and jewels. L’Olonnais, a
+Frenchman, with eight vessels filled with men, fell upon Maracaibo and
+after much hard fighting brought away 260,000 pieces of eight and a
+great amount of jewels and plate. “But,” writes Esquemeling, “in three
+weeks they had scarce any money left, having spent it all in things of
+little value, or lost it at play. The taverns and stews, according to
+the custom of the pirates, got the greatest part.”
+
+Capt. Henry Morgan, the leader of the expedition against Panama,
+achieved the greatest fame among all these lawless chieftains. Charles
+II knighted him and made him governor of Jamaica, where he turned upon
+his late companions and waged a bitter warfare. An early exploit of
+Morgan was the taking of Puerto Velo, one of the strongest fortresses
+in New Spain. Surprising the sentry at night he easily captured the
+outer defences. The prisoners were placed in a room with several
+barrels of gunpowder and as they were blown into the air the buccaneers
+assaulted the citadel. The cloisters had been seized and the priests
+and nuns were forced to climb the scaling ladders before the men, “the
+religious men and women ceasing not to cry to the governor and beg him
+to deliver the castle, and so save both his and their lives,” writes
+Esquemeling. The castle surrendered at last, though “with great loss of
+the said religious people.” The loot amounted to over 250,000 pieces
+of eight and much other spoil which was soon squandered at Port Royal,
+a pirate town in Jamaica that supplied almost unlimited resources for
+debauchery.
+
+[Illustration: SIR HENRY MORGAN, THE BUCCANEER, BEFORE PANAMA
+
+From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the Lives and
+Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen, Murderers, Pyrates,” etc.,
+London, 1734, in the Harry Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College
+Library]
+
+The capture of Panama took place in 1671. Morgan’s fleet sailed from
+Jamaica and with only twelve hundred men he crossed the Isthmus. The
+Spaniards learned of his coming and carried away or destroyed all food
+stuffs along the route so that when the buccaneers came in sight of
+the South Sea, after a nine days’ march, they were nearly famished and
+in desperate straits. A few days’ rest put them in condition again and
+with many revengeful oaths they fell upon the defences of the city with
+irresistible fury. No quarter was given on either side. Soon Panama was
+in flames. It was four weeks before the fires at last were extinguished
+and over two hundred great warehouses, seven thousand houses, huge
+stables that sheltered the horses and mules that transported the golden
+ingots of the King of Spain, and many other buildings were entirely
+destroyed. The plunder was immense. On the way back a dispute broke out
+and when Morgan reached the ships he scuttled all but one and set sail
+with only his chosen followers. Such treachery was unforgivable and he
+never afterward led the “Brethren of the Coast.”
+
+Morgan became governor of Jamaica with strict orders to enforce the
+treaty concluded between England and Spain and relentlessly persecuted
+those of his late associates who neglected to accept the royal pardon
+which provided grants of lands to all buccaneers who would abandon the
+sea and become planters. By proclamation all cruising against Spain
+was forbidden under severe penalties. Many of the English filibusters
+accepted the pardon while others became logwood cutters in the Bay of
+Honduras or raised a black flag and preyed upon the ships of every
+nation.
+
+The pirate commonwealth at Port Royal was abandoned and such Englishmen
+as continued to rove joined their French brethren who frequented the
+island of Tortuga, or crossed the Isthmus and preyed upon the Spanish
+towns in Peru and the shipping of the Great South Sea. They also
+captured immense booty at Acapulco where the Spanish ships landed the
+riches of the Philippines. The peace of Ryswick in 1697 settled the
+disputes between France and Spain and also sounded the knell of the
+French filibusters. Before long the buccaneers were absorbed in the
+population of the various islands in the West Indies and the Spanish
+galleons again sailed peacefully through the tropic seas.
+
+Another strong influence that led to insecurity on the high seas
+and eventually to outright piracy was the operation of the English
+Navigation Acts. European nations were in agreement that the
+possession of colonies meant the exclusive control of their trade and
+manufactures. Lord Chatham wrote, “The British Colonists in North
+America have no right to manufacture so much as a nail for a horse
+shoe,” and Lord Sheffield went further and said, “The only use of
+American Colonies, is the monopoly of their consumption, and the
+carriage of their produce.”[14]
+
+English merchants naturally wished to sell at high prices and to buy
+colonial raw materials as low as possible and as they were unable to
+supply a market for all that was produced, the colonies were at a
+disadvantage in both buying and selling. By the Acts of Navigation
+certain “enumerated articles” could be marketed only in England.
+Lumber, salt provisions, grain, rum and other non-enumerated articles
+might be sold within certain limits but must be transported in English
+or plantation built vessels of which the owners and three-fourths of
+the mariners were British subjects. Freight rates also advanced as
+other nations, notably the Dutch, had previously enjoyed a good share
+of the carrying trade.
+
+The first Navigation Act was passed in 1647. It was renewed and its
+provisions enlarged in 1651, 1660, 1663 and later. Before long it was
+found that these attempts to monopolize the colonial markets resulted
+in a natural resistance and smuggling began and also an extensive trade
+with privateers and pirates who brought into all the smaller ports of
+New England captured merchandise that was sold at prices below the
+usual market values. Matters went from bad to worse and servants of the
+Crown frequently combined with the colonists to evade the obnoxious
+laws. Even the royal governors connived at what was going on. This
+was particularly true in the colonies south of New England. Colonel
+Fletcher, the governor of New York, commissioned numerous privateers
+and received a fee, the equivalent of one hundred dollars per man.
+These vessels when well away from local jurisdiction became pirates in
+earnest and ravaged the Red Sea and brought home rich cargoes of East
+India goods in which the members of the governor’s council obtained
+their share. Hore, a famous privateer and pirate, was very successful
+in this trade and Thomas Tew, another freebooter, divided his time
+between New York, Newport and the Madagascar coast. He was on the
+black list of the East India Company but Governor Fletcher entertained
+him at his table and when the Lords of Trade remonstrated, the artful
+governor replied that he wished to make Captain Tew a sober man and in
+particular “to reclaime him from a vile habit of swearing,”[15] and as
+for coming to his table, that was but a common hospitality.
+
+In Rhode Island, the president and four assistants granted these
+commissions with the condition that the colony was to share in any
+captures. In 1649, Bluefield or Blauvelt, a Dutch privateersman,
+brought a prize into Newport, which the governor found was taken during
+a truce. But there was no man-of-war in the harbor to enforce the law
+and as the townsfolk wanted to buy the cargo and the sailors wanted
+the prize money, everybody was satisfied. At a later time Governor
+Bellomont of New York complained of the Admiralty Court at Newport as
+too “favourable” to piracies and in Queen Anne’s time, Connecticut and
+Rhode Island were both complained of because “Her Majesty’s and ye Lord
+High Admiral’s dues are sunk in condemning prizes.”[16]
+
+At Stamford, Conn., a prominent citizen had a warehouse “close to the
+Sound,” where he received illicit goods and afterwards shipped them to
+Boston and other ports. The shore of eastern Long Island was haunted
+by smugglers and pirates. Sometimes the wind lay in the other quarter
+and a privateersman was adjudged a pirate and hanged. This happened in
+Boston in 1704 to John Quelch who had captured Portuguese vessels. But
+contemporaries say that officialdom was after a goodly share of the
+gold dust that he had brought in. Usually, however, the enterprising
+rover lived out his days in the character of a “rich privateer” and
+died respected by friends and neighbors.
+
+There were pirates and pirates. Some were letters-of-marque and
+legitimate traders and enjoyed the protection of merchants and
+officials on shore, while others were outlaws. In 1690, Governor
+Bradstreet of the Massachusetts Colony was complaining of the great
+damage done to shipping by “French Privateers and Pirates,” and
+four years later, Frontenac, the governor of Canada, was asking for
+a frigate to cruise about the St. Lawrence against the New England
+“_corsaires et filibusters_.” There is no doubt these French privateers
+were a considerable menace to New England shipping and that there was
+need for privately armed vessels to protect the coast, a task not easy
+or desirable; so why should one scrutinize too closely semi-piratical
+captures made by so useful friends? In 1709, in mid-winter, a French
+privateer appeared off Cape Cod and Governor Dudley ordered Capt.
+Abraham Robinson of Gloucester, to man his sloop and sail in pursuit.
+It was not an inviting enterprise, especially at that season of the
+year, and when the drums went about the town beating up for volunteers,
+enlistments languished and the expedition was finally given up. The
+minister of the place afterwards wrote to the governor, making excuses
+saying “it made them quake to think of turning out of their warm beds
+and from good fires, and be thrust into a naked vessel, where they
+must lie on the cold, hard ballast, instead of beds, and without fire,
+excepting some few who might crowd into the cabin.”[17]
+
+The agents sent over by the Lords of Trade and Plantations were unable
+to make progress against the flagrant evasions of the Navigation Acts.
+Randolph, who arrived in Boston in 1679, was the most active of these
+agents, and when he seized several vessels for irregular trading,
+the courts decided against him and “damages were given against his
+Majesty.”[18] He afterwards complained of those privateers that were
+fitting out for the Spanish West Indies and writes of Mr. Wharton of
+Boston, as “a great undertaker for pyratts and promoter of irregular
+trade.” “New England rogues and pitiful damned Scotch pedlars,” he
+termed those who opposed him. The pirates or privateers were supplied
+with provisions by vessels from the mainland and prize goods were taken
+in payment. Vessels were often fitted out at Rhode Island and manned in
+New York and Arabian gold was to be found in both colonies; “in fact,
+’tis the most beneficiall trade, that to Madagascar with the pirates,
+that was ever heard of, and I believe there’s more got that way than
+by turning pirates and robbing.” So wrote the New York governor, and
+later, he again wrote to the Lords at Whitehall: “The temptation is soe
+great to the common seamen in that part of the world where the Moores
+have so many rich ships and the seamen have a humour more now than ever
+to turne pirates.”[19]
+
+The profits of piracy and the irregular trade practiced at that time
+were large, indeed, and twenty-nine hundred per cent profit in illicit
+trade was not unusual, so there is little wonder that adventurous
+men took chances and honest letters-of-marque sometimes seized upon
+whatever crossed their course. The pirate, the privateer and the armed
+merchantman often blended the one into the other.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+ [1] _True Travels, Adventures and Observations of Captain John Smith_,
+London, 1630.
+
+ [2] Oppenheim, _The Administration of the Royal Navy_, p. 177.
+
+ [3] _True Travels, Adventures and Observations of Captain John Smith_,
+London, 1630.
+
+ [4] _Purchas, His Pilgrimage_, Vol. IV, p. 1882.
+
+ [5] Perforst, _i.e._, forced.
+
+ [6] Mainwaring, _The Beginnings, Practices and Suppression of Pirates,
+ca. 1717_. MS. in British Museum.
+
+ [7] To ply: to beat up against a wind.
+
+ [8] Floaty, _i.e._, draw little water.
+
+ [9] As early as 1613, English pirates were established at Mamora, at
+the mouth of the Sebu River on the Barbary Coast. That year about
+thirty sail were using the port.
+
+[10] By 1618 there were one hundred and fifty Turkish vessels to only
+twenty English at Algiers.
+
+[11] Doyle, _English Colonies in America_, Vol. I, p. 383.
+
+[12] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. 35, folio 61.
+
+[13] John Esquemeling, _The Buccaneers of America_, London, 1684.
+
+[14] Viscount Bury, _Exodus of the Western Nations_, Vol. II, London,
+1865.
+
+[15] _New York Colonial Documents_, Vol. IV, p. 447.
+
+[16] _New York Colonial Documents_, Vol. IV, p. 1116.
+
+[17] Babson, _History of Gloucester_, p. 138.
+
+[18] _Andros Tracts_, Vol. III, p. 5.
+
+[19] _New York Colonial Documents_, Vol. IV, p. 521.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II
+
+DIXEY BULL, THE FIRST PIRATE IN NEW ENGLAND WATERS AND SOME OTHERS WHO
+FOLLOWED HIM
+
+
+The doubtful honor of having been the first pirate to plunder the
+small shipping of the New England colonists belongs to one Dixey Bull
+who was living in London in 1631 and who came over late that fall
+and for a short time was living at Boston. He probably was sent over
+by Sir Ferdinando Gorges and certainly was associated with him in a
+large grant of land lying east of Agamenticus, at York, on the coast
+of Maine. He came of a respectable family but was of an adventurous
+disposition and soon after reaching New England became a “trader for
+bever,” spending much of his time on the Maine coast bartering with the
+Indians and the scattered white settlers.
+
+In June, 1632, he was trading in Penobscot Bay when a roving company
+of Frenchmen in a pinnace came upon him and seized his shallop and
+stock of “coats, ruggs, blanketts, bisketts, etc.” These Frenchmen had
+previously rifled the trading post on the Penobscot maintained by the
+Pilgrim Colony at Plymouth, where “many French complements they used,
+and Congees they made.”[20]
+
+Having lost his slender stock of trading goods Bull seems to have
+become desperate and getting together a small company of wanderers,
+located here and there along the coast, he proposed a venture against
+the French. Governor Winthrop relates that Bull added to his own crew
+“fifteen more of the English who kept about the East,” and with these
+men he sailed along the coast in the late summer hoping to fall in
+with some Frenchmen and so retrieve his losses. But the French kept out
+of sight and badly in need of supplies he took and plundered two or
+three small vessels owned by colonial traders and from them forced four
+or five men to join his company.
+
+The next venture was to sail into the harbor at Pemaquid and loot
+that trading station of goods to the value of over £500. He met with
+practically no resistance while the plundering was going on and the
+goods were safely got on board the shallop. But just as they were
+weighing anchor, a well-aimed musket shot from shore killed the
+second in command. This was the first blood that had been shed and as
+the entire company, so far as known, had had no previous piratical
+experience, the fatal outcome and the sight of human blood seems to
+have been somewhat of a shock. Capt. Anthony Dicks, a Salem skipper,
+fell into their hands not long after and some of them told him of what
+had happened at Pemaquid and expressed great fear and horror so “that
+they were afraid of the very Rattling of the Ropes.”[21]
+
+Bull tried to persuade Captain Dicks to pilot them to Virginia which
+may have been an excellent refuge at that time for a New England
+pirate, for a contemporaneous Puritan writer describes the Virginia
+colony as “a nest of rogues, whores, dissolute and rooking persons.”
+The Salem skipper, however, refused to serve Bull and his company and
+so the voyage to Virginia was abandoned for the time and it was decided
+to continue attacks on other trading posts. The company then adopted
+a body of articles to govern their acts and among them a law against
+excessive drinking. “At such times as other ships use to have prayer,
+they would assemble upon the deck, and one sing a song, or speak a few
+senseless sentences, etc. They also sent a writing, directed to all the
+governors, signifying their intent not to do harm to any more of their
+countrymen, but to go to the southward, and to advise them not to send
+against them; for they were resolved to sink themselves rather than be
+taken: signed underneath, _Fortune le garde_, and no name to it.”[22]
+
+The threat of piratical attack on the trading posts was soon spread
+abroad by men returning from the Penobscot and then “perils did abound
+as thick as thought could make them.” Late in November the authorities
+in the Massachusetts Bay sent out a pinnace with twenty armed men
+to join with four small pinnaces and shallops and about forty men
+already sent out from Piscataqua and the united expedition in time
+reached Pemaquid where it lay windbound for nearly three weeks. This
+was the first hostile fleet fitted out in New England and the first
+naval demonstration made in the colonies. Samuel Maverick who lived on
+Noddle’s Island, now East Boston, was the “husband and merchant of the
+pinnace sent out to take Dixie Bull.”
+
+The pirate shallop was nowhere to be found and after two months of
+winter weather the hostile expedition returned home. Early in February,
+1633, three men who had served under Bull and deserted, reached their
+homes. They claimed that he had sailed eastward and gone over to the
+French. Governor Winthrop, two years later, repeated this version of
+his disappearance, but Capt. Roger Clap of Dorchester, relates in his
+“Memoirs,” that Bull at last safely reached England. Whatever his
+fortune or fate he disappears from New England leaving behind him the
+badly earned fame of having been the first pirate captain in these
+waters.
+
+Dixey Bull’s captures do not seem to have been followed by any other
+piratical venture in New England for some years. Shipping sailing to
+and from England was obliged to run the gauntlet of the Dutch and
+French privateers and the so-called pirates sailing out of Flushing and
+Ostend made several captures that effected the fortunes of the Boston
+traders. Nov. 12, 1644, the Great and General Court of Massachusetts
+granted a commission to Capt. Thomas Hawkins of Boston “to take any
+ship that shall assault him, or any other that hee shall have certeine
+knowledge to have taken either ship or ships of ours, or to take any
+ship that hath commission to make prize of any of ours.” Fourteen
+days later he sailed for Spain in the “Seafort,” of four hundred
+tons, a ship that he had just built and which was loaded with bolts,
+tobacco, etc. As he neared the Spanish coast very early one morning
+he thought he saw some Turkish vessels and preparing for attack stood
+towards them. Unhappily the ship soon went aground about two miles
+from the shore and nineteen were drowned. Captain Hawkins was a London
+shipbuilder who came to New England in 1632 and engaged in shipbuilding
+and commerce. It was his grandson Thomas, who was tried in Boston in
+1690 for piracy as is told elsewhere in this volume.
+
+At the Nov. 12, 1644 session of the General Court, a commission was
+also granted to Capt. Thomas Bredcake for twelve months, to take
+Turkish pirates, thereby meaning the Algerines who were a constant
+danger to shipping trading with Spain. John Hull, the Boston
+mint-master, records in his diary in 1671 that William Foster, one of
+his neighbors, had been taken by the Turks as he was going to Bilboa
+with fish. He afterwards was redeemed and reached home safely in
+November, 1673.
+
+Capt. Thomas Cromwell of Boston, master of the ship “Separation,”
+obtained a commission in 1645 from the Earl of Warwick, the Lord
+Admiral of the Long Parliament, and after capturing several rich
+prizes in the West Indies, came into Massachusetts Bay and was forced
+by a strong northwest wind to take refuge in Plymouth Harbor where
+he remained for two weeks. There were about eighty men in his crew
+and they “did so distemper themselves with drink as they became like
+madd-men; ... they spente and scattered a great deale of money among
+the people, and yet more sine than money.”[23]
+
+From Plymouth, he sailed for Boston where he presented Governor
+Winthrop with a sedan that he had captured. It had been sent by the
+Viceroy of Mexico as a present to his sister and by capture reached
+Puritan hands. Captain Cromwell had formerly been known about Boston as
+a common sailor and on his appearance possessed of a great fortune, the
+Governor offered him for his use one of the best houses in the town.
+But the captain refused and took lodgings in “a poor thatched house”
+saying that in his former “mean estate that poor man entertained him,
+when others would not, and therefore he would not leave him now, when
+he might do him good.” Governor Winthrop says of Cromwell:--“He was
+ripped out of his mother’s belly, and never sucked, nor saw father nor
+mother, nor they him.”[24] He died in Boston in 1649, and by will gave
+to the town “my six bells.”
+
+Another Boston man who sailed under a commission from the Long
+Parliament was Capt. Edward Hull, the brother of John Hull, the
+mint-master who made the “pine tree shillings.” His vessel, the barque
+“Swallow frigott,” was owned by his father and brother and he had sent
+them word that he was engaged in a design for the good of the English
+nation and for the glory of God. He sailed from Boston in the spring of
+1653, and captured several vessels from the French and the Dutch and
+while in Rhode Island waters sent some of his men to Block Island with
+orders to seize the trading stock in the house of Capt. Kempo Sebada,
+which afterwards was valued at nearly one hundred pounds. He then sold
+the bark and dividing the plunder went for England. Sebada afterwards
+brought suit for damages against the Hulls, the owners of the bark; but
+they claimed that the vessel was engaged in privateering wholly without
+their knowledge and consent and the court gave the verdict to them. It
+is interesting to note that Edward Hull is styled a “pirate” in the
+court records and that his father deposed that when he learned of his
+son’s exploits he did not protest for fear that he would never see him
+or the vessel again.
+
+Rev. Cotton Mather, the pastor of the North Church, Boston, in his
+“History of Some Criminals Executed in this Land,” relates the story
+of the seizure of the ship “Antonio,” in 1672, off the Spanish coast.
+She was owned in England and her crew quarrelled with the master and
+at last rose and turned him adrift in the ship’s longboat with a
+small quantity of provisions. With him went some of the officers of
+the ship. The mutineers, or pirates as they were characterized at the
+time, then set sail for New England and on their arrival in Boston they
+were sheltered and for a time concealed by Major Nicholas Shapleigh, a
+merchant in Charlestown. He also was accused of aiding them in their
+attempt to get away. Meanwhile, “by a surprizing providence of God, the
+Master, with his Afflicted Company, in the Long-boat, also arrived;
+all, Except one who Dyed of the Barbarous Usage.
+
+“The Countenance of the _Master_, was now become Terrible to the
+Rebellious _Men_, who, though they had _Escaped the Sea_, yet
+_Vengeance would not suffer them to Live a Shore_. At his Instance and
+Complaint, they were Apprehended; and the Ringleaders of this Murderous
+Pyracy, had sentence of Death Executed on them, in _Boston_.”
+
+The three men who were executed were William Forrest, Alexander Wilson
+and John Smith. As for Major Shapleigh; he was fined five hundred
+pounds which amount was afterwards abated to three hundred pounds
+because “his estate not being able to beare it.”
+
+The extraordinary circumstances of this case probably induced the
+General Court to draw up the law that was enacted on Oct. 15, 1673.
+By it piracy became punishable by death according to the local laws.
+Before then a kind of common law was in force in the colony based upon
+Biblical law as construed by the leading ministers. Of course the laws
+of England were theoretically respected, but Massachusetts, in the
+wilderness, separated from England by three thousand miles of stormy
+water, in practice actually governed herself and made her own laws.
+
+“The Court observing the wicked and unrighteous practices of evill
+men to encrease, some piratically seizing of shipps, ketches, &c.
+with their goods, and others by rising up against their commanders,
+officers, and imployers, seizing their vessells and goods at sea,
+exposing theire persons to hazard, &c. for the prevention whereof,
+and that due witnes may be borne against such bold and notorious
+transgressions,--
+
+    “This Court doeth order, & be it hereby ordered & enacted,
+    that what person or persons soever shall piratically or
+    ffelloniously seize any ship or other vessell, whither in the
+    harbour or on the seas, or shall rise up in rebellion against
+    the master, officers, merchant or owners of any such ship or
+    other sea vessell and goods, and dispoyle or dispossess them
+    thereof, and excluding the right owner or those betrusted
+    therewith, every such offender, together with their complices,
+    if found in this jurisdiction, shall be apprehended, and, being
+    legally convicted thereof, shall be put to death; provided
+    allwayes, that any such of the said company (who through feare
+    or force have binn draune to comply in such wicked action),
+    that shall, upon their first arrival in any of our ports or
+    harbours, by the first opperturnity, repaire to some magistrate
+    or others in authority, and make discovery of such a practise,
+    shall not be liable to the aforesaid poenalty of death.”[25]
+
+In July, 1684, this order was revised and it became unlawful for
+any person to “enterteyne, harbour, counsel, trade, or hold any
+correspondence by letter or otherwise with any person or persons
+that shall be deemed or adjudged to be privateers, pyrates, or
+other offenders within the construction of this Act.” The highest
+commissioned officer in any town or harbor was also impowered to issue
+warrants for the seizure of suspected privateers and pirates and he
+could raise and levy armed men to inforce the apprehension of such
+persons.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+                      Pillars of Salt.
+
+                         An HISTORY
+                          OF SOME
+               CRIMINALS Executed in this Land
+                            FOR
+                       Capital Crimes.
+                  With some of their Dying
+                          Speeches;
+
+                  Collected and Published,
+            For the WARNING of such as _Live_ in
+            Destructive _Courses_ of Ungodliness.
+
+                      Whereto is added,
+         For the better Improvement of this History,
+            A Brief Discourse about the Dreadful
+              _Justice_ of God, in Punishing of
+                       SIN, with SIN.
+
+                        Deut. 19, 20.
+ _Those which remain shall hear & fear, and shall henceforth
+          commit no more any such Evil among you._
+
+                 _BOSTON_ in _New-England_.
+ Printed by _B. Green_ and _J. Allen_, for _Samuel Phillips_
+     at the Brick Shop near the Old Meeting House, 1699.
+]
+
+On the evening of July 6, 1685, a small ketch hailing from New London,
+Conn., came to anchor before the town of Boston and the next morning
+the master, Capt. John Prentice, appeared before the General Court and
+gave information that he had been chased by a pirate until he had come
+in sight of the Brewster’s, at the mouth of the harbor. He deposed
+that while at New London, on July 1st, a sloop had put into that port
+commanded by one Captain Veale, and with him was one Harvey who was the
+merchant on board. Captain Veale asked Captain Prentice if he might
+“set his mast by the said Prentice’s Katches side,” which was done.
+A little later there came in a vessel from Pennsylvania commanded by
+Capt. Daniel Staunton who at once accused Veale and Harvey of piracy
+committed in Virginia. Staunton went before the local magistrate and
+repeated his charge and demanded that Veale and Harvey be arrested and
+tried as pirates. But the magistrate was a little uncertain of his
+authority and asked for security. While the matter was being discussed
+Harvey “went away from them in great hast, & got on bord & speedily
+sailed away in the said Sloop.”
+
+Not long after Captain Prentice set sail in his ketch and on clearing
+the mouth of the harbor he saw a shallop at anchor with Veale’s and
+Harvey’s sloop hove to near by. A boat passed from the shallop to the
+sloop and soon the sloop stood to seaward firing guns several times
+and catching sight of Captain Prentice’s ketch made after her, the
+chase continuing until darkness came on when the course of the ketch
+was changed and in the morning nothing was seen of the sloop. Three
+days later, however, early in the morning, the sloop was sighted ahead
+under easy sail and after a time she bore up toward the ketch. Captain
+Prentice then ordered guns to be fired and also “spread his antient”
+and braced to for the sloop to come up. But Captain Veale brought to
+as well and kept to the windward for about an hour all the while
+firing guns. A severe thunder storm then coming up the sloop fell to
+the leeward but continued in chase of the ketch until the Brewster’s,
+off Boston harbor, came in sight, when the sloop bore away towards Cape
+Ann and Captain Prentice came to an anchorage before the town without
+further molestation.
+
+Captain Prentice also reported that one Graham was in command of the
+shallop seen in company with Veale and that fourteen men were said to
+be on board. Captain Veale, while at New London, tried to buy of John
+Wheeler several small carriage guns offering three times their value.
+At the time he was well supplied with money. Nicholas Hallam, a sailor
+on board the ketch, testified before the magistrates that the men on
+board the suspected sloop had some silver plate with the letters and
+marks scratched out and also some fine clothing, including a plush
+cloak, a broadcloth petty-coat trimmed with broad gold lace and also “a
+pair of staies of cloth-of-Tishue.”[26]
+
+The Court at once ordered drums to be forthwith beat up for a
+convenient number of volunteers not exceeding forty to man Mr. Richard
+Patteshall’s brigantine. Soon the Court was informed that the men
+did not readily offer themselves to the service of the country in
+the expedition against Veale and Graham, whereupon it was ordered
+“for their Incouragemt that free plunder be offered to such as shall
+Voluntarily list themselves or that a sufficient number of men be
+forthwith Impressed to that service.” Those willing to serve were
+directed to report “with sufficient & compleate Arms” to Mr. John Vyall
+at the ship Tavern “where Capt. Sampson Waters will enter their names
+& direct them presently to goe on board the Brigantine whereof Mr.
+Richard Patteshall is master.”
+
+The directions given to Capt. Sampson Waters required him “in all
+difficulties to consult with Mr. Richard Pattishall endeavoring to
+maintain a good correspondence with him.” All goods seized were to be
+brought back for a legal condemnation; prisoners were to be brought
+to Boston for trial and care was to be taken to “beware of killing any
+of the enemy unnecessarily or exposing your own company to any hazard
+without necessity.”[27]
+
+The expedition at last got away and after cruising about the Bay for
+several days returned empty-handed like many other similar expeditions
+that were sent out in following years.
+
+Piracy now began to be more common on the New England coast.
+Buccaneering in the West Indies was disappearing and some of these bold
+adventurers raised a black flag against all nations. Desperate sailors
+out of a berth also became rovers. The number of sporadic appearances
+of these men in northern waters can only be touched upon in these
+pages. They came upon the coast and then sailed away leaving little
+behind save a mention of their coming.
+
+In the summer of 1687 the ketch “Sparrow,” Richard Narramore, master,
+owned by Nicholas Paige of Boston, arrived in the harbor from the
+Barbadoes and the Isle of Eleuthera. She had sailed from Boston ten
+months before bound for Virginia with English goods. Captain Narramore
+loaded with provisions at Maryland and at Roanoke and then sailed
+for the Barbadoes where the lading was sold for plate and money. At
+the Isle of Eleuthera he loaded with dyeing wood and took on board
+eighteen passengers under an agreement that they should be landed at
+Newfoundland for forty pieces of eight, per man, passage money. One of
+these men, John Danson, shipped as mate and came to Boston in the ketch
+but the rest changed their minds as to their intended destination and
+asked to be landed at different points. Two men were put ashore at the
+easternmost end of Long Island; six landed at Gardiner’s Island; five
+at “Martin’s” Vineyard; one was taken to the “Sackadehock” on the Maine
+coast and two were left at “Damaras Cove” near there. Captain Narramore
+claimed that he had learned the names of none of these men; but he
+admitted that they had brought on board two heavy chests which were
+taken off at Gardiner’s Island.
+
+Strange stories began to circulate about the wharves and Captain
+Narramore and his mate were soon sent for by the magistrates. A
+search of Danson’s chest discovered nine hundred pieces of eight--not
+a very large fortune for a successful pirate! Danson deposed that
+he had sailed from Boston four years before in a private man-of-war
+commanded by one Henley, “bound for the Rack,” and afterwards had gone
+into the Red Sea where they had plundered and taken what they could
+from the Malabars and the Arabs. He left Henley and took passage with
+one Wollery, a consort of Henley, for the Isle of Eleuthera where he
+shipped with Captain Narramore. He acknowledged that Henley was now
+considered a pirate. Thomas Scudder, one of the passengers who had come
+to Boston, had gone on board a ketch bound for Salem, where his family
+lived, and Christopher Goffe had gone ashore at Gardiner’s Island.[28]
+
+A warrant was issued for the arrest of Scudder and the seizure of any
+plate, money or goods in his possession. The sheriff in Essex County
+also arrested several other supposed pirates who were sent to Boston
+for examination.
+
+Christopher Goffe came into Newport, R. I., in a ship commanded by
+William Wollery who was supposed to have come from the Great South Sea.
+A shot was fired across their forefoot whereupon they came to anchor
+but the next day sailed for Andrews Island where the vessel was burnt
+and the men dispersed.[29] In November, 1687, Goffe appeared in Boston
+and surrendered himself in pursuance of His Majesty’s “Proclamation for
+Calling in and Suppressing Pyrates and Privateers.” He was then very
+sick and weak and gave a bond, also signed by two Boston citizens, that
+as soon as he recovered he would go to England and receive the King’s
+pardon.
+
+Nothing seems to have come of the lengthy investigations made by the
+magistrates. The plate and money that had been seized was returned to
+Captain Narramore and John Danson and two of the suspected passengers
+who had been taken--Edward Calley and Thomas Dunston--were freed and
+their money, plate and “a parcel of stones” returned to them.
+
+About the same time a man named William Douglass applied to Edward
+Randolph, the English Agent, for relief. He had been a passenger on
+board a small vessel sailing between the Barbadoes and the Carolinas
+and had been taken by Henry Holloway, the pirate, from whom he had
+escaped as the pirate ship rode at anchor in Casco Bay, Maine.
+
+Christopher Goffe recovered from his sickness and in August, 1691, was
+commissioned by Governor Bradstreet, to cruise with his ship “Swan”
+between Cape Cod and Cape Ann and off the Isles of Shoals for the
+safeguard of the coast. This came about as the result of the capture
+at Piscataqua, now Portsmouth, N. H., of a vessel commanded by Capt.
+Thomas Wilkinson, inward bound from Cadiz. She was taken by two
+privateers commanded respectively by Capt. Thomas Griffin and Captain
+Dew. Captain Griffin landed at Portsmouth and sent a letter to the
+Governor in which he claimed that he carried a privateering commission
+and that he had mistaken Captain Wilkinson for a French vessel said to
+be on the coast. But as he had found prohibited goods on board he had
+seized her after firing three great shot and a volley of small arms.
+Captain Griffin wrote that he feared if he brought the prize to Boston
+he “should be unkindly dealt with.” He also quite gratuitously accused
+the Bostonians of furnishing the French at Fort Royal with arms,
+ammunition and cloth in truck for beaver and other goods. Griffin and
+Dew first carried their prize into the Isle of Shoals and afterwards
+into the river at Portsmouth where part of the cargo was disposed of
+without trial or adjudication.
+
+Meanwhile, Captain Goffe was anchored near Portsmouth. On August 14th
+he wrote to the Governor:--“I shall obay your honors Comand in making
+Seasuer of Capt. Griffin and Capt. Dew If it lies in my power to meet
+with them ... one of them is now in site standing of and on between
+this place and the Isle of Sholes.... They sayle two foot to ower
+one.... Ower Bread and beare is all most Expended.” A few days later he
+asked to be recalled to Nantasket to provide necessary supplies, “the
+Docters chest Espeshely,”[30] and there the episode seems to have ended.
+
+The ketch “Elinor,” William Shortrigs, master, came to anchor at
+Nantasket road, near the mouth of Boston harbor, early in the afternoon
+of Nov. 20, 1689. She was inward bound from the island of Nevis, loaded
+with sugar and indigo, and the wind failing and the flood tide being
+almost spent, the captain was obliged to anchor as most of his men were
+sick or disabled with the cold. Leaving the vessel in charge of James
+Thomas, he took his mate and one other man and started for Boston in
+the ship’s boat to get help to bring the vessel into harbor. Provisions
+also were running short. The next day his owner, Mr. Thomas Cooper,
+was unable to secure a permit to bring her up because there had been
+smallpox on board but on the 22d he told the captain that she might be
+brought up as far as the Castle, so four men were sent down the harbor.
+The next morning they returned and astonished the captain with the news
+that the ketch had disappeared from her anchorage. Mr. Cooper at once
+sent out a “hue and cry” according to law and hired a sloop to go in
+search of the missing ketch which was found two days later run ashore
+within Cape Cod hook.
+
+About seven o’clock in the evening of the day on which Captain
+Shortrigs had started to row up to Boston, Thomas was between decks
+and had just called the boy to turn the glass and mind the pump, when
+he heard a noise on deck and going up to investigate found that four
+armed men and a boy had come aboard. One of the men at once gave Thomas
+a blow on the head with the butt of his musket and ordered him to keep
+quiet. Soon after he was forced under the half-deck and the scuttle was
+shut and a tarpaulin put over it. The leader of the party then came
+down into the cabin and asked how many were on board, finding four men,
+two boys and a woman, all sick save Thomas and one of the boys. The
+armed men then cut the cable, which was about half in, and two of them
+went aloft to cut the gaskets and loose the sails after which a course
+was taken for Cape Cod.
+
+The next morning was Friday and early in the day they came to anchor at
+Cape Cod and shot a musket to call a shallop. The leader asked Thomas
+if he would go to England with them when they were revictualled and
+when he refused they threatened his life. When the shallop came out
+to them an agreement was made for a supply of provisions which were
+brought out the next morning, but only a small supply--a gallon of rum,
+some biscuits and some cheese. The shallop-men said the ketch must be
+brought in nearer shore. About midnight, at full sea, they loosed the
+cable and let it run out and not long after the ketch went ashore. At
+low water the armed party went off and soon disappeared.
+
+Such was the homely tale of the appearance and disappearance of the
+ketch “Elinor.” The sequel was soon found in the new stone gaol in
+Boston where William Coward, Peleg Heath, Thomas Storey and Christopher
+Knight were to be seen confined and in irons. What became of the boy
+does not appear. Thomas Pound, Thomas Hawkins, Thomas Johnston and
+other more valorous pirates were also confined there at the same time.
+Justice moved swiftly that year and notwithstanding the claim made
+by Coward, the leader of the party that boarded the ketch, that his
+crime had been committed upon the high seas without the jurisdiction
+of the court, he was found guilty of piracy and sentenced to be hanged
+on January 27, 1690.[31] His companions also were found guilty and
+sentenced to death but afterwards reprieved and eventually allowed to
+go free.
+
+The story of the capture of James Gillam, a notorious pirate in his
+time, is best told by the Earl of Bellomont, Governor of Massachusetts,
+in a letter written to the Council of Trade and Plantations on Nov. 29,
+1699.
+
+“I gave you an account, Oct. 24, of my taking Joseph Bradish and Tee
+Wetherley, and writ that I hoped in a little time to be able to send
+news of my taking James Gillam, the Pirate that killed Capt. Edgecomb,
+commander of the Mocha frigate for the East India Co., and that with
+his own hand while the Captain was asleep. Gillam is supposed to be
+the man that encouraged the ship’s company to turn pirates, and the
+ship has been ever since robbing in the Red Sea and Seas of India. If
+I may believe the reports of men lately come from Madagascar, she has
+taken above £2,000,000 sterling. I have been so lucky as to take James
+Gillam and he is now in irons in the gaol of this town, and at the
+same time we seized one Francis Dole, in whose house he was harboured,
+who proves to be one of Hore’s crew, one of Col. Fletcher’s pirates,
+commissioned by him from N. York. Dole is also committed to gaol.
+My taking of Gillam was so very accidental, one would believe there
+was a strange fatality in that man’s stars. On Saturday, 11th inst.,
+late in the evening, I had a letter from Col. Sanford, Judge of the
+Admiralty Court in Rhode Island, giving me an account that Gillam had
+been there, but was come towards Boston a fortnight before, in order to
+ship himself for some of the Islands, Jamaica or Barbadoes; that he was
+troubled he knew it not sooner and was afraid his intelligence would
+come too late to me; that the messenger he sent knew the mare Gillam
+rode on to this town. I was in despair of finding the man because Col.
+Sandford writ to me that he was come to this town so long a time as a
+fortnight before that. However, I sent for an honest constable I had
+made use of in apprehending Kidd and his men, and sent him with Col.
+Sandford’s messenger to search all the inns in town for the mare, and
+at the first inn they went to they found her tied up in the yard. The
+people of the inn reported that the man that brought her thither had
+lighted off her about a quarter of an hour before, had then tied her,
+but went away without saying anything. I gave orders to the master
+of the inn that if anybody came to look after the mare, he should be
+sure to seize him, but nobody came for her. Next morning, which was
+Sunday, I summoned a Council, and we published a proclamation wherein
+I promised a reward of 200 [pieces of eight] for the seizing and
+securing Gillam, whereupon there was the strictest search made all that
+day and the next that was ever made in this part of the world, but we
+had missed of him, if I had not been informed of one Capt. Knot as an
+old pirate, and therefore likely to know where Gillam was concealed.
+I sent for Knot and examined him, promising him, if he would make an
+ingenious confession, I would not molest him. He seemed much disturbed,
+but would not confess anything to purpose. I then sent for his wife
+and examined her on oath apart from her husband, and she confessed
+that one who went by the name of James Kelly had lodged several nights
+in her house, but for some nights past he lodged, as she believed, in
+Charlestown, cross the river. I knew he went by the name of Kelly. Then
+I examined Capt. Knot again, telling him his wife had been more free
+and ingenious than him, which made him believe she had told all, and
+then he told me of Francis Dole in Charlestown, and that he believed
+Gillam would be found there. I sent half a dozen men immediately over
+the water, to Charlestown and Knot with ’em; they beset the house and
+searched it, but found not the man, Dole affirming he was not there,
+neither knew he any such man. Two of the men went through a field
+behind Dole’s house and passing through a second field they met a man
+in the dark (for it was 10 o’clock at night) whom they seized at all
+adventures, and it happened as oddly as luckily to be Gillam; he had
+been treating two young women some few miles off in the country and was
+returning at night to his landlord Dole’s house. I examined him, but
+he denied everything, even that he came with Kidd from Madagascar, or
+ever saw him in his life; but Capt. Davies who came thence with Kidd,
+and all Kidd’s men, are positive he is the man and that he went by his
+true name Gillam all the while he was on the voyage with ’em, and Mr.
+Campbell, Postmaster of this town, whom I sent to treat with Kidd,
+offers to swear this is the man he saw on board Kidd’s sloop under the
+name of James Gillam. He is the most inpudent, hardened villain I ever
+saw. That which led me to a search after this man was the information
+of William Cuthbert, which I sent your Lordships with my packet of
+July 26th, wherein he says that it was commonly reported that Gillam
+had killed Capt. Edgecomb with his own hands, that he had served the
+Mogul, turned Mohammedan and was circumcised. I had him searched by a
+surgeon and a Jew in this town: they have both declared on oath that he
+is circumcised. I recommend the perusal of the evidence I enclose as
+what will inform you of the strange countenance given to pirates by the
+Government and people of Rhode Island. In searching Capt. Knot’s house
+[a sma]ll trunk was found with some remnants of E. India goods and a
+letter from Kidd’s wife to Capt. Thomas Pain, an old pirate living on
+Canonicot Island in Rhode Island government. He made an affidavit to
+me when I was at Rhode Island that he had received nothing from Kidd’s
+sloop, when she lay at anchor there, yet by Knot’s deposition he was
+sent with Mrs. Kidd’s letter to Pain for 24 ounces of gold, which Knot
+accordingly brought, and Mrs. Kidd’s injunction to Pain to keep all the
+rest that was left with him till further order was a plain indication
+that there was a good deal of treasure still behind in Pain’s custody.
+Therefore I posted away a message to Gov. Cranston and Col. Sanford to
+make a strict search of Pain’s house before he could have notice. It
+seems nothing was then found, but Pain has since produced 18 ounces and
+odd weight of gold, as appears by [Gov.] Cranston’s letter, Nov. 25,
+and pretends ’twas bestowed on him by Kidd, hoping that may [pass for]
+a salvo for the oath he made. I think ’tis plain he foreswore himself
+and I am of opinion he has a great deal more of Kidd’s goods still in
+his hands, [but] he is out of my power and being in that government
+I cannot compel him to deliver up the [rest]. Your Lordships will
+find in Capt. Coddington’s narrative, sent with my report Nov. 27, an
+inventory of gold and jewels in Gov. Cranston’s hands, which he took
+from a pirate. I see no reason why he should keep them, [but] so far
+from that, that he ought to be called to an account for conniving at
+the pirates making that Island their sanctuary, and suffering some to
+escape from justice. If there be an order sent to him to deliver all
+goods and treasure which he has at any time received from privateers or
+pirates into my hands for the use of his Majesty, and that upon oath,
+I will see the order executed and give a faithful account thereof.
+Four pounds weight of the gold brought from Gardiner’s Island, which
+I formerly acquainted your Lordships of, and all the jewels belonged
+to Gillam, as Mr. Gardiner’s letter to Mr. Dummer, a merchant in
+this town and one of the Committee appointed by me and the Council
+to receive all the treasure brought in Kidd’s sloop, will prove, and
+there is some proof of it in Capt. Coddington’s narrative and Capt.
+Knot’s deposition. I am told that as Vice [Admiral] of these provinces
+I am entitled to 1/3 part of Gillam’s gold and jewels; I know not wh
+[ether I] am or no, but if it be my right I hope you will represent to
+the King accordingly. ’Tis a great prejudice to the King’s [service]
+that here is no revenue or other fund to answer any occasion of His
+Majesty’s. I [have been] forced to disburse the 200 pieces of eight
+out of my own little stock, and also to defray my expenses in going to
+Rhode Island to execute the King’s Commission; both accounts I now
+send and beg your Lordships’ favour in promoting. Capt. Gullock tells
+me that 15 or 16 of the ship’s company that would not be concerned with
+Gillam went home in the _America_ belonging to the E. I. company. I
+should think an advertisement in the _Gazette_ requiring some of those
+men to appear before one of the Secretaries of State to give their
+evidence would be proper.
+
+“Your Lordships will meet with a pass among the other papers to Sion
+Arnold, one of the pirates brought from Madagascar by Shelley of N.
+York, signed by Governor Basse, which is a bold step in Basse after
+such positive orders as he received from Mr. Secretary Vernon, but
+I perceive plainly the meaning of it, he took several pirates at
+Burlington in West Jerzey and a good store of money with them as ’tis
+said: and I dare say he would be glad they [?should] escape, for when
+they are gone who can witness what money he seized with ’em? I know
+the man so well that I verily believe that’s his plot. John Carr
+mentioned in some of the [?papers to] be in Rhode Island was one of
+Hore’s crew. There are abundance of other pirates in that island at
+this time, but they are out of my power. Mr. Brinley, Col. Sanford,
+and Capt. Coddington are honest men and of the best estates in the
+island, and because they are heartily weary of the maladministrations
+of that Government, and because I commissioned ’em, by virtue of H.
+M. Commission to me, to [make] enquiry into the irregularities of
+those people, they are become strangely odious to ’em and are often
+affronted by ’em; neither will they make ’em Justices of the Peace,
+so that when they would commit pirates to gaol, they are forced to go
+to the Governor, for his warrant, and very [comm]only the pirates get
+notice and avoid the warrant. Gardiner, the Dep. Collector, is accused
+to have been once a pirate, in one of the papers enclosed. I doubt he
+will forswear himself rather than part with Gillam’s gold which is
+in his hands. ’Tis impossible for me to transmit to the Lords of the
+Treasury these proofs against Gardiner, being so jaded with writing,
+but I could wish they were made acquainted with his character and would
+send over honest, in[tellige]nt men to be Collectors of Rhode Island,
+Connecticut and N. Hampshire, and that they [would] hasten Mr. Brenton
+hither to his post or send some other Collector in his room. I could
+wish Mr. Weaver were ordered to hasten to N. York. Captain Knot in one
+of his depositions accuses Gillam to have pirated four years together
+in the South Sea against the Spaniards. We have advice that Burk, an
+Irishman and pirate, that committed sea-robberies on the coast of
+Newfoundland, is drowned with all his ship’s company, except 7 or 8,
+somewhere to the southward, in the hurricane about the end of July or
+the beginning of Aug. last. ’Tis good news, he was very strong and said
+to have had a good ship with 140 men and 24 guns.”[32]
+
+John Halsey was a Boston privateersman who heard of the good fortune of
+those who scoured the Red Sea and the Arabian coast and so abandoned
+cruising on the banks of Newfoundland and set a course for Madagascar.
+He was the son of James and Dinah Halsey and was born Mar. 1, 1670. As
+a boy he followed the sea and in time became master of small vessels
+trading with the Southern Colonies and the West Indies. In April, 1693,
+while master of the sloop “Adventure,” of Boston, he testified in
+court in relation to a seaman shipped by him the previous November on
+a voyage to Virginia. At that time he deposed that he was twenty-three
+years old.
+
+While Joseph Dudley was governor, he was given the command of the
+brigantine “Charles,” and sent out with a privateering commission to
+cruise against French vessels on the fishing banks. From there he went
+to the Canaries where he took a Spanish “barcalonga” which he plundered
+and sunk. Having determined on a free life in the Indian Ocean he
+wooded and watered at one of the Cape Verdes and then stood away for
+the Cape of Good Hope and Madagascar.
+
+For a time Captain Halsey was followed by ill-fortune. He was
+nearly taken by a Dutchman of sixty guns and later was chased by the
+“Albemarle,” East Indiaman, and only got clear because he could show a
+better share of heels. In the Strait of Babelmandeb, a Moorish fleet
+of twenty-five sail came upon him and the brigantine was only saved
+from being taken when they fell to with their oars. Three days later
+their luck changed and two English ships fell into their hands after
+brisk fighting. The loot amounted to over £50,000 in money and also
+many bale goods, so they steered for Madagascar where they shared their
+booty. Here, Captain Halsey fell sick of a fever and died in 1716 and
+was buried with great ceremony. His sword and pistols were laid on his
+coffin, which was covered with a ship’s jack, and minute guns were
+fired. He was a brave man and died regretted by his men and the friends
+he had made in Madagascar. “His Grave was made in a Garden of Water
+Melons and fenced in with Pallisades to prevent his being rooted up by
+wild Hogs, of which there are Plenty in those Parts.”[33]
+
+Another Massachusetts pirate was Joseph Bradish of Cambridge, who was
+born there Nov. 28, 1672. In March, 1698 he was in London, England, out
+of a berth and so shipped as boatswain’s mate on board “the ship or
+hakeboat Adventure,” Thomas Gulleck, commander, bound for the island of
+Borneo on an interloping trade. The ship was about 350 tons burthen and
+carried twenty-two guns. The following September, while at the island
+of Polonais for water, most of the officers and passengers being on
+shore, the rest of the ship’s company cut the cable and ran away with
+the ship. There were about twenty-five men aboard and Joseph Bradish
+was chosen their commander because of his skill in navigation. Sail
+was made for Mauritius where they refitted the ship and took on fresh
+provisions and then a course was set for New England.
+
+Not long after rounding the Cape of Good Hope a sharing was made of
+the money found on board which was contained in nine chests stowed in
+the breadroom. Each man received over fifteen hundred Spanish dollars
+and the captain was assigned two and a half shares. Later there was a
+sharing of the broadcloths, serges and other goods in the lading of the
+ship.
+
+The “Adventure” arrived at the east end of Long Island on March 19,
+1699 and Captain Bradish went on shore at Nassau Island taking with
+him most of his money and jewels. He sent a pilot on board to bring
+the ship around to Gardiner’s Island, but the wind not favoring, Block
+Island was made instead. Two men were then sent to Rhode Island to buy
+a sloop but the Governor, suspecting them to be pirates, ordered them
+seized. A day or two later several sloops sailing near the “Adventure”
+were hailed and after some bartering one of them was bought and another
+hired. The sloopmen were allowed to take what they pleased out of the
+ship and having transferred their money and some of the richer of the
+lading to the two sloops, the “Adventure” was sunk. Some of the crew
+were set ashore at different landings where they reached farmhouses and
+purchased horses and departed for parts unknown.
+
+Captain Bradish and others of his company ventured into Massachusetts
+early in April, but the news of their arrival at Long Island had
+preceded them and soon the captain and ten of his men were lodged
+in the stone gaol in Boston where Caleb Ray, his kinsman, was the
+gaol-keeper. Bradish and his men were examined by the authorities and
+several of them confessed. Money and goods to the value of about £3000,
+were seized and Bradish’s jewels, which had been left with Col. Henry
+Peirson at Nassau Island, were sent for and taken to New York to be
+inventoried. Ten or more of his crew were also captured on Rhode Island.
+
+Bradish lay in gaol for nearly two months and it does not appear that
+he was placed in irons which was the fate of Captain Kidd a few weeks
+later. Governor Bellomont ordered Kidd placed in irons weighing sixteen
+pounds and not content with that paid the gaoler forty shillings a week
+above his salary in the hope of keeping him honest. This all came about
+because Bradish was allowed to escape. Caleb Ray, the gaol-keeper, was
+a relative of Bradish, a fact unknown to the authorities, and doubtless
+not many days passed before family influences were exerted in his
+behalf.
+
+On the morning of June 25th, Ray found the prison door open and
+Bradish and Tee Wetherly, one of his company, who had but one eye,
+were missing. The Governor was angry and finding the Council slow to
+take action he became still more enraged. Learning that prisoners had
+mysteriously escaped at other times, Ray finally was dismissed and a
+prosecution ordered.
+
+Meantime, Bellomont had devoted much of his time to pirates and piracy.
+Kidd had been taken and his spoil sequestered. A ship had arrived at
+New York bringing sixty pirates from Madagascar and a vast deal of
+treasure. The New York owners were said to have cleared £30,000 by
+the voyage. He learned that about two hundred Madagascar pirates were
+intending to take passage for New York in Frederick Phillips’ ships
+at £50 each. A great ship had been seen off the Massachusetts coast
+supposed to be commanded by Maise, the pirate, and laded with much
+wealth taken in the Red Sea. There was a sloop in at Rhode Island,
+undoubtedly a pirate as the crew went ashore daily and spent their gold
+freely. He also was occupied in manning out a ship to go in quest of
+the “Quidah Merchant,” Kidd’s ship, left by him in the West Indies.
+Long reports were sent to the Lords of Trade and Plantations by the
+busy Governor in one of which he mentions “having writ myself almost
+dead.”
+
+[Illustration: RICHARD COOTE, EARL OF BELLOMONT, GOVERNOR OF
+MASSACHUSETTS, 1699-1700
+
+From a rare engraving in the Harvard College Library]
+
+When Bradish and Wetherly stole out of gaol they made their way to the
+eastward and Governor Bellomont offered a reward of two hundred pieces
+of eight for the recapture of Bradish and one hundred pieces for
+Wetherly. He also wrote to the Governors of Canada and St. Johns. There
+happened to be in Boston at the time, an Indian sachem, Essacambuit,
+who had come to make submission in behalf of the Kennebeck Indians
+and the reward sent him on the trail of the fleeing pirates with such
+success that they were taken and brought into the fort at Saco. On
+Oct. 24th, they were again in Boston gaol, this time well secured with
+irons. During the following months they made two unsuccessful attempts
+to escape. Once they broke through the floor, but that failing them
+a night or two later they filed off their fetters, whereupon they
+were manacled and chained to one another. “I believe this new gaoler
+I have got is honest; otherwise I should be very uneasy,” wrote the
+Governor.[34]
+
+On Feb. 3, 1700, the man-of-war “Advice” arrived in Boston harbor
+for the express purpose of conveying Kidd, Bradish and other pirates
+to London, for trial before an Admiralty Court and on April 8th they
+arrived there, still in irons.
+
+Justice was summarily meted out to Bradish and his men and their fate
+became well-known to sailormen and pirates in all seas. Twenty years
+later when Capt. Bart. Roberts captured a Boston-bound ship, the
+captain was told by some of the pirate crew that they never would “go
+to Hope-Point, to be hang’d up a Sun drying, as Kidd’s and Braddish’s
+Company were; but that if they should ever be overpower’d, they would
+set Fire to the Powder, with a Pistol, and go all merrily to Hell
+together.”
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[20] Bradford, _History of Plymouth Plantation_, Boston, 1856, p. 293.
+
+[21] Capt. Roger Clap’s _Memoirs_, p. 35.
+
+[22] Winthrop’s _Journal_, New York, 1908, Vol. I, p. 96.
+
+[23] Bradford, _History of Plymouth Plantation_, p. 441.
+
+[24] Winthrop’s _Journal_, New York, 1908, Vol. II, p. 273.
+
+[25] _Records of the Massachusetts Bay Colony_, Vol. IV, Part II, p.
+563.
+
+[26] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. LXI, leaf 280.
+
+[27] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. LXI, leaf 280.
+
+[28] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. CXXVII, leaf 10.
+
+[29] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. CXXVII, leaf 191.
+
+[30] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. XXXVII, leaf 117.
+
+[31] See chapter on Capt. Thomas Pound.
+
+[32] _Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1699, pp.
+551-554.
+
+[33] Johnson, _The History of the Pirates_, London, 1726.
+
+[34] _Calendars of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1699, p.
+1011.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III
+
+JOHN RHOADE, PILOT OF THE DUTCH PIRATES ON THE COAST OF MAINE
+
+
+In the summer of 1674, while the Dutch were yet in control of New
+York, the privateer frigate “Flying Horse,” came sailing into the
+harbor. Her commander, Capt. Jurriaen Aernouts, had been commissioned
+by the governor of Curacao, “to take, plunder, spoil and possess any
+of the ships, persons or estates” of the enemies of the great States
+of Holland, which meant the English and the French at the time the
+commission was issued. But when the Dutch captain reached New York
+he was much surprised to learn of the treaty of peace, signed nearly
+six months before, which made it illegal for him to prey on English
+shipping. The war was still on with France, however, so he decided to
+sail northward for the fishing banks and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
+While the “Flying Horse” was recruiting and preparing for sea, Captain
+Aernouts accidentally made the acquaintance of a coasting pilot from
+Boston, Capt. John Rhoade, an adventurous character who told the
+captain that he was well acquainted with the coast along the French
+colonies at the north; that their forts and defences were weak and
+if taken by surprise it would be easy conquest for him of a rich fur
+country. Rhoade said that he had recently been at Pentagoet (now
+Castine, Maine) and had exact information as to the strength of the
+French garrison there. The Dutch captain submitted the project to his
+officers and crew and it was unanimously favored. Captain Rhoade then
+enlisted, took the oath of allegiance to the Prince of Orange, and was
+made the chief pilot of the “Flying Horse.”
+
+The Dutchmen landed at Pentagoet on Aug. 1, 1674, and as the fort was
+garrisoned by only thirty men it soon surrendered. The commander of
+the fort, M. de Chambly, was also the Governor of Acadie and for him a
+ransom of one thousand beavers was demanded, an amount he was unable to
+furnish. With the Governor on board, the “Flying Horse” sailed eastward
+and every French fort and trading post as far as the St. John river
+was captured. Captain Aernouts proclaimed all this territory a Dutch
+conquest, naming it New Holland, and at every point where he landed he
+buried a bottle containing a copy of his commission and a statement
+of his conquest. Laden with the plunder of Acadie, the “Flying Horse”
+reached Boston the last of September and the Dutch captain applied to
+Governor Leverett for leave to remain in the harbor in order to repair
+his ship and dispose of his plunder. This was granted and soon the
+frigate lay at anchor before the town. The Colony gladly purchased the
+cannon that had been taken from the French forts and the Boston traders
+bought the rest of the spoil.
+
+The Massachusetts fur traders now applied to Captain Aernouts for leave
+to trade in the newly conquered territory, a privilege they had always
+paid well for in the past. But they were disappointed, for the Dutch
+officers claimed that this conquest had been made by the sword and
+that the fur trade was of great value to the States of Holland, so all
+requests for leave or license were refused. The owners of two Boston
+vessels, however, disregarded the warnings of the Dutch officers and
+set sail, and probably others followed.
+
+When Captain Aernouts was ready to depart, which was about the first of
+November, he left in Boston two of his officers, Capt. Peter Roderigo,
+a “Flanderkin,” and Capt. Cornelius Andreson, a Dutchman, and also
+Captain Rhoade and a Cornishman, John Williams, and gave these men
+and their associates, authority to return to New Holland and there to
+trade and keep possession until further instructions were received.
+They induced four or five others to join them and before the month had
+gone they had purchased a small vessel, the “Edward and Thomas,” Thomas
+Mitchell of Malden, part-owner, who shipped with the company, which
+was commanded by Roderigo, and hired another, the “Penobscot Shallop,”
+commanded by Andreson, and after arming them as well as they could,
+they sailed down the harbor with the flag of the Prince of Orange at
+each topmast. At Pentagoet, they found that Englishmen from Pemaquid
+had recently been there and carried away iron and other materials found
+in the ruins of the fort. Farther eastward, Edward Hilliard of Salem
+was found in a small vessel, and when ordered to come on board he
+immediately submitted and said he was ignorant that he was trespassing
+on their authority and further complained of the bad voyage he had
+made thus far. He was dismissed with a warning and his vessel and
+peltry returned to him. Not long after they came upon a Boston vessel,
+commanded by William Waldron, who had been refused a permit to trade.
+He was recognized at once and his vessel made a prize but after a time
+returned to him. His peltry, however, was seized.
+
+Among the men who had applied for a permit to trade and been refused
+was George Manning, who commanded a shallop called the “Philip,” owned
+by John Feake, a Boston merchant. Nevertheless he had sailed and on
+December 4th Captain Roderigo came upon him at anchor in “Adowoke Bay
+to ye Estward of Mount deZart.” The shallop was boarded, the hatches
+opened and all the peltry taken away. Captain Manning had in his cabin
+a loaded pistol and planned to shoot Captain Roderigo but a boy on
+board warned him to look out for himself and drawing a cutlass the
+“Flanderkin” laid about him. There was some firing of guns but no one
+was killed. Manning was confined on board the Dutch boat and the next
+day it was proposed to burn his shallop and set him adrift in his boat.
+Rhoade told him he deserved to be turned ashore on an island and there
+be compelled to eat the roots of trees. Manning had received a flesh
+wound in one hand and was cut about the head. There is much confusion
+in the testimony bearing on the encounter and doubtless some lying,
+but it is plain that Manning continued in command of his shallop and
+accompanied the Dutchmen in their later operations.[35]
+
+A small barque owned by Major Shapleigh of Piscataqua in New Hampshire
+was taken shortly and found to have traded for peltry and also to have
+brought provisions from Port Royal to the French at Gamshake on the
+St. John river. The peltry and provisions were seized and the barque
+dismissed. The Dutchmen, when on trial in Boston, claimed that this
+barque had transported French from Port Royal to the St. John river and
+supplied them with ammunition so that when Captain Roderigo arrived
+that winter they were able to defend themselves and he was obliged to
+return to Machias in Maine, where he had established a trading post.
+
+The Dutch carried on a prosperous trade with the Indians that winter at
+Machias and there was always the hope that the tri-colored flag of the
+United Provinces might appear over a fleet coming to their assistance.
+On March 10th, 1675, a vessel flying an English flag appeared off
+shore. It was commanded by Thomas Cole of Nantasket. A boatload of
+men, well armed, came ashore and finding only four men at the trading
+post these were soon overpowered. The Dutch flag was pulled down, the
+men taken prisoners and the winter’s store of peltry and trading goods
+carried off. The Dutch afterwards testified in court that Cole ordered
+Randall Judson’s[36] arms bound behind him and then put him ashore
+where he remained for four days and nights without shelter or food, and
+this was early in March on the eastern Maine coast.
+
+It was to be expected that sooner or later the news of the capture
+of the trading vessels would reach Boston. The shallop commanded by
+George Manning was owned by John Feake, a Boston merchant, and Feb.
+15, 1675, he appeared before Governor Leverett and the Magistrates
+and made his complaint, that property had been piratically seized
+and his vessel detained. He named Captain Rhoade as the principal
+offender. William Waldron and others had already presented a protest.
+Mr. Feake proposed that Capt. Samuel Mosely, afterwards the famous
+Indian fighter, be instructed to organize an expedition to proceed to
+the eastern parts and seize Rhoade and his company, and the Council at
+once assented and ordered that no shipping in the harbor bound eastward
+should be permitted to sail until after Captain Mosely and his company
+had departed. Captain Mosely had recently been in command of an armed
+vessel that had cruised about the island of Nantucket to protect Boston
+interests against suspected attacks by the Dutch, and he was ready for
+any new adventure. He received his instructions on Feb. 15, 1675 and
+soon after sailed for the eastward. Before reaching the Dutchmen he
+fell in with a French vessel which he induced to join his enterprise.
+He provided her with men and ammunition and when these vessels bore
+down on Captain Roderigo’s little fleet, Manning, who had gone into the
+Dutch service at a wage of £7 per month, at once joined the new-comers
+and without taking the trouble to haul down the tri-colored flag flying
+from his topmast, opened fire on the Dutch vessels. Taken by surprise
+and attacked by three vessels carrying English, French and Dutch
+colors, resistance was soon over. The prisoners were closely confined,
+their vessels were plundered of the peltry obtained during the winter’s
+barter and their remaining trading stock was turned over to Boston
+men who had accompanied the expedition and these traders were left
+to continue the barter with the Indians while the victorious Captain
+Mosely sailed back to Boston where he arrived on April 2d. Again, had
+commercial greed brought about military attack. The Dutch, at war with
+France, had seized French territory which previously had been exploited
+by colonial traders, who, deprived of their rich opportunity for gain,
+now seized the Dutch outpost.
+
+The Court of Assistants met at Cambridge on April 7th and ordered
+the pirates, as the prisoners were styled, confined in the prison at
+Cambridge. The Dutch vessels and their fittings were appraised and left
+in the hands of John Feake who had made the complaint of the alleged
+piracy. At the examination of the prisoners, the day they reached
+Boston, they frankly declared what had been done by them and justified
+in writing their supposed authority. A special Court of Admiralty was
+then summoned to meet on May 17th, but before the day arrived John
+Feake, the complainant, was dead and buried. On May 4th, he had gone
+on board a ship in the harbor, just arrived from Virginia, and while
+in the great cabin with Captain Scarlett, one of the appraisers of
+the Dutch vessels, in conference with the supercargo of the ship and
+others, there was a great explosion resulting in the death of Feake,
+Scarlett and the supercargo, and the wounding of nine others. The great
+Increase Mather preached a sermon “Occasioned by this awful Providence.”
+
+The Court of Admiralty sat on the day appointed and shortly declared
+the Dutch vessels and their cargoes lawful prizes to be delivered to
+the heirs of Feake as satisfaction for the injury done to the shallop
+commanded by Manning. The Court then adjourned. A week later it
+reassembled and Peter Roderigo and Cornelius Andreson were placed on
+trial, charged with piratically seizing several small English vessels
+and making prize of their goods, etc.[37] A verdict of guilty was
+declared against Roderigo and he was sentenced to be hanged. Not long
+after he petitioned the Great and General Court for his life and on May
+12th “the Court judged it meete to grant the petitioner a full & free
+pardon, according to his desire in his petition.” Roderigo found his
+way again to the eastward and in June of the next year served in the
+company of Capt. Joshua Scottow in Indian fighting about Black Point,
+near Scarborough, Maine. On the other hand Andreson, who owned during
+his examination that he had taken two English vessels, Waldron’s and
+Hilliard’s, was not found guilty of piracy and the Court sent the jury
+out again with instruction to “find what they could against him.” The
+jury obediently brought in a verdict of guilty of “theft and robbery,”
+based on the seizure of the peltry. He, too, was sentenced but later
+pardoned.
+
+It is a curious circumstance that this Cornelius Andreson should
+shortly join the independent military company organized by Captain
+Mosely to fight Indians in King Philip’s War which broke out soon
+after the trials were concluded. Andreson also appears in Capt.
+Thomas Wheeler’s company and fought bravely and with renown in the
+attacks about Brookfield. At one time he was sent out as “Captain of a
+forlorne” hope[38] and afterwards marched to Groton. On Oct. 13, 1675
+he was about leaving the country and nothing is known of his later
+history. Undoubtedly he was the “buccaneer,” mentioned by New England
+historians as going with Captain Mosely against Philip near the end of
+June. After the trial of Andreson, the Court again adjourned and on
+June 17th the other prisoners were brought to trial. Capt. John Rhoade,
+when asked why he fought against the King’s colors, replied that the
+attacking vessels had fought under French, Dutch and English colors and
+he thought that his company would be given no quarter, and therefore he
+fought. Richard Tulford acknowledged that he had acted in company with
+the others and had gone ashore at Casco Bay and brought off sheep said
+to belong to Mr. Mountjoy, and that Thomas Mitchell had sent him. The
+testimony of Peter Grant and Randall Judson was similar. John Thomas
+said that he had sailed from Boston with Captain Roderigo and was
+present at the taking of the vessels and when asked if he didn’t kill
+a Frenchman he denied but confessed “that hee did shoote at him, but
+knew not that hee hit him.”[39] John Williams told under examination
+that he was a Cornishman and had sailed out of Jamaica with Captain
+Morrice, but was captured by the Dutch and taken into Curacao, where
+he had joined Captain Aernout’s privateering voyage and on reaching
+Boston had remained and gone to the eastward with Captain Roderigo. He
+had been ashore at Machias when the rest were captured. Thomas Mitchell
+testified that he lived near Malden, Massachusetts, and that he had
+come last from Pemaquid. He claimed that the English vessels had been
+taken against his will, but he had eaten of the stolen mutton and also
+had piloted his vessel from the St. John river to Twelve Penny harbor
+where they had plundered one Lantrimong and killed his cattle. Edward
+Uran of Boston, a former fisherman of the Isles of Shoals, had gone on
+the expedition in Mitchell’s shallop and offered similar testimony.
+
+The Court of Assistants presided over by Governor Leverett, found
+Rhoade, Fulford, Grant and Judson each guilty of piracy and sentence
+was pronounced directing that they be hanged “presently after the
+lecture.” Thomas and Williams were acquitted and discharged. Mitchell
+was ordered to pay treble satisfaction to Mr. George Mountjoy, i. e.,
+£9.12.0 for the four stolen sheep, and Uran was to be “whipt with
+twenty stripes.”
+
+A week before the time set for the executions, King Philip went on
+the warpath and all else, for the time, was forgotten in the fearful
+danger of the emergency. The executions were postponed again and again.
+Fulford before long was released without conditions[40] and Rhoade,
+Grant and Judson were banished from the Colony after paying prison
+charges and furnishing sureties, and there the affair ended so far as
+they were concerned. As for the conquest of French Acadia in behalf
+of the United Provinces, when the Amsterdam authorities learned of
+what had taken place they at once recognized the services of John
+Rhoade of Boston, the pilot of the Dutch cruiser, and authorized him
+to hold possession of Acadia and to carry on unlimited trade with the
+natives. This was on Sept. 11, 1676, and over a year after he had
+been sentenced to death for piracy while carrying out the very policy
+now laid down by the nation that had subjugated the territory. He had
+acted clearly within his rights and any exceptions that might have been
+taken were questions between the United Provinces and England, then at
+peace for some time, and so the matter was then regarded outside the
+Massachusetts Bay Colony.
+
+When the news of the trial and condemnation of the Dutch officers
+and their associates reached the States-General, their ambassador
+to England was immediately instructed to demand the release of the
+prisoners, the restoration of the territory and the punishment of the
+offending authorities, and after much procrastination the Council
+addressed an order to “The Bostoners in New England,”[41] requiring
+a speedy answer to the complaint. Governor Leverett’s answer calmly
+recited what had been done by the Colony and stated that there had not
+been any violation of the peace between the two nations. Meanwhile,
+Captain Rhoade’s commission had reached him and he undertook to use the
+authority conferred upon him and got into trouble in consequence, for
+he sailed into the river St. George and undertook to trade there and
+was taken prisoner and with his vessel and goods sent to New York. The
+Dutch West India Company of course protested and demand was made for
+the release and indemnification of Captain Rhoade. This was on May 21,
+1679. The complaint was renewed and much correspondence followed but
+nothing very definite appears as a result. The main issue was lost in a
+maze of diplomatic correspondence and evasive reports, and so ended the
+conquest of Acadia by the Dutch and the charges and counter-charges of
+piracy on the Maine coast.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[35] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. LXI, leaves 117, 118.
+
+[36] He was one of the colonists who had joined Captain Roderigo in
+Boston.
+
+[37] _Records of the Court of Assistants_, Vol. I, p. 35.
+
+[38] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. LXVIII, leaf 7.
+
+[39] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. LXI, leaf 72.
+
+[40] He belonged in Muscongus, Maine, and had married a daughter of
+Richard Pearce.
+
+[41] _Massachusetts Historical Society Colls._ 4th Ser., Vol. II, p.
+286.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV
+
+THOMAS POUND, PILOT OF THE KING’S FRIGATE, WHO BECAME A PIRATE AND DIED
+A GENTLEMAN
+
+
+In front of the South Station in Boston, there is an intersection of
+wide streets known as “Dewey Square.” It is very firm ground today,
+but in 1689, the year in which these events took place, this space was
+tidewater and into it projected Bull’s wharf. On shore, near the head
+of the wharf, was a tavern with a swinging sign in front displaying on
+either side a beefy looking animal that was labelled “The Bull.” At
+about eleven o’clock on the night of Thursday, August 8, 1689, six men
+and a boy came down to the water’s edge not far from the tavern and
+went on board a two-masted, half-decked fishing boat, of the type known
+at that time as a Bermudas boat, and hoisting sails soon disappeared
+down the harbor in the direction of the Castle. The leader of the party
+was Thomas Pound, pilot of the frigate “Rose,” which had arrived at the
+Boston station three years before.
+
+One of the results of the recent insurrection against the authority of
+Governor Andros had been the seizure of Captain George, of the “Rose,”
+by the townspeople, who also struck the frigate’s topmasts and brought
+her sails ashore. On August 3d, Governor Andros had escaped from the
+Castle, but had been recaptured in Rhode Island two days later and by
+easy stages was being brought back to Boston at the time when Thomas
+Pound and his party planned their expedition here described.
+
+[Illustration: VIEW OF CASTLE WILLIAM, BOSTON HARBOR, ABOUT 1729, AND A
+MAN-OF-WAR OF THE PERIOD
+
+From the only known copy of an engraving probably by John Harris, after
+a drawing by William Burgis]
+
+Thomas Hawkins, who owned the boat, had agreed with Pound to put his
+men ashore at Nantasket, the consideration being two shillings and
+six pence, but when the boat reached Long Island, about halfway to
+the agreed destination, Hawkins was ordered to anchor, and there they
+remained until early in the morning. Before daylight Pound told Hawkins
+that he had changed his mind about going to Nantasket and said that his
+party would like to go fishing. So the anchor was hauled aboard and
+soon the boat was sailing down the harbor. When near Lovell’s Island,
+the sounds of men launching a boat were heard and one of Pound’s men
+at once said, “There they are,” and soon after a small boat with five
+men in it, came alongside and boarded Hawkins’ boat. These men were
+armed and Pound and one of his men, Richard Griffin, a gunsmith, also
+had brought guns. Pound now took command and ordered the fish casks
+thrown overboard and then directed that an easterly course be made
+which soon carried the boat into deep water beyond the Brewster Islands
+at the entrance to the harbor. He told Hawkins that he and his men had
+agreed to take the first vessel they met and proceed in her to the
+West Indies, to prey on the French. Hawkins seems to have acquiesced
+willingly and thereafter to have been the sailing-master while Pound
+commanded the expedition.
+
+Isaac Prince of Hull, the master of a small deck-sloop, had been out
+in the Bay after mackerel and with a good catch was about four or five
+leagues off the Brewsters, bound in, when he was hailed from Thomas
+Hawkins’ boat bound out. Hawkins brought his boat to the windward of
+the sloop and asked Captain Prince if he had any mackerel and water to
+spare and then bought eight penny worth of fish and was given three
+or four gallons of water. The curiosity of the fishermen was aroused
+because Hawkins was careful not to bring his boat alongside the sloop
+but held her by the quarter of the fisherman. The crew on the sloop
+also noted through the cracks in the deck or covering of the Bermudas
+boat, some ten or twelve men who seemed to be keeping out of sight,
+and abaft a man, whose body was out of sight, was seen to peer at the
+fishermen and then quickly draw back, so Captain Prince asked Hawkins
+where he was bound, and he replied to Billingsgate,[42] and when asked
+how he came to be so far to the northward, Hawkins replied “It’s all
+one to me.” The two vessels then separated, but when the fishermen
+reached Boston, they went at once to the Governor and reported the
+suspicious conduct of Hawkins, whom they said “seemed very cheerful and
+Merry.”[43]
+
+When near Halfway Rock, only two or three hours after parting with
+the sloop, Hawkins came up with the fishing ketch “Mary,” Helling
+Chard,[44] master, owned by Philip English, the great Salem merchant
+who was accused of witchcraft three years later. The ketch was coming
+in from sea with a full fare of fish when Captain Hawkins hailed and
+after a show of arms took the vessel. Captain Chard knew Hawkins and
+also recognized one of his men, “a Limping privateer called Johnson.”
+When he reached Salem on Monday, August 12th, Chard reported that when
+Hawkins came on board the ketch on Friday, he pushed him away from the
+helm and said the ketch was his prize. Later Hawkins told him that as
+soon as they could take a better vessel and supply themselves with
+provisions, they intended to go to the West Indies and plague the
+French, and they expected forty more men who had enlisted to join them
+shortly. Hawkins’ men were supplied with firearms but had only “two
+gallons of powder” aboard and so few bullets that as soon as the ketch
+had been taken they set to work at once melting up all the lead they
+could find to make bullets. Saturday night Captain Chard and two of his
+men were set free and sent away in the Bermudas boat and Hawkins and
+his crew, in the ketch, steered a course to the northeast, taking with
+them John Darby[45] of Marblehead, who went voluntarily, and forcing
+a boy who could speak French, intending to use him as an interpreter.
+When Chard brought the news to Salem, information was sent at once
+to the Governor and Council and a vessel manned by the Salem and
+Marblehead militia was ordered out “to seeke after and surprise ye said
+Ketch,” but it returned to harbor without finding Pound and Hawkins.
+
+Captain Pound, meanwhile, had ordered a course for Falmouth, Maine,
+which was reached early Monday morning. The ketch came to anchor about
+four miles below the fort and sent ashore a long boat with three men
+in it, one of whom was John Darby, who was known to Silvanus Davis,
+the commander at Fort Loyal. While two of the men filled water casks,
+Darby reported to Commander Davis that the ketch had come from Cape
+Sable where it had been taken by a privateer brigantine that had robbed
+them of some lead and most of their bread and water. He also said that
+Captain Chard, the master of the ketch, had hurt his foot and needed
+a doctor. One was sent for and went out to the ketch immediately. It
+was all a part of a scheme to secure his services for the proposed
+expedition, but the doctor lost his courage and declined the post,
+but when he came back to Falmouth, he had a variety of tales about
+the ketch,--sometimes that there were few on board and that they were
+honest, and at other times that there were many on board.
+
+It was noticed that the doctor, after he came back from the ketch, was
+much in conversation with the soldiers belonging to the fort which
+aroused the suspicions of the commander so that at night, after all the
+soldiers were in their quarters, he charged the guard to keep a close
+watch on the water side of the fort. He little thought at the time that
+he was placing his trust in men who already had planned to desert.[46]
+For so it turned out and as soon as the rest were asleep the guard and
+sentinels robbed the sleeping soldiers of everything “except what was
+on their backs,” took all the ammunition they could lay their hands
+on, including a brass gun and going down to a large boat, that was
+afloat just below the fort, went on board the ketch. Commander Davis
+was greatly upset over what had happened, and well he might be, for he
+lacked a sufficient number of men to properly garrison the fort from
+Indian attack and had no vessel to engage an enemy that might attack
+by sea. As it turned out, the fort was attacked by French and Indians
+the following May and forced to surrender when women and children and
+wounded men were mercilessly slaughtered.
+
+The morning after the soldiers deserted, there being little wind,
+Commander Davis sent two men in a canoe to demand of Captain Pound that
+the soldiers be sent back to the fort. He laughed at the request and
+not only refused to return any of the arms and clothing that had been
+stolen from the sleeping soldiers but threatened to go into the harbor
+and cut out a sloop at anchor belonging to George Hesh.
+
+After helping himself to a calf and three sheep feeding on an island
+in the bay, Pound set sail for Cape Cod, and early on the morning of
+the 16th came upon the sloop “Good Speed,” John Smart, master, owned by
+David Larkin of Piscataqua, lying at anchor under Race Point, at the
+tip of the Cape. A boatload of armed men took possession of the sloop
+and as she was a larger vessel than the ketch she was taken over by
+the pirates and Captain Smart and his men were given the ketch and set
+free. Pound told Captain Smart that when he reached Boston “to tell
+there that they knew ye Gov^t Sloop lay ready but if she came out
+after them & came up w^{th} them they sh^d find hott work for they w^d
+die every man before they would be taken.”
+
+Smart reached Boston on the 19th with this audacious message. The
+Great and General Court was in session at the time and an order was
+immediately adopted to fit out the sloop “Resolution,” Joseph Thaxter,
+commander (which had been built during the Andros administration as a
+Province sloop, but in some way had got into private hands), with a
+crew of forty able seamen, to cruise along the coast and “strenuously
+to Endeavour the Suppressing and seizing of all Pirates, Especially one
+Thomas Hawkins, Pound and others confederated with them,” being “very
+careful to avoid the shedding of blood unless you be necessitated by
+resistance and opposition made against you.” And as for “those men who
+shall go forth in said Vessel ... It’s ordered that they be upon usual
+monthly wages, and upon any casualty befalling any of the said men by
+loss of Limb or otherwise be maimed that meet allowance and provision
+be made for such.”[47] Captain Thaxter in the “Resolution,” was no more
+successful in his search for pirates than the vessel that had been sent
+out from Salem for the reason that the pirate sloop was constantly
+moving about and after another capture at Homes’ Hole had sailed
+through the Sound before a north-easterly gale and finally brought up
+in York river, Virginia.
+
+Soon after Pound took possession of the sloop “Good Speed,” he put in
+to Cape Cod and sent some of his crew ashore, in charge of Hawkins, to
+get fresh meat. They killed four shoats and after wooding and watering,
+the sloop sailed around the Cape to “Martyn’s Vineyard Sound,” and
+on August 27th, sighted a brigantine at anchor in Homes’ Hole. Pound
+ordered “a bloodie flagg” hoisted and running up to the brigantine
+ordered her master to come aboard the pirate sloop. The brigantine was
+the “Merrimack,” John Kent of Newbury, master, and he at once obeyed
+the command, and after reporting his destination and cargo, the vessel
+was plundered of twenty half-barrels of flour, and sugar, rum and
+tobacco. Captain Kent was then allowed to go.
+
+Sailing out into the Sound the sloop ran into a stiff northeaster and
+was forced away to Virginia where Pound found his way into York river.
+Easterly winds kept him at anchor here for over a week. This happened
+at a very fortunate time for the man-of-war ketch at York river had
+sunk shortly before and the ship on the station was being careened.
+The sloop made into the mouth of James river and there lay aground
+for a day before they could get her afloat again. While the men were
+at work on the sloop, Pound and Hawkins went ashore. There they met
+two sailors, John Giddings and Edward Browne, who were looking for
+adventures and at night these men came off to the sloop on a float
+bringing with them a negro they had kidnapped belonging to a Captain
+Dunbar. They also brought out some other spoil in the shape of an old
+sail, a piece of dowlas, and some galls and copperas. The next day the
+weather moderated and the sloop made sail to go out into the bay. She
+hadn’t been out very long before Hawkins noticed that they were being
+followed by another sloop so all sail was crowded on and the strange
+sloop began to fall behind and at length gave up the pursuit and went
+back into James river.
+
+From Virginia, Pound sailed directly for the Massachusetts coast and
+came to anchor in Tarpaulin Cove, on the southeast side of Nanshon
+Island in Vineyard Sound. Here they filled their water casks. A Salem
+bark,[48] William Lord, master, homeward bound from Jamaica, was also
+at anchor in the Cove and as she was evidently more than they cared to
+tackle, Hawkins went on board and offered to trade sugar for an anchor.
+Captain Lord was ready to trade and he also purchased for £12, the
+negro that had been brought from Virginia, and gave a draft on Mr.
+Blaney of the Elizabeth Islands in payment.
+
+Not long after coming out of Tarpaulin Cove, Pound sighted a small
+ketch, commanded by one Alsop, who escaped into Martha’s Vineyard
+harbor when he found that he was being chased and even then the ketch
+might have been taken if the inhabitants hadn’t gathered and made a
+show of defending her.[49] This happened on a Sunday. Pound and his
+company then went over the shoals about the same time that Captain Lord
+sailed for home. Near Race Point, at the end of Cape Cod, Hawkins went
+ashore with a boat’s crew and making some excuse went inland over the
+dunes and didn’t come back. After waiting a while the men returned to
+the sloop and reported his desertion. Hawkins afterward claimed that
+while at Tarpaulin Cove he had been recognized and told if ever he came
+back to Boston he would be hanged. Probably he thought he would try to
+save his skin if possible or at least drop out of sight for a time.
+
+After leaving the boat’s crew Hawkins walked south along the shore and
+finally fell in with some Nauset fishermen to whom he told his story
+of escaping from Pound and something of his adventures. He asked their
+protection in case Pound and his men should attempt to find him. The
+Nauset men, however, made short work with Hawkins and after fleecing
+him thoroughly turned him loose to shift for himself. Fortunately he
+met Capt. Jacobus Loper,[50] the master of a small sloop, whom he had
+known in Boston and who was about setting sail for Boston and so was
+shipped for the voyage. On the way Hawkins talked freely about his
+doings. He was particularly bitter over his treatment by the Nauset
+fishermen and said they “ware a pasel of Roughes & if he got Cleer at
+Boston from this troble that was now on him, as he did not question
+but he should, he would be Revenged on them for theire base dealing for
+they be wors pirats than Pounds & Johnson.”[51] He told Captain Loper
+that when he left Boston their company had intended to go privateering
+and expected to get a commission at St. Thomas. But when he was asked
+if he proposed to go all the way to the West Indies in the small
+Bermudas boat in which they left Boston, “he was upon this surprised &
+wholly silent.” Loper told him “that it apeered by his words that he
+would first take a biger vessell as he before said & did: & that he was
+a foole & would hang himself by his discorce then he answered, by God
+thay kant hang me for what has bin don for no blood has bin shed.”[52]
+As he neared Boston his courage began to fail and soon he proposed to
+Captain Loper that for old acquaintance’ sake he conceal him on board
+and send the sloop to Salem with oysters and so allow him to escape
+to the Dutch man-of-war lying there at anchor. This was a privateer,
+the “Abraham Fisher, a Scotch Rotterdammer.” Loper, however, thought
+best to turn him over to the Boston authorities and soon Hawkins was
+shackled and safely lodged in the new stone gaol.
+
+Captain Pound, meanwhile, in no way distressed by Hawkins’ desertion,
+was busily at work robbing vessels in the vicinity of the Cape.
+On Saturday evening, Sept. 28, 1689, he sighted a small sloop and
+gave chase and brought her to anchor under the Cape. She was from
+Pennsylvania. Not having any salt pork on board she was allowed to
+go and Pound sailed back over the shoals hoping for better luck in
+Vineyard Sound. At “Homes his Hole” he found the sloop “Brothers
+Adventure,” of New London, Conn., John Picket, master, just coming out,
+having been forced in by bad weather. She was bound for Boston and
+was loaded with the very provisions that Pound had been in search of
+and a boat’s crew of armed men soon induced Captain Picket to come
+to anchor beside the pirate sloop. The loot amounted to thirty-seven
+barrels of pork, three of beef and a good supply of pease, Indian corn,
+butter and cheese. Having at last obtained the provisions so necessary
+for a southern voyage, Captain Pound anchored in Tarpaulin Cove while
+the rigging was overhauled and everything made shipshape for the
+intended voyage to “Corazo”--Curacao, the Dutch colony near the South
+American coast. The Netherlands were then at peace with England and
+there Pound could refit before going out to prey upon French shipping
+out of Martinique. He lay in Tarpaulin Cove for two days and was nearly
+ready to set sail when a sloop appeared off the anchorage and steered
+directly for him. Pound at once came to sail and stood away with the
+sloop in hot pursuit.
+
+[Illustration: ARMED SLOOP NEAR BOSTON LIGHTHOUSE IN 1729
+
+From the only known copy of a mezzotint by William Burgis, published
+Aug. 11, 1729, and now in the possession of the United States
+Lighthouse Board]
+
+It was now less than two weeks since that Sunday morning when Captain
+Pound had chased a small ketch into Martha’s Vineyard harbor. The
+island at that time was a part of the colony of New York and as soon
+as the pirate was gone, Matthew Mayhew, the local Governor, sent
+a messenger, riding post, to inform the Governor and Council at
+Boston of the presence of the pirate so that shipping bound westward
+might be warned of the danger. The Council did more than that for
+it commissioned Capt. Samuel Pease, late commander of the Duke of
+Courland’s ship “Fortune,” two hundred tons and twelve guns, to go to
+sea at once in the sloop “Mary,” with a crew of twenty able seamen in
+search of the pirate. Benjamin Gallop was commissioned lieutenant and
+the “Mary” was supplied with a barrel of powder, fifty pounds of small
+shot, and cartridge papers and match. Captain Pease was instructed to
+endeavor to take the pirates by surprise if possible and “to prevent ye
+sheding of blood as much as may bee.”[53]
+
+The Council meeting was held on Monday, Sept. 30th and the “Mary”
+sailed from Boston that evening every man on board being a volunteer.
+When Captain Pease reached Cape Cod he learned that Pound had gone
+westward so he sailed on, over the shoals, expecting to find him at
+Tarpaulin Cove. On Friday morning when off Woods Hole, a canoe came out
+with the information that the pirate was at Tarpaulin Cove:--
+
+“Upon which Wee presently gave a great shout, and the word was given to
+our men to make all ready which was accordingly done, the wind being
+SSE, and blew hard. Quickly after we were all ready we espied a Sloop
+ahead of us. We made what saile we could, and quickly came so neere
+that we put up our Kings Jack, and our Sloop sailing so very well we
+quickly came within Shot, and our Captain ordered a great Gun to be
+fired thwart her fore foot. On that a man of theirs presently carryed
+up a Red flagg to the top of their maine mast and made it fast. Our
+Captain then ordered a musket to be fired thwart his forefoot. He not
+striking we came up with him and our Captain commanded us to fire on
+them which accordingly we did, and also called them to strike to the
+King of England. Captain Pounds standing on the quarter deck with his
+naked sword in his hand flourishing, said, come aboard, you Doggs, and
+I will strike you presently or words to that purpose. His men standing
+by him with their Guns in their hands on the Deck, he taking up his
+Gun, they let fly a volley upon us, and we againe at him. At last
+wee came to Leeward of them, supposing it to be some Advantage to us
+because the wind blew so hard and so our weather side did us good. They
+perceiving this gave severall Shouts supposing (as we did apprehend)
+that we would yield to them. Wee still fired at them and they at us as
+fast as they could loade and fire and in a little space we saw Pounds
+was shot and gone off the deck. While we were thus in the fight two of
+our men met with a mischance by the blowing up of some gun powder which
+they perceiving by ye smoke (we being pretty near them) gave severall
+shouts and fired at us as fast as they could. Wee many times called to
+them, telling them if they would yield to us we would give them good
+quarter, they utterly refusing to have it, saying ‘Ai yee dogs, we
+will give you quarter by and by.’ We still continued our fight, having
+two more of our men wounded. At last our Captain was much wounded so
+that he went off the deck. The Lieutenant quickly after ordered us to
+get all ready to board them which was readily done. Wee layed them on
+bord presently and at our Entrance we found such of them that were
+not much wounded very resolute, but discharging our Guns at them, we
+forthwith went to club it with them and were forced to knock them downe
+with the but end of our muskets. At last we queld them, killing four
+and wounding twelve, two remaining pretty well. The weather coming on
+very bad and being desirous to get good Doctors or Surgeons for our
+wounded men, we shaped our Course for Rhode Island and the same night
+we secured our Prisoners and got in between Pocasset and Rhode Island.
+The next day being Saturday, the fifth of October we got a convenient
+house for our wounded men, got them on shore and sent away to Newport
+for Doctors who quickly came and dressed them. Our Captain being shot
+in the arm and in the side and in the thigh, lost much blood and
+continued weak and faint, and on Friday after, being the eleventh day
+of October, he being on board intending to come home, we set saile and
+were come but a little way before he was taken with bleeding afresh, so
+that we came to an anchor againe and got him on shore to another house
+on Rhode Island side, where he continued very weake. In the afternoon
+he was taken with bleeding again and with fits. He continued that night
+and losing so much blood, on Saturday morning, the twelfth of October,
+departed this life. We buried him at Newport, in Rhode Island, the
+Monday following. That Monday at night we set saile from Rhode Island
+and arrived at Boston on Saturday the 18th of October with fourteen
+Prisoners. The Bloody Flag was not put above Pounds his vessell before
+we fired at them.”[54]
+
+The prisoners were duly lodged in Boston’s new stone gaol which had
+a dungeon in it, walls four feet thick, and all kinds of irons to
+keep them there. The “treasure,” including the sloop, was appraised
+at £209.4.6. As the owners of the sloop declined to pay the salvage
+ordered on her, she was condemned to her captors. Captain Pease
+left a widow and four orphans. In December they were “in a poor
+and low condition” and the General Court passed a bill providing
+for a “collection” in the several meeting houses for their relief.
+The wounded pirates were doctored by Thomas Larkin, whose bill for
+attendance amounted to £21.10.0. Pound had been shot in the side and
+arm “& Severall bones Taken oute.” Thomas Johnson lost part of his jaw;
+Buck had seven holes in one of his arms; Griffin lost an eye and part
+of an ear; Siccadam was shot through both legs; and Browne, Giddings,
+Phips, Lander and Warren had various wounds.
+
+Pound and Hawkins and the rest of their company lay in prison until
+January 13, 1690, before they were brought to trial. Hawkins had been
+examined by the aged Governor Bradstreet and the Magistrates on October
+4th and Pound had given his version of their doings the day after he
+had been placed in gaol. Hawkins was tried first,--on January 9th,
+and found guilty at one session of the Court. Pound and the rest of
+the indicted men were brought to trial on the 17th and found guilty
+of felony, piracy and murder and Deputy-Governor Thomas Danforth
+pronounced sentence of death, that they “be hanged by the neck until
+they be dead.” Pound, Hawkins, Johnson and Buck were ordered to be
+executed on January 27th.
+
+Samuel Sewall, the diarist, rode into Boston a little before twelve
+o’clock on the day of the trial having spent the night at Braintree.
+It had been a cold ride and a snowstorm was threatening. After dinner
+he went to the Town House where the Court was sitting and then in
+company with the Reverend Cotton Mather, went to the gaol to visit
+the condemned prisoners. Mr. Mather never failed to attend to
+this detail of his professional work and Pound and the others were
+thereupon counseled and prayed with. Mr. Waitstill Winthrop, one of
+the magistrates who had tried the pirates, was not satisfied with the
+verdict or sentence and immediately after the trial bestirred himself
+to obtain for them a reprieve. He went about obtaining the signatures
+of influential persons and finally headed a committee that went before
+the Governor and petitioned that reprieve be granted. Sewall records
+in his diary that he was one of those who called on the aged Governor
+and asked that Pound and Buck be respited, and he further relates that
+Mr. Winthrop, Col. Samuel Shrimpton, one of the magistrates, and Isaac
+Addington, the clerk of the court, followed him to his house with
+another petition asking that Hawkins be reprieved. Sewall signed it and
+the Governor granted the reprieve barely in time to save Hawkins’ neck
+for he was on the scaffold and ready to be turned off when the order
+reached the sheriff. “Which gave great disgust to the People; I fear
+it was ill done”--writes Sewall. “Some in the Council thought Hawkins,
+because he got out of the Combination before Pease was kill’d, might
+live; so I rashly sign’d, hoping so great an inconvenience would not
+have followed. Let not God impute Sin.”[55] And so it happened that
+the only entertainment found by the crowd that had gathered to see the
+hanging was the turning off of Thomas Johnson, “the limping privateer.”
+
+[Illustration: SAMUEL SEWALL, CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT IN
+MASSACHUSETTS, 1718-1728
+
+From an original painting in possession of the Massachusetts Historical
+Society]
+
+On February 20th, on petition of Thomas Hawkins and others, the
+sentence of death was remitted on Hawkins, Warren, Watts, Lander,
+Griffin, Siccadam, Buck and Dunn on payment of twenty marks[56] each
+in money, to reimburse the charges of the prosecution and imprisonment
+or else be sold into Virginia. Pound’s name was not included with the
+others but four days later, he was further reprieved from execution
+at the instance of Mr. Epaphras Shrimpton and sundry women of quality.
+Who these “women of quality” were is not known but Thomas Hawkins’s
+sisters had married the leading men of the Colony and may have
+joined in the petitions. One sister had been the second wife of Adam
+Winthrop, brother of Waitstill Winthrop, who worked so earnestly for
+the reprieves. At that time she was the wife of John Richards, one of
+the magistrates, who had tried the pirates. Another sister was the wife
+of Rev. James Allen of the First Church. Hannah Hawkins had married
+Elisha Hutchinson, another of the magistrates, and Abigail, married the
+Hon. John Foster, while Hawkins lay in prison. Certainly these were
+“women of quality,” and it seems strange, at this late day, that one so
+well connected should have surreptitiously “gone privateering,” or, in
+plainer language, have engaged in piracy.
+
+On April 20, 1690, the “Rose” frigate, John George, commander, lying
+before the town of Boston, whose sails had been returned by the King’s
+command, sailed from Nantasket for England, and carried Thomas Hawkins,
+the pirate, whose sentence had been remitted, and Thomas Pound, his
+captain, whose sentence had only been respited. The “Rose” went into
+Piscataqua where she lay for a month waiting for two mast ships to
+finish their lading and on May 19th sailed in convoy. On the 24th,
+off Cape Sable, they met a privateer, “or Pirot,” of thirty guns and
+well manned, from St. Malo, France. She came up under English colors
+and when hailed from the “Rose,” answered “Will tell you by and by.”
+Soon after she hoisted French colors and fired a broadside and not
+less than three hundred small arms. The “Rose” returned the fire to
+good purpose and the nearest mast-ship also engaged the Frenchman. The
+other mast-ship having only two guns stood off. At a distance of half a
+musket-shot the fight obstinately continued for nearly two hours.
+
+“The Rose had her Mizzon shott down, her Ensign, her sails and Rigging
+much torn, but so bored the French Man’s sides that his Ports were
+made Two or three into one. It was almost quite Calm, else we had Run
+Thwart him with out Head, and possibly might have sent him Low enough,
+but we had not winde enough, so we Lay on his Quarter which we fired
+so that he was necessitated to cutt down and Cast into the Sea, which
+was so much as to burn in our View half an hour as it floated in the
+Sea. We saw his Captain and Lieutenant fall & believe we could not have
+killed less than a hundred of his men. His Tops were full of Grenadiers
+and Fuzes which we saw fall like Pidgeons, and Multitudes of his Men
+lay Slaughtered on his Decks. We would have taken him for Certain would
+our heavy Ship have workt, but he was a quick Sailor and so gott away.
+Captain George and Mr. Wiggoner were slaine with Musket shott, 5 Common
+men more were slain, and 7 desperately wounded. Mr. Maccarty’s man
+Michael lost his arm. Paul Main, Sam Mixture and Thomas Hawkins the
+Pirate, were amongst the slain.”[57]
+
+Such was the end of Hawkins. As for Captain Pound,--he reached England
+safely and on July 8th, after his arrival at Falmouth, wrote to Sir
+Edmund Andros, then in London, announcing his return and sending the
+latest news from New England together with a short account of the fight
+with the privateer. Pound published in London in 1691, “A New Mapp of
+New England,” of which only one copy is now known,[58] and which served
+as a basis for other charts for nearly fifty years after. The charge
+of piracy seems to have been dismissed at once for on Aug. 5, 1690,
+he was appointed captain of the frigate “Sally Rose,” of the Royal
+Navy. In 1697 his ship was stationed at Virginia under his old patron
+Governor Andros. In 1699, he retired to private life and died in 1703,
+at Isleworth, county Middlesex, a “gentleman,” and respected by friends
+and neighbors.[59]
+
+
+CAPTAIN POUND’S COMPANY OF PIRATES
+
+_Captain Thomas Pound_, pilot and sailing master on the “Rose”
+frigate; embarked from Boston in Hawkins’ boat; wounded in the fight
+at Tarpaulin Cove, shot in the side and arm and several bones taken
+out; found guilty but reprieved; sent to England where the charge
+was dismissed; given command of a ship, and died in 1703 in England,
+honored and respected.
+
+_Thomas Hawkins_, son of Capt. Thomas Hawkins, a Boston privateersman,
+and Mary his wife; found guilty but reprieved; sent to England but on
+the voyage was killed in an engagement with a French privateer off Cape
+Sable.
+
+_Thomas Johnston_, of Boston, “the limping privateer”; embarked from
+Boston in Hawkins’ boat; wounded in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove; shot
+in the jaw and several bones taken out; found guilty and hanged in
+Boston, Jan. 27, 1690; the only one of the company who was executed.
+
+_Eleazer Buck_, embarked from Boston in Hawkins’ boat; had seven holes
+shot through his arms in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove; found guilty but
+pardoned on payment of twenty marks.[60]
+
+_John Siccadam_, embarked from Boston in Hawkins’ boat; shot through
+both legs in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove; found guilty but pardoned on
+payment of twenty marks.
+
+_Richard Griffin_, of Boston, gunsmith, embarked from Boston in
+Hawkins’ boat; shot in the ear in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove, the
+bullet coming out through an eye which he lost; found guilty but
+pardoned on payment of twenty marks.
+
+_Benjamin Blake_, a boy, who embarked from Boston in Hawkins’ boat.
+
+_Daniel Lander_, came on board in a boat at Lovell’s Island, Boston
+harbor, and probably from the frigate “Rose”; shot through an arm in
+the fight at Tarpaulin Cove; found guilty but pardoned on payment of
+twenty marks.
+
+_William Warren_, came on board in a boat at Lovell’s Island, Boston
+harbor, and probably from the frigate “Rose”; shot in the head in the
+fight at Tarpaulin Cove; found guilty but pardoned on payment of twenty
+marks.
+
+_Samuel Watts_, came on board in a boat at Lovell’s Island, Boston
+harbor, and probably from the frigate “Rose”; found guilty but pardoned
+on payment of twenty marks.
+
+_William Dunn_, came on board in a boat at Lovell’s Island, Boston
+harbor, and probably from the frigate “Rose”; found guilty but pardoned
+on payment of twenty marks.
+
+_Henry Dipper_, a member of Governor Andros’ company of red coats,
+commanded by Francis Nicholson, the first English regulars to come
+to Massachusetts, brought over in 1686; came on board in a boat at
+Lovell’s Island, Boston harbor, probably from the frigate “Rose”;
+killed in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove or died of wounds soon after.
+
+_John Darby_, a Marblehead fisherman, one of the crew of the ketch
+“Mary,” of Salem, captured by Pound; voluntarily joined the expedition
+and was killed in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove; left a widow and four
+children living at Marblehead.
+
+_A Boy_, one of the crew of the ketch “Mary,” of Salem, captured by
+Pound; forced to join the expedition to serve as an interpreter as he
+could speak French.
+
+_John Hill_, a member of Governor Andros’ company of red coats,
+commanded by Francis Nicholson, the first English regulars to come
+to Massachusetts, brought over in 1686; was stationed at Fort Loyal,
+Falmouth, Maine, where he held the rank of corporal; deserted and
+joined the expedition; killed in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove.
+
+_John Watkins_, a soldier, one of the garrison at Fort Loyal, Falmouth,
+Maine; deserted and joined the expedition; killed in the fight at
+Tarpaulin Cove.
+
+_John Lord_, a soldier, one of the garrison at Fort Loyal, Falmouth,
+Maine; deserted and joined the expedition; killed in the fight at
+Tarpaulin Cove.
+
+_William Neff_, son of William and Mary Neff, born in 1667, in
+Haverhill, Mass.; his father, while in the military service against
+Indians, died in February, 1689, at Pemaquid, Maine; a soldier and one
+of the garrison at Fort Loyal, Falmouth, Maine; deserted and joined
+the expedition; was found not guilty of piracy as it was shown that he
+was “enticed and deluded away from the Garrison by his corporal,” John
+Hill; the Court discharged him he paying for a gun belonging to the
+country’s store.
+
+_William Bennett_, a soldier, one of the garrison at Fort Loyal,
+Falmouth, Maine; deserted and joined the expedition; was in prison at
+Boston, where he may have died as he never was brought to trial.
+
+_James Daniels_, a soldier, one of the garrison at Fort Loyal,
+Falmouth, Maine; deserted and joined the expedition; killed in the
+fight at Tarpaulin Cove.
+
+_Richard Phips_, a soldier, one of the garrison at Fort Loyal,
+Falmouth, Maine; deserted and joined the expedition; wounded in the
+head in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove; was in prison in Boston where he
+may have died as he never was brought to trial.
+
+_John Giddings_, joined the expedition at York River, Virginia, was
+wounded in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove and imprisoned in Boston, where
+he may have died as he never was brought to trial.
+
+_Edward Browne_, joined the expedition at York River, Virginia, and
+was wounded in a hand in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove; at the trial was
+found not guilty.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[42] Now the town of Wellfleet.
+
+[43] _Suffolk County Court Files_, No. 2539: 1.
+
+[44] Elsewhere written Allen Chard.
+
+[45] John Darby probably was one of the four pirates who were killed
+Oct. 4, 1689, in the fight with the Colony sloop “Mary,” Captain
+Pease, at Tarpaulin Cove. He had a wife and four children living at
+Marblehead. His estate was inventoried on June 17, 1690, and his widow
+on July 2, 1690, married John Woodbury of Beverly.
+
+[46] These men were Corporal John Hill, John Watkins, John Lord,
+William Neff, William Bennett, James Daniels, and Richard Phips.
+
+[47] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. CVII, leaves 277-279.
+
+[48] In Hawkins’ deposition called a _brigantine_.
+
+[49] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. XXXV, leaf 10a.
+
+[50] Captain Loper was a Portuguese whaler and oysterman who had been
+on the Cape since 1665.
+
+[51] _Suffolk Court Files_, No. 2539: 13.
+
+[52] _Ibid._
+
+[53] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. XXXV, leaf 31.
+
+[54] _Suffolk Court Files_, No. 2539: 9.
+
+[55] _Diary of Samuel Sewall_, Vol. I, p. 310.
+
+[56] £13.6.8.
+
+[57] _Gay Transcripts_, _Phips_ (Mass. Hist. Society), Vol. I, leaf 31.
+
+[58] In the Library of Congress collection.
+
+[59] Charnock, _Biographia Navalis_, Vol. II, p. 401.
+
+[60] £13.6.8.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V
+
+CAPT. WILLIAM KIDD, PRIVATEERSMAN AND REPUTED PIRATE
+
+
+Long after sunset in the evening of June 13, 1699, there came riding
+over Boston Neck, a weary horseman who inquired his way to the Blue
+Anchor Tavern, and after a hasty supper was directed to the fine brick
+house of Mr. Peter Sergeant where the Governor, the Earl of Bellomont,
+lately arrived from New York, was lodging. It was “late at night” when
+he reached the house but the Governor at once received him on learning
+that the stranger was Joseph Emmot, a New York lawyer with important
+news. In the Governor’s study the lawyer announced that he had come in
+behalf of Capt. William Kidd, the proscribed pirate, who had sailed
+from New York, Sept. 5, 1696, on a privateering venture against the
+pirates that went out from New England and New York and made captures
+about the island of Madagascar and on the Arabian coast.
+
+Captain Kidd’s appearance just at that time probably was not wholly
+unexpected by the Governor, as will be seen later, but his return
+unhappily called for an immediate decision as to what course should be
+pursued, for Governor Bellomont had a personal interest in the venture
+that had sent Kidd into the Eastern Seas. It was he who had obtained
+from the King the commission under which Captain Kidd sailed and he
+had also written the sailing orders by which Kidd was directed to
+“serve God in the best Manner you can” and after reaching “the Place
+and Station where you are to put the Powers you have in Execution:
+and having effected the same, you are according to Agreement, to sail
+directly to Boston in New England there to deliver unto me the whole
+of what Prizes, Treasure, Merchandizes, and other Things you shall
+have taken.... I pray God grant you a good success, and send us a good
+Meeting again,” concludes the noble Earl.
+
+The King’s commission to Captain Kidd was issued Jan. 26, 1696, and
+directed him to apprehend Thomas Tew of Rhode Island, Thomas Wake
+and William Maze of New York, John Ireland and “all other Pirates,
+Free-booters, and Sea Rovers, of what Nature soever ... upon the
+Coasts of America or in any other Seas or Parts.” In substance it was
+a special commission for the capture of Captain Tew and other known
+pirates, added to the usual powers granted to the privateer.
+
+Associated with Bellomont in this venture were Lord Somers, the Lord
+Chancellor; the Earl of Orford, the First Lord of the Admiralty; the
+Earl of Romney and the Duke of Shrewsbury, Secretaries of State; Robert
+Livingston, Esq. of New York, and Captain Kidd;[61] who had together
+subscribed £6000, with which to purchase and refit the ship “Adventure
+Galley,” 287 tons burthen, armed with thirty-four guns. Livingston and
+Kidd were to pay one-fifth of the cost and the remainder was to be met
+by the titled members of the Government in London.
+
+The Government undoubtedly was interested in the suppression of piracy
+along the American coast and elsewhere, but the particular interest
+of Bellomont and his associates seems to have been in the “Goods,
+Merchandizes, Treasure and other Things which shall be taken from the
+said Pirates,” one-fourth part of which, by agreement, was to go to the
+ship’s crew. The remainder was to be divided into five parts, “whereof
+the said Earl is to have to his own Use, Four full parts, and the other
+Fifth Part is to be equally divided between the said Robert Livingston
+and the said Wm. Kidd.”
+
+The agreement provided that Captain Kidd was to man the galley with
+a crew of one hundred men shipped under a “no purchase,[62] no pay”
+contract, and in case prize goods to the value of £100,000 or more
+were brought to Boston in New England and delivered to the Earl of
+Bellomont, that then the galley should become the property of Captain
+Kidd as a “Gratification for his Good Service therein.” If the venture
+was unsuccessful, all charges were to be repaid to Bellomont by Mar.
+25, 1697, “the Danger of the Seas, and of the Enemy, and Mortality of
+the said Captain Kidd, always excepted,” and then the galley and her
+fittings were to become the property of Livingston and Kidd.
+
+Nearly three years had passed since Captain Kidd had sailed from
+New York. In August, 1698, the East India Company had complained of
+piracies said to have been committed by him and four months later
+the Lords of Trade issued a letter urging the apprehension of “the
+obnoxious pirate Kidd.” In December, 1698, when a general pardon was
+extended to pirates who should surrender themselves, Kidd and “Long
+Ben” Avery, who was famous for his piracies on the Arabian coast, were
+excluded from the “Act of Grace.”
+
+On May 15, 1699, however, Bellomont wrote from New York to the Lords of
+Trade:
+
+“I am in hopes the several reports we have here of Captain Kidd’s being
+forced by his men against his will to plunder two Moorish ships may
+prove true, and ’tis said that neare one hundred of his men revolted
+from him at Madagascar and were about to kill him when he absolutely
+refused to turn pirate.”
+
+Richard Coote, the first Earl of Bellomont, had been appointed Governor
+of New England and New York in 1695. He made his headquarters in New
+York and it was not until May 26, 1699, that he visited Boston. On June
+1, 1699, Captain Kidd reached Delaware Bay. Did Bellomont know that
+he was coming and go to Boston to meet him, in accordance with their
+mutual agreement and also because he was afraid of the consequences if
+he tried to arrest him in New York as instructed by the Lords of Trade?
+On Dec. 6, 1700, Bellomont wrote from New York to Secretary Vernon:
+
+“I own I wrote to Kidd to come to New York after I knew he had turned
+pirate. Menacing him would not bring him but rather wheedling and that
+way I took and after that manner got him to Boston and secured him. If
+I was faulty by the letter I wrote by Burgesse, I was no less so by
+that I sent by Cambel which brought him to Boston.”
+
+Whatever the circumstances or coincidence, Governor Bellomont came over
+the road from his New York government and arrived in Boston on Friday,
+May 26, 1699, where he lodged with Mr. Peter Sergeant in what was
+afterwards known as the “Province House”--the home of the provincial
+governors--and here he received “late at night” on the evening of
+June 13th, Mr. Joseph Emmot, the New York lawyer who specialized in
+admiralty cases.
+
+The Governor afterwards reported to the Council of Trade and
+Plantations that during that midnight conference he learned that
+Captain Kidd was on the coast in a sloop (Emmot would not say where)
+and had brought with him sixty pounds weight of gold, a hundred weight
+of silver and a number of bales of East India goods and that Kidd had
+left near the coast of Hispaniola, in a place where no one but himself
+could find, a great ship loaded with bale goods, saltpetre and other
+valuable commodities, to the value of at least £30,000. Emmot brought
+word that if the Governor would give Captain Kidd a pardon he would
+bring the sloop and treasure to Boston and afterwards go for the great
+ship. Emmot also delivered to Bellomont two French passes which Captain
+Kidd had taken on board two Moorish ships that he had captured in the
+seas of India, “or, as he alleges by his men against his will.”[63]
+These two ship’s passes were evidence that the prizes taken were lawful
+spoil under his commission. It was the suppression of this evidence and
+Captain Kidd’s inability to produce them at the time of his trial that
+contributed largely to his conviction and execution.
+
+When Governor Bellomont learned of the great value of the booty brought
+back by Captain Kidd he probably experienced conflicting emotions.
+Here was plunder to the value of £40,000 or more in which he and his
+associates might have had a considerable interest and yet, it must slip
+through his fingers because it chanced that Kidd had been proscribed
+as a pirate on Nov. 23, 1698, at the instigation of an interfering
+East India Company. Bellomont’s instructions from London required that
+Kidd, his late associate and co-partner, should be arrested and as he
+had been sent to New York with a special mission to suppress piracy and
+unlawful trading and there seemed to be no way out by which he might
+now share in the loot, unless Kidd could be cleared of the charge of
+piracy, there was nothing for him to do but to secure Kidd and send him
+to London for trial in accordance with the English law. He therefore
+sent for Duncan Campbell, the postmaster in Boston, a bookseller, who
+like Captain Kidd, was a Scotchman and an old acquaintance of the
+captain and instructed him to go with Emmot and obtain from Kidd a
+statement of what had taken place during his voyage.
+
+Campbell and Emmot sailed from Boston in a small sloop on the morning
+of June 17th and about three leagues from Block Island met the sloop
+commanded by Captain Kidd who at that time had sixteen men on board.
+Seemingly both captain and crew felt reasonably sure of Bellomont’s
+protection, but Campbell brought back word to the Governor that they
+had heard in the West Indies of their having been proclaimed pirates
+and therefore the crew would not consent to come into any port without
+some assurance from Bellomont that they would not be imprisoned or
+molested. Captain Kidd had related in much detail the occurrences of
+his privateering voyage and had protested with much earnestness that
+he had done nothing contrary to his commission and orders aside from
+what he was forced to do when overpowered by his men who afterwards
+deserted. The crew on board the sloop also solemnly protested their
+innocence of piracy. Kidd sent word to Bellomont that if so directed he
+would navigate the sloop to England and there render an account of his
+proceedings.[64]
+
+Duncan Campbell returned to Boston on June 19 and reported to the
+Governor in writing and the same day a meeting of the Council was held
+at which Bellomont announced for the first time the return of Captain
+Kidd and presented the report just made by Postmaster Campbell. The
+Governor also exhibited a draft of a letter which he proposed to send
+to Captain Kidd and this was approved by the Council and given to Emmot
+with instructions to deliver it to Kidd. This letter was in substance a
+safe conduct and in part reads as follows:[65]
+
+“I have advised with His Majesty’s Council, and shewed them this
+letter, and they are of the opinion that if your case be so clear as
+you (or Mr. Emmot for you) have said, that you may safely come hither,
+and be equipped and fitted out to go and fetch the other ship, and I
+make no manner of doubt but to obtain the King’s pardon for you, and
+for those few men you have left, who I understand have been faithful
+to you, and refused as well to dishonour the Commission you have from
+England.
+
+“I assure you on my Word and Honour I will perform nicely what I have
+promised though this I declare beforehand that whatever goods and
+treasure you may bring hither, I will not meddle with the least bit of
+them; but they shall be left with such persons as the Council shall
+advise until I receive orders from England how they shall be disposed
+of.”
+
+Captain Kidd seems to have taken Bellomont’s assurances at face value,
+but nevertheless he decided to get rid of most of his valuable cargo
+before sailing for Boston; so he set a course for Gardiner’s Island
+at the eastern end of Long Island, where Emmot left him and returned
+to New York in a small boat. Kidd lay at anchor here for several
+days. Three or four small sloops appeared in which chests and bales
+of goods were transshipped and finally Kidd sent for John Gardiner,
+the owner of the island, and asked him to take charge of a chest and a
+box containing gold dust with several bales of goods, all of which he
+assured him were intended for Governor Bellomont. Gardiner consented
+and gave him a receipt. Meanwhile Mrs. Kidd[66] and her children had
+come from New York, and taking on board Benjamin Bevins, a pilot, Kidd
+sailed around the Cape and reached Boston Harbor on Saturday, July 1st,
+where tide waiters were put on board the sloop and the captain and his
+wife found lodgings at the house of Postmaster Campbell.
+
+The Governor was sick with the gout when Kidd reached Boston, but on
+Monday, July 3d, he met with the Council and Captain Kidd was sent for
+and questioned. He asked leave to make a detailed report in writing.
+The next day he was present with five of his company and was questioned
+further and allowed more time in which to prepare his report. On
+Thursday morning at nine o’clock, he was sent for again and informed
+the Council that his report would be ready that evening. It was at
+this meeting that the Governor first informed the Council that he had
+instructions to arrest Kidd and his men and that afternoon the warrants
+were issued. It chanced that the constables looking for Captain Kidd
+came upon him near the Sergeant house where the Governor lodged and
+when Kidd found that he was in danger of arrest he ran into the house
+with the constables after him, in the hope of finding a refuge in the
+Governor’s study. It was a dramatic situation and Captain Kidd at once
+found that Bellomont’s fair assurances of protection were worthless.
+
+At first Kidd was confined in the house of the prison-keeper, but after
+a day or two he was ordered placed in the stone gaol and kept in irons.
+His lodgings were searched and in two sea beds were found gold dust and
+ingots to the value of about £1000 and a bag of silver containing money
+and pigs of silver. Even the household plate and clothing belonging to
+Mrs. Kidd were seized, though afterwards restored.
+
+On July 26th, Governor Bellomont wrote to the Lords of Trade and
+Plantations giving a full account of what had taken place and asked
+what should be done with Kidd and other pirates then in custody.
+At that time a pirate could not be convicted in the Province of
+Massachusetts and be punished by death. The English statute provided
+that pirates should be tried before a High Court of Admiralty sitting
+in London and this made it necessary to send Kidd to England.
+
+On Feb. 6, 1700, His Majesty’s ship “Advice” arrived in Boston harbor
+with orders to convey Kidd, Bradish and other pirates to England
+for trial. Ten days later they were safely on board and on April
+8th Kidd was in England, arriving just as Parliament was proceeding
+in “An humble address to his Majesty to remove John, Lord Somers,
+Lord Chancellor of England, from his presence and counsels forever.”
+Lord Somers with other members of the existing Government had been
+associated with Bellomont in sending out Kidd and his return in irons
+just at that time, accused of piracy, supplied ammunition for the
+Opposition and made his case a political issue.
+
+Another powerful influence was working for Kidd’s destruction. He had
+been denounced as a pirate by the East India Company which enjoyed
+a monopoly of English trade in the Indian Seas and confiscated the
+ships and goods of private traders as it pleased. Kidd was accused of
+seizing two ships belonging to the Great Mogul with whom the East India
+Company desired to remain on friendly terms. His defense was that the
+two captured ships sailed under French passes issued by the French
+East India Company and therefore they automatically became enemy ships
+and lawful prizes, when taken by him. It was upon the existence of
+these two French passes that his life then depended. Even his enemies
+admitted that their introduction as evidence at his trial would go a
+long way to clear him of the charge of piracy. The original documents
+had been turned over by him in good faith to Bellomont and in turn had
+been sent to the Lords of Trade. They were before the House of Commons
+during the examination of Kidd, but when he was brought to trial before
+the Court of Admiralty, they had strangely disappeared and Kidd was
+deprived of the very cornerstone of his defense. Political exigencies
+demanded that he should become a scapegoat and the life-saving passes
+disappeared. Strangely enough, however, they were not destroyed at the
+time and have recently come to light[67] in the Public Record Office,
+so that two centuries after Captain Kidd was ignominiously executed for
+piracy it becomes possible to reestablish his fame as a master mariner
+of good repute and a privateersman who attacked only the ships of the
+enemies of the King of England.
+
+Captain Kidd remained in gaol for over a year before he was brought to
+trial and then not for piracy, as he had expected, “but being moved and
+seduced by the instigations of the Devil ... he did make an assault in
+and upon William Moore upon the high seas ... with a certain wooden
+bucket, bound with iron hoops, of the value of eight pence, giving the
+said William Moore ... one mortal bruise of which the aforesaid William
+Moore did languish and die.” William Moore had been the gunner on the
+“Adventure Galley,” Captain Kidd’s vessel, and during an altercation,
+Kidd had struck him on the right side of the head with an iron-bound
+bucket. He died the next day in consequence. Kidd’s defense was that
+Moore was the leader of a mutinous crew; but it is evident from
+the minutes of the trial that there was no question as to what the
+verdict would be. At the most he should only have been convicted of
+manslaughter. The jury found him guilty of murder.
+
+Having made certain that Kidd would be hanged, the Court next ordered
+him brought to trial under an indictment for piracy. He asked
+postponement until his papers and particularly the two French passes
+could be obtained and submitted as evidence, but without avail. The
+Lord Chief Baron, in summing up the evidence even went so far as to
+suggest that they existed only in Kidd’s imagination. With the East
+India Company forcing a prosecution and the Lord Chancellor and other
+high officials in danger should he make damaging disclosures, it was
+only a question of time. Kidd hadn’t a ghost of a chance for his life.
+
+After sentence had been pronounced, Captain Kidd said: “My Lord, it is
+a very hard sentence. For my part I am innocentest of them all, only I
+have been sworn against by perjured persons.” And he told the truth.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+                       A FULL
+
+                       ACCOUNT
+
+                       OF THE
+
+                     PROCEEDINGS
+
+                   In Relation to
+
+                     Capt. KIDD.
+
+                   In two LETTERS.
+
+         Written by a Person of Quality to a
+           Kinsman of the Earl of _Bellomont_
+           in _Ireland_.
+
+                      _LONDON_,
+
+ Printed and Sold by the Booksellers of _London_ and
+                _Westminster_. MDCCI.
+]
+
+On May 23, 1721, he was hanged at Execution Dock, on the Thames water
+front at Wapping, after which his body was placed in chains and
+gibbetted on the shore near Tilbury Fort, in the lower reaches of the
+river.
+
+Captain Kidd as he is recalled today is a composite type. All the
+pirates who have frequented the New England coast have become blended
+into one and that one--Captain Kidd. A credulous public even denies him
+his own name and sings of Robert Kidd in the famous ballad:--
+
+    My name was Robert Kidd, when I sail’d, when I sail’d,
+      My name was Robert Kidd, when I sail’d;
+    My name was Robert Kidd, God’s law I did forbid,
+      And so wickedly I did, when I sail’d.
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+    I’d a Bible in my hand, when I sail’d, when I sail’d,
+      I’d a Bible in my hand, when I sail’d;
+    I’d a Bible in my hand, by my father’s great command,
+      But I sunk it in the sand, when I sail’d.
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+    I murder’d William Moore, as I sail’d, as I sail’d,
+      I murder’d William Moore, as I sail’d;
+    I murder’d William Moore, and left him in his gore,
+      Not many leagues from shore, as I sail’d.
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+    I’d ninety bars of gold, as I sail’d, as I sail’d,
+      I’d ninety bars of gold, as I sail’d;
+    I’d ninety bars of gold, and dollars manifold,
+      With riches uncontroll’d, as I sail’d.
+
+           *       *       *       *       *
+
+    Come all ye young and old, see me die, see me die,
+      Come all ye young and old, see me die;
+    Come all ye young and old, you’re welcome to my gold,
+      For by it I’ve lost my soul, and must die.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[61] Capt. William Kidd was born in Greenock, Scotland, about 1655
+and probably was the son of Rev. John Kidd who suffered the torture
+of the boot. In August, 1689, he arrived at the island of Nevis, in
+the West Indies, in command of a privateer of sixteen guns that had
+been taken from the French at Basseterre by the English members of her
+crew. The next year his privateer took part in Hewetson’s expedition to
+Mariegalante; but in February, 1691, while he was on shore, his company
+deserted him and ran away with the vessel. Most of the crew were former
+pirates and liked their old trade better. A month later he reached New
+York where he obtained command of another privateer and before long
+brought in a French ship. The last of May, 1691, the Government sent
+him out in pursuit of a French privateer which he followed so leisurely
+that she escaped. Arriving at Boston, June 8th, he received proposals
+to go in search of the privateer which were not satisfactory to him and
+further negotiations were without result, so that complaint was made to
+the Governor of New York that Kidd neglected a fair opportunity to take
+her. In August, 1695, he was in London, in command of the brigantine
+“Antego,” and while there testified as to the irregularities existing
+in New York. Two months later, on October 10th, he signed articles with
+the Earl of Bellomont which sent him to the Indian ocean and later to
+Execution Dock on the Thames.
+
+[62] Prizes.
+
+[63] _Calendars of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1699, pp.
+366-367.
+
+[64] _Calendars of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1699, p. 371.
+
+[65] The original letter is now preserved in the Boston Public Library.
+
+[66] Captain Kidd married in May, 1691, Sarah Oort, the widow of John
+Oort, merchant of New York.
+
+[67] See Paine, _The Book of Buried Treasure_, page 104, for a
+photographic reproduction.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI
+
+THOMAS TEW, WHO RETIRED AND LIVED AT NEWPORT
+
+
+Privateering was a thriving business during the last half of the
+seventeenth century, and commissions were issued in large numbers by
+all the colonial governors in America.
+
+In 1691, Thomas Tew, a young seaman hailing from Rhode Island in
+New England, came into Bermuda with gold in his pockets and after a
+time purchased a share in the sloop “Amity,” owned by merchants and
+officials living on the island, among whom were Thomas Hall, Richard
+Gilbert, John Dickenson, Col. Anthony White and William Outerbridge.
+The latter was a member of the Governor’s Council. Tew claimed to
+belong to a good Rhode Island family that had been living there since
+1640,[68] and having interested his part-owners in the “Amity,” a
+privateering commission was obtained from the governor and beating up a
+willing crew of volunteers, the sloop, with Tew in command, was shortly
+on her eastward passage.
+
+It was afterwards claimed by one Weaver, counselor for the King in the
+prosecution of Governor Fletcher of New York, that during Tew’s stay
+at Bermuda “it was a thing notoriously known to everyone that he had
+before then been a pirate”;[69] and a sailor who had known him well
+testified that he “had been rambling.” When Tew sailed from Bermuda
+there went in company with him another privateer sloop commanded by
+Capt. George Drew, fitted out by the governor, and the commissions
+issued to these captains instructed them to take the French factory at
+Goree, on the river Gambia, on the west coast of Africa.
+
+On the voyage out a violent storm came up; Captain Drew’s sloop sprung
+her mast and the two vessels lost sight of each other. A morning or
+two after the gale had spent itself Captain Tew ordered all hands on
+deck and told them that they probably realized the proposed attack on
+the French factory would be of little value to the public and of no
+particular reward to them for their bravery. As for booty, there was
+not the least prospect of any. Speaking for himself, he had only agreed
+to take a commission for the sake of being employed and therefore he
+was of the opinion they should turn their thoughts to bettering their
+condition and if so inclined he would shape a course that would lead
+to ease and plenty for the rest of their days. The ship’s company
+undoubtedly were prepared for Captain Tew’s proposal for we are told
+that they unanimously cried out, “A gold chain or a wooden leg--we’ll
+stand by you.”[70]
+
+A quartermaster was then chosen to look out for the interests of the
+ship’s company and instead of continuing the voyage to Gambia, a
+course was made for the Cape of Good Hope and in time the Red Sea was
+reached. Just as they were entering the Strait of Babelmandeb, a large
+and richly laden Arabian vessel hove in sight carrying about three
+hundred soldiers and much gold. Tew told his men that this was their
+opportunity to strike for fortune and although it was apparent that
+the ship was full of men and mounted a great number of guns, the Arabs
+would be lacking in skill and courage; which proved true for she was
+taken without loss. Each man’s share in the gold and jewels amounted
+to over three thousand pounds sterling and the store of powder was so
+great that much was thrown overboard.
+
+From the Strait they steered for Madagascar where the quartermaster
+and twenty-three others elected to leave the ship and settle there
+proposing to enjoy a life of ease in a delightful climate producing
+all the necessaries for existence. The rest of the company remained
+with Captain Tew who planned to return to America. The sloop sailed but
+before getting out of sight of land sighted a ship and Tew, thinking to
+return home somewhat richer, stood towards her and when within gunshot
+hoisted black colors and fired a gun to windward. The stranger hove to
+and fired a gun to leeward and hoisting out a boat Captain Tew soon
+learned that he had intercepted Captain Mission, a famous pirate in
+those parts who had come out from France with a privateering commission
+and some time before had established a settlement on Madagascar and
+named it Libertatia.
+
+Captain Tew was invited on board the “Victoire,” Captain Mission’s
+ship, and after being handsomely entertained was invited to visit the
+pirate colony that had been set up at Libertatia. On returning to the
+sloop and telling his men what he had learned, the company consented
+and Mission’s ship was followed until the harbor was reached which they
+were much surprised to see was well fortified. The first fort saluted
+them with nine guns and the company on shore received Captain Tew and
+his men with great civility. He was soon invited to take part in a
+council of officers to consider what should be done with the large
+number of prisoners brought in by Mission. Seventy-three of these men,
+English and Portuguese, took on and the rest were set at work on a dock
+in process of construction about half a mile above the mouth of the
+harbor.
+
+Tew and his men were charmed with the settlement and the new friends
+they had made and here they remained until Captain Mission, desiring
+to strengthen his colony, decided to send a ship to Guinea to seize
+slaving ships frequenting that coast. He offered the command of this
+expedition to Captain Tew and gave him a crew of two hundred men
+composed of thirty English and the rest French, Portuguese and negroes.
+
+Tew didn’t sight a vessel until in the Atlantic, north of the Cape of
+Good Hope, where he fell in with a Dutch East Indiaman of eighteen guns
+which he took with the loss of but one man and secured several chests
+filled with English crowns. Nine of the Dutchmen joined his company and
+the rest were set ashore in Soldinia Bay. On the coast of Angola he
+took an English vessel with two hundred and forty slaves aboard among
+whom the negroes in his crew found relatives. These men told the slaves
+of the happy life they lead in Madagascar where none lived in slavery
+and so prepared, their leg irons and handcuffs were taken off and a
+course was made for Libertatia where the captured slaves were set at
+work on the dock.
+
+After his return Captain Tew was given command of a sloop mounting
+eight guns and manned with one hundred men and with the schoolmaster in
+command of another sloop of about the same size, made a voyage around
+Madagascar charting the coast and discovering the shoals and depths of
+water. Tew’s sloop was called the “Liberty.” The schoolmaster commanded
+the “Childhood”; and the expedition was absent nearly four months.
+
+Not long after this Captain Tew proposed that he should return to
+America and arrange with merchants to send to Madagascar ship’s stores,
+clothing and a variety of luxuries needed for the safety and comfort
+of the pirate colony. Some of his men also wished to return to their
+families, and so the “Amity” was refitted and Tew set a course for
+the Cape and soon was in the South Atlantic bound for the island of
+Bermuda. Contrary winds prevented, however, and running into a brisk
+gale he sprung his mast and after beating about for a fortnight at last
+made his old home at Newport, R. I., where he was received with much
+respect when his prosperous “privateering” voyage became known.
+
+From here he dispatched an account to his part-owners in Bermuda and an
+order for them to send an agent to receive their share in the produce
+of the voyage and a few weeks later a sloop arrived, commanded by one
+Captain Stone, who, some years after testified that when he presented
+his order to Captain Tew from the Bermuda owners, he found that part of
+the money was buried in the ground at Newport and for the remainder he
+was obliged to go to Boston.[71]
+
+Outerbridge, the councillor, received £540 left by Tew in Boston and
+his entire share in the proceeds of the voyage amounted to over £3000,
+which reached him in the form of “Lyon dollars and Arabian gold.” The
+pieces of Arabian gold were then worth about two Spanish dollars and
+soon were common in Rhode Island and New York. Tew’s share in the
+proceeds amounted to about £8000.
+
+Some ten years later, when Kidd and Bradish had been hanged and the
+Council of Trade was busily engaged in stirring up matters supposedly
+overlooked or forgotten, an officious agent of the Council appeared
+at Bermuda and began to uncover the close relations existing between
+pirates and prominent merchants and officials in the islands. Some of
+the facts concerning Outerbridge, Colonel White and others then came
+out and were reported to London. The agent was George Larkin and he
+brought a commission as Judge of an Admiralty Court which very soon was
+ignored and when his true activities were recognized he was threatened
+and various complaints were made under oath and at last he was arrested
+“by the Marshall with a file of musqueteers and taken to the castle,
+a forlorne place, where there is but one room and the waves of the
+sea beat over the platform into it in stormy weather.... The Clerk
+of the Justices came to the Islands, a fidler in a Pyrate ship and
+the proceedings here against me differ in few circumstances from the
+Inquisition till they come to the Rack.”[72]
+
+Captain Tew when in Boston had applied to the governor for a new
+privateering commission and been refused but found no considerable
+objection in Rhode Island although it cost him £500. In New York, he
+found Frederick Phillips not averse to making profitable voyages to
+Madagascar and soon the ship “Frederick” was dispatched with a full
+cargo and seven years later the Rev. John Higginson of Salem, when
+writing to his son Nathaniel, in command of Fort George, at Madras,
+reported the current rumor that Phillips had attained an estate of
+£100,000, much of it gained in the pirate trade to Madagascar.
+
+Having completed his arrangements, Tew set sail with a commission
+authorizing him to seize the ships of France and the enemies of the
+Crown of England and in a few weeks had rounded the Cape and was at
+anchor in the harbor at Libertatia.
+
+Not long after his return he went out with Captain Mission on a cruise
+to the Red Sea, each in command of a ship manned by about two hundred
+and fifty men including many negroes. Off the coast of Arabia Felix
+they came upon a large ship belonging to the Great Mogul with more than
+a thousand pilgrims on board bound for Mecca. The ship carried one
+hundred and ten guns but made a poor defence and was boarded and taken
+without the loss of a single man. After a consultation it was decided
+to put the prisoners ashore near Aden, but as they wanted women, over
+one hundred unmarried girls, from twelve to eighteen years old, were
+kept notwithstanding their tears and the lamentations of their parents.
+With the large ship in company they made their way back to Libertatia
+where they found in her hold a vast quantity of diamonds, besides rich
+silks, spices, rugs and wrought and bar gold.
+
+The prize was a heavy sailer and of no use so she was taken to pieces
+and her guns mounted in two batteries near the mouth of the harbor.
+The settlement was now so strongly fortified that there was little
+danger of successful attack from shipping. By this time they had also
+cleared and cultivated a considerable area of land and had in pasturage
+over three hundred black cattle. The dock was finished and all were
+living comfortably and happily each supplied according to taste and
+nationality with several white, yellow or black wives.
+
+One morning a sloop that had been sent out to exercise the negroes,
+came back chased by five tall ships which proved to be fifty-gun ships
+flying the Portuguese flag. The alarm was given and all the forts and
+batteries manned. Tew commanded the English and Mission commanded the
+French and the negroes. The two forts at the entrance to the harbor
+didn’t stop the ships, though one was brought on the careen, but once
+inside, the forts, batteries, sloops and ships gave them so warm a
+reception that two of them sank and many men were drowned. Having
+entered just before the turn of the tide, the other ships, with the
+help of the ebb tide, made haste to escape; but they were followed by
+the ships and sloops in the harbor and in the bay, after a running
+fight, one was taken that greatly increased the store of powder and
+shot in the magazine. The other two escaped but in crippled condition.
+This was the engagement with the pirates that made so much noise in
+Europe and America.
+
+Captain Tew was now made admiral of their fleet and proposed building
+an arsenal, which was agreed upon. He also proposed going on a cruise,
+hoping to meet East India ships and bring in some volunteers, for
+he thought the colony at that time more in need of men than riches.
+The flagship “Victoire” was accordingly fitted out and manned with
+three hundred men and Tew put to sea intending to call first at the
+settlement made by his former quartermaster and men, where, coming to
+anchor, he went ashore. The governor, _alias_ quartermaster, received
+him civilly but could not be persuaded to agree upon a change in his
+comfortable situation where his company enjoyed all the necessaries of
+life and were free and independent of all the world.
+
+Late that afternoon, while they were drinking a bowl of punch, a
+violent storm came up suddenly with so high a sea that Captain Tew
+could not go out to his ship. The storm increased and in less than two
+hours the “Victoire” parted her cables and was driven ashore on a steep
+point where everyone on board was drowned in sight of Tew who could
+give no assistance. Not knowing which way to turn he remained with his
+former men hoping that Captain Mission in time might come in search of
+him, which happened a few weeks later.
+
+One morning two sloops came to anchor off-shore and soon a canoe was
+hoisted out and brought Captain Mission ashore. He brought doleful
+news. At dead of night two great bodies of natives had come down on
+the pirate settlement and slaughtered men, women and children without
+mercy. The absence of the three hundred men on the “Victoire” and the
+sailing about the same time of another pirate ship, the “Bijoux,” had
+so weakened the settlement that the natives soon prevailed through
+sheer force of numbers and Captain Mission escaped with only forty-five
+men. He was able, however, to bring away with him a considerable weight
+of rough diamonds and bar gold.
+
+The two captains condoled with each other over their misfortunes and
+Tew at last proposed that they abandon further roving and return to
+America where, with the riches that remained to them, they could live
+in comfort and safety for the rest of their lives. Mission was a
+Frenchman and could not think of retiring from active life until he
+had visited his family, but he gave up one of the sloops to Tew and
+divided with him the diamonds and gold that had been saved.
+
+A week later the two captains sailed, Mission having fifteen Frenchmen
+and Portuguese in his sloop and Tew taking thirty-four English in the
+sloop commanded by him. They shaped a course for the Guinea Coast, but
+off Infantes, before reaching the Cape, they were overtaken by a storm
+in which the unhappy Mission’s sloop went down within a musket shot of
+Captain Tew who could give no assistance.
+
+Captain Tew continued his course for America and reached Newport
+safely where his men took their share of diamonds and gold and quietly
+dispersed as they thought best while Tew settled down among his
+former acquaintances to spend a tranquil life. He lived unquestioned
+and with his easy fortune might in time have married the daughter
+of some neighbor and spent the remainder of his days as a retired
+privateersman. One of his company, Thomas Jones, who had formerly
+sailed with “Long Ben” Avery, married Penelope Goulden and also settled
+down and lived in Rhode Island, but others, who continued to live there
+or elsewhere in the province, soon squandered their shares and began
+soliciting him to make another voyage. For a time he refused until
+at last a considerable number of resolute lads came in a body and so
+earnestly begged him to head them for one more voyage that he finally
+agreed.
+
+His frequent journeys to New York in connection with shipments to
+Madagascar and more recently for the purpose of disposing of some part
+of his store of diamonds, had given him an acquaintance with Governor
+Fletcher, so in October, 1694, he presented himself at the Governor’s
+mansion for the purpose of obtaining a privateering commission.
+Governor Fletcher, like some other colonial governors, was always ready
+to turn “an honest penny” and on Nov. 8, 1694, Tew was in possession of
+the desired commission it having cost him exactly £300.
+
+It was afterwards claimed by the Attorney General of New York in a
+report to the Earl of Bellomont, the succeeding governor, that it was
+well-known in New York that Captain Tew had been roving in the Red Sea
+and had made much money. “He had brought his spoil to Rhode Island and
+his crew dispersed in Boston where they shewed themselves publicly. In
+1694 or 1695 Tew came to New York, where Governor Fletcher entertained
+him and drove him about in his coach, though Tew publicly declared that
+he would make another voyage to the Red Sea and make New York his port
+of return.... He fitted out his sloop in Rhode Island, whence he sailed
+to the Red Sea and there died or was killed. His crew picked up another
+ship at Madagascar.”[73]
+
+Governor Bellomont sent numerous dispatches to the Lords of Trade
+describing in much detail the relations of his predecessor in office
+with those who had sailed “on the account,” armed with privateering
+commissions issued by Fletcher. He wrote that many pirates in the Red
+Sea and elsewhere had been fitted out in New York or Rhode Island. The
+ships commanded by Mason, Tew, Glover and Hore were commissioned by
+Governor Fletcher. Everybody knew at the time they were bound for the
+Red Sea, “being openly declared by the captains so as to enable them
+to raise men and proceed on their voyage quickly.... Captain Tew, who
+had before been a notorious pirate, on his return from the East Indies
+with great riches visited New York, where, although a man of infamous
+character, he was received and caressed by Governor Fletcher, dined and
+supped often with him and appeared publicly in his coach. They also
+exchanged presents, such as gold watches, with each other.”[74]
+
+Governor Fletcher, on the other hand, protested that Captain Tew had
+produced a commission from the Governor of Bermuda and accordingly
+he had granted him another to make war against the French. “Captain
+Tew brought no ship into this port. He came as a stranger and came to
+my table like other strangers who visit this province. He told me he
+had a sloop well manned and gave bond to fight the French at the mouth
+of Canada river, whereupon I gave him a commission and instructions
+accordingly.... It may be my misfortune, but not my crime, if they turn
+pirates. I have heard of none yet that have done so.”
+
+“Tew appeared to me,” wrote the disingenuous governor, “not only a man
+of courage and activity, but of the greatest sense and remembrance
+of what he had seen of any seaman that I ever met with. He was also
+what is called a very pleasant man, so that some times after the day’s
+labour was done, it was divertisement as well as information to me
+to hear him talk. I wished in my mind to make him a sober man, and
+in particular to cure him of a vile habit of swearing. I gave him a
+book for that purpose, and to gain the more upon him I gave him a gun
+of some value. In return he made me a present which was a curiosity,
+though in value not much.”[75]
+
+Tew’s commission was signed by Gov. Benjamin Fletcher and countersigned
+by his private secretary, Daniel Honan, but his bond was signed by
+Edward Coates, a notorious pirate, so it was said, and by John Feny, “a
+Popist tailor of this city and a beggar.”[76]
+
+Meanwhile, reasonably certain of securing his commission, Tew had been
+busily engaged in fitting out his sloop for the new venture. He made no
+bones about his intentions and such was his sense of security that he
+talked freely with neighbors and also strangers.
+
+A traveller passing through Newport in October, 1694, records that
+he then saw three vessels fitting out. One of them, a sloop, was
+commanded by Thomas Tew or Tue, whom he had known in Jamaica, twelve
+years before. “He was free in discourse with me and declared that he
+was last year in the Red Sea; that he had taken a rich ship belonging
+to the Mogul and had received for his owner’s dividend and his sloop’s
+twelve thousand odd hundred pounds, while his men had received upwards
+of a thousand pounds each. When I returned to Boston there was another
+barque of about thirty tons ready to sail and join Tew in the same
+account. I was likewise advised of another that had sailed from the
+Whore Kills in Pennsylvania, and that one or two were since gone on the
+same account. I understand that two of the four that I saw are returned
+with great booty.”[77]
+
+“Captain Tew had a commission from the Governor of New York to cruise
+against the French,” afterwards wrote Governor Bellomont. “He came out
+on pretence of loading negroes at Madagascar, but his design was always
+to go into the seas, having about seventy men on his sloop of sixty
+tons. He made a voyage three years ago in which his share was £8000.
+Want was then his mate. He then went to New England and the Governor
+would not receive him; then to New York where Governor Fletcher
+protected him. Colonel Fletcher told Tew he should not come there again
+unless he brought store of money, and it is said that Tew gave him
+£300 for his commission. He is gone to make a voyage in the Red Sea,
+and if he makes his voyage will be back about this time. This is the
+third time that Tew has gone out, breaking up for the first time in New
+England and the second time in New York. The place that receives them
+is chiefly Madagascar, where they must touch both going and coming. All
+the ships that are now out are from New England, except Tew from New
+York and Want from Carolina. They build their ships in New England, but
+come out under pretence of trading from island to island. The money
+they bring in is current there and the people know very well where they
+go. One Captain Gough who keeps a mercer’s shop at Boston got a good
+estate in this way. On first coming out they generally go first to
+the Isle of May for salt, then to Fernando for water, then round the
+Cape of Good Hope to Madagascar to victual and water and so for Batsky
+[_sic_] where they wait for the traders between Surat and Mecca and
+Tuda, who must come at a certain time because of the trade wind. When
+they come back they have no place to go to but Providence, Carolina,
+New York, New England and Rhode Island, where they all along have been
+kindly received.”[78]
+
+Captain Tew sailed from Newport in the sloop “Amity,” in November,
+1694, and was joined by Captain Want in a brigantine and Captain
+Wake[79] in another small vessel that had been fitted out at Boston.
+Want was Tew’s mate on the first voyage and returned with him and
+spent his share of the plunder in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. On
+the present voyage, Thomas Jones of Newport was also associated with
+him. One Captain Glover, in a ship owned by New York merchants, is also
+said to have joined Tew’s fleet and to have remitted to his owners the
+value of the vessel. Probably Tew’s gold may have made the restitution
+possible.[80]
+
+In June, 1695, Captain Tew was at Liparau island at the mouth of the
+Red Sea, where with other English vessels he joined the fleet commanded
+by Captain Avery. Tew at that time had a crew of about forty men. After
+lying there some time Avery sent a pinnace to Mocha and took two men
+who gave them information as to the ships coming down. They then stood
+out to sea and five or six days later the Moors’ ships, twenty-five in
+number, passed them in the night. Hearing of this from a captured junk
+they followed. The “Amity” was a bad sailer and fell astern and never
+came up. The rest of the fleet overtook one of the Moorish vessels and
+captured her after having fired three shots and found on board £60,000
+in gold and silver. Soon another ship was taken after a fight of three
+hours. The loot of this vessel was so great that each of the one
+hundred and eighty men engaged received as his share over £1000. There
+was a great quantity of jewels and a saddle and bridle set with rubies
+designed as a present for the Great Mogul.[81]
+
+After this fight, mention of Captain Tew disappears from all
+contemporary sources of information save the passing allusions made
+by the Attorney General of New York in his report to the Earl of
+Bellomont (see page 93). It therefore is highly probable that there
+may be foundation for the statement by Captain Johnson in his “History
+of the Pirates,” that Captain Tew “attack’d a Ship belonging to the
+Great _Mogul_; in the Engagement, a Shot carried away the Rim of
+_Tew’s_ Belly, who held his Bowels with his Hands some small Space;
+when he dropp’d it struck such a Terror in his men, that they suffered
+themselves to be taken, without making Resistance.”
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[68] Richard Tew came from Maidford, co. Northampton, England, and
+settled at Newport, R. I., in 1640, where he was a prominent citizen.
+He served as deputy and assistant and was named in the charter granted
+in 1663. Thomas Tew undoubtedly was his grandson. It was a well-known
+family in Rhode Island and highly respected.
+
+[69] _Calendar of State Papers, America and the West Indies_, 1699, p.
+44.
+
+[70] Johnson, _History of the Pirates_, London, 1726.
+
+[71] _Calendar of State Papers, America and the West Indies_,
+1702-1703, p. 1014.
+
+[72] _Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1702-1703, p.
+237.
+
+[73] _Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1697-1698, p.
+860.
+
+[74] _Ibid._, 1697-1698, p. 473.
+
+[75] _Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1697-1698, p.
+587.
+
+[76] _Ibid._, 1697-1698, p. 473.
+
+[77] John Graves, in a letter printed in the _Calendar of State Papers,
+America and West Indies_, 1696-1697, p. 744.
+
+[78] _Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1696-1697,
+pp. 259-260.
+
+[79] Captain Wake was an old pirate who had received a pardon in King
+James’ time.
+
+[80] Jeremiah Basse, writing to the Secretary of the Council of
+Trade in a letter that reached London on July 26, 1697, reported as
+follows:--“In all I am told that there are gone from Boston, New York,
+Pennsylvania and Carolina, from each one ship and from Rhode Island
+two.... The Nassau met one of these rovers at the Cape Bonne Esperance
+homeward bound from India. I was told by the mate of her that being
+fearful lest the Dutch should make prize of her they got leave to put
+some chests of money on board her, which chests were so heavy that
+six men at the tackles could hardly hoist them in. The chests were
+given back to the rovers at sea, who announced that they were bound to
+Madagascar. The persons expected to return are Tew’s company, and all
+those that sailed from New York and Rhode Island. It is expected that
+they will try to conceal themselves in the Jerseys or Pennsylvania
+being little inhabited about the harbour, they reckon themselves safe
+there. I am told that some persons have already been preparing for
+their reception there.”--_Calendar of State Papers, America and West
+Indies_, 1696-1697, p. 1203.
+
+[81] _Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1696-1697,
+pp. 260-262.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII
+
+JOHN QUELCH AND HIS CREW WHO WERE HANGED IN BOSTON AND THEIR GOLD
+DISTRIBUTED
+
+
+About the middle of May, 1704, there came to anchor in the harbor of
+Marblehead, the “Charles,” a brigantine of some eighty tons burden,
+commanded by one Capt. John Quelch. This newly-built vessel had been
+fitted out the previous summer by Charles Hobby, Col. Nicholas Paige,
+William Clarke, Benjamin Gallop and John Colman, leading citizens and
+merchants of Boston, as a privateer to prey upon French shipping off
+the coast of Acadia and Newfoundland. She was commissioned on July 13,
+1703 by Governor Dudley in the usual manner and her commander, Capt.
+Daniel Plowman, was then given his instructions governing his conduct
+while in the pursuit of pirates and the Queen’s enemies.
+
+After receiving her equipment and while riding at anchor off
+Marblehead, Captain Plowman was taken sick and on Aug. 1, 1703 sent
+a letter to his owners informing them that he was unable to take her
+to sea on account of his severe illness. He may have realized at the
+time the character of the crew that he had shipped, for he wrote
+proposing that the owners of the “Charles” come to Marblehead at once
+and “take some speedy care in saving what we can. The Lieutenant
+the Bearer can give you a full Account.” One of the owners went to
+Marblehead the next day but found the captain too sick to see him. A
+survey of the situation resulted in a recommendation to his associates
+that the vessel be sent out as planned but under another captain.
+This intelligence reached Captain Plowman and he aroused sufficiently
+to send another letter urging that the vessel be sent to Boston
+and declaring that “it will not do with these people” (meaning his
+crew), to send the vessel out under a new commander and the sooner
+the guns and stores were landed on shore the better it would be
+for all concerned. However, before the owners could take effectual
+measures in relation to the vessel, she went to sea. It afterwards
+appeared that before sailing, the crew, under the lead of one of their
+number, had locked Captain Plowman in his cabin and John Quelch, the
+lieutenant-commander, had come on board and after a conference with the
+crew had taken command and steered a course to the southward. Sometime
+after Quelch assumed command the captain was thrown overboard, but
+whether alive or dead is not known.
+
+In November, 1703, the “Charles” was off the coast of Brazil and during
+the next three months Quelch made nine captures,--five brigantines (the
+largest being about forty tons), a small shallop, two fishing boats,
+and a ship of about two hundred tons loaded with hides and tallow and
+carrying twelve guns and about thirty-five men. These vessels were the
+property of subjects of the King of Portugal, an ally of the Queen of
+England, and from them Quelch secured rich booty including a hundred
+weight of gold dust, gold and silver coins to the value of over one
+thousand pounds, ammunition, small arms and a great quantity of fine
+fabrics, provisions and rum.
+
+When Quelch planned his descent on Portuguese shipping he may not have
+known of the treaty of amity and alliance between Great Britain and
+Portugal that was signed in Lisbon on May 16, 1703, and which contained
+the following section:--
+
+    “XVIII. Piratical ships, of whatever nation, shall not only not
+    be permitted or received into the ports which their Portugueze
+    and Brittanic Majesties, and the States General of the United
+    Provinces, possess in the East Indies, but shall be deemed the
+    common enemies of the Portugueze, the English and the Dutch.”
+
+However that may be, Quelch was well aware that few gold mines existed
+in the dominions of the French King, with whom England was at war, and
+that the loot of French ships promised less valuable spoil than might
+be found in the South Atlantic. His avarice led to his undoing.
+
+Not long after the “Charles” came to anchor in Marblehead harbor,
+on her return from pillaging Portuguese shipping, the crew began to
+disappear. Some of them went to Salem and from there found their way
+to Cape Ann, while others went to Rhode Island. The sudden departure
+of the vessel less than a year before was recalled and the fishing
+village became very skeptical of the story told by Captain Quelch of
+the recovery of great treasure from a wreck in the West Indies. The
+_Boston News-Letter_, the first newspaper published in the Province of
+the Massachusetts-Bay, had begun publication only a short time before
+and the fifth number issued announced the arrival of the “Charles” in
+the following words:--
+
+    “Arrived at _Marblehead_, Capt. _Quelch_ in the Brigantine that
+    Capt. _Plowman_ went out in, are said to come from _New-Spain_
+    & have made a good Voyage.”--_Boston News-Letter_, May 15-22,
+    1704.
+
+The owners of the vessel having previously learned nothing of the
+fortunes of their privateering venture became suspicious. Not long
+after her sudden departure they had concluded that she was bound for
+the West Indies and had written to various West India ports in the
+hope of obtaining some trace of the missing vessel and recovering
+their property, but without success. Colman and Clarke now filed a
+written “information” with the Secretary of the Province and the
+Attorney-General. This was on the twenty-third of May, the day
+following the publication of the news of the arrival of the “Charles,”
+and the Attorney-General, Paul Dudley, the son of the Governor, at once
+set out to capture Quelch and his crew. Judge Samuel Sewall, Acting
+Chief Justice of the Superior Court, who was returning from a visit to
+relatives in Newbury, records in his diary that he stopped that day to
+“Refresh at Lewis’s [in Lynn], where Mr. Paul Dudley is in egre pursuit
+of the Pirats. He had sent one to Boston.”
+
+The next day, May 24th, Lieutenant-Governor Povey, acting during the
+temporary absence of the Governor, issued a proclamation announcing:--
+
+    “Whereas _John Quelch_, late Commander of the Briganteen
+    _Charles_ and Company to her belonging, _Viz. John Lambert_,
+    _John Miller_, _John Clifford_, _John Dorothy_, _James Parrot_,
+    _Charles James_, _William Whiting_, _John Pitman_, _John
+    Templeton_, _Benjamin Perkins_, _William Wiles_, _Richard
+    Lawrence_, _Erasmus Peterson_, _John King_, _Charles King_,
+    _Isaac Johnson_, _Nicholas Lawson_, _Daniel Chevalle_, _John
+    Way_, _Thomas Farrington_, _Matthew Primer_, _Anthony Holding_,
+    _William Rayner_, _John Quittance_, _John Harwood_, _William
+    Jones_, _Denis Carter_, _Nicholas Richardson_, _James Austin_,
+    _James Pattison_, _Joseph Hutnot_, _George Peirse_, _George
+    Norton_, _Gabriel Davis_, _John Breck_, _John Carter_, _Paul
+    Giddins_, _Nicholas Dunbar_, _Richard Thurbar_, _Daniel Chuley_
+    and others; Have lately Imported a considerable Quantity
+    of Gold dust, and some Bar and coin’d Gold, which they are
+    Violently Suspected to have gotten & obtained by Felony and
+    Piracy, from some of Her Majesties Friends and Allies, and
+    have Imported and Shared the same among themselves, without
+    any Adjudication or Condemnation thereof, to be lawful Prize.
+    The said Commander and some others being apprehended and in
+    Custody, the rest are absconded and fled from Justice.”
+
+All officers, civil and military, were commanded to apprehend the said
+persons and secure their treasure.
+
+[Illustration: JOSEPH DUDLEY, GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, WHO PRESIDED
+AT THE TRIAL OF CAPTAIN QUELCH
+
+From an original painting in possession of the Massachusetts Historical
+Society]
+
+Within two days the assiduous Mr. Dudley had safely landed in Boston
+gaol Quelch, Lambert, Miller, Clifford, Dorothy, Parrot and Wiles.
+William Whiting lay on a sick bed at Marblehead and was likely to
+die. Two others were sick at Marblehead. James Austin was in gaol
+at Piscataqua (Portsmouth) and another pirate was in Salem gaol. On
+Friday, May 26, news from Newport, R. I., reached Boston that five of
+Quelch’s crew had bought a small decked boat and sailed the day before,
+it was supposed, for Long Island; but the news of the piracy arriving
+by an express from Boston about the time of their departure, one of the
+men had been seized and was being sent to Boston the constable of each
+intervening town delivering the prisoner to the constable of the
+next town and so on in like order.
+
+Gov. Joseph Dudley having returned to Boston and not content with the
+proclamation issued by the Honourable Mr. Povey, issued a new one over
+his own name in which he included the name of Christopher Scudamore
+among the suspected pirates and also stated definitely that their gold
+and treasure had been taken from the subjects of the Crown of Portugal,
+“on whom they have also acted divers Villanous Murders.” All sheriffs
+were required to publish immediately the proclamation in the principal
+towns and cause it to be posted up in all other towns. A proclamation
+was also issued by Governor Cranston in Rhode Island. Soon Scudamore,
+Lawrence and Pimer were in custody and several parcels of gold dust
+were in the possession of the authorities.
+
+The Governor was very keen to secure the gold dust brought in by Quelch
+and on the 6th of June he appointed a Commission of Inquiry consisting
+of Samuel Sewall, Acting Chief Justice of the Superior Court,
+Nathaniel Byfield, Judge of the Court of Admiralty, and Paul Dudley,
+Attorney-General, “to repair to Marblehead, & to send for and examine
+all persons of whom they shall have Information or just ground of
+suspition, do conceal and detain” gold and treasure brought in by the
+pirates, “either at Marblehead or parts adjacent, and to take what they
+shall find into their hands; as also to secure any of the Pirates.”
+The next day the Commission rode to Salem arriving there about eight
+o’clock in the evening and were informed by Samuel Wakefield, the
+water bailey,[82] of a rumor that Captain Larramore, in the “Larramore
+Galley” at Cape Ann, had turned rogue and several of Quelch’s company
+designed to go off in her. The Commission at once issued a warrant to
+Wakefield to go to Gloucester and investigate the matter and if true
+to seize the men. He got away from Salem about midnight. By this time
+about seventy ounces of gold and an equal weight of silver plate had
+been brought to the Council in Boston by different persons who had
+received it from Quelch or his men.
+
+The next morning, June 8th, in a heavy rain, the Commission rode over
+to Marblehead and held a court before an open fire at Captain Brown’s
+house and there they spent the night. About six o’clock the next
+morning, before they were out of bed, an express arrived from Cape
+Ann bringing information of “9 or 11 Pirats, double arm’d, seen in
+a Lone-house there.” Colonel Legg of Marblehead, the colonel of the
+Essex South Regiment, was sent for and directed to order out at once
+companies for service at Cape Ann and like orders were sent to Colonel
+Wainwright at Ipswich, the colonel of the Essex North Regiment. Judge
+Sewall records in his diary that he incorporated in his letter to
+Colonel Wainwright, as a gentle prod to that estimable gentleman, the
+information “we were moving thither our selves to be Witness of his
+forwardness for Her Majesties Service.”
+
+Judges Sewall and Byfield then rode over to Salem and Major Stephen
+Sewall, clerk of the Inferior Court, got a shallop, the “Trial,” and
+the pinnace belonging to Salem Fort and with about twenty men of his
+military company started for Cape Ann by water while Sewall and
+Byfield, escorted by a troop of horse, went overland. At Beverly, the
+local troop were starting and at Manchester the military company “was
+mustering upon the top of a Rock.” Excitement was rampant but there was
+no great anxiety to hunt pirates. Meanwhile Attorney-General Dudley and
+Colonel Legg had sailed for Gloucester direct from Marblehead and on
+arriving learned that Captain Larramore had already sailed and taken
+the pirates on board at the head of the Cape near Snake Island. Judge
+Sewall records what followed.
+
+“When we came to Capt. Davis’s we waited Brother’s arrival with his
+Shallop Trial, and Pinnace: When they were come and had Din’d, Resolv’d
+to send after Larramore. Abbot was first pitch’d on as Captain. But
+matters went on heavily, ’twas difficult to get Men. Capt. Herrick
+pleaded earnestly his Troopers might be excus’d. At last Brother
+offer’d to goe himself: then Capt. Turner offer’d to goe, Lieut.
+Brisco, and many good Men; so that quickly made up Fourty two; though
+we knew not the exact number till came home, the hurry was so great,
+and vessel so small for 43. Men gave us three very handsom cheers;
+Row’d out of the Harbour after sun-set, for want of wind. Mr. Dudley
+return’d to Salem with Beverly Troop. Col. Byfield and I lodg’d at Cape
+Ann all night; Mr. White pray’d very well for the Expedition Evening
+and morning; as Mr. Chiever had done at Marblehead, whom we sent for to
+pray with us before we set out for Gloucester. We rose early, got to
+Salem quickly after Nine. Din’d with Sister, who was very thoughtfull
+what would become of her Husband. The Wickedness and despair of the
+company they pursued, their Great Guns and other war like Preparations,
+were a terror to her and to most of the Town; concluded they would not
+be taken without Blood. Comforted our selves and them as well as we
+could.”
+
+Major Stephen Sewall with his company of volunteers in the shallop
+and pinnace followed the course of the “Larramore Galley” and reached
+the Isles of Shoals about seven o’clock the next morning where they
+sighted the galley as they approached. The men were “rank’d with their
+Arms on both sides the shallop in covert; only the four fishermen were
+in view.” As the expedition drew near they saw the boat belonging to
+the galley go ashore with six hands including three of the pirates,
+“which was a singular good Providence of God” as Judge Sewall piously
+commented afterwards. When the shallop approached nearer Larramore’s
+men at last saw the large number of men on board and “began to run
+to and fro and pull off the aprons from the Guns, and draw out the
+Tamkins [tampions], but when Major Sewall ordered his men to stand and
+show themselves ready to fight Larramore quickly abandoned all signs
+of resistance. Seven of the pirates were seized and with them over
+forty-five ounces of gold dust. The officers of the galley were also
+taken and with the galley in tow the expedition triumphantly returned
+to Salem “without striking a stroke or firing a gun.” While passing
+Gloucester, there being little wind, the men from the Cape were sent
+ashore at Eastern Point with the information that two of the pirates
+William Jones and Peter Roach, had mistaken their way and were still
+on the Cape. Strict search was immediately made by the town’s people
+and “being Strangers and destitute of all Succors they surrendered
+themselves and were sent to Salem Prison.”
+
+Before the return of the expedition a warrant had been issued for the
+apprehension of Captain Larramore and the _News-Letter_ of June 5-12
+announces that two more of the pirates, Benjamin Perkins and John
+Templeton, were in custody and that “His Excellency intends to bring
+forward the Tryal of _Quelch_ and Company now in Custody for Piracy
+within a few days.” This prompt decision was in keeping with the
+haste displayed thus far and boded ill for the looters of Portuguese
+treasure. Their ill-gotten spoil was reputed to be immense and
+much of it was likely to fall into the hands of the Court, in fact, a
+considerable weight of gold had already been secured making certain the
+distribution of handsome rewards and large fees to the informers and
+all officials concerned in their capture and prosecution. Twenty-five
+of the pirates were then in custody. The “Charles,” when she arrived
+at Marblehead had forty-three white men on board and of this number
+eighteen got away without capture.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+                               THE
+
+              Arraignment, Tryal, and Condemnation,
+
+                               OF
+
+                       Capt. John Quelch,
+
+                And Others of his Company, _&c._
+
+                               FOR
+
+ Sundry _Piracies_, _Robberies_, and _Murder_, Committed upon
+   the Subjects of the King of _Portugal_; Her Majesty’s Allie,
+   on the Coast of _Brasil_, &c.
+
+                               WHO
+
+ Upon full Evidence, were found Guilty, at the _Court-House_ in
+    _Boston_, on the Thirteenth of _June, 1704_. By Virtue of
+    a Commission, grounded upon the Act of the Eleventh and
+    Twelfth Years of King _William_, _For the more effectual,
+    Suppression of Piracy_. With the Arguments of the QUEEN’s
+    Council, and Council for the Prisoners upon the said Act.
+
+                             PERUSED
+
+ By his Excellency _JOSEPH DUDLEY_, Esq; Captain-General and
+   Commander in Chief in and over Her Majesty’s Province of the
+   _Massachusetts-Bay_, in _New-England_, in _America_, &c.
+
+     To which are also added, some PAPERS that were produc’d
+                     at the Tryal abovesaid.
+
+                              WITH
+
+    An Account of the Ages of the several Prisoners, and the
+                  Places where they were Born.
+
+                            _LONDON_:
+
+        Printed for _Ben. Bragg_ in _Avemary-Lane_, 1705.
+
+                      (Price One Shilling.)
+]
+
+The Governor’s announced intention of a prompt trial resulted in the
+holding of a Court of Admiralty at the Town House in Boston. The
+building stood at the head of what is now State Street and on Tuesday
+June 13, 1704, Joseph Dudley, Esq., “Captain-General and Governor in
+Chief of the Provinces of the _Massachusetts-Bay_ and _New-Hampshire_
+in _New-England_ in _America_,” sat as President of the Court and with
+him were Lieutenant-Governor Thomas Povey; the Lieutenant-Governor of
+the Province of New-Hampshire, John Usher; Nathaniel Byfield, Judge of
+the Vice-Admiralty; Samuel Sewall, First Judge of the Province of the
+Massachusetts-Bay; Jahlael Brenton, Esq., Collector of Her Majesty’s
+Customs in New England; Her Majesty’s Council in the Province of the
+Massachusetts Bay, twelve in number; and Isaac Addington, Esq., the
+Secretary of the Province. That morning Major Sewall, attended by a
+strong guard, brought to Boston the pirates that had been confined in
+Salem and gave to His Excellency a full account of his adventures while
+in pursuit of Quelch’s men. The _News-Letter_ states that “The service
+of Major _Sewall_ and Company was very well Accepted and Rewarded by
+the Governor,” and this is borne out by an entry in the Council records
+showing that £132.5.0 was ordered “paid out of the Treasure imported by
+the said Pirates,” to Major Sewall, Captain Turner and other officers
+of his company. This amount included a “gratification” made to these
+gentlemen for special services rendered.
+
+The Court of Admiralty having assembled and proclamation for silence
+having been made, the statute made during the reign of King William,
+“An Act for the more effectual Suppression of Piracy,” was read and
+John Valentine, a Notary Publick, was sworn by the Governor as Register
+of the Court. The President of the Court and his Associates were then
+sworn in turn and the Court was opened by three proclamations as a
+“Court of Admiralty for the Tryal of Pirates.” A warrant was sent to
+the keeper of the prison to bring Capt. John Quelch before the Court
+which then adjourned for dinner to reassemble at three o’clock in the
+afternoon. At that time “_Matthew Pymer_, _John Clifford_, and _James
+Parrot_ (the first of whom had surrendered himself quickly after his
+Arrival to his Excellency the Governor) were brought to the Bar, and
+Arraigned upon several Articles of Piracy, Robberry, and Murder, drawn
+against Captain _Quelch_, and others his Accomplices.” These three men
+pleaded guilty and then were ordered to “stand within the Bar, and to
+be Sworn as Witnesses on Her Majesty’s behalf.” Quelch was next brought
+to the bar and on being arraigned pleaded not guilty and asked the
+Court if he “might not have Council allow’d him upon any Matter of Law
+that might happen upon his Tryal,” and also that time be granted to
+prepare for the same. The Court replied that the articles under which
+he had been arraigned were “plain Matters of Fact,” but it did assign
+as council for the prisoner, James Meinzies, a Scotchman living in
+Boston, an attorney-at-law of ability who afterwards became Register
+of the Court of Vice-Admiralty. He seems to have defended the accused
+with skill and learning and to have called the attention of the Court
+to important objections to its course of procedure; but his personal
+relations with the Court and the unpopularity of his side of the case
+may have been an influence indicating how impolitic it was to contend
+too persistently against the obvious opinions of the Court. Twenty
+other prisoners were arraigned and then the Court adjourned until the
+next Friday morning at nine o’clock when further time was prayed for
+and adjournment was made until the following Monday morning, the Court
+refusing Attorney Meinzies motion that meanwhile “the Queen’s witnesses
+might be kept asunder until the Prisoners came upon their Tryals.”
+
+On Monday, June 9, 1704, Quelch was brought for trial and his irons
+were taken off. The nine articles of his indictment accused him of
+piracy, robbery and murder. As “Lieutenant” of the brigantine “Charles”
+he had neglected the orders of the owners and refusing to set on
+shore Matthew Pymer and John Clifford (witnesses for the Queen), who
+“dreading your Pyratical Intention, earnestly desired the same,” had
+directed a course for Fernando Island off the coast of Brazil, and
+while thereabouts had piratically taken various vessels belonging to
+subjects of the King of Portugal, “Her Majesty’s good Allie,” among
+them a ship of about two hundred tons burden, killing the captain and
+wounding several of the crew and from the several vessels had secured a
+rich booty. The chase of the ship had lasted for nearly two days. One
+of the Queen’s witnesses testified that it was Scudamore, the cooper of
+the brigantine, who had killed the Portuguese captain with a petard,
+but there was some dispute among the men as to which of them it was
+who killed him. From the various testimonies it appeared that Captain
+Plowman’s cabin door had been fastened with a marlin spike which was
+done by order of Anthony Holding who planned with others to seize the
+vessel. When Quelch came on board he didn’t object to what had been
+done or what was planned. Holding, who was among those who had escaped,
+was really the ringleader but Quelch was made commander, perhaps
+because he understood navigation.
+
+There were three negroes in Quelch’s company--Cæsar-Pompey, Charles,
+and Mingo, who also were tried, for, as the Queen’s Advocate, Mr.
+Dudley, said in open court, “The Three Prisoners now at the Bar are of
+a different Complexion, ’tis true, but it is well known that the First
+and most Famous Pirates that have been in the World, were of their
+Colour.” The two first were shown to be Mr. Hobby’s slaves and that
+they didn’t run away from their master but were forcibly carried away
+by Captain Quelch. They were not active during the voyage and only did
+as they were commanded. They were the cooks on the brigantine and also
+sounded the trumpet when ordered. The Court cleared them whereupon they
+were “ordered upon their knees.”
+
+Among the crew of one of the captured vessels was a Dutchman,
+originally from Jutland, who entered himself for the remainder of the
+voyage, but because the company voted that he should not have a full
+share in the loot he threatened to inform against them when he came on
+shore with the result that he was given a gun and some powder and shot
+and set ashore at once.
+
+Although by the civil law at that time the testimony of an accomplice
+was not admissible, yet the Court permitted the greatest latitude in
+the testimony of witnesses and also disregarded the prevailing rules
+of procedure in not excluding interested witnesses. At no time did it
+appear that Quelch had killed the Portuguese captain; in fact, the
+testimony showed that Scudamore probably was the man who did it. The
+prosecuting Attorney-General in his speech to the Court said that the
+accused
+
+“After obtaining a Commission to draw the Sword to fight the open and
+declared Enemies of Her Sacred Majesty, instead of drawing it against
+the French and Spaniards, they have sheathed it in the Bowels of some
+of the best Friends and Allies of the Crown at this bay ... instead
+of fighting for Honour with the French, or Money with the Spaniards,
+they must go and surprize a few honest and peaceable Men, and our good
+Friends.”
+
+And so it came about that Quelch, Lambert, Scudamore, Miller,
+Peterson, Roach and Francis King had sentence of death pronounced
+against them. Fifteen of the crew who had pleaded “not guilty,”
+withdrew their pleas and asked for the mercy of the Court. The
+sentence of death was passed upon them but only two of the fifteen
+were executed. The rest remained in prison until July 19th of the next
+year when “Her Majesty’s most gracious pardon” was communicated to the
+Council and in open Court their chains “were knocked off,” on condition
+that they enter the Queen’s service. At the time of the trial two of
+the men had been acquitted on paying the prison fees. Wilde broke out
+of prison in September, 1704, but was apprehended the following June
+and again committed to close prison.
+
+Quelch came from Old England as did most of his crew. He was born
+in London and was about thirty-eight years old. Scudamore had been
+apprenticed to a cooper in Bristol, England; Miller came from
+Yorkshire; Peterson was a Swede; Roach was an Irishman; and King was
+born in Scotland. Of the New England men, John Lambert may serve
+as an example typical of the rest. He was born in Salem and at the
+time of his execution was about forty-nine years old. His father and
+grandfather were fishermen and he, too, doubtless followed the sea
+although in deeds he is called a “ship wright.” At the time that he
+sailed with Quelch he was married and had children. In his testimony
+during the trial he claimed that he was sick in the gun room at the
+time the captain was confined in his cabin and that he was forced to go
+on the voyage to the south. However, during the voyage he was as active
+as the rest and accepted his share of the spoils, but claimed that
+if he had not accepted, the company might have killed him or set him
+ashore on some desolate island where he would have starved to death.
+However that may be he suffered death with the others. A broad-sheet
+issued at the time, giving an account of the “Behaviour and last Dying
+Speeches of the Six Pirates, that were Executed on Charles River,
+Boston Side, on Fryday, June 30, 1704,” states that on the gallows
+Lambert “appeared much hardened and pleaded much on his Innocency: He
+desired all men to beware of Bad Company; he seemed in a great Agony
+near his Execution.”
+
+Previous to the day of the execution “the Ministers of the Town had
+used more than ordinary Endeavours to Instruct the Prisoners, and
+bring them to Repentance. There were Sermons Preached in their hearing
+Every Day; And Prayers daily made with them, And they were Catechised;
+and they had many occasional Exhortations, And nothing was left that
+could be done for their Good,”--so says the broad-sheet. It must
+have been a harrowing ordeal for the victims. The Reverend Cotton
+Mather, who never failed to be present at public executions, preached
+a sermon which was printed under the title of “Faithful Warnings to
+prevent Fearful Judgments,” and he and another minister walked with
+the condemned in solemn procession on that Friday afternoon, from the
+prison to Scarlett’s wharf, when “the silver oar” was carried before
+them as they continued by water to the place where the gallows had
+been set up between high- and low-water mark off a point of land just
+below Copp’s hill “about midway between Hudson’s Point and Broughton’s
+warehouse.”[83] The condemned were guarded by forty musketeers and the
+constables of the town and were preceded by the Provost Marshal and his
+officers. Great crowds gathered to see the execution. Judge Sewall in
+his diary comments on the great number of people on Broughton’s hill,
+as Copp’s hill was called at that time.
+
+“But when I came to see how the River was cover’d with People, I was
+amazed: Some say there were 100 Boats. 150 Boats and Canoes, saith
+Cousin Moodey of York. Mr. Cotton Mather came with Capt. Quelch and
+six others for Execution from the Prison to Scarlet’s Wharf, and from
+thence in the Boat to the place of Execution about midway between
+Hanson’s [_sic_] point and Broughton’s Warehouse. When the scaffold
+was hoisted to a due height, the seven Malefactors went up: Mr. Mather
+pray’d for them standing upon the Boat. Ropes were all fasten’d to
+the Gallows (save King, who was Repriev’d). When the Scaffold was let
+to sink, there was such a Screech of the Women that my wife heard it
+sitting in our Entry next the Orchard, and was much surprised at it;
+yet the wind was sou-west. Our house is a full mile from the place.”
+
+[Illustration:
+
+      _Faithful Warnings to prevent Fearful
+                   Judgments._
+
+               Uttered in a brief
+                   DISCOURSE,
+                Occasioned, by a
+               Tragical Spectacle,
+                 in a Number of
+                   Miserables
+          Under a Sentence of Death for
+                     PIRACY.
+
+       At BOSTON in N. E. _Jun. 22. 1704_
+
+                 Deut. XIII. 11.
+
+ _All Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do
+   no more any such wickedness as this is
+   among you._
+
+   Occultam culpam sequitur aperta percussio.
+                                  _Cassiodor._
+
+  _Boston_, Printed & Sold by _Timothy Green_,
+      at the _North_ End of the Town. 1704.
+]
+
+According to the custom of the time the bodies remained hanging on a
+gibbet until by decay they gradually disappeared.[84] There was an
+exception made, for some reason, in the case of Lambert for his body
+was turned over to his widow after his son and others had made petition
+to Judge Sewall. It was buried that night about midnight in the old
+burying ground “near some of his relatives.”
+
+In his speech on the gallows Quelch warned the people to “take care
+how they brought money into New England, to be Hanged for it” and he
+also asked “Gentlemen, I desire to be informed for what I am here. I
+am condemned only upon Circumstances.” Peterson also complained of the
+injustice done him; and said, “it is very hard for so many mens Lives
+to be taken away for a little Gold.”[85]
+
+While the trial was yet in progress, accounts of charges in connection
+with the seizure of Quelch and his company began to come in. Judge
+Sewall and his Commission of Inquiry were awarded £25.7.10 for their
+sitting at Marblehead and journey to Cape Ann. Paul Dudley, the
+Attorney-General, received £36 for his work, while Meinzies, who
+defended the prisoners, was given £20 and then only after petitioning
+the Council on Aug. 4th for the usual fee “according to Custome in
+the like Case.” Sheriff Dyer for his service was paid five pounds and
+Thomas Bernard “for erecting the gibbet” was awarded forty shillings
+additional “to be paid out of the treasure.” By the time all accounts
+had been adjusted the sum of £726.19.4 had been “paid out of the
+treasure.”
+
+By October, 1705, the officials of the Province were ready to turn
+over to the Crown what remained of the “Coyn’d, Bar and Dust Gold
+imported by Capt. John Quelch.” This was weighed by Jeremiah Dummer,
+the Boston goldsmith, and found to be 788 ounces and after being placed
+in five leather bags, properly marked and sealed, it was sent by
+H. M. Ship “Guernsey,” to the “Lord high Treasurer of England for her
+Majesty’s use,” and so ended what has been characterized as “one of
+the clearest cases of judicial murder in our American annals,”[86]
+save that Governor Dudley’s personal interest in the case appeared on
+May 27, 1707 when there was awaiting his order in London, the “royal
+bounty” awarded to him as his share of the “pirate money.” Not long
+after the trial of the pirates the Rev. Cotton Mather quarrelled with
+the Governor and published in London in 1708--“The _Deplorable State_
+of New England, By Reason of a _Covetous_ and _Treacherous_ Governor,”
+in which appears the following paragraph indicating that acts of piracy
+at that time were not confined entirely to the high seas.
+
+“III There have been odd _Collusions_ with the Pyrates of Quelch’s
+Company, of which one Instance is, That there was Extorted the Sum
+of about Thirty Pounds from some of the Crue, for Liberty to Walk
+at certain times in the _Prison_ Yard; and this Liberty having been
+Allow’d for Two or Three Days unto them, they were again Confined to
+their former Wretched Circumstances.”
+
+[Illustration: REV. COTTON MATHER, PASTOR OF THE SECOND (NORTH) CHURCH,
+BOSTON, 1685-1728
+
+From a mezzotint by Peter Pelham after a portrait painted in 1728.]
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[82] Water bailiff:--a custom house officer charged with the duty of
+searching ships.
+
+[83] The place of the execution was about where the North End Park
+bathing beach is today.
+
+[84] In the summer of 1755, two negro servants of Capt. John Codman of
+Charlestown, poisoned their master. Phillis, the woman servant and the
+principal in the murder, was burned at the stake at Cambridge and Mark,
+her accessory, was hanged and then gibbetted on Charlestown Neck. Three
+years later Dr. Caleb Rea of Wenham, while on his way to Ticonderoga,
+rode by and stopped to inspect the body of Mark. He recorded in his
+diary that “the skin was but little broken altho’ he had been hanging
+there near three or four years.”
+
+[85] These pirates were tried under authority conferred by a commission
+sent over in accordance with an Act of the 11th and 12th year of
+William III, authorizing the trial of pirates by Courts of Admiralty,
+out of the realm. The commission sent to New England was dated Nov.
+23, 1700. This commission required that all trials should be conducted
+“according to the civil law” of the Province, which at that time
+required two innocent witnesses against each defendant necessary
+for a conviction, and in no case was the testimony of an accomplice
+admissible. Moreover, by the Act under which the commission was issued,
+principals only were triable in the Admiralty Courts held in the
+Provinces; accessories were expressly required to be sent to England
+for trial. We learn from the _Boston News-Letter_ of the third week in
+July, that Captain Larramore and Lieutenant Wells, of the “Larramore
+Galley,” had been sent for England in the express sloop “Sea Flower,”
+Captain Cary, for trial as “Accessaries in endeavouring to carry off
+the 7 Pirates.... He carries also with him three Evidences of their
+crime committed.” All the men on board the pirate brigantine could not
+be considered as principals. In fact, only six men were executed and
+the rest of those condemned to death at the same time were afterwards
+set free. Only such as could be shown were principals in committing
+acts of piracy or murder could be sentenced by the court. All others
+must clearly be sent to England to be tried by jury. Nothing in the
+somewhat detailed report of the trial that was printed in London at the
+time, shows that the accused were even given the benefit of a doubt
+either as to the law or the testimony. For an analytical summary of
+this trial, see _Acts and Resolves of the Province of Massachusetts
+Bay_, _Vol._ VIII, p. 397.
+
+[86] _Acts and Resolves of the Province of Massachusetts Bay_, Vol.
+VIII, p. 397.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VIII
+
+SAMUEL BELLAMY, WHOSE SHIP WAS WRECKED AT WELLFLEET AND 144 DROWNED
+
+
+Very little is known of the origin of this man save that he came from
+the west of England where families of the same name are living today.
+In company with one Paul Williams,[87] he first appears in the West
+Indies where they tried to raise a Spanish wreck hoping to salve the
+bags of silver supposed to be in the hold. Meeting with no success
+and being at odds with honest merchants and shipmasters, they decided
+to turn pirates or “go on the account,” a term adopted by men of
+that profession, and not long after they fell in with Capt. Benjamin
+Hornygold, in the sloop “Mary Anne,” and Capt. Louis Lebous, in the
+sloop “Postillion,” and agreed to join forces. They set out in two
+large sloops each having about seventy men aboard.
+
+Before long several captures were made that increased their gains and
+also enlarged their crews, but Hornygold and some of the Englishmen on
+board his sloop refused to take and plunder English vessels, so his
+company divided and he went away in a prize sloop with twenty-six men
+leaving ninety men who elected Bellamy their new captain. Most of those
+on board were English and at that time it was not their habit to force
+men.
+
+Bellamy and Lebous sailed together and off the Virgin Islands took
+several small vessels and off St. Croix, a French ship from Quebec
+laden with fish and flour. Afterwards making Saba they sighted two
+ships which they chased and came up with, spreading a large black
+flag “with a Deaths Head and Bones a-cross.” The larger of the two
+was the ship “Sultana,” commanded by Captain Richards. The other was
+commanded by Captain Tozor. The “Sultana” was taken over by Bellamy and
+cut down and made into a galley and Paul Williams, his quartermaster,
+was given command of the sloop.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+                              THE
+                            TRIALS
+                       Of Eight Persons
+                   Indited for Piracy _&c._
+
+                  Of whom Two were acquitted,
+                  and the rest found Guilty.
+
+   At a Justiciary Court of Admiralty Assembled and Held in
+   Boston within His Majesty’s Province of the Massachusetts-Bay
+   in New-England, on the 18th of October 1717. and by several
+   Adjournments continued to the 30th. Pursuant to His Majesty’s
+   Commission and Instructions, founded on the Act of Parliament.
+   Made in the 11th. & 12th of KING William IIId. Intituled,
+   _An Act for the  more effectual Suppression of Piracy_.
+
+                       With an APPENDIX,
+
+         Containing the Substance of their Confessions
+           given before His Excellency the Governour,
+           when they were first brought to _Boston_,
+           and committed to Goal.
+
+                        [Illustration]
+
+                           _Boston_:
+
+        Printed by B. Green, for John Edwards, and Sold
+              at his Shop in King’s Street. 1718.
+]
+
+On Dec. 19, 1716, about nine leagues to the leeward of the island of
+Blanco, they fell in with the ship “St. Michael,” James Williams,
+master, a Bristol ship that had sailed from Cork in September, bound
+for Jamaica with provisions. The ship was taken to the island of Blanco
+where they helped themselves to such provisions as they wanted and
+forced four men. Among the men who were forced was Thomas Davis, the
+ship’s carpenter, born in Carmarthenshire, Wales, who was the only
+white man to escape drowning when Bellamy was afterwards wrecked on
+Cape Cod. Thomas South of Boston, England, also was forced.
+
+When Davis was told he must join the pirate crew he cried out that
+he was undone and “one of the pirates hearing him lament his sad
+condition, said, ‘Damn him, He is a Presbyterian Dog, and should fight
+for King James.’” Captain Williams tried to say a good word for Davis
+and finally Bellamy promised that he might go free on the next vessel
+that was taken. On Jan. 9, 1717, with fourteen other forced men, he
+was put on board the “Sultana.” At that time there were on the three
+pirate vessels eighty men of the “old Company” and one hundred and
+thirty forced men. “When the Company was called together to consult,
+each Man to give his Vote, they would not allow the forced Men to have
+a vote.”[88]
+
+From Blanco, they sailed to a maroon island called Testegos where they
+refitted and then sailed for the Windward Passage, but the wind blowing
+hard they parted company with Captain Lebous and went into St. Croix,
+“where a French pirate was blown up.”
+
+About the end of February, 1717, the “Whidaw,” a fine London-built
+galley commanded by Capt. Lawrence Prince, was making her way under
+easy sail through the Windward Passage between Cuba and Porto Rico. She
+had lately cleared from Jamaica and was bound for London, with a rich
+cargo of elephants’ teeth, gold dust, sugar, indigo and Jesuit’s bark,
+having previously been on a slaving voyage to the Guinea coast. The
+galley was about three hundred tons burthen, mounted eighteen guns and
+carried a crew of fifty men. Early in the morning a ship and a sloop in
+company were sighted. They shortly altered their course and followed
+the “Whidaw” and after a three days’ chase took her with practically no
+resistance. In fact, Captain Prince was so lacking in spirit that only
+two chase guns were fired at the sloop and his flag was hauled down at
+the first demand to surrender.
+
+The pirate ship was commanded by Captain Bellamy who ordered a prize
+crew on board the “Whidaw” and all three vessels then made a course for
+Long Island, one of the Bahamas, where they came to anchor. This prize
+not only enriched but strengthened them for Bellamy immediately took
+her over and mounted additional guns, so that she carried twenty-eight.
+Captain Prince was rewarded for making an easy surrender by being given
+the ship “Sultana.” He also was permitted to load her with much of
+the best and finest of the cargo of the “Whidaw,” not wanted by the
+pirates, and after his crew had been picked over and the boatswain and
+two other men forced and seven had volunteered, he was allowed to go.
+Bellamy felt so well-disposed that he gave the captain £20 in silver
+and gold, “to bear his charges.”[89]
+
+When the “Whidaw” was taken over, Davis reminded Captain Bellamy of
+his promise and asked if he might go with Captain Prince. Bellamy said
+he might go if the company consented and called for a vote; but the
+pirates expressed themselves violently and voted no. He was a carpenter
+and needed on board. “Damn him,” said the company, “rather than let
+him go he should be shot or whipped to Death at the Mast.” All the new
+men were now sworn to be true and not cheat the company to the value of
+a piece of eight and it was agreed to treat forced men and volunteers
+alike. “When a prize was taken the Watch Bill was to be called over and
+Men put on board as they stood named in the Bill.”
+
+The money taken on the “Whidaw” was reported to amount to £20,000. It
+was counted over in the cabin and put up in bags, fifty pounds as every
+man’s share, there being one hundred and eighty men on board. “The
+money was kept in chests between decks without any Guard.”
+
+The next day Bellamy and Williams sailed and shaped a course for the
+Capes of Virginia on the way taking an English ship, hired by the
+French, laden with sugar and indigo, and after an inspection dismissing
+her. Off the Virginia coast three ships and a snow were taken, two of
+them hailing from Scotland, one from Bristol, and the last, a Scotch
+ship from the Barbadoes with a little rum and sugar aboard, in so leaky
+a condition that the crew refused to go farther in her and so the
+pirates sunk her and put the crew on board the snow which was commanded
+by a Captain Montgomery. This vessel was taken over and manned by men
+from the “Whidaw.” The two other ships were plundered and discharged.
+
+Just at this time a storm came up and Bellamy took in all his small
+sails and Williams double-reefed his main sail. It was a thunder-storm
+and the wind blew with such violence that the “Whidaw” was very nearly
+over-set. Fortunately it blew from the northwest and so drove them away
+from the coast with only the goose-wings of the foresails to scud with.
+Towards night the storm increased mightily “and not only put them by
+all Sail, but obliged the _Whidaw_ to bring her Yards aportland, and
+all they could do with Tackles to the Goose Neck of the Tiler, four Men
+in the Gun Room, and two at the Wheel, was to keep her Head to the Sea,
+for had she once broach’d to, they must infallibly have founder’d. The
+Heavens, in the mean while, were cover’d with Sheets of Lightning,
+which the Sea by the Agitation of the saline Particles seem’d to
+imitate; the Darkness of the Night was such, as the Scripture says,
+as might be felt; the terrible hollow roaring of the Winds, cou’d be
+only equalled by the repeated, I may say, incessant Claps of Thunder,
+sufficient to strike a Dread of the supream Being, who commands the
+Sea and the Winds, one would imagine in every Heart; but among these
+Wretches, the Effect was different, for they endeavoured by their
+Blasphemies, Oaths, and horrid Imprecations, to drown the Uproar of
+jarring Elements. Bellamy swore he was sorry he could not run out his
+Guns to return the Salute, meaning the Thunder, that he fancied the
+Gods had got drunk over their Tipple, and were gone together by the
+Ears:
+
+“They continued scudding all that Night under their bare Poles.
+The next Morning the Main-Mast being sprung in the Step, they were
+forced to cut it away, and, at the same time, the Mizzen came by the
+Board. These Misfortunes made the Ship ring with Blasphemy, which was
+encreased, when, by trying the Pumps, they found the Ship made a great
+Deal of Water; tho’ by continually plying them, it kept it from gaining
+upon them: The Sloop as well as the Ship, was left to the Mercy of the
+Winds, tho’ the former, not having a Tant-Mast, did not lose it. The
+Wind shifting round the Compass, made so outrageous and short a Sea,
+that they had little Hopes of Safety; it broke upon the Poop, drove in
+the Taveril, and wash’d the two Men away from the Wheel, who were saved
+in the Netting. The Wind after four Days and three Nights abated of its
+Fury, and fixed in the North, North East Point, hourly decreasing, and
+the Weather clearing up, so that they spoke to the Sloop, and resolv’d
+for the Coast of Carolina; they continued this Course but a Day and a
+Night, when the Wind coming about to the Southward, they changed their
+Resolution to that of going to _Rhode Island_. All this while the
+_Whidaw’s_ Leak continued, and it was as much as the Lee-Pump could
+do to keep the Water from gaining, tho’ it was kept continually going.
+Jury-Masts were set up, and the Carpenter finding the Leak to be in the
+Bows, occasioned by the Oakam spewing out of a Seam, the Crew became
+very jovial again; the Sloop received no other Damage than the Loss of
+the Main-Sail, which the first Flurry tore away from the Boom.”[90]
+
+While on the voyage to Rhode Island they came upon a Boston-owned sloop
+commanded by Captain Beer, who was ordered on board the “Whidaw” while
+the sloop was being plundered. Both Bellamy and Williams were for
+giving Captain Beer his sloop again but for some reason the company
+would not agree to it and so the sloop was sunk and later Captain Beer
+was set ashore on Block Island. He reached his home in Newport, the
+first of May.
+
+After the vote to sink the sloop had been taken Bellamy announced the
+fact to the captain in a speech that has been preserved in the “History
+of the Pirates.”
+
+“D---- my Bl----d,” says he, “I am sorry they won’t let you have your
+Sloop again, for I scorn to do any one a Mischief, when it is not
+for my Advantage; damn the Sloop, we must sink her, and she might be
+of Use to you. Tho’, damn ye, you are a sneaking Puppy, and so are
+all those who will submit to be governed by Laws which rich Men have
+made for their own Security, for the cowardly Whelps have not the
+Courage otherwise to defend what they get by their Knavery; but damn
+ye altogether: Damn them for a Pack of crafty Rascals, and you, who
+serve them, for a Parcel of hen-hearted Numskuls. They villify us, the
+Scoundrels do, when there is only this Difference, they rob the Poor
+under the Cover of Law, forsooth, and we plunder the Rich under the
+Protection of our own Courage; had you not better make One of us, than
+sneak after the A----s of these Villains for Employment? Capt. Beer
+told him, that his Conscience would not allow him to break thro’ the
+Laws of God and Man. You are a devilish Conscience Rascal, d----n ye,
+replied Bellamy, I am a free Prince, and I have as much Authority to
+make War on the whole World, as he who has a hundred Sail of Ships at
+Sea, and an Army of 100,000 Men in the Field; and this my Conscience
+tells me; but there is no arguing with such sniveling Puppies, who
+allow Superiors to kick them about Deck at Pleasure; and pin their
+Faith upon a Pimp of a Parson: a Squab, who neither practices nor
+believes what he puts upon the chuckle-headed Fools he preaches to.”[91]
+
+On board the “Whidaw” was a man named Lambert, and John Julian, a Cape
+Cod Indian, both of whom knew the coast and who were to act as pilots.
+It was Bellamy’s intention to clean his ship at Green Island.
+
+On Friday, April 26, 1717, early in the morning, about a fortnight
+after setting Captain Beer ashore, when halfway between Nantucket
+shoals and St. George’s banks, the pirates came up with a pink, the
+“Mary Anne,” of Dublin, Capt. Andrew Crumpstey, with a cargo of wine
+from Madeira. She had touched at Boston and was bound for New York.
+The pirate vessels came up “with King’s Ensign and Pendant flying” and
+after the pink had struck her colors a boat was hoisted out from the
+“Whidaw” and seven men were sent on board “armed with Musquets, Pistols
+and Cutlasses.” Captain Crumpstey, with five of his hands, was ordered
+to go aboard the “Whidaw” with his ship’s papers. The mate, Thomas
+Fitzgerald, and two seamen, Alexander Mackconachy and James Dunavan,
+were left on board the “Mary Anne.”
+
+A little later, men from the “Whidaw” rowed over to get some wine
+from the cargo but finding it difficult to get at returned with only
+a small quantity, carrying back at the same time some clothing needed
+by the men from the pink. Soon after the boat was hoisted aboard, the
+ship hailed and ordered the pink to steer N. W. by N. and the little
+fleet followed this course until about four o’clock in the afternoon
+when it came up very thick, foggy weather and they lay to. Presently
+the snow came up under the ship’s stern and hailed Captain Bellamy and
+told him that they saw land. He then ordered the pink to steer north.
+A sloop from Virginia had also been taken that afternoon and as night
+came on all four vessels put out lights a-stern and made sail, keeping
+together. Soon Captain Bellamy hailed the pink, which was a slow
+sailer, and ordered them to make more haste, whereupon John Brown, one
+of the pirates, swore “that she should carry sail till she carryed her
+Masts away.”
+
+The pirates on board the pink drank plentifully of the wine on board
+and took turns at the helm. As she was leaky all hands were forced to
+pump hard and in consequence damned the vessel and wished they had
+never seen her. A pirate named Thomas Baker was in command of the
+company on the pink and told Fitzgerald, the mate, that Captain Bellamy
+held a commission from King George, and Simon van Vorst, one of his
+men, said, “Yes, and we will stretch it to the World’s end.”
+
+At this time there were about fifty forced men on board the pirate
+vessels “over whom they kept a watchful eye, and no Man was suffered
+to write a word, but what was nailed up to the Mast. The names of the
+forced men were put in the Watch Bill and fared as others. They might
+have had what money they wanted from the Quartermaster, who kept a Book
+for that purpose.”[92] It was common report on board that they had with
+them about £20,000, in gold and silver.
+
+About ten o’clock in the evening it came on very thick weather. The
+wind blew from the east, it lightened and rained hard and the vessels
+soon lost sight of each other. Fitzgerald, the mate, was then at the
+helm and suddenly found that the pink was among the breakers. All hands
+tried to trim the head sail but before they could do it the vessel ran
+ashore opposite to Slutts-bush, at the back of Stage Harbor, on the
+south side of Cape Cod in what is now the town of Orleans. Baker, the
+pirate in command, at once ordered the foremast and mizzen mast cut
+down and the heavy sea soon drove the pink high on shore. Some of the
+prize crew, fearful of apprehension, then said “For God’s sake let us
+go down into the Hould and Die together” and later asked Fitzgerald to
+read to them out of the common prayer book which he did for about an
+hour. As the pink gave no signs of breaking up everybody remained on
+board until daybreak when they found it possible on the shore side to
+jump directly on land. It was a small island called Pochet Island, now
+a part of the mainland of Orleans. Here they breakfasted on sweetmeats
+found in a chest, washed down with wine from the cargo. At the time
+they could see at anchor beyond the bar, the snow and the small sloop,
+both having ridden out the storm safely. About the middle of the
+morning they worked off shore.
+
+At ten o’clock in the forenoon two men, John Cole and William Smith,
+came out to the island in a canoe and carried them all to the mainland
+where they went to Cole’s house and stayed for a short time, “looking
+very dejected.” Cole afterwards testified that they asked the way to
+Rhode Island and seemed in great haste to be off.
+
+News of the wreck traveled swiftly and soon reached the ears of Joseph
+Doane of Eastham, a justice of the peace and representative to the
+Great and General Court. Fitzgerald testified at the trial of the
+pirates that Mackconachy, the cook on the pink, had bravely denounced
+the seven pirates as soon as they reached the house of John Cole. At
+any rate, Justice Doane, with a deputy sheriff and posse of men, was
+soon in pursuit of the fleeing pirates who were overtaken and seized at
+Eastham tavern and taken to Barnstable gaol.
+
+Meanwhile, the “Whidaw” drove ashore ten miles[93] to the north with a
+great loss of life. Only two out of the ship’s company of one hundred
+and forty-six men reached the shore alive,--Thomas Davis, a young Welsh
+shipwright who had been forced the previous December, and John Julian,
+an Indian, born on Cape Cod,--these two men, by great endurance and
+good fortune, not only swam ashore from the bar on which the “Whidaw”
+was breaking up, but after reaching the shore successfully scaled “the
+Table Land” and escaped the smother of pounding rollers beneath.
+
+Davis told the judges of the Admiralty Court in Boston that when the
+thunder-storm broke, the “Whidaw” lost sight of her escorts and like
+the pink soon found breakers ahead. An anchor was let go but the
+violence of the sea was so great that the cable was cut and the attempt
+made to work off shore but she soon drove on the bar. A quarter of
+an hour after she struck, the mainmast went by the board and in the
+morning the fine new ship was a tangled mass of wreckage. About sixteen
+prisoners were drowned including Crumpstey, the master of the pink.
+“The riches on board were laid together in one head,” testified Davis.
+
+While the condemned pirates were awaiting execution they were taken to
+the North Meeting House, as an edifying spectacle, and there the Rev.
+Cotton Mather preached a sermon which was published under the title:
+“Instructions to the Living from the Condition of the Dead.” In this
+pamphlet he states that “when it appeared that the wrecked ship was
+breaking up the pirates murdered their prisoners on board lest they
+should escape and appear as witnesses. Wounds were afterwards found on
+their dead bodies washed up by the sea.” Nowhere in the testimony given
+at the trial is there an allusion to anything of the sort. Davis, the
+white survivor, testified in great detail and makes no mention of such
+horrible brutality. That dead bodies may have come ashore battered and
+mutilated is highly probable. Every great loss of life in a wrecked
+ship that has broken up and buffeted its victims has exhibited similar
+horrors.
+
+Another tale that has survived relates to the supposed heroism of
+the captain of the Irish pink. The “_Boston News-Letter_” of April
+29-May 6, 1717, prints news of the wreck and states that “The Pyrates
+being free with the Liquor that the Captive had, got themselves Drunk
+and asleep, and the Captive master in the Night, thought it a fit
+opportunity to run her ashore on the back side of Eastham.” Nearly
+eighty years later a citizen of Wellfleet wrote a short history of
+the town with an account of the pirate wreck, in which he doubtless
+perpetuated the local traditions. He relates that Bellamy’s entire
+fleet was “cast on the shore of what is now Wellfleet, being led to
+the shore by the captain of a snow, which was made a prize on the day
+before: who had the promise of the snow as a present, if he would pilot
+the fleet into Cape Cod harbor; the captain, suspecting that the pirate
+would not keep his promise, and that instead of clearing his ship, as
+was his pretence, his intentions were to plunder the inhabitants of
+Provincetown. The night being dark, a lantern was hung in the shrouds
+of the snow, the captain of which, instead of piloting where he was
+ordered, approached so near the land, that the pirate’s large ship
+which followed him struck on the outer bar; the snow being less, struck
+much nearer the shore. The fleet was put in confusion; a violent storm
+arose; and the whole fleet was shipwrecked on the shore. Many in the
+smaller vessels got safe on shore. Those that were executed, were the
+pirates put on board a prize schooner before the storm.... At times to
+this day [1793], there are King William and Queen Mary coppers picked
+up, and pieces of silver, called cob money. The violence of the seas
+moves the sands upon the outer bar; so that at times the iron caboose
+of the ship, at low ebb, has been seen.”[94]
+
+[Illustration: SPANISH DOUBLOON
+
+From the original coin found on the beach at Wellfleet, Mass., where
+Bellamy’s pirate ship was wrecked in 1717 and now in the possession of
+Charles A. Taylor.]
+
+[Illustration: A SPANISH “PIECE OF EIGHT”
+
+From a coin in the cabinet of the Massachusetts Historical Society]
+
+No longer ago than the year 1900, Capt. Webster Eldridge of Chatham,
+secured two guns that undoubtedly came from the wreck of the wine ship.
+The guns of the “Whidaw” should be found where she first struck on the
+outer bar, as she turned bottom up before she broke up and came ashore.
+
+The “Whidaw” came ashore about twelve o’clock at night. As soon as it
+was light, Thomas Davis, one of the two survivors, found his way to the
+house of Samuel Harding, about two miles distant from the wreck, and
+after telling his story Harding took him on his horse and they went to
+the shore and began to salvage what had washed up from the ship. They
+made several trips between the shore and the house. By ten o’clock a
+dozen others were there busily at work. The next day was Sunday and
+when Mr. Justice Doane reached the beach that morning he found that
+everything of value had been carried away. Davis was apprehended by him
+and a few days later the nine men in Barnstable gaol were placed on
+horseback and started for Boston under a strong guard and on May 4th
+they were placed in irons in the stone gaol that then was located where
+the City Hall Annex now stands.
+
+Meanwhile, Governor Shute saw visions of a great store of pirate gold
+and so issued a proclamation charging all of His Majesty’s officers
+and subjects within the Province to use all diligence to seize and
+apprehend not only escaped pirates but “money, bullion, treasure,
+goods and merchandizes” from the pirate ship. He also dispatched
+Capt. Cyprian Southack to the scene of the wreck. Captain Southack
+had been in command of the “Province Galley” for over nineteen years
+and afterwards published a chart of the New England coast on which he
+located the pirate wreck. He hired a small sloop, the “Nathaniel,”
+John Sole, master, and sailed from Boston on May 1st, at ten o’clock
+in the morning, only five days after the “Whidaw” had come ashore. The
+wind was at the south, “a frisking gale,” and he didn’t reach Cape Cod
+harbor until the afternoon of the next day. There he hired a whale boat
+and sent two men to Truro where they got horses and at seven o’clock
+in the evening reached the wreck where a watch was maintained all night.
+
+At four o’clock on the morning of May 3, 1717, the diligent captain
+started in a whale boat and crossed the Cape by means of the natural
+canal that existed at that time between Orleans and Eastham, sometimes
+called “Jeremy’s Drean.” At Truro, he was “much afronted by one Caleb
+Hopkins, Senr. of Freetown,” and nowhere on the Cape did he find a
+cordial spirit of coöperation, as may be surmised. He found the “Pepol
+very Stife and will not [give up] one thing of what they Gott on the
+Rack.” He wrote to the Governor that “Samuel Harding has a great many
+Riches that he saved out of the Rack being the first man there and says
+that the Englishman give him orders to Deliver nothing of the Riches
+they had saved, so I find the said Harding is as Gilty as the Pirates
+saved.”
+
+The day after he arrived at Eastham, he posted a notice on the doors
+of three nearby meeting-houses announcing that he had been authorized
+by the Governor to discover and take care of the wreck, with power
+to “go into any house, shop, cellar, warehouse, room or other place
+and in case of resistance to break open any door, chests, trunks and
+other packages” and seize any plunder belonging to the wreck. But His
+Majesty’s “loving subjects” refused to disgorge. “They are very wise
+and will not tell one nothing of what they got on the Rack,” wrote the
+complaining captain. The coroner and his jury had ordered the victims
+of the wreck to be buried and demanded £83, as their due for the cost
+of burying the sixty-two bodies. Captain Southack claimed that public
+money should not be wasted in burying outlawed pirates and so the
+thrifty coroner “putt a stop” on some of the goods from the wreck and
+secured payment, which “is very hard,” writes the captain.
+
+The fragments of the wrecked ship he found scattered along the shore
+for a distance of nearly four miles. The anchor of the “Whidaw”
+could be seen on the bar at low tide but the sea was so rough that
+it was impossible to go out in the whale boat that he had impressed
+until nearly a week had gone by and then nothing could be seen for
+the moving sand made the water thick and muddy. It also rained much
+of the time. Altogether, a disagreeable experience for the faithful
+captain! Eventually he was obliged to abandon his attempt to recover
+“the riches” believed to be buried in the sand on the bar and return to
+Boston. Fate also played him a scurvy trick by sending along a pirate
+vessel to capture the sloop “Swan,” Samuel Doggett, master, that had
+been ordered from Boston to bring back the goods saved from the wreck.
+After being plundered of stores to the value of £80 she was allowed to
+go. This happened on the voyage down to the Cape.
+
+Does the sandy bar off Wellfleet still conceal the pirate gold? Who can
+say? Certainly no large salvage has ever been made. Moreover, there is
+a possibility that a part of it was carried off by some of the crew
+who may have escaped from the stranded ship. Captain Williams, the
+escort of Bellamy, also put in a belated appearance two days after the
+“Whidaw” was wrecked and came to anchor off shore and sent in a boat.
+Some salvage may have been effected then.
+
+Williams had reached Block Island on April 28th, too late to join
+Bellamy, and while there had beguiled on board and forced three men,
+Dr. James Sweet, George Mitchell and Willaim Tosh.[95] From Block
+Island, he steered easterly and the next day, April 29th, reached the
+scene of the wreck. From there he chased several fishing vessels and
+then stood out to sea. He was back again a month later and took a ship
+and a schooner and even came into Cape Cod harbor on May 24th and then
+sailed through Vineyard Sound the following Sunday. He was then in
+great want of provisions. On May 25th, a man-of-war and an armed sloop,
+with ninety men, had sailed from Boston in pursuit. The news was sent
+to Rhode Island and Governor Cranston replied, “I hope it will please
+god to Bless Your Excellency’s Indevours by the Sirprize and Caption of
+those Inhumaine Monsters of pray so as our Navigation may be made more
+Safe and Secure.”
+
+As for the possible escape of men from the wrecked “Whidaw,” the only
+evidence that now appears is found in the deposition of Daniel Collins,
+the master of a Cape Ann fishing sloop, who was captured by a small
+pirate sloop on May 10th. He was forty leagues eastward of Cape Ann at
+the time. There were nineteen men on board the pirate and they told
+him that “they were the only men that escaped that belonged to the
+ship that run on shoar att Cape Cod and that they made their escape
+in the long boat.” Since then they had taken three shallops and three
+schooners that belonged to Marblehead.
+
+Pirates usually were brought to a speedy trial in Boston; but for some
+reason the men who escaped the perils of the sea on Cape Cod remained
+in gaol until Friday, Oct. 18th before they were taken into Admiralty
+Court and made to taste the perils of the land. John Julian, the Cape
+Cod Indian, was brought to Boston with the others but never was tried.
+He disappears from the records and may have died. Thomas Davis, the
+twenty-two year old Welshman, was able to convince the Court that he
+was a forced man and when he was cleared “put himself on his knees and
+thanked the Court and was dismissed with a suitable admonition.”
+
+The remaining seven:--Simon Van Vorst, 24 years, born in New York;
+John Brown, 25 years, born in Jamaica; Thomas Baker, 29 years, born in
+Flushing, Holland; Hendrick Quintor, 25 years, born in Amsterdam; Peter
+Cornelius Hoof, 34 years, born in Sweden; John Sheean, 24 years, born
+in Nantes; and Thomas South, 30 years, born in Boston, England; were
+brought to trial in the Court House standing at the head of what is
+now State Street. Governor Shute, the Captain-General of the Province,
+sat as President of the Court and beside him was Lieutenant-Governor
+Dummer. The prisoners were charged with piracy in taking the “free
+trading Vessel or Pink called the Mary Anne” and were tried under the
+statute made in the 11th and 12th year of the reign of William III. The
+evidence was conclusive. Thomas South, it appeared by the testimony,
+was a ship carpenter who had been forced by Bellamy the previous
+December, from a Bristol ship commanded by Capt. James Williams. He was
+cleared. The others were found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on
+Friday, Nov. 15, 1717, “at Charlestown Ferry within the flux and reflux
+of the Sea.”
+
+After the condemned pirates were removed from the courtroom the
+ministers of the town took them in hand and “bestowed all possible
+_Instructions_ upon the Condemned Criminals; often _Pray’d_ with them;
+often _Preached_ to them; often _Examined_ them; and _Exhorted_ them;
+and presented them with Books of Piety.” At the place of execution
+Baker and Hoof appeared penitent and the latter joined with Van Vorst
+in singing a Dutch psalm. John Brown, on the contrary, broke out into
+furious expressions with many oaths and then fell to reading prayers,
+“not very pertinently chosen,” remarks the Rev. Cotton Mather. He then
+made a short speech, at which many in the assembled crowd trembled, in
+which he advised sailors to beware of wicked living and if they fell
+into the hands of pirates to have a care what countries they came into.
+Then the scaffold fell and six twitching bodies, outlined against the
+sky, ended the spectacle.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+      Instructions to the LIVING,
+       from the Condition of the
+                 DEAD.
+
+    A Brief Relation of REMARKABLES
+       in the Shipwreck of above
+              One Hundred
+
+               Pirates,
+
+ Who were Cast away in the Ship _Whida_,
+   on the Coast of _New-England_,
+   _April 26. 1717_.
+
+ And in the Death of Six, who after
+   a Fair Trial at _Boston_, were
+   Convicted & Condemned, _Octob.
+   22._ And Executed, _Novemb. 15.
+   1717_. With some Account of
+   the Discourse had with them on
+   the way to their Execution.
+
+ And a SERMON Preached on their
+   Occasion.
+
+ _Boston_, Printed by _John Allen_, for
+   _Nicholas Boone_, at the Sign of
+   the Bible in _Cornhill_. 1717.
+]
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[87] Paul Williams, sometimes styled Paulsgrave Williams, is said to
+have been born on Nantucket. Later he lived at Newport, Rhode Island.
+
+[88] _The Trials of Eight Persons Indited for Piracy_, Boston, 1717.
+
+[89] _The Trials of Eight Persons Indited for Piracy_, Boston, 1717.
+
+[90] Johnson, _History of the Pirates_, London, 1726.
+
+[91] Johnson, _History of the Pirates_, London, 1726.
+
+[92] _The Trials of Eight Persons Indited for Piracy_, Boston, 1717.
+
+[93] About two and one-half miles south of the present life-saving
+station at Wellfleet.
+
+[94] _Massachusetts Historical Society Collections_, Vol. III, p. 120.
+
+[95] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. II, leaf 165.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX
+
+GEORGE LOWTHER WHO CAPTURED THIRTY-THREE VESSELS IN SEVENTEEN MONTHS
+
+
+Most of the piracies perpetrated by this man took place away from the
+New England coast, but as he aided Capt. Ned Low to begin his piratical
+career and at various times was his consort, it seems proper to include
+here some relation of the villainies that he committed. Lowther was an
+Englishman and an honest man when he sailed from London in March, 1721,
+as second mate of the ship “Gambia Castle,” owned by the Royal African
+Company and commanded by Capt. Charles Russell. The ship was carrying
+stores and a company of soldiers to the river Gambia, on the African
+coast, to garrison a fort some time before captured and destroyed by
+Capt. Howel Davis, the pirate. She came to anchor at Gambia in May and
+before long disputes arose between Lowther and Captain Russell in which
+many of the crew sided with the second mate. These disputes eventually
+led to a conspiracy whereby the ship was seized during the absence of
+the captain on shore, and with Lowther in command the ship sailed down
+the river.
+
+When safely at sea Lowther called the entire company together and
+made a speech in which he pointed out the folly of returning to
+England, for, by seizing the ship they had been guilty of an offence,
+the penalty of which was hanging, and for one he didn’t propose to
+chance such a fate. Continuing, he said if the company didn’t accept
+his proposal he only asked to be set ashore in some safe place. His
+proposal was that they should seek their fortunes on the seas as other
+brave men had done before them. The sailors and soldiers on board
+proved to be a crowd of good fellows not suited for the gallows or
+damp prison cells and so fell in with his suggestions. The cabins were
+knocked down, the ship made flush fore and aft and renamed the “Happy
+Delivery,” and the following “Articles” were drawn up, signed and,
+strangely enough, sworn to upon a Bible, viz:--
+
+    “1. The Captain is to have two full Shares; the Master is
+    to have one Share and a half; the Doctor, Mate, Gunner, and
+    Boatswain, one Share and a quarter.
+
+    “2. He that shall be found guilty of taking up any unlawful
+    Weapon on Board the Privateer, or any Prize, by us taken, so
+    as to strike or abuse one another, in any regard, shall suffer
+    what Punishment the Captain and Majority of the Company shall
+    think fit.
+
+    “3. He that shall be found Guilty of Cowardice, in the Time
+    of Engagement, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and
+    Majority shall think fit.
+
+    “4. If any Gold, Jewels, Silver, &c. be found on Board of any
+    Prize or Prizes, to the Value of a Piece of Eight, and the
+    Finder do not deliver it to the Quarter-Master, in the Space of
+    24 Hours, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority
+    shall think fit.
+
+    “5. He that is found Guilty of Gaming, or Defrauding another
+    to the Value of a Shilling, shall suffer what Punishment the
+    Captain and Majority of the Company shall think fit.
+
+    “6. He that shall have the Misfortune to lose a Limb, in Time
+    of Engagement, shall have the Sum of one hundred and fifty
+    Pounds Sterling, and remain with the Company as long as he
+    shall think fit.
+
+    “7. Good Quarters to be given when call’d for.
+
+    “8. He that sees a Sail first, shall have the best Pistol, or
+    Small-Arm, on Board her.”
+
+This occurred on June 13, 1721. Seven days later, near Barbadoes, they
+came in sight of the brigantine “Charles,” James Douglass, master,
+owned in Boston in the Massachusetts Bay, which fell into their hands
+without any resistance and was plundered in the usual piratical manner.
+No one on board was injured and the vessel was let go without damage.
+Several other captures were made near Hispaniola including a Spanish
+pirate that recently had taken a Bristol ship, then in company. The
+Spaniards being engaged in the same trade expected some consideration
+at the hands of Lowther, but he rifled and then burned both ships,
+permitting the Spaniards to go away unharmed in their launch and adding
+all the English sailors to his own pirate crew. Meanwhile the news of
+his venture on the high seas had reached England and in September,
+H. M. Ship “Feversham,” stationed at Barbadoes, was reported to have
+taken Lowther, so Captain Russell set out from Plymouth for Barbadoes
+to take possession of his ship and give evidence against Lowther and
+his crew.[96] Unfortunately for him, on his arrival at Barbadoes he
+learned that the capture had not been made. About that time Lowther
+took a small sloop owned at St. Christopher’s which he manned from
+his enlarged crew and together they made for a small island where the
+vessels were careened and their bottoms cleaned and here the company
+spent some time drinking and carousing with some Indian women they had
+seized.
+
+About Christmas time, 1721, they went aboard their vessels and took a
+course across the Caribbean for the Bay of Honduras, but running short
+of water made for the Grand Caimane islands to fill up the water butts.
+While here a small vessel came into the same harbor with only thirteen
+men aboard and with a man named Edward Low in command. It turned out
+that this company had recently come away from a Boston sloop in the Bay
+of Honduras and had turned pirates like themselves. Lowther accordingly
+proposed to Captain Low that they should join forces and shortly an
+agreement was reached and all went aboard the “Happy Delivery.” The
+joint adventures of these kindred spirits are related at length in the
+chapter on Captain Edward Low, until Low’s ambition led to a rupture
+between them. They separated at night on May 28, 1722, in the latitude
+of 38°, and Captain Lowther set a course for the mainland and took
+three or four fishing vessels off New York.
+
+On June 2d, the ship “Mary Galley,” Peter King, master, was overhauled,
+in latitude 35°. She was bound homeward to Boston from the Barbadoes
+and from her Lowther took thirteen hogsheads and a barrel of rum, a
+sufficient supply to wet thirsty throats for some days it would seem.
+He also secured five barrels of sugar and several cases of loaf sugar
+and pepper, a box of English goods and six negroes. The passengers were
+examined and robbed of all their money and plate and at eleven o’clock
+the next morning the ship was allowed to proceed. She reached Boston
+on the 14th and soon the intelligence was published in the newspapers.
+At the time of this capture Lowther was reported as commanding a sloop
+mounting four guns. About the same time sloops from the West Indies
+arriving at New York, brought news of the capture of a New York sloop,
+Thomas Noxon, master, on the voyage to Jamaica, loaded with provisions.
+The captain and crew had been marooned but taken off by a passing
+vessel bound for Bermuda. This may have been an earlier capture of
+Lowther. He next appeared near the Capes of the Chesapeake and cruised
+on and off for nearly three weeks, the wind being southerly and blowing
+an easy gale. Many persons harvesting on plantations near the shore
+reported the strange vessels, for Lowther and Harris were than in
+company. Several times they sailed up the bay for ten or twelve leagues
+and on July 8th brought down with them a large sloop taken high up in
+the bay. That night the vessels anchored at no great distance from
+shore and the excited neighborhood heard drums beating “all night,” so
+says the report, and could see a large number of men on board. Trade
+between the Capes was entirely stopped, no vessels daring to venture
+out. Franklin’s newspaper, the “New England Courant,” when publishing
+this information just arrived from Philadelphia, makes the satirical
+comment that for some time no man-of-war had been seen in the vicinity,
+“who, by dear experience, we know, love Trading better than Fighting.”
+One vessel did enter safely through the Capes, the sloop “Little
+Joseph,” commanded by Captain Hargrave, “who sailed from hence about
+two months ago for the Island of St. Christophers, but was taken by the
+Pyrates three Times and rifled of most of her Cargo, so that she was
+obliged to return back.”[97]
+
+From the Capes of the Chesapeake, Captain Lowther directed a course
+southerly and near the South Carolina coast met a ship just out of port
+bound for England,--the “Amy,” Captain Gwatkins. Lowther hoisted his
+piratical colors and fired a gun. Captain Gwatkins did not lose courage
+at sight of the black flag and replied with a broadside which caused
+Lowther to sheer off and the ship getting the pirate between her and
+the shore stood boldly after him. Finding that at last he had “caught
+a Tartar,” Lowther ran in towards shore and at length went aground
+and landed all his men with their arms. Captain Gwatkins hove to as
+near in-shore as he dared and filling one of his boats with armed men
+rowed toward the stranded sloop with the intention of setting it on
+fire. Most unfortunately, just before reaching the vessel, a volley
+from Lowther’s men on shore picked off Captain Gwatkins, wounding
+him fatally, after which the mate turned about and made for the ship
+without attempting farther to reach the sloop. When the “Amy” had left
+them, Lowther soon got his vessel afloat but found her in shattered
+condition. During the engagement he had a good many men killed and
+wounded and all in all it seemed best to pull into one of the many
+inlets on the North Carolina coast and refit and allow his wounded
+to recover. This required more time than he had anticipated and soon
+winter was at hand and at their chosen anchorage they finally remained
+until the next spring. Much of the time during the winter months was
+spent in hunting black cattle, hogs, etc., to supply fresh meat. The
+crew was divided up into small parties and sent out to ravage the back
+country, at last coming back to their huts and tents near the sloop
+where they lodged during the winter and only went on board when the
+weather grew very cold.
+
+Spring came at last and leaving their winter quarters they went to
+sea steering a course for the fishing banks off Newfoundland. On June
+18th, 1723, the schooner “Swift” of Boston, John Hood, master, fell
+into their hands and supplied them with forty barrels of salt beef,
+very much needed at the time. Other miscellaneous stores were taken and
+three men--Andrew Hunter, Henry Hunter and Jonathan Deloe--were forced
+to join the pirate crew. Lowther’s sloop at that time had ten guns
+mounted.[98]
+
+Several other captures were made on the banks or in harbors along shore
+but none supplied much plunder. On July 5th, being then about a hundred
+leagues eastward of the banks of Newfoundland, Lowther overhauled the
+brigantine “John and Elizabeth,” owned in Boston, Richard Stanny,
+master, bound home from Holland having called at Dover. Captain Stanny
+afterward reported that Lowther at that time had with him about twenty
+men and the sloop mounted only seven guns. The pirates broke open the
+hatches and helped themselves to a variety of merchandise and stores
+and forced two men,--Ralph Kendale of Sunderland, county Durham, and
+Henry Watson of Dover. These men struggled against being forced on
+board the sloop and before this was accomplished were badly whipped and
+beaten.[99] At the time this capture was made Lowther was headed for
+warmer waters and early in September, in company with Capt. Ned Low,
+reached Fayal in the Western Islands, as is related elsewhere.
+
+The depredations of Low and Lowther that spring and summer aroused
+the fears of every shipmaster along the New England coast and every
+unrecognized vessel was imagined to be a rogue. Capt. James Codin on
+his passage from New York to Newport, R. I., sighted a sloop at anchor
+near Fisher’s Island which immediately made sail and chased him all
+day so that he concluded the sloop to be a pirate, more especially
+as he was followed when he altered his course. Captain Codin made
+for Stonington which he reached safely during the evening. The next
+morning the strange sloop was not in sight. She afterwards proved to
+be a New York sloop commanded by one Captain Heed, homeward bound
+from Jamaica. Not long after a sloop with a white bottom and eight
+gun-ports came to anchor near Block Island and sent a boat ashore for
+fresh provisions and a pilot. At Captain Rea’s some sheep were bought
+and payment was made in silver money. “It is conjectured to be Lowther
+the Pirate.”[100] Two weeks later the Boston newspapers published a
+new batch of information according to which the sloop at Block Island
+proved to be a Londoner, owned by the Royal Assiento Company, and
+commanded by Capt. Rupert Wappen. She mounted eight guns and carried
+a crew of thirty-nine men, and on board were ten or twelve chests of
+silver money, a fact which her captain seems to have been at no pains
+to conceal. She was said to have come from Laver de Cruz and South
+Carolina and to be bound for Jamaica and was waiting at Block Island
+for a pilot.
+
+About the same time Capt. George Slyfield arrived at Philadelphia from
+South Carolina, in the sloop “Lincolnshire,” with the news that Lowther
+had gone to Cape Fear, to careen and Governor Nickolson had sent an
+Indian to learn the truth of the report and was also fitting out a
+man-of-war to go in search. And so the rumors flew about.
+
+[Illustration: CAPT. GEORGE LOWTHER AT PORT MAYO
+
+From a rare engraving in the Harry Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard
+College Library]
+
+Meanwhile, Lowther, in the sloop “Happy Delivery,” cruised about
+the Western Islands with Low and then made for the Guinea coast and
+the West Indies where he seems to have left Low, for he was alone
+when he had the good luck to capture a Martinico vessel that gave
+him greatly needed provisions. Not long after, a Guinea-man, the
+“Princess,” Captain Wickstead, surrendered to him. The bottom of the
+“Happy Delivery” having become foul, Lowther began to look about for a
+suitable inlet in which to careen and finally hit upon the island of
+Blanco which lies between the islands of Margarita and Rocas and is
+not far from Tortuga. It is a low-lying island, about two leagues in
+circumference and uninhabited. It is well wooded and there is a heavy
+scrub growth everywhere. Besides being frequented by large sea turtles
+it supports great numbers of iguanas, a kind of lizard that grows to a
+length of about five feet and is very good to eat; in fact, the pirates
+used to go there to catch them, as was well-known at the time. On the
+northwest end of the island there is a small cove or sandy bay and here
+Lowther, about the first of October, 1723, unrigged his sloop, sent
+the guns, sails, etc., ashore and began to careen his vessel. Just at
+this time, most unfortunately for him, there appeared off the cove, the
+armed sloop “Eagle,” Walter Moore, commander, owned by Colonel Otley
+of the island of St. Christopher. She was bound for Comena, in Spanish
+territory, and passing near this well-known resort for pirates and
+catching sight of the sloop on the careen and so unprepared, Captain
+Moore decided to grasp the advantage and attack the rogues. So he
+fired a gun to oblige them to show their colors and they hoisted the
+St. George’s flag to their topmast head. But Captain Moore felt sure
+that she was no trader and so came in close. When Lowther found that
+the strange sloop was determined to engage him he opened fire from the
+shore, but was at so great a disadvantage that shortly his men called
+for quarter and began to run for the woods behind them. All resistance
+was soon over and Captain Moore got the “Happy Delivery” off, secured
+her, and then went ashore with twenty-five men in search of Lowther and
+his crew, and after five days of beating about the bushes succeeded in
+taking sixteen of the pirates including the sloop’s surgeon and seven
+others who surrendered themselves as forced men. Lowther they were
+unable to discover. At last abandoning further search Captain Moore
+continued his voyage to Comena, with the captured sloop in company,
+and on his arrival the Spanish Governor condemned the sloop a prize to
+the Englishman and also sent a sloop with twenty-three armed men to
+make further search for pirates at the island of Blanco. This search
+resulted in the capture of four more men whom the Spanish Governor
+tried and condemned to slavery for life. Captain Lowther and three of
+his men were able to conceal themselves in some dense undergrowth and
+so escaped capture, but not long after another party visited the island
+and came upon his dead body with a pistol beside it and it was supposed
+that in desperation he at last committed suicide.
+
+The sloop “Eagle,” having brought Captain Moore’s prisoners to St.
+Christopher’s, a Court of Vice-Admiralty was held on Mar. 11, 1724 when
+the following men were tried for piracy, viz: John Churchill, Edward
+Mackdonald, Nicholas Lewis, Richard West, Samuel Levercott, Robert
+White, John Shaw, Andrew Hunter, Jonathan Deloe, Matthew Freeborn,
+Henry Watson, Roger Granger, Ralph Candor and Robert Willis. The
+last three were acquitted, and the others found guilty, two of them,
+however, being recommended to mercy, were afterwards pardoned. Eleven
+of Lowther’s piratical crew accordingly were hanged by the neck until
+dead on Mar. 20, 1724, on a gallows erected between high- and low-water
+mark at St. Christopher’s in the West Indies.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+ [96] _American Weekly Mercury_, Feb. 6, 1722.
+
+ [97] _New England Courant_, Aug. 6, 1722.
+
+ [98] _Boston Gazette_, Sept. 9, 1723.
+
+ [99] _Boston News-Letter_, Aug. 8, 1723.
+
+[100] _Boston News-Letter_, Aug. 22, 1723.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X
+
+NED LOW OF BOSTON AND HOW HE BECAME A PIRATE CAPTAIN
+
+
+There was living in Boston in the year 1719, a young man who went by
+the name of Ned Low. He was a ship-rigger by trade and as shipbuilding
+in Boston was brisk about that time, Low’s services were in demand.
+He was born in Westminster, England, and such meagre biographical
+information as is now available shows that he could neither read nor
+write and that as a boy he ran wild in the streets of his native
+parish. He seems to have begun his career early as a petty thief and
+gamester among the boys of his neighborhood and later to have spent
+much time among the hangers-on about the House of Commons which was
+near his home. Strong and fearless, he was always ready to attack any
+one who might catch him cheating or attempt to relieve him of his
+ill-gotten gains. It is said that one of his brothers, at the age
+of seven, was carried about in a basket on the back of a porter, in
+crowded streets, where he would snatch off hats and wigs and conceal
+them in his basket,--a profitable occupation for his family, it seems;
+and as he grew too large for the basket trick, he became a pickpocket
+and petty thief and in time, a housebreaker. According to the “Newgate
+Calendar,” he ended his days on a scaffold at Tyburn in company with
+others of his stripe.
+
+Ned Low was more fortunate for when old enough he went to sea with a
+brother and during the next three or four years visited many of the
+larger seaports, at last reaching Boston, in New England, where his
+fancy was caught by the pretty face of Eliza Marble, a girl of a good
+family, and after a time they were married,[101] Ned meanwhile having
+found regular work as a ship-rigger. His wife became a member of the
+Second Church in 1718 and a son and daughter were baptized there.
+
+The couple had a daughter Elizabeth, born in the winter of 1719, and
+shortly after the young mother died, no doubt to the great sorrow
+of Low, for in after life probably the only redeeming traits in his
+character, were a love for his young daughter (the son having died in
+infancy) and his refusal to force married men to join his pirate crew.
+In lucid intervals between revelling and fighting Low is said to have
+frequently expressed great affection for the young child[102] he had
+left in Boston, and mere mention of her would often bring tears to
+his eyes. Philip Ashton, a Marblehead fisherman whom Low captured and
+forced and who afterwards escaped after many adventures, has preserved
+in his “Narrative,” much curious information concerning Low, including
+instances of this vein of sentiment so strangely associated in a brutal
+nature.
+
+Low was of a rather cock-sure disposition and frequently engaged in
+disputes and quarrels. Not long after the death of his wife he was
+discharged by his employer for some cause and soon decided to leave
+Boston. He shipped on board a sloop bound for the Bay of Honduras for a
+cargo of logwood and proving himself to be no ordinary type of seaman,
+as soon as the sloop reached the Bay he was appointed to command the
+boat’s crew that was sent ashore to get the logwood and bring it out to
+the vessel. As Honduras was Spanish territory and the logwood was cut
+without permission, in fact, was being stolen from the Spaniards, the
+boat’s crew of twelve men always went on shore fully armed.
+
+[Illustration: THE IDLE APPRENTICE SENT TO SEA
+
+From an engraving by William Hogarth in the “Industry and Idleness”
+series, published in 1747. The young reprobate is being rowed past
+Cuckold’s Point on the Thames on which can be seen a pirate hanging
+from a gibbet]
+
+One day it happened that the loaded boat came out to the sloop just
+before dinner was ready and as the men were tired and hungry, Low
+proposed that they stay and eat before going ashore again; but the
+captain was in a hurry to complete the loading of his vessel and
+sending for a bottle of rum he ordered them to take another trip
+at once so that no time should be lost. This angered the men and
+particularly Low who seized a musket and fired at the captain and
+missed him but shot through the head a sailor who happened to be
+standing behind him. Low then leaped into the boat and with its crew of
+twelve men made off from the sloop.
+
+It is more than likely that some such action had already been discussed
+by Low and his intimates among the crew. At any rate, they now decided
+to make a black flag and prey upon the vessels in the Bay. Luck was
+with them and the next day they came upon a small vessel which they
+captured.
+
+Low was now embarked on his bloody and cruel career as a pirate and
+if ever a man sailing the seas deserved to be hanged and gibbeted in
+chains, it was Low. If one half of the tales that have been told of him
+are true he must at times have been little short of a maniac. Time and
+again part of his crew deserted him because of his cruelty. No evil or
+cruel action was beyond his doing so that it is quite remarkable that
+he did not die a violent death within the knowledge of his men. In
+point of fact, however, it is not known exactly how or when he died.
+
+After the capture of the small vessel, Low, who had been elected
+captain, ordered a course made for the Grand Caimanes--islands lying
+about halfway between Yucatan and the island of Jamaica--intending to
+refit their vessel for piratical forays.
+
+The Grand Caimanes or Caymans, as they are known today, were much
+resorted to by gentlemen of the kidney of Captain Low and soon
+after arriving at the islands he fell in with Capt. George Lowther,
+another pirate, who was short of men and who, after becoming somewhat
+acquainted with Low, proposed that they join forces. As Low’s company
+was small in number and ill-fitted, an agreement was soon arrived at
+whereby Lowther remained in command with Low as his lieutenant. The
+small vessel brought in by Low was sunk and the united company made off
+together in the “Happy Delivery,” the name of Lowther’s ship.
+
+On the 10th of January, 1722, they came into the Bay of Honduras and
+sighted the ship “Greyhound,” Benjamin Edwards, commander, of about
+two hundred tons burden and owned in Boston. Lowther hoisted his
+piratical colors and fired a gun for the “Greyhound” to bring to, and
+she refusing, he gave her a broadside which was bravely returned. The
+engagement lasted for about an hour when Captain Edwards ordered his
+ensign struck fearing the consequences of too great a resistance. The
+pirate’s boat soon came aboard and the ship was thoroughly looted.
+The crew were cruelly whipped, beaten and cut, and five of them,
+Christopher Atwell, Charles Harris, Henry Smith, Joseph Willis and
+David Lindsay, were forced and the ship was burned.[103]
+
+Lowther also captured and burned seven other vessels belonging to
+Boston, and all their logwood, “because they were New-England men,” it
+was reported. About the same time a sloop belonging to Connecticut,
+Captain Ayres, was taken and burned and also a sloop from Jamaica,
+Captain Hamilton, which was taken for their own use and the command
+given to Charles Harris, who had been second mate of the “Greyhound”
+and who joined the pirates, it would seem, willingly. A sloop from
+Virginia, they took and then unloaded and generously gave back to her
+master who owned her. A sloop of about one hundred tons, belonging to
+Newport, Rhode Island, also was captured and as it was a new hull and
+a good sailer she was made a part of the pirate fleet and fitted with
+eight carriage and ten swivel guns and the command given to Ned Low.
+
+The pirate fleet was then composed of the “Happy Delivery,” commanded
+by Admiral Lowther; the Rhode Island sloop, commanded by Captain
+Low; Hamilton’s sloop, commanded by Captain Harris, formerly of the
+“Greyhound”; and with a small sloop for a tender, the fleet set sail
+from the Bay and made for Port Mayo in the gulf of Matique where they
+intended to careen and clean the foul bottoms of their vessels. There
+they carried ashore all their sails and made tents in which they placed
+their plunder and stores and then began heaving down their ship.
+This turned out to be a very unfortunate move for just as they were
+in the midst of scrubbing and tallowing the bottom of the ship and
+wholly unprepared for any attack, a considerable number of the natives
+appeared from among the trees nearby and attacking the pirates forced
+them to go aboard their sloops which had not yet been careened. The
+natives carried off or destroyed all the stores and plunder, which was
+of considerable value, and also set fire to the ship.
+
+Lowther then took command of the largest sloop, which he called the
+“Ranger.” It was armed with ten guns and eight swivels and was the best
+sailer, so the entire company went aboard and abandoned at sea the
+other sloops. Provisions, however, were very short and empty stomachs
+and thinking of the loot that had been lost soon put them all in a vile
+temper and there was much fighting and blaming each other for their
+misfortune.
+
+About the beginning of May, 1722, they came near the island of Discade,
+in the West Indies, and while there took a brigantine, one Payne,
+master, which supplied what they needed most and put them in better
+temper. The brigantine, after it was well plundered, was sent to the
+bottom. After watering at the island, the sloop stood for the Florida
+coast where Lowther proposed to ravage the shipping in the vicinity
+of the Bahamas. On May 28th, in the latitude of thirty-eight degrees
+north, they overtook the brigantine “Rebecca,” of Charlestown in the
+Massachusetts Bay, James Flucker, commander, bound for Boston from St.
+Christophers. She fell into their hands at once as her crew were too
+few in number to contend with Lowther and his hundred pirates. There
+were twenty-three persons on board including five women, all of whom
+were treated decently and in due time reached Boston. The master of the
+brigantine they held promising him his vessel again when they had taken
+a better one.
+
+For some time Lowther had found Low an unruly officer, always aspiring
+and never satisfied with his proposals so that Lowther thought this a
+good opportunity to rid himself of a source of trouble and annoyance.
+Whereupon he proposed to Low that he take command of the brigantine and
+together with forty men, who elected to sail with him, Low made off by
+himself. Of the crew of the brigantine, three men were forced,--Joseph
+Sweetser of Charlestown and Robert Rich of London, Old England, who
+were compelled to go with Low, and Robert Willis, also of London,
+who, having broken his arm by a fall from the mast, begged that his
+condition be considered. But he was a vigorous and intelligent fellow
+and Lowther refused his plea and forced him away with him.[104] These
+two commanders accordingly parted company, Low with forty-four men
+going off in the brigantine and Lowther with the same number remaining
+in the sloop. This happened in the afternoon of the 28th of May, 1722.
+Low took with him in the brigantine, two guns, four swivels, six
+quarter-casks of powder, provisions and some stores.
+
+[Illustration: A BARQUE IN THE WEST INDIES ABOUT 1720]
+
+[Illustration: A BRIGANTINE IN THE WEST INDIES ABOUT 1720]
+
+“HERE FOLLOW THE ARTICLES OF CAPT. EDWARD LOW THE PIRATE WITH HIS
+COMPANY
+
+“1. The Captain is to have two full Shares; the Master is to have one
+Share and one Half; The Doctor, Mate, Gunner and Boatswain, one Share
+and one Quarter.
+
+“2. He that shall be found guilty of taking up any Unlawfull Weapon on
+Board the Privateer or any other prize by us taken, so as to Strike
+or Abuse one another in any regard, shall suffer what Punishment the
+Captain and Majority of the Company shall see fit.
+
+“3. He that shall be found Guilty of Cowardice in the time of
+Ingagements, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority of
+the Company shall think fit.
+
+“4. If any Gold, Jewels, Silver, &c. be found on Board of any Prize or
+Prizes to the value of a Piece of Eight, & the finder do not deliver
+it to the Quarter Master in the space of 24 hours he shall suffer what
+Punishment the Captain and Majority of the Company shall think fit.
+
+“5. He that is found Guilty of Gaming, or Defrauding one another to the
+Value of a Ryal of Plate, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and
+Majority of the Company shall think fit.
+
+“6. He that shall have the Misfortune to loose a Limb in time of
+Engagement, shall have the Sum of Six hundred pieces of Eight, and
+remain aboard as long as he shall think fit.
+
+“7. Good Quarters to be given when Craved.
+
+“8. He that sees a Sail first, shall have the best Pistol or Small Arm
+aboard of her.
+
+“9. He that shall be guilty of Drunkenness in time of Engagement shall
+suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority of the Company shall
+think fit.
+
+“10. No Snaping of Guns in the Hould.”[105]
+
+                       --_Boston News-Letter_, Aug. 8, 1723.
+
+Low’s first adventure in the brigantine took place on the following
+Sunday when a sloop belonging to Amboy, in New Jersey, fell into his
+hands. This vessel he rifled of provisions and then let go. This
+happened off Block Island near the Rhode Island coast. The same day
+he captured and plundered a sloop belonging to Newport, commanded by
+James Cahoon, and took away his mainsail and provisions and water.
+His bowsprit was cut away and all his rigging and thrown overboard
+intending thereby to prevent his getting in to give the alarm. Cahoon
+himself was badly cut in the arm during the scrimmage. Low then stood
+away to the south-eastward, with all the sail that could be made, there
+being then but little wind at the time.
+
+He judged well in making haste to get away from the coast for
+notwithstanding the disabled condition of Cahoon’s sloop she reached
+Block Island about midnight and a whale boat was sent out at once
+with the news which reached Newport about seven the next morning. The
+Governor immediately ordered the drums to be beaten about the town for
+volunteers to go in search of the pirates and two of the best sloops in
+the harbor were armed and fitted out. One of these sloops, commanded by
+Capt. John Headland, mounted ten guns and carried eighty men. The other
+sloop, which was commanded by Capt. John Brown, jun., was armed with
+six guns and plenty of small arms and carried sixty men. These sloops
+were both under sail before sunset, each commander carrying a ten days’
+commission from the Governor. At about the same time the pirate vessel
+could be seen from Block Island. But good fortune favored Low and the
+sloops returned to Newport several days afterwards without so much as
+catching sight of the brigantine.
+
+Proclamation also was made in Boston, by beat of drum, for the
+encouragement of volunteers to engage against the pirates and over a
+hundred men enlisted under Capt. Peter Papillion who fitted out a ship
+and sailed shortly; but he, too, returned to harbor without finding
+Low, but bringing in the brigantine “Rebecca” which Low had turned over
+to Captain Flucker at Port Roseway, near the southern end of Acadia
+(Nova Scotia), to carry home the Marblehead fishermen taken by him, he
+having shipped his arms and stores on board a recently built schooner
+belonging to Marblehead.
+
+By the _Boston News-Letter_ of July 9, 1722, we learn that sundry goods
+left by the pirates on board the brigantine “Rebecca” were to be sold
+at publick vendue at the house of Captain Long in Charlestown. These
+consisted of “1 Turtle Net, 1 Scarlet Jacket, 1 small Still, 2 pair
+Steel yards, 1 Jack and Pendant, 2 doz. Plates, 2 papers of Pins, 5
+Horn books, 2 pieces of cantaloons, 1 main-sail, Boom and small Cable
+belonging to a Scooner, a small Boat and 20 yards of old Canvas.” There
+was also found cast ashore on the back side of Martha’s Vineyard, a
+sloop supposed to have been taken and set adrift by Low, on board of
+which were a few shillings in silver money and some strips of paper on
+which were found written the names of Dan Hide, Nath. Hall and John
+Wall. This Dan Hide was one of Low’s crew and about a year later he was
+hanged at Newport, as will be told at length in another place.
+
+After his escape from the attacking expeditions sent out from
+Newport and Boston, Captain Low went among the islands at the mouth
+of Buzzard’s Bay, in search of enough fresh water to make the run
+to the Bahamas. He remained here for some days while his boat crews
+stole sheep at No Man’s Land and rifled whale boats out of Nantucket.
+Changing his mind about the course towards the Bahamas, he then sailed
+northerly towards Marblehead and on the afternoon of Friday, June 15th,
+put into the harbor of Roseway which is located near the arm of the sea
+that makes up to what is now Shelburne, Nova Scotia.
+
+At that time it was the habit of the banks fishermen to come into Port
+Roseway for a Sunday’s rest and when Low sailed into the harbor he
+found thirteen vessels at anchor. They supposed him to be inward bound
+from the West Indies and his arrival gave no concern. But soon a boat
+from the brigantine, with four men, came alongside the fishing vessels,
+one after another, the men coming aboard as though to make a friendly
+visit to inquire for news. When on deck the four men drew cutlasses
+and pistols from under their clothes and cursing and swearing demanded
+instant surrender. Taken by surprise the fishermen of course submitted
+and by this means all the vessels in the harbor were captured and
+afterwards plundered.
+
+Among them was a newly-built schooner, the “Mary,” of eighty tons,
+owned by Joseph Dolliber of Marblehead, clean and a good sailer. Low
+liked her lines and decided to appropriate her for his own use, so he
+renamed her the “Fancy” and the guns, stores and men were transferred
+from the brigantine. The fishermen from the different vessels were then
+put on board the brigantine and Captain Flucker was ordered to make
+sail for Boston. Meanwhile, Low forced a number of likely men from
+among the fishermen including Philip Ashton, Nicholas Merritt, Joseph
+Libbie, Lawrence Fabens and two others from Marblehead and four men
+belonging to the Isle of Shoals.
+
+On Tuesday afternoon, June 19th, 1722, Low and his company sailed
+from Port Roseway bound for the Newfoundland coast and arrived at the
+mouth of St. John’s harbor in a fog which lifted somewhat disclosing
+a ship riding at anchor within the harbor. She looked to Low like a
+fish-trader and he determined to attempt her capture by a stratagem.
+All of his men were ordered below, save six or seven, to make a show of
+being a fisherman, and so he sailed boldly into the harbor intending
+to run alongside the ship and bring her off. Before having gone far,
+however, a small fishing boat was met coming out which hailed them
+asking from what port they had come. Low answered, “from Barbadoes,
+loaded with rum and sugar”; and then asked the fisherman what large
+ship that was in the harbor. Imagine his chagrin when they replied that
+it was the “Solebay,” man-of-war. He immediately put about and escaped
+before the suspicious fishermen could alarm the town. This happened on
+July 2d.
+
+At Carbonear, a small harbor about fifteen leagues farther to the
+north, Low was more successful, for going on shore and meeting little
+opposition, he plundered the place and burned all the houses. The
+next day he sailed for the Grand Banks where he took seven or eight
+vessels including a French banker, a ship of nearly four hundred tons
+armed with two guns. Considerable rigging and ammunition was secured
+and a number of fishermen were forced. Late in the month he had an
+encounter with two sloops from Canso bound for Annapolis-Royal loaded
+with provisions for the garrison and having soldiers on board. Low’s
+schooner was the better sailer and coming up began the attack. The red
+coats at once replied and gave him so warm a reception that Low sheered
+off and a fog coming on they escaped into Annapolis after having been
+chased by Low for two days and a night.[106] About the time the French
+banker was taken, the news came that the “Solebay” was cruising about
+in search of him so Low decided to steer for the Leeward Islands taking
+with him the French ship. While on the voyage down they ran into a
+hurricane that nearly ended matters. The sea ran mountains high and
+all hands were employed both day and night keeping the pump constantly
+going besides bailing with buckets and yet finding themselves unable to
+keep the vessel free. The schooner made somewhat the better weather of
+it but on board the ship they began to hoist out their heavy goods and
+provisions and throw them overboard together with six guns in order to
+lighten the vessel. They even debated cutting away the masts, but the
+ship making less water, so that they could at last keep it under with
+the pump, instead of cutting away the masts they were made more secure
+by means of preventer-shrouds and by laying-to on the larboard tack,
+the hurricane was safely ridden out. The schooner split her mainsail,
+sprung her bowsprit and both of her anchors had to be cut away.
+
+After the storm, Low went to a small island, one of the westernmost of
+the Caribbees, and there refitted his vessels so far as possible with
+the supplies at hand and traded goods with the natives for provisions.
+As soon as the ship was ready he then decided to make a short cruise in
+her leaving the schooner at anchor until their return. They hadn’t been
+out many days before they came upon a ship that had lost all her masts
+in the storm. She was a rich find for they plundered her of money and
+goods amounting to over a thousand pounds in value. This ship was bound
+home from Barbadoes and was then slowly making her way under jury-rig
+to Antigua to refit, where she afterwards safely arrived but minus the
+best of her cargo.
+
+This hurricane, it afterwards appeared, did great damage throughout the
+West Indies and was particularly violent at the island of Jamaica where
+there happened a tidal wave that overflowed the town of Port Royal
+and destroyed about half of it. Immense quantities of rocks and sand
+were thrown over the wall of the town and the next morning the streets
+were about five feet deep in water. The cannon of Fort Charles were
+dismounted and some washed into the sea and about four hundred lives
+were lost. Scores of houses were ruined and forty vessels at anchor in
+the harbor were cast away.
+
+When Low returned to the island where the schooner had been left,
+future plans were discussed by the company and after having been put
+to vote it was decided to make for the Azores or Western Islands. This
+was largely due to the presence near the Leeward Islands of several
+men-of-war cruising about their stations in search of piratical gentry.
+So both vessels made sail to the eastward and on August 3d came into
+St. Michael’s road, off which they took seven sail including a French
+ship of 34 guns; the “Nostra Dame”; the “Mere de Dieu,” Captain Roach;
+the “Dove,” Captain Cox; the “Rose” pink, formerly a man-of-war,
+Captain Thompson; another English ship, Captain Chandler; and three
+other vessels. Low threatened with instant death all who resisted
+and at that time there was such a deadly fear of the excesses committed
+by pirates that these vessels struck without firing a gun or offering
+any resistance. The “Rose” pink, was a large Portuguese vessel, loaded
+with wheat. She struck to the schooner, fearing the ship which was
+coming down on her, although she was much the stronger and was more
+than a match for Low and his company had she made a good resistance.
+The pink proved to be a better sailer than the French banker, so most
+of the cargo of wheat was thrown overboard and guns from the French
+ship were mounted on board the pink and after stores were transferred
+the banker was burned. The French ship also was burned, the crew having
+been transferred to a large Portuguese launch except the cook who Low
+declared was a greasy fellow and would fry well in a fire, so he was
+bound to the mainmast and burnt alive with the ship. The command of the
+“Rose” pink, mounting fourteen guns, was taken over by Low and Harris
+was given command of the schooner.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN EDWARD LOW IN A HURRICANE
+
+From a rare engraving in the Harry Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard
+College Library]
+
+As water and fresh provisions were needed, Low then sent word to the
+Governor at St. Michaels, that if furnished with supplies he would
+release the vessels that had been taken, otherwise they would be
+burned. The Governor was a prudent man and thought best not to debate
+the matter, so fresh provisions soon made their appearance and the
+six vessels were released, as Low had promised, that is, after he had
+plundered them. While the schooner was lying at anchor in the fairway
+between St. Michael’s and St. Mary’s, about August 20th, Captain
+Carter in the “Wright” galley came sailing by and fell into Harris’
+hands after a short but ill-judged resistance. Those on board were
+cut and mangled in a barbarous manner and especially some Portuguese
+passengers, two of whom were Roman Catholic friars. These unfortunate
+men Harris had triced up at each arm of the foreyard, but before they
+were quite dead he let them down again and after having recovered
+somewhat they were sent up again, a sport much enjoyed by these
+Puritan pirates. Another Portuguese passenger who was much terrified
+by what was going on, was attacked by one of the pirate crew who gave
+him a slashing cut across the belly with his cutlass that opened his
+bowels and soon caused death. The fellow said that he did it because
+“he didn’t like the looks” of the Portuguese. Captain Low happened to
+be on board at the time this capture was made and while the cutting and
+slashing was going on among the unfortunate passengers he accidentally
+received a blow on his under jaw intended for a Portuguese, that laid
+open his teeth. The surgeon was called and the wound stitched up, but
+Low found fault with the way the work was done and the surgeon becoming
+incensed struck him on the jaw with his fist so that the stitches were
+pulled away, at the same time telling Low to go to Hell and sew up his
+own chops. After the drunken crew were tired of their slashing and had
+thoroughly plundered the ship, it was proposed that she be burned as
+they had done with the Frenchman, but at last it was decided to cut her
+sails and rigging in pieces and turn her adrift.
+
+Low in the pink and Harris in the schooner now steered for the island
+of Madeira where, needing a supply of water, they came upon a fishing
+boat having in her two old men and a boy. They detained one of the old
+men on board and sent the other ashore with a demand to the governor
+for a boatload of water, under penalty of hanging the old man at the
+yard-arm in case their demand was not complied with. When the water
+was received the old man was released and he and his companions were
+given a supply of handsome clothing that had been plundered from some
+captured vessel as an evidence of the “generous treatment” sometimes
+shown by the pirates. From here they sailed for the Cape Verde islands
+and near Bonavista captured an English ship called the “Liverpool
+Merchant,” Captain Goulding, from which they stole a quantity of
+provisions and dry goods, three hundred gallons of fine brandy, a mast
+and hawsers and forced six of his men. They also captured among these
+islands a ship owned in London, the “King Sagamore,” Captain Andrew
+Scot, homeward bound from Barbadoes by way of Cape Verde islands.
+The captain was wounded and set ashore on the island of Bonavista
+absolutely naked and the ship burned. Several of the crew joined
+the pirates.[107] Two Portuguese sloops bound for Brazil also fell
+into their hands and three sloops from St. Thomas bound for Curacao,
+commanded by Captains Lilly, Staples and Simpkins, all of which were
+plundered and then set free. A small trading sloop, owned in England
+and commanded by Capt. James Pease, they detained to use as a tender;
+but a majority of the men placed on board of her chanced to be forced
+men, who for some time had been looking for an opportunity to escape,
+and the sloop having been sent in search of two small galleys, expected
+at the Western Islands about that time, the New England men in the
+crew rose against the others and took possession of the sloop and set
+a course for England. This happened on the fifth of September. Their
+provisions and water soon began to run low and the course was changed
+for St. Michael’s in the Azores where they sent two men ashore to give
+information who they were and to obtain the needed provisions. The
+Portuguese officials, however, were skeptical and seized and jailed the
+entire crew and kept them in close quarters for several months. Some
+of the men in time escaped as is shown in the narrative of Nicholas
+Merritt, a Marblehead fisherman,[108] but most of them are supposed to
+have rotted in the castle until they died.
+
+Meanwhile Captain Low had gone to the island of Bonavista to careen his
+vessels. The schooner was hove down first and then the pink, which, it
+will be recalled, was ballasted with wheat. Low now gave this wheat to
+the Portuguese living nearby and took on other ballast. After cleaning
+and refitting he steered for the island of St. Nicholas to fill his
+water butts. At this time Francis Farrington Spriggs was in command of
+a ship that was escort to Low and with them was a schooner commanded by
+the quartermaster of the fleet, one John Russell, who in reality was a
+Portuguese instead of the North Country Englishman that he pretended
+to be. At Curisal Road, on the southeast end of St. Nicholas, they
+captured a sloop, the “Margaret,” from Barbadoes, Capt. George Roberts,
+commander, that had recently arrived and the events that immediately
+followed are related in the next chapter.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[101] Edward Low and Eliza Marble were married by Rev. Benjamin
+Wadsworth of the First Church, Boston, on Aug. 12, 1714.
+
+[102] Elizabeth Low married James Burt, Dec. 7, 1739, in Boston.
+
+[103] A full account of this outrage was afterwards printed in the
+_Boston News-Letter_ of April 30, 1722.
+
+[104] _New England Courant_, June 18, 1722.
+
+[105] These Articles are similar to Captain Lowther’s with some
+additions.
+
+[106] _Boston News-Letter_, Sept 17, 1722.
+
+[107] _American Weekly Mercury_, May 9, 1723.
+
+[108] See Chapter XIV.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI
+
+CAPTAIN ROBERTS’ ACCOUNT OF WHAT HAPPENED ON LOW’S SHIP
+
+
+Captain George Roberts sailed from London in September, 1721, mate
+of the ship “King Sagamore,” twenty-two guns, Capt. Andrew Scott,
+commander, bound for the Barbadoes and Virginia where he was to take
+command of a sloop and buy a cargo to slave with on the coast of
+Guinea. After various delays he reached the Cape Verde islands in
+the sloop “Margaret,” “sixty ton of cask,” and at Curisal Road, on
+the island of St. Nicholas, was taken by the pirate fleet of which
+Capt. Ned Low was commodore. Captain Roberts afterwards recounted
+his adventures in a volume published[109] in London, from which the
+following account is taken.
+
+“When I came on board the _Rose Pink_, the Company welcomed me on
+board, and said, _They were sorry for my Loss; but told me, I must go
+to pay my Respects to the Captain, who was in the Cabbin, and waited
+for me_. I was ushered in by an Officer, who, I think, was their
+Gunner, and who, by his Deportment, acted as though he had been Master
+of the Ceremonies; tho’ I do not remember to have heard of such an
+Officer or Office mentioned among them, neither do I know whether they
+are always so formal on Board their Commodore, at the first Reception
+of their captivated Masters of Vessels. When I came into the Cabbin,
+the Officer who conducted me thither, after paying his Respects to the
+Commodore, told him, _That I was the Master of the Sloop which they had
+taken the Day before_, and then withdrew out of the Cabbin, leaving us
+two alone.
+
+“Captain _Loe_, with the usual Compliment, welcomed me on board, and
+told me, _He was very sorry for my Loss, and that it was not his Desire
+to meet with any of his Country-men, but rather with Foreigners,
+excepting some few that he wanted to chastise for their Rogueishness_,
+as he call’d it: _But however_, says he, _since Fortune has ordered
+it so, that you have fallen into our Hands, I would have you to be of
+good Cheer, and not to be cast down_. I told him, _That I also was
+very sorry, that it was my Chance to fall into their Way; but still
+encouraged myself in the Hopes, that I was in the Hands of Gentlemen of
+Honour and Generosity; it being still in their Power whether to make
+this their Capture of me, a Misfortune or not_. He said, _It did not
+lie in his particular Power; for he was but one Man, and all Business
+of this Nature, must be done in Publick, and by a Majority of Votes
+by the whole Company; and though neither he, nor, he believed, any of
+the Company, desired to meet with any of their own Nation (except some
+few Persons for the Reasons before-mention’d) yet when they did, it
+could not well be avoided, but that they must take as their own what
+Providence sent them: And as they were Gentlemen, who entirely depended
+upon Fortune, they durst not be so ungrateful to her, as to refuse
+any Thing which she put into their Way; for if they should despise
+any of her Favours, tho’ never so mean, they might offend her, and
+thereby cause her to withdraw her Hand from them; and so, perhaps, they
+might perish for want of those Things, which in their rash Folly they
+slighted_. He then, in a very obliging Tone, desired me to sit down, he
+himself all this Time not once moving from his Seat, which was one of
+the great Guns, though there were Chairs enough in the Cabbin; but I
+suppose, he thought he should not appear so martial, or Hero-like, if
+he sat on a Chair, as he did on a great Gun.
+
+“After I had sat down, he asked me, _What I would drink?_ I thank’d
+him, and told him, _I did not much Care for drinking; but out of a
+Sense of the Honour he did me in asking, I would drink any Thing with
+him which he pleased to drink_. He told me, _It would not avail me
+any Thing to be cast down: It was Fortune of War, and grieving or
+vexing myself, might be of no good Consequence in respect to my Health;
+besides, it would be more taking_, he said, _with the Company, to
+appear brisk, lively, and with as little Concern as I could. And come_,
+says he, _you may, and I hope you will, have better Fortune hereafter_.
+So ringing the Cabbin-bell, and one of his _Valet de Chambres_, or
+rather _Valet de Cabins_, appearing, he commanded him to make a Bowl
+of Punch, in the great Bowl, which was a rich silver one, and held, I
+believe, about two Gallons; which being done, he ordered likewise some
+Wine to be set on the Table, and accordingly two Bottles of Claret were
+brought; and then he took the Bowl and drank to me in Punch; but bid
+me pledge him in which I liked best; which I did in Wine. He told me,
+_That what he could favour me in, he would, and wished that it had been
+my Fortune to have been taken by them ten Days or a Fortnight sooner;
+for then_, he said, _they had abundance of good Commodities, which
+they took in_ 2 Portugueze _outward-bound_ Brasile _Men, viz. Cloth,
+as well Linens as Woollens, both fine and coarse, Hats of all sorts,
+Silk, Iron, and other rich Goods in abundance, and believed, he could
+have prevailed with the Company even to have loaded my Sloop. But now
+they had no Goods at all, he believed, having disposed of them all,
+either by giving them to other Prizes, &c. or heaving the rest into_
+David Jones’s Locker (i.e. the Sea); _but did not know, but it might
+be his Lot, perhaps, to meet with me again, when it might lie in his
+Way to make me a Retaliation for my present Loss; and he did assure me,
+that when such an Occasion, as he was but now a speaking of, offered,
+I might depend he would not be wanting to serve me in any Thing that
+might turn to my Advantage, as far as his Power or Interest could
+reach_. I could do no less, in common Civility, and the Truth is, I
+dared do no less, than thank him....
+
+“I was order’d to remain on Board the Commodore till by a general Vote
+of the Company it should be determin’d how I and the Sloop were to
+be dispos’d of; and Captain _Loe_ ordered a Hammock and Bedding to be
+fix’d for me, and told me, _That he would not oblige me to sit up later
+than I thought fit, nor drink more than suited my own Inclination;
+and that he lik’d my Company no longer than his was agreeable to me_;
+adding, _That there should be no Confinement or Obligation as to
+drinking, or sitting up, but I might drink, and go to sleep, when I
+pleas’d, without any Exceptions being taken, ordering me to want for
+nothing that was on Board; for I was very welcome to anything that was
+there, as to Eatables and Drinkables_. I thank’d him, and told him, _I
+would, with all due Gratefulness, make Use of that Freedom which he was
+so generous to offer me, &c._ About Eight a-Clock at Night I took my
+Leave of him, and went to my Hammock, where I continued all Night, with
+Thoughts roving and perplex’d enough, not being able, as yet, to guess
+what they design’d to do with me, whether they intended to give me the
+Sloop again, or to burn her, as I heard it toss’d about by some, or to
+keep me as a Prisoner on Board, or put me ashoar.
+
+“My two Boys and Mate remained still on Board the Sloop, but all the
+rest they took on Board of them, not once so much as asking them
+whether they would Enter with them, only demanding their Names, which
+the Steward writ down in their Roll-Book.
+
+“About eight a-Clock in the Morning I turn’d out, and went upon Deck,
+and as I was walking backwards and forwards, as is usual amongst
+us Sailors, there came up one of the Company to me, and bid me
+Good-Morrow, and told me, _He was very sorry for my Misfortune_. I
+answer’d, _So was I_: He look’d at me, and said, _He believ’d I did not
+know him_. I replied, _It was true, I did not know him; neither, at
+present, could I call to mind that ever I had seen him before in the
+whole Course of my Life_. He smil’d, and said, _He once belong’d to
+me, and sail’d with me when I was Commander of the_ Susannah _in the
+Year 1718_ (At that Time I was Master of a Ship call’d the _Susannah_,
+about the Burthen of 300 Tons, whereof was sole Owner Mr. _Richard
+Stephens_, Merchant, living at this present writing in _Shad-Thames_,
+_Southwark_ Side, near _London_----) In the _Interim_ came up two more,
+who told me they all belong’d to me in the _Susannah_, at one Time.
+By this time I had recollected my Memory so far as just to call them
+to Mind, and that was all; and then I told them I did remember them.
+They said, they were truly very sorry for my Misfortune, and would do
+all that lay in their Power to serve me, and told me, they had among
+them the Quantity of about 40 or 50 Pieces of white Linnen Cloth, and
+6 or 8 Pieces of Silk, besides some other Things; and they would also,
+they said, make what Interest they could for me with their Consorts and
+Intimates, and with them would make a Gathering for me of what Things
+they could, and would put it on Board for me as soon as the Company
+had determined that I should have my Sloop again. They then look’d
+about them as tho’ they had something to say that they were not willing
+any body should hear; but as it happen’d, there was no body nigh us,
+which was an Opportunity very rare in these Sort of Ships, of speaking
+without Interruption: But we lying too all Night, no body had any thing
+to do, but the Lookers-out, at the Topmast-head; the Mate of the Watch,
+Quarter-master of the Watch, Helmsman, _&c._ being gone down to drink
+a Dram, I suppose, or to smoak a Pipe of Tobacco, or the like. However
+it was, we had the Quarter Deck intire to our selves, and they seeing
+the Coast clear, told me, with much seeming Concern, That if I did not
+take abundance of Care, they would force me to stay with them, for my
+Mate had inform’d them, that I was very well acquainted on the Coast of
+_Brasile_, and they were bound down along the Coast of _Guinea_, and
+afterwards design’d to stretch over to the Coast of _Brasile_: That
+there was not one Man of all the Company that had ever been upon any
+Part of that Coast; and that there was but one Way for me to escape
+being forced; but I must be very close, and not discover what they
+were going to tell me; for if it was known that they had divulg’d it,
+notwithstanding they were enter’d Men, and as much of the Company as
+any of them, yet they were sure it would cost them no smaller a Price
+for it than their Lives. I told them, I was very much obliged to them
+for their Goodwill, and did not wish them to have any Occasion for my
+Service; but if ever it should be so, they might depend it should be
+to the utmost of my Power; and as for my betraying any thing that they
+should tell me of, they could not fear that, because my own Interest
+would be a sufficient Tye upon me to the contrary; and were it not so,
+and that I was sure to get Mountains of Gold by divulging it to their
+Prejudice, I would sooner suffer my Tongue to be pluck’d out.
+
+“They said, they did not much fear my revealing it, because the
+disclosing it would rather be a Prejudice to me than an Advantage,
+and therefore out of pure Respect to me they would tell me; which was
+thus: _You must know_, said they, _that we have an Article which we are
+sworn to, which is, not to force any married Man, against his Will, to
+serve us: Now we have been at a close Consultation whether we should
+oblige you to go with us, not as one of the Company, but as a forc’d
+Prisoner, in order to be our Pilot on the Coast of_ Brasile, _where we
+are designed to Cruise, and hope to make our Voyage; and your Mate_,
+continued they, _has offer’d to Enter with us, but desires to defer it
+till we have determined your Case_. _Now your Mate, as yet, is ignorant
+of our Articles, we never exposing them to any till they are going to
+sign them. He was ask’d, Whether you was married or not? and he said,
+he could not tell for certain, but believed you was not: Upon which
+we spoke, and said, we had known you several Years, and had sail’d
+with you in a Frigat-built Ship of 300 Tons, or more: That you was an
+extraordinary good Man to your Men, both for Usage and Payment; and
+that, to our Knowledge, you was married, and had four Children then:
+However, there is one Man who would fain have the Company break through
+their Oath on that Article, and tells them, they may, and ought to
+do it, because it is a Case of Necessity, they having no Possibility
+of getting a Pilot at present for that Coast, except they take you:
+And in their Run along the Coast of_ Guinea, _if they should light of
+any body that was acquainted with the Coast of_ Brasile, _and no way
+exempted from serving them by the Articles, then they might take him,
+and turn you ashore, but ’till such offer’d, he did not see but the
+Oath might be dispens’d with; but_, continued they, _Captain_ Loe _is
+very much against it, and told them, That it would be an ill Precedent,
+and of bad Consequence; for if we once take the Liberty of breaking our
+Articles and Oath, then there is none of us can be sure of any thing:
+If_, said Captain _Loe, you can perswade the Man upon any Terms to stay
+with us as a Prisoner, or otherwise, well and good; if not, do not let
+us break the Laws that we have made our selves, and sworn to_. They
+went on, and told me, _That most of the Company seem’d to agree with
+Captain_ Loe’s _Opinion, but_ Russel, said they, _seem’d to be sadly
+nettled at it, that his Advice was not to be taken; and_, continued
+they, _you will be ask’d the Question, we reckon, by and by, when_
+Russel _comes on Board, and all the Heads meet again; but you must be
+sure to say you are married, and have five or six Children; for it is
+only that, that will prevent your being forced; tho’, you may depend
+upon it_, Russel _will do what he can to perswade the Company to break
+the Article, which we hope they will not, nor shall they ever have our
+Consent; and, indeed, there are very few of the Company but what are
+against it, but_ Russel _bears a great Sway in the Company, and can
+almost draw them any Way. However, we have put you in the best Method
+that we can, and hope it will do: But, for fear Notice should be taken
+of our being so long together, we have told you as much as we can, and
+leave you to manage it; and so God bless you._
+
+“Upon this, away they went, and by-and-by Captain _Loe_ turns out, and
+comes upon Deck, and bidding me Good-morrow, ask’d me, _How I did? and
+how I lik’d my Bed?_ I thank’d him, and told him, _I was very well,
+at his Service, and lik’d my Bed very well, and was very much obliged
+to him for the Care he had taken of me_. After which, he order’d a
+Consultation Signal to be made, which was their _Green Trumpeter_, as
+they call’d him, hoisted at the Mizen-Peek: It was a green silk Flag,
+with a yellow Figure of a Man blowing a Trumpet on it. The Signal being
+made, away came the Boats flocking on Board the Commodore, and when
+they were all come on Board, Captain _Loe_ told them, He only wanted
+them to Breakfast with him; so down they went into the Cabbin, as many
+as it would well hold, and the rest in the Steerage, and where they
+could.
+
+“After Breakfast, Captain _Loe ask’d_ me, _If I was married? and how
+many Children I had?_ I told him, _I had been married about ten Years,
+and had five Children when I came from Home, and did not know but I
+might have six now, one being on the Stocks when I came from Home_.
+He asked me, _Whether I had left my Wife well provided for, when I
+came from Home?_ I told him, _I had left her in but very indifferent
+Circumstances: That having met with former Misfortunes, I was so low
+reduc’d, that the greatest Part of my Substance was in this Sloop and
+Cargo; and that, if I was put by this Trip, I did not know but my
+Family might want Bread before I could supply them_.
+
+“_Loe_ then turning to _Russel_, said, _It will not do_, Russel. _What
+will not do_, said _Russel_? _Loe_ answer’d, _You know who I mean; we
+must not, and it shall not be, by G--d. It must, and shall, by G--d_,
+reply’d _Russel; Self-Preservation is the first Law of Nature, and
+Necessity, according to the old Proverb, has no Law. Well_, says _Loe,
+It shall never be with my Consent_. Hereupon most of the Company said,
+_It was a Pity, and ought to be taken into Consideration, and seriously
+weighed amongst them, and then put to the Vote_. At which _Loe_ said,
+_So it ought, and there is nothing like the Time present to decide the
+Controversy, and to determine the Matter_. They all answered, _Ay, it
+was best to end it now_.
+
+“Then _Loe_ ordered them all to go upon Deck, and bid me stay in the
+Cabbin; so up they went all hands, and I sat still and smoak’d a Pipe
+of Tobacco, Wine and Punch being left on the Table: And tho’ I was very
+impatient to know the Determination, sometimes hoping it would be in my
+Favour, and sometimes fearing the contrary; yet I durst not go out of
+the Cabbin to hear what they said, nor make any Enquiry about it.
+
+“After they had been upon Deck about two Hours, they came down again,
+and _Loe_ ask’d me, _How I did? and how I lik’d my Company since
+they went upon Deck?_ I thank’d him, and said, _I was very well, at
+his Service; and as for my Company, I lik’d it very well, and it was
+Company that few would dislike. Why_, said he, _I thought you had been
+all alone ever since we went upon Deck_. I answer’d, _How could you
+think, Sir, that I was alone, when you left me three such boon, jolly
+Companions to keep me Company?_
+
+“_Z--ds_, says _Loe_, and seem’d a little angry, _I left no-body,
+and ordered no-body but the Boy_ Jack, _and him I bid stay at the
+Cabbin-Door, with-out-side, and not go in, nor stir from the Door,
+’till I bid him. But_, I said, _Sir, my three Companions were not
+humane Bodies, but those which you left on the Table, to wit, a
+Pipe of Tobacco, a Bottle of_ French _Claret, and a Bowl of Punch_;
+at which they all laugh’d, and _Loe_ said, _I was right_: So after
+some Discourses had pass’d by way of Diversion, _Russel_ said to me.
+_Master, your Sloop is very Leaky_; I said, _Yes, she made Water.
+Water!_ says he, _I do not know what you could do with her, suppose
+we were to give her to you. Besides, you have no Hands, for all your
+Hands now belong to us._ I said, _Sirs, if you please to give her to
+me, I do not fear, with God’s Blessing, but to manage her well enough,
+if you let me have only those which are on Board, which I hope you
+will: namely, my Mate and the two Boys. Well_, says he, _and suppose
+we did, you have no Cargo, for we have taken, to replenish our Stores,
+all the Rum, Sugar, Tobacco, Rice, Flower, and, in short, all your
+Cargo and Provisions_. I told him, _I would do as well as I could, and
+if the worst came to the worst, I could load the Sloop with Salt, and
+carry it to the_ Canaries, _where, I knew, they were in great Want of
+Salt at present, and therefore was sure it would come to a good Market
+there: Ay, but_, says he, _how will you do to make your Cargo of Salt,
+having no Hands, and having nothing wherewith to hire the Natives to
+help you to make it, or to pay for their bringing it down on their
+Asses; for you must believe_, said he, _I understand Trade_. I told
+him, _If it did come to that Extremity, I had so good Interest both
+at the Island of_ Bona Vist, _as likewise at the Isle of_ May, _that
+I was sure the Inhabitants would assist me all that they could, and
+trust me for their Pay till I return’d again; especially when they came
+to know the Occasion that oblig’d me to it; and that, upon the Whole,
+I did not fear, with God’s Blessing, to get a Cargo of Salt on Board,
+if they would be so generous as to give me the Sloop again. Well but_,
+says Russel, _suppose we should let you have the Sloop, and that you
+could do as you say, what would you do for Provisions? for we shall
+leave you none; and I suppose I need not tell you, for, without doubt,
+you know it already, that all these Islands to Windward are in great
+Scarcity of Victuals, and especially the two Islands that produce the
+Salt, which have been oppress’d for many Years with a sore Famine_.
+I told him, _I was very sensible that all he said last was true, but
+hop’d, if they gave me the Sloop, they would also be so generous as
+to give me some Provisions, a small quantity of which would serve my
+little Company; but if not, I could go down to the Leeward Islands,
+where, likewise, I had some small Interest, and I did not doubt but I
+could have a small Matter of such Provisions as the Islands afforded,
+namely, Maiz, Pompions, Feshunes, &c. with which, by God’s Assistance,
+we would endeavour to make shift, ’till it pleased God we could get
+better. Ay but_, says he, _perhaps your Mate and Boys will not be
+willing to run that Hazard with you, nor care to endure such Hardship_.
+I told him, _As for my Boys, I did not fear their Compliance, and hop’d
+my Mate would also do the same, seeing I requir’d him to undergo no
+other Hardship but what I partook of myself. Ay, but_, says Russel,
+_Your Mate has not the same Reasons as you have, to induce him to bear
+with all those Hardships, which you must certainly be exposed to in
+doing what you propose; and therefore you cannot expect him to be very
+forward in accepting such hard Terms with you; (tho’ I cannot conceive
+it to be so easie to go through with, in the Manner you propose, as you
+seem to make it)_. I answer’d, _As for the Mate’s Inclinations, I was
+not able positively to judge in this Affair, but I believed him to be
+an honest, as well as a conscientious Man, and as I had been very civil
+to him in several Respects, in my Prosperity, so I did not doubt, if I
+had the Liberty to talk with him a little on this Affair, but he would
+be very willing to undergo as much Hardship to extricate me out of this
+my Adversity, as he could well bear, or I in Reason require of him,
+which would be no more than I should bear myself; and when it pleased
+God to turn the Scales, I would endeavour to make him Satisfaction to
+the full of what, in reason, he could expect, or, at least, as far as I
+was able_.
+
+“_Come, come_, says Captain _Loe, let us drink about. Boy! how does
+the Dinner go forward?_ The Boy answer’d, _Very well, Sir_. Says
+Loe, _Gentlemen, you must all Dine with me to Day._ They unanimously
+answer’d, _Ay: Come then_, says Loe, _toss the Bowl about, and let us
+have a fresh One, and call a fresh Cause_.
+
+“They all agreed to this, and then began to talk of their past
+Transactions at _Newfoundland_, the _Western Islands_, _Canary
+Islands_, &c. What Ships they had taken, and how they serv’d them when
+in their Possession; and how they oblig’d the Governor of the Island of
+St. _Michael_ to send them off two Boat-Loads of fresh Meat, Greens,
+Wine, Fowls, &c. or otherwise, threatened to damnifie the Island, by
+burning some of the small Vilages: Of their Landing on the Island of
+_Teneriff_, to the Northward of _Oratavo_, in hopes of meeting with a
+Booty, but got nothing but their Skins full of Wine; and how they had
+like to have been surpriz’d by the Country, which was raised upon that
+Occasion, but got all off safe, and without any Harm, except one Man,
+who receiv’d a Shot in his Thigh after they were got into their Boats;
+but, they said, they caused several of the _Spaniards_ to drop; and,
+That they should have been certainly lost, if they had tarried but
+half a quarter of an Hour longer in the House where they were drinking,
+and where they expected to get the Booty, which they Landed in quest
+of, according to the Information given them by one of the Inhabitants
+of the Island, who was taken by them in a Fishing-Boat, and told them,
+that, that Gentleman had an incredible Quantity of Money, as well as
+Plate, in his House: And on this Occasion they threatened the poor
+Fisherman how severely they would punish him for giving them a false
+Information, if ever they should light of him again; but, I suppose,
+the Fellow kept close ashore after they let him go, all the Time they
+lay lurking about the Island: They also boasted how many _French_
+Ships they had taken upon the Banks of _Newfoundland_, and what a vast
+Quantity of Wine, especially _French_ Claret, they took from them; with
+abundance of such like Stuff; which, as it did not immediately concern
+me, so I shall not trouble myself with particularizing: And, indeed,
+my Attention was so wholly taken up with the Uncertainty of my own
+Affairs, that I gave no great Heed to those Subjects that were foreign
+to me; and which, for that Reason, made but a slight Impression on my
+Memory.
+
+“In this Manner they pass’d the Time away, drinking and carousing
+merrily, both before and after Dinner, which they eat in a very
+disorderly Manner, more like a Kennel of Hounds, than like Men,
+snatching and catching the Victuals from one another; which, tho’ it
+was very odious to me, it seem’d one of their chief Diversions, and,
+they said, look’d Martial-like.
+
+“Before it was quite dark, every one repaired on Board their respective
+Vessels, and about Eight a-Clock at Night I went to my Hammock, without
+observing, as I remember, any thing worth remarking, save, that Captain
+_Loe_, and I, and three or four more, drank a couple of Bottles of
+Wine after the Company were gone, before we went to Sleep, in which
+time we had abundance of Discourse concerning _Church_ and _State_, as
+also about _Trade_, which would be tedious to relate in that confused
+Manner we talked of these Subjects, besides the Reason I just now
+mentioned.
+
+“_Loe_ stay’d up after me, and when I was in my Hammock, I heard him
+give the necessary Orders for the Night, which were, that they were
+to lie too with their Head to the _North Westward_, as, indeed, we
+had ever since I had been on Board of him; to mind the Top-light, and
+for the Watch, to be sure, above all things, to keep a good Look-out;
+and to call him if they saw any thing, or if the other Ships made any
+Signals.
+
+“I passed this Night as the former, ruminating on my present unhappy
+Condition, not yet being able to dive into, or fathom their Designs, or
+what they intended to do with me, and often thinking on what the three
+Men told me, as also on what the Company said, but in a more particular
+manner, of what _Russel_ told me concerning my Mate, ’till Sleep
+overpowered my Senses, and gave me a short Recess from my Troubles.
+
+“In the Morning, about five a-Clock, I turned out, and a little after,
+one of the three Men who spoke to me the Morning before, came to me,
+and bid me Good-morrow, and ask’d me very courteously how I did? and
+told me, that they would all three, as before, have come and spoke to
+me, but were afraid the Company, especially _Russel’s_ Friends, would
+think they held a secret Correspondence with me, which was against one
+of their Articles, it being punishable by Death, to hold any secret
+Correspondence with a Prisoner; but they hop’d all would be well, and
+that they believ’d I should have my Sloop again; _Russel_ being the
+only Man who endeavour’d to hinder it, and he only, on the Account of
+having me to go with them on the Coast of _Brasile_; but that most of
+the Company was against it, except the meer Creatures of _Russel_. He
+said, I might thank my Mate for it all, who, he much fear’d, would
+prove a Rogue to me, and Enter with them; and then, if they should give
+me my Sloop, I should be sadly put to it to manage her myself, with
+one Boy, and the little Child. He also said, That he, and the other
+two, heartily wish’d they could go with me in her, but that it was
+impossible to expect it, it being Death even to motion it, by another
+of their Articles, which says, _That if any of the Company shall
+advise, or speak any thing tending to the separating or breaking of the
+Company, or shall by any Means offer or endeavour to desert or quit the
+Company, that Person shall be shot to Death by the Quarter-Master’s
+Order, without the Sentence of a Court-Martial_. He added, That
+’till my Mate had given _Russel_ an Account of my being acquainted
+on the Coast of _Brasile_, he seem’d to be my best Friend, and would
+certainly have prov’d so, and would have prevail’d with the Company
+to have made a Gathering for me, which, perhaps, might not have come
+much short in Value of what they had taken from me; for there was but
+few in the Company but had several Pieces of Linnen Cloth, Pieces of
+Silk, spare Hats, Shoes, Stockings, gold Lace, and abundance of other
+Goods, besides the publick Store, which, if _Russel_ had continued my
+Friend, for one Word speaking, there was not one of them but would have
+contributed to make up my Loss; it being usual for them to reserve such
+Things for no other Use but to give to any whom they should take, or
+that formerly was of their Acquaintance, or that they took a present
+Liking to: He said farther, That he believ’d Captain _Loe_ would be
+my Friend, and do what he could for me; but that, in Opposition to
+_Russel_, he could do but little, _Russel_ bearing twice the Sway with
+the Company, that Captain _Loe_ did; and that _Russel_ was always more
+considerate to those they took, than _Loe_; but now I must expect no
+Favour from him, he was so exasperated by the Opposition that the
+Company, and especially Captain _Loe_, made to my being forc’d to go
+with them on the Coast of _Brasile_: He, however, bid me have a good
+Heart, and wish’d it lay in his Power to serve me more than it did, and
+bid me not to take very much Notice, or shew much Freedom with them,
+but rather a seeming Indifference: Adding, That he and his two Consorts
+wish’d me as well as Heart could wish, and whatever Service they could
+do me, while among them, I might assure myself it should not be
+wanting; desiring me to excuse him, and not take amiss his withdrawing
+from me; concluding, with Tears in his Eyes, that he did not know
+whether he should have another Opportunity of private Discourse with
+me; neither would it be for the Advantage of either of us, except some
+new Matter offer’d them Occasion to forewarn, or precaution me, which,
+if it did, one of them would not fail to acquaint me with it: And so he
+left me.
+
+“Some time after, Captain _Loe_ turn’d out, and after the usual
+Compliments pass’d, we took a Dram of Rum, and enter’d into Discourse
+with one or another, on different Subjects; for as a Tavern or
+Alehouse-keeper endeavours to promote his Trade, by conforming to the
+Humours of every Customer, so was I forc’d to be pleasant with every
+one, and bear a Bob with them in almost all their Sorts of Discourse,
+tho’ never so contrary and disagreeable to my own Inclinations;
+otherwise I should have fallen under an _Odium_ with them, and when
+once that happens to be the Case with any poor Man, the Lord have Mercy
+upon him; for then every rascally Fellow will let loose his Brutal
+Fancy upon him, and either abuse him with his Tongue (which is the
+least hurtful) or kick or cuff him, or otherways abuse him, as they are
+more or less cruel, or artificially raised by Drinking, Passion, _&c._
+
+“Captain _Russel_, with some more, came on Board about ten or eleven
+a-Clock in the Forenoon, and seem’d to be very pleasant to me, asking
+me how I did? telling me, that he had been considering of what I said
+Yesterday, and could not see, how I should be able to go through with
+it: That it would be very difficult, if not wholly impossible, and I
+should run a very great Hazard in what I propos’d. He believed, he
+said, that I was a Man, and a Man of Understanding, but in this Case
+I rather seem’d to be directed by an obstinate Desperation, than by
+Reason; and for his Part, since I was so careless of myself as to
+determine to throw myself away, he did not think it would stand with
+the Credit or Reputation of the Company, to put it into my Power. He
+wish’d me well, he said, and did assure me, that the Thoughts of me had
+taken him up the greatest Part of the Night; and he had hit on a Way
+which, he was sure, would be much more to my Advantage, and not expose
+me to so much Hazard and Danger, and yet would be more profitable, than
+I could expect by having the Sloop, tho’ every thing was to fall out to
+exceed my Expectation; and did not doubt of the Company’s agreeing to
+it: _And this_, says he, _is, to take and sink or burn your Sloop, and
+keep you with us no otherwise than as you are now_, viz. _a Prisoner;
+and I promise you, and will engage to get the Company to sign and agree
+to it, the first Prize we take, if you like her; and if not, you shall
+stay with us till we take a Prize that you like, and you shall have her
+with all her Cargo, to dispose of how and where you please, for your
+own proper Use_. He added, _that this, perhaps, might be the making of
+me, and put me in a Capacity of leaving off the Sea, and living ashore,
+if I was so inclin’d_; protesting, _that he did all this purely out
+of Respect to me, because he saw I was a Man of Sense_, as he said,
+_and was willing to take Care and Pains to get a Living for myself and
+Family_.
+
+“I thank’d him, and told him, _I was sorry I could not accept of his
+kind Offer; and hoped he would excuse me, and not impute it to an
+obstinate Temper; because_, I said, _I did not perceive it would be
+of any Advantage to me, but rather the Reverse; for I could not see
+how I should be able to dispose of the Ship, or any Part of her Cargo;
+because no Body would buy, except I had a lawful Power to sell; and
+they all certainly knew, they had no farther Right to any Ship or Goods
+that they took, than so long as such Ship or Goods was within the Verge
+of their Power; which, they were sensible, could not extend so far, as
+to reach any Place where such Sale could be made: Besides_, I said, _if
+the Owners of any such Ship or Goods should ever come to hear of it,
+then should I be liable to make them Restitution, to the full Value of
+such Ship and Cargo, or be oblig’d to lie in a Prison the remaining
+Part of my Days; or, perhaps, by a more rigid Prosecution of the Law
+against my Person, run a Hazard of my Life_.
+
+“_Russel_ said, _These were but needless and groundless Scruples, and
+might easily be evaded: As for my having a Right to make Sale of the
+Ship and Cargo, which they would give me, they could easily make me a
+Bill of Sale of the Ship, and such other necessary Powers in Writing,
+as were sufficient to justify my Title to it beyond all Possibility
+of Suspicion; so that I should not have any Reason to fear my being
+detected in the Sale: And as for my Apprehension of being discover’d
+to the Owners, that might as easily be prevented; for they should
+always know, by Examination of the Master, &c. and also by the Writings
+taken on board such Ship (which they always took Care to seize upon)
+who were the Owners and Merchants concern’d in both Ship and Cargo,
+as also their Places of Abode; by which I might be able to shun a
+Possibility of their discovering me_: Adding, _That I might have the
+Powers and Writings made in another Name, which I might go by ’till I
+had finish’d the Business, and then could assume my own; which Method
+would certainly secure me from all Possibility of Discovery_.
+
+“I told him, _I must confess, there was not only a Probability, but a
+seeming Certainty, in what he said, and that it argued abundance of
+Wit in the Contrivance; but_, I assur’d him, _that were I positively
+certain, which I could not be, that ’till the Hour of my Death it would
+not be discover’d, yet there was still a strong Motive to deter me from
+accepting it; which, tho’ it might seem, perhaps, to them to be of no
+Weight, and but a meer Chimera, yet it had greater Force with me than
+all the Reasons I had hitherto mention’d; and that was my Conscience;
+which would be a continual Witness against me, and a constant Sting,
+even when, perhaps, no Body would accuse me: And as there could be no
+hearty and unfeigned Repentance, without making a full Restitution,
+as far as I was able, to the injur’d Person_; I ask’d them, _What
+Benefit would it be to me, if I got Thousands of Pounds, and could
+not be at Peace with my Conscience, ’till I had restor’d every Thing
+to the proper Owners, and after all, remain as I was before?_ A great
+deal more, I told them, I could say upon this Head; but doubted that
+Discourses of this Nature were not very taking with some of them, and
+might seem of very little Account; _Yet I hope_, said I, _and God
+forbid that there should not be some of you, who have a Thought of a
+great and powerful God, and a Consciousness of his impartial Justice
+to punish, as well as of his unfathomable Mercy to pardon Offenders
+upon their unfeigned Repentance, which would not so far extend as to
+encourage us to run on in sinning, thereby presuming to impose on his
+Mercy_.
+
+“Some of them said, _I should do well to preach a Sermon, and would
+make them a good Chaplain_. Others said, _No, they wanted no Godliness
+to be preach’d there: That Pirates had no God but their_ Money, _nor_
+Saviour _but their_ Arms. Others said, _That I had said nothing but
+what was very good, true, and rational, and they wish’d that Godliness,
+or, at least, some Humanity, were in more Practice among them; which
+they believ’d, would be more to their Reputation, and cause a greater
+Esteem to be had for them, both from God and Man_.
+
+“After this, a Silence follow’d; which Capt. _Russel_ broke, saying to
+me again, _Master, as to your Fear that you wrong your Neighbour in
+taking a Ship from us, which we first took from him; in my Judgment,
+it is groundless and without Cause; nor is it a Breach of the Laws
+of God or Man, as far as I am able to apprehend; for you do not take
+their Goods from them, nor usurp their Property: That we have done
+without your Advice, Concurrence, or Assistance; and therefore whatever
+Sin or Guilt follows that Action, it is intirely_ Ours, _and, in my
+Opinion, cannot extend to make any unconcern’d Person guilty with us.
+It is plain, beyond disputing_, continu’d he, _that you can be no Way
+Partaker with us in any Capture, while you are only a constrain’d
+Prisoner, neither giving your Advice or Consent, or any Ways assisting;
+and therefore it may be most certainly concluded, that it is We only
+that have invaded the Right, and usurp’d the Property of another; and
+that you must be innocent, and cannot be Partaker of the Crime, unless
+concern’d in that Action that made it a Crime. But you seem to allow,
+that we have a Property, while we are in Possession; but_, added he, _I
+suppose you think, that all the Claim we have to the Ships and Goods
+that we take, is by an Act of Violence, and therefore unjust, and of
+no longer Force than while we are capable to maintain them by the same
+superior Strength by which we obtain’d them_.
+
+“I told him, _I could not express my Conceptions of it better or
+fuller, I thought, than he had done; but hoped, neither he, nor Capt._
+Loe, _nor any of the Gentlemen present, would be offended at my taking
+so much Liberty; which was rather to acquaint them with my Reasons
+for not being able to accept of their kind Offer, than to give any
+Gentleman Offence_; adding, _That I had so much Confidence in their
+Favours, that, if I could have accepted them, I verily believ’d, they
+would all have concurred with Capt._ Russel _in what he so kindly and
+friendly design’d me_.
+
+“At which Words they all cry’d, _Ay, Ay, by G--_, and that _I was
+deserving of that and more_.
+
+“I told them, _I heartily thank’d them all in general, and did not wish
+any of them so unfortunate, as to stand in Need of my Service; yet,
+if ever they did, they should find, that the uttermost of my Ability
+should not be wanting in Retaliation of all the Civilities they had
+shewn me, ever since it was my Lot to fall into their Hands; but, in a
+more especial Manner, for this their now offer’d Kindness, tho’ I could
+not accept it with a safe and clear Conscience, which I valued above
+any Thing to be enjoy’d in this World_. I said, _I could add farther
+Reasons to those I had already urg’d; but I would not trouble them
+longer, fearing I had already been too tedious or offensive to some of
+them; which, if I had, I heartily begg’d their Pardon; assuring them
+once more, that if it was so, it was neither my Design nor Intent, but
+the Reverse_.
+
+“Hereupon they all said, _They liked to hear us talk, and thought we
+were very well match’d_: Adding, _That Capt._ Russel _could seldom meet
+with a Man that could stand him: But, as for their Parts, they were
+pleas’d with our Discourse, and were very sure_ Loe _and_ Russel _were
+so too_.
+
+“Capt. _Loe_ than said, He liked it very well; but told me, I had
+not return’d Capt. _Russel_ an Answer to what he last said, which he
+thought deserv’d one.
+
+“I answer’d, That since the Gentlemen were so good-natur’d, as not only
+to take in good Part what I had hitherto said, but also to give me free
+Liberty to pursue my Discourse, I should make Use of their Indulgence,
+and answer what Capt. _Russel_ had said last to me, in as brief and
+inoffensive a Manner as I was capable of.
+
+“Then turning to _Russel_, I said, _Sir, Your Opinion of my Notion
+of the Right you have to any Ship or Goods you may take, is exactly
+true; and I think your Right cannot extend farther than your Power to
+maintain that Right; and therefore it must follow, you can transfer
+no other Right to any one than what you have your selves, which will
+render any Person who receiv’d them, as guilty for detaining them from
+the proper Owners, as you for the taking them_.
+
+“He said, _Be it so; we will suppose_ (and seemed a little angry) _for
+Argument Sake, we have taken a Ship, and are resolv’d to sink or burn
+her, unless you will accept of her: Now, pray, where is the Owner’s
+Property, when the Ship is sunk, or burned? I think the Impossibility
+of his having her again, cuts off his Property to all Intents and
+Purposes, and our Power was the same, notwithstanding our giving her to
+you, if we had thought fit to make use of it._
+
+“I was loth to argue any farther, seeing him begin to be peevish; and
+knowing, by the Information afore given me by the three Men, that all
+his pretended Kindness and Arguments were only in order to detain
+me, without the Imputation of having broken their Articles; which he
+found the major Part of the Company very averse to; wherefore, to cut
+all short, I told him, I was very sensible of the Favours design’d
+me; and should always retain a grateful Sense of them: That I knew I
+was absolutely in their Power, and they might dispose of me as they
+pleas’d; but that having been hitherto treated so generously by them, I
+could not doubt of their future Goodness to me. And that if they would
+be pleas’d to give me my Sloop again, it was all I requested at their
+Hands; and I doubted not, but that, by the Blessing of God on my honest
+Endeavours, I should soon be able to retrieve my present Loss; at
+least, I said, I should have nothing to reproach myself with, whatever
+should befal me, as I should have, if I were to comply with the Favour
+they had so kindly intended for me.
+
+“Upon which, Capt. _Loe_ said, _Gentlemen, the Master, I must needs
+say, has spoke nothing but what is very reasonable, and I think he
+ought to have his Sloop. What do you say Gentlemen?_
+
+“The greatest Part of them answered aloud, _Ay, Ay, by G--, let the
+poor Man have his Sloop again, and go in God’s Name, and seek a Living
+in her for his Family. Ay_, said some of them, _and we ought to make
+something of a Gathering for the poor Man, since we have taken every
+Thing that he had on Board his Vessel_. This put an End to the Dispute;
+and every Body talked according to their Inclinations, the Punch, Wine,
+and Tobacco being moving Commodities all this Time: And every one who
+had an Opportunity of speaking to me, wish’d me much Joy with, and
+success in, my newly obtain’d Sloop.
+
+“Towards Night, _Russel_ told Capt. _Loe_, that as the Company had
+agreed to give me the Sloop again, it was to be hoped they would
+discharge me, and let me go about my Business in a short Time; and
+therefore, with his Leave, he would take me on Board the Scooner with
+him, to treat me with a Sneaker of Punch before parting. Accordingly,
+I accompany’d him on Board his Vessel, tho’ I had rather stay’d with
+_Loe_, and he welcomed me there, and made abundance of Protestations
+of his Kindness and Respect to me; but still argued, that he thought I
+was very much overseen in not accepting what he had so kindly, and out
+of pure Respect, offer’d to me, and which, he said, would really have
+been the making of me. I told him, I thank’d him for his Favour and
+Good-will; but was very well satisfy’d with the Company’s Generosity
+in agreeing to give me the Sloop again, which, I said, was more
+satisfactory to me, than the richest Prize that they could take.
+
+“Well, says he, I wish it may prove according to your Expectation. I
+thank’d him; so down we went into the Cabbin, and, with the Officers
+only, diverted ourselves in talking ’till Supper was laid on the Table.
+
+“After Supper, a Bowl of Punch, and half a Dozen of Claret, being set
+on the Table, Capt. _Russel_ took a Bumper, and drank _Success to their
+Undertaking_; which went round, I not daring to refuse it. Next Health
+was _Prosperity to Trade_, meaning their own Trade. The third Health
+was, _The King of France_: After which, _Russel_ began the _King of_
+England_’s Health_; so they all drank round, some saying, _The King of_
+England’s _Health_, others only _The aforesaid Health_, ’till it came
+round to me; and Capt. _Russel_ having empty’d two Bottles of Claret
+into the Bowl, as a Recruit, and there being no Liquor that I have a
+greater Aversion to, than red Wine in Punch, I heartily begg’d the
+Captain and the Company would excuse my drinking any more of that Bowl,
+and give me leave to pledge the Health in a Bumper of Claret.
+
+“Hereupon _Russel_ said, _Damn you, you shall drink in your Turn a full
+Bumper of that Sort of Liquor that the Company does. Well, Gentlemen_,
+said I, _rather than have any Words about it, I will drink it, tho’ it
+is in a Manner Poyson to me; because I never drank any of this Liquor,
+to the best of my Remembrance, but it made me sick two or three Days at
+least after it._ _And d--n you_, says _Russel, if it be in a Manner, or
+out of a Manner, or really, rank Poyson, you shall drink as much, and
+as often, as any one here, unless you fall down dead, dead_!
+
+“So I took the Glass, which was one of your _Hollands_ Glasses, made
+in the Form of a Beaker, without a Foot, holding about three Quarters
+of a Pint, and filling it to the Brim, said, _Gentlemen, here is the
+aforesaid Health. What Health is that_, said _Russel? Why_, says I,
+_the same Health you all have drank, The King of_ England’s _Health.
+Why_, says _Russel, who is King of_ England? I answer’d, _In my
+Opinion, he that wears the Crown, is certainly King while he keeps it.
+Well_, says he, _and pray who is that? Why_, says I, _King_ George
+_at present wears it_. Hereupon he broke out in the most outrageous
+Fury, damning me, and calling me Rascally Son of a B--; and abusing
+his Majesty in such a virulent Manner, as is not fit to be repeated,
+asserting, with bitter Curses, that we had no King.
+
+“I said, _I admir’d that he would begin and drink a Health to a Person
+who was not in being_. Upon which, he whipp’d one of his Pistols from
+his Sash, and I really believe would have shot me dead, if the Gunner
+of the Scooner had not snatch’d it out of his Hand.
+
+“This rather more exasperated _Russel_, who continu’d swearing and
+cursing his Majesty in the most outrageous Terms, and asserting the
+Pretender to be the lawful King of _England, &c._ He added, That ’twas
+a Sin to suffer such a false traiterous Dog as I was to live; and with
+that whipp’d out another Pistol from his Sash, and cock’d it, and swore
+he would shoot me through the Head, and was sure he should do God and
+his Country good Service, by ridding the World of such a traiterous
+Villain. But the Master of the Scooner prevented him, by striking the
+Pistol out of his Hand.
+
+“Whether it was with the Fall, or his Finger being on the Trigger, I
+cannot tell, but the Pistol went off without doing any Damage: At which
+the Master, and all present, blamed _Russel_ for being so rash and
+hasty; and the Gunner said, I was not to blame; for that I drank the
+Health as it was first propos’d, and there being no Names mention’d,
+and King _George_ being possess’d of the Crown, and establish’d
+by Authority of Parliament, he did not see but his Title was the
+best. _But what have we to do_, continued he, _with the Rights of
+Kings or Princes? Our Business here, is to chuse a King for our own
+Commonwealth; to make such Laws as we think most conducive to the Ends
+we design; and to keep ourselves from being overcome, and subjected to
+the Penalty of those Laws which are made against us._ He then intimated
+to _Russel_, That he must speak his Sentiments freely, and imputed
+his Quarrel with me, to his being hinder’d from breaking thro’ their
+Articles: Urging, that he would appear no better than an Infringer of
+their Laws, if the Matter were narrowly look’d into: And that it was
+impossible ever to have any Order or Rule observ’d, if their Statutes
+were once broken thro’. He put him in Mind of the Penalty, which was
+Death, to any one who should infringe their Laws; and urg’d, That if it
+were once admitted that a Man, thro’ Passion, or the like, should be
+excused breaking in upon them, there would be an End to their Society:
+And concluded with telling him, that it was an extraordinary Indulgence
+in the Company, not to remind him of the Penalty he had incurr’d.
+
+“_Russel_, still continuing his Passion, answer’d, That if he had
+transgress’d, it was not for the Sake of his own private Interest,
+but for the general Good of the Company; and therefore did not fear,
+neither in Justice could he expect, any Severity from the Company for
+what he had done; and for that Reason, whatever he (the Gunner) or
+those of his Sentiments, thought of it, he was resolv’d, whatever came
+of it, to pursue his present Humour.
+
+“Then says the Gunner to the rest, _Well, Gentlemen, if you have a
+Mind to maintain those Laws made, establish’d, and sworn to by you
+all, as I think we are all obligated by the strongest Tyes of Reason
+and Self-Interest to do, I assure you, my Opinion is, that we ought
+to secure_ John Russel, _so as to prevent his breaking our Laws and
+Constitutions, and thereby do ourselves, and him too, good Service:
+Ourselves, by not suffering such an Action of Cruelty in cold Blood,
+as he more than once attempted to commit, as you are Eye-witnesses of,
+and, I believe, most on Board have been Ear-witnesses to the Pistol’s
+going off; and all this for no other Reason in the World, but through a
+proud and ambitious Humour, conceiting he is the Man that is not to be
+contradicted, and that his Words, though tending to our Ruin, must yet
+be receiv’d as an Oracle, without any Opposition_.
+
+“At which they all said, It was a pity the Master should suffer,
+neither would they permit it; and speaking to _Russel_, they said, they
+would not allow him to be so barbarous: That they had always valued
+themselves upon this very Thing of being civil to their Prisoners,
+and not abusing their Persons: That, ’till now, he himself had been
+always the greatest Perswader to Clemency, and even to the forgiving
+Provocations, and permitting them to go from ’em with as little Loss
+as could be, after they had taken what they had Occasion for: _But
+now_, said they, _you are quite the Reverse, to this poor Man, and for
+no other Reason, that we know of, but, as the Gunner said just now,
+because we would not yield a greater Power to you alone, then you with
+the whole Company have when conjoin’d; that is, that you at any Time,
+to gratify your own Humour, shall have Liberty, not only to dispense
+with our Laws, but to act against the Sentiments of the whole Company_.
+
+“_Russel_ answer’d, That he never did oppose the Company before;
+neither could he believe any present could charge him with any Cruelty
+in cold Blood, ever since he belong’d to the Company; but that he
+had a Reason for what he did, or would have done, if he had not been
+prevented. Hereupon the Master interrupting him, said, _Capt._ Russel,
+_we know of no Reason for your passionate Design, but what we have told
+you; and, as you have been told before, it reflects a Revenge against
+the Company; but not being able to effect that, you turn it on that
+poor Man the Master of the Sloop, and, as it were, in despite of the
+Company, because they have decreed him his Sloop again, that he may
+provide a Living for his Family, you would barbarously, nay brutishly,
+as well as to the Company contemptuously, murder that poor Man, who
+has given you no Occasion to induce you to such an Action that we know
+of; and if he has given you any sufficient Cause to be so offended at
+him, we promise you this Instant, to deliver him up to you, to suffer
+Death, or what other Punishment you think fit to inflict on him_.
+
+“_Russel_ told them, That he had been in the Company almost from the
+first, and he challeng’d any one to charge him with Singularity, or
+Opposition to the Company, or of Cruelty to any one Prisoner before
+that Rascal, as he call’d me, and that therefore they might be assur’d,
+he should not have taken up such Resentments against me, if he had not
+a sufficient Reason to provoke him to it, which he did not think proper
+at that Time to divulge.
+
+“_Then_, says the Gunner, _neither do we think proper that you shall
+take any Man’s Life away in cold Blood, ’till you think fit to acquaint
+the Company with the Reasons for it; and I think it was your Place to
+satisfy the Company, before you took the Liberty to attempt the Life of
+any Man under the Company’s Protection, as I think all Prisoners are:
+And, to say the Truth, I do verily believe, you have no other Reasons
+to give than those hinted by the Master and me; and therefore, I think
+it but Reason, to use such Methods as may prevent your passionate
+Design, and secure the Prisoner ’till Morning, and then send him on
+Board the Commodore, who, with the Advice of the Majority, may order
+the Matter as he thinks best_.
+
+“This was consented to by all, and so _Russel_, having his Arms taken
+from him, was order’d not to offer the least Disturbance again, nor
+concern himself with or about me, ’till after I was on Board the
+Commodore, on Pain of the Crew’s Displeasure, and also of being
+prosecuted as a Mutineer; and the Gunner, Master, Boatswain, _&c._ bid
+me not be discourag’d; assuring me, that there should no Harm come to
+me while I was on Board of them; and that they would send me away now,
+but that there is, said they, an express Order among us, to receive
+no Boats on Board after eight at Night, or nine a-Clock at farthest;
+but they would put me on Board Capt. _Loe_ in the Morning, where they
+were sure I should be protected and secur’d from the revengeful Hand
+of Capt. _Russel_; for they said, they were sure that Capt. _Loe_
+had a great Respect for me, and would be a Means to counter-ballance
+_Russel_; and they said they would sit up with me all Night for my
+greater Security: Which they did, smoaking and drinking and talking,
+every one according to his Inclination, and so we pass’d the Time away
+’till Day.
+
+“_Russel_ went to sleep about two a-Clock in the Morning in his Cabbin;
+however, the Master, the Gunner, and five or six more, did not go to
+Bed all that Night, but would have had me gone to sleep, telling me, I
+need not fear, for they would take Care that _Russel_ should not hurt
+me.
+
+“About eight a-Clock in the Morning, I was carry’d on Board Capt.
+_Loe_, the Gunner and Steward going with me, who told him all that had
+pass’d; and acquainted him, that they still believ’d _Russel_ to be so
+implacable against me, that he would murder me in cold Blood before
+I got clear of them, if he did not interpose to protect me from his
+Violence. Capt. _Loe_ said, He very well knew, and he believ’d so did
+they all, what was the Reason that made _Russel_ so inveterate and
+implacable to me: He added, That _Russel_ did not do well; and that
+I had behav’d myself so inoffensively, that there could be no Reason
+to induce the most savage Monster to be such an irreconcilable Enemy
+to me; but that ’twas an easy Matter to dive into the Cause of it, to
+wit, his being thwarted by the Company in his Humour; and because they
+would not break thro’ the Articles which cemented them together, and
+which were sign’d and swore to by them all, as the standing Rule of
+their Duty, by which only they could decide and settle Controversies
+and Differences among themselves; the least Breach of which, would be
+a Precedent for the like Infractions, whenever _Russel_, or any other,
+thought fit to give Way either to Revenge or Ambition, and that then
+all their Counsels would be fluctuating; and Fancy, and not Reason,
+would be the Rule of their Conduct; and their Resolutions would be
+render’d more unconstant than the Weathercock. He added, That he hoped
+the Company would inviolably adhere to their establish’d Laws, which,
+he said, were very good; and were they not, yet, as they were made by
+the unanimous Consent of the whole Company, so they ought not to be
+alter’d without the same unanimous Consent; concluding, that, for his
+Part, he would rather chuse to be out of the Company than in it, if
+they did not resolve to be determin’d by their Articles. Hereupon they
+answer’d, That what he had said was very good, and they were resolv’d
+to adhere to his Advice.
+
+“After this they drank a Dram, and then return’d with their Boat on
+Board the Scooner; and Capt. _Loe_ told me, he was sorry for Capt.
+_Russel’s_ Disgust against me, because he believ’d it would be a
+disadvantage to me; but, however, there was no Remedy but Patience;
+assuring me, That _Russel_ should neither kill me, nor abuse my Person,
+and I should have my Sloop again, and be discharg’d in as short a while
+as possible, that I might be clear of _Russel_, who, he was afraid,
+would always continue my Foe.
+
+“All the Officers and Men likewise spoke very friendly to me, and bid
+me not be daunted; so we pass’d the Time away in several Kinds of
+Discourse ’till Dinner; after which, _Loe_ order’d a Bowl of Punch to
+be made, and said he wish’d I was well clear of them.
+
+“About four a-Clock in the Afternoon Capt. _Russel_ came on Board, as
+did also _Francis Spriggs_, who commanded the other Ship, and after a
+little while, says _Russel_ to Capt. _Loe_, _The Mate of the Sloop is
+willing to enter with us as a Volunteer_.
+
+“_Loe_ made Answer, and said, _How must we do in that Case? For then
+the Master of the Sloop will have no Body to help him, but one Boy;
+for_, says he, _the little Child is no Help at all_.
+
+“_Russel_ said, _He could not help that. But_, said Loe, _we must not
+take all the Hands from the poor Man, if we design to give him his
+Sloop again_; adding, _That he thought in Reason there could not be
+less than two Boys and the Mate_.
+
+“_Z--ds_, says _Russel, his Mate is a lusty young brisk Man, and has
+been upon the Account before, and told me but even now_ (_for_, said
+he, _I was on Board the Sloop but just before I came here, and_ Frank
+Spriggs _was along with me, and heard him say_), _That he was fully
+resolv’d to go with us, and would not go any more in the Sloop, unless
+forced; and when he came out of_ Barbadoes, _he said, his Design was
+to enter himself on Board the first Pyrate that he met with; And will
+you refuse such a Man, contrary to your Articles, which you all so much
+profess to follow; and which enjoin you by all Means, not repugnant to
+them, to encrease and fill your Company? Besides_, continued he, _he
+spoke to me the first Day, that he was resolv’d to enter with us_.
+
+“_Loe_ reply’d, That to give the Man his Sloop, and no Hands with him
+to assist him, was but putting him to a lingering Death, and they had
+as good almost knock him on the Head, as do it.
+
+“_Russel_ answer’d, As to that, they might do as they pleas’d; what he
+spoke now was for the Good of the whole Company, and agreeable to the
+Articles, and he would fain see or hear that Man that should oppose him
+in it. He said, He was Quarter-Master of the whole Company, and, by the
+Authority of his Place, he would enter the Mate directly, and had a
+Pistol ready for the Man that should oppose him in it.
+
+“_Loe_ said, As for what was the Law and Custom among them (as what he
+now pleaded, was) he would neither oppose, nor argue against; but, if
+they thought fit to take the Man’s Mate from him, then they might let
+him have one of his own Men with him.
+
+“_Russel_ said, No; for all the Sloop’s Men were already enroll’d
+in their Books, and therefore none of them should go in her again.
+_Gentlemen_, continu’d he, _you must consider I am now arguing, as well
+for the Good of the Company, as for the due Maintenance and Execution
+of the Laws and Articles; and as I am the proper Officer substituted
+and intrusted by this Company with Authority to execute the same, so_
+(_as I told you before_) _I have a Pistol and a Brace of Balls ready
+for any one, who dare oppose me herein_; and turning to me, said,
+_Master, the Company has decreed you your Sloop, and you shall have
+her; you shall have your two Boys, and that is all: You shall have
+neither Provisions, nor any Thing else, more than as she now is. And,
+I hear, there are some of the Company design to make a Gathering for
+you; but that also I forbid, by the Authority of my Place, because
+we are not certain but we may have Occasion ourselves for those very
+Things before we get more; and for that Reason I prohibit a Gathering;
+and I swear by all that is Great and Good, that if I know any Thing
+whatsoever carry’d, or left on Board the Sloop against my Order, or
+without my Knowledge, that very Instant I will set her on Fire, and you
+in her._
+
+“Upon which I said, that since it was their Pleasure to order it
+thus, I begged that they would not put me on Board the Sloop in such
+a Condition; but rather begg’d, if they so pleas’d, to do what they
+would with the Sloop, and put me, and my two Boys, ashore on one of the
+Islands.
+
+“_Russel_ said, No; for they were to Leeward of all the Islands, and
+should hardly come near any of them this Season again.
+
+“I said, I should rather be put ashore any where else, either on the
+Coast of _Guinea_, or on whatever Coast they came at first, than be put
+as a Victim on Board the Sloop; where I should have no Possibility of
+any Thing but perishing, except by an extraordinary Miracle.
+
+“He told me, My Fate was already decreed by the Company, and he,
+by his Place, was to see all their Orders put in Execution; and he
+would accordingly see me safely put on Board the Sloop, in the exact
+Condition as he had but now mention’d.
+
+“I was going to make him a Reply, but casting my Eye on Capt. _Loe_, he
+wink’d at me to be silent; and taking a Bumper, drank Success to their
+Proceedings. The Health went round, and _Loe_ order’d the great Bowl
+to be fill’d with Punch, and Bottles of Wine to be set on the Table in
+the Cabbin, to which we all resorted, and spent the remaining Part of
+the Evening in Discourses on different Subjects: Only _Frank Spriggs_
+offer’d to perswade me to accept of what was first offer’d me, which
+_Russel_ swore I should not now have, I having not once, but several
+Times already refus’d it. Capt. _Loe_ not being then willing to have
+any more of that Kind of Discourse, broke it off by singing a Song, and
+enjoining every one present to do the same, except me, whom he said he
+would excuse ’till Times grew better with me: And thus they diverted
+themselves, and pass’d the Evening away ’till towards eight a-Clock,
+and then every one repair’d on Board their respective Ships; and,
+after they were gone, _Loe_ and I, and two or three of his Confidents,
+smoak’d a Pipe, and drank a Bottle or two of Wine; in which Time he
+told me, He was very sorry that _Jack Russel_ was so set against me. I
+said, So was I, and wonder’d what should be the Reason of it, having
+given him no Cause, unless by drinking that Health the preceding Night:
+I said, I had imputed to Liquor, the Fury he was then in, and was in
+Hopes, that after that had work’d off, his Resentments also would have
+cooled, and was not a little concern’d to find it otherwise. _Loe_
+said, The Health was not the Cause, but rather the Effect of his Anger,
+and a meer Pretence to cloak his Resentment for other Disappointments:
+Adding, That I did right to take his Hint given me by winking, to
+answer no more; _For_, says he, _I knew that every Thing which you
+could speak to him, would be taken Edge-ways; and the more you said
+to excuse yourself, the more it would add Fuel to his Anger, which he
+turn’d against you who could not resist him, because he could not have
+his Will of us; but we will endeavour to draw him off by Degrees; and
+for that Reason will not discharge you, but I will keep you on Board
+with me, where he shall not hurt nor abuse you, except with his Tongue,
+which you must bear, ’till we see if we can alter his Temper, so as to
+deal with you a little more favourable than at present he designs_.
+
+“I thank’d him, and all of them present, for their Favours and
+Good-will, and it being near Midnight, we parted, and every one retired
+to his Rest, and I to my Hammock; and being pretty much fatigued the
+Night before, as well as the preceding Day, soon fell asleep; and
+about Day-dawning, I got up, and came upon Deck, and walking upon the
+Quarter Deck very solitary, one of the three Men, mention’d before,
+pass’d by me, and ask’d me how I did, and said he was very sorry for
+the Unkindness already shew’d me, and like to be shew’d; but it was
+what they expected, as they had before hinted to me, and that still
+there was like to be a tough Struggle about me: That _Russel_ did
+design to be very barbarous to me, and that _Loe_, and a great Part of
+the Company, intended to oppose him in it; that there were a great many
+who were _Russel’s_ Gang or Clan, and design’d to stand by him in it,
+and had threaten’d, that if there were much Disturbance about it, they
+would shoot me, and so put an End to the Controversy: That there were
+some, on the other Hand, that threaten’d hard if they did, to revenge
+my Death by some of theirs; so that it was likely to be an untoward
+Touch, and he wish’d it might not prove to my Disadvantage in the
+End; but would have me still to keep a good Heart, and trust in God,
+and hope for the best, and by no means to speak one Word, or concern
+myself either Way, but patiently wait the Issue, which he hoped would
+be better for me than some of them intended; and so heartily wishing me
+well, walk’d his Way.
+
+“Now you must believe these Accounts were not a little shocking to me;
+but I had no Friend that I could really rely on, but God, to whom I
+made my Petitions, and whose Assistance I humbly besought, to extricate
+me, in his own good Time, out of these Difficulties and Snares which
+were laid for me on every Side, and, in the mean Time, patiently so to
+bear them, as not to murmur and repine at his fatherly Chastisements,
+nor, by their Extremity, through Desperation, wound my Conscience; but
+that in all Things I might, through the Guidance of the holy Spirit, be
+directed so as to submit myself entirely to his Will, who infinitely
+knew what was better for me than I knew myself.
+
+“After some Time pass’d, Capt. _Loe_ came upon Deck, who ask’d me how I
+had rested the preceding Night? I told him, Very well, considering my
+present Case; but, next under God, had grounded my Hopes upon him, to
+rid me of my present Fears, by dispatching me away as soon as possible
+he could with Conveniency. He told me, He would do every Thing in his
+Power to further my Desires, and hoped that what he had already done on
+my Account, would sufficiently convince me of his Desire to serve me;
+but that Things hitherto had fallen out very unluckily and cross, as I
+myself was able to judge by what was already pass’d.
+
+“I told him, I had very good Reasons to return him my hearty Thanks,
+and own’d myself bound to him in the strictest Ties of Gratitude; and
+that if it ever should be in my Power to serve him, I would not content
+myself with bare Acknowledgments of his Favour.
+
+“He said, His Will was at present more extensive than his Power; but
+that he still hoped to prevail with _Russel_, and those who were of his
+Side, to be more compassionate to me before I parted with them, than at
+present they seem’d to intend, and as soon as he had brought them to
+a better Temper, he then would procure my Discharge; but if _Russel_
+still continu’d inexorable, which he should be very sorry for, then you
+must endeavour, says he, to keep up a good Heart, and patiently wait
+’till Providence brings you out of your present Calamities, which I
+hope he will.
+
+“I thank’d him, and told him, I would endeavour to follow his Advice,
+tho’, I said, ’twas with some Impatience that I waited to have my Doom
+determin’d in a Discharge from them. He bid me be easy, it should be
+shortly.
+
+“By this Time there were several join’d with us, so we broke off that
+Discourse, and fell into other Talk.
+
+“About two or three a-Clock in the Afternoon, Capt. _Russel_, Capt.
+_Spriggs_, and some of their Officers, came on Board, and held
+a Consultation, which I was not allow’d to be a Hearer of; but
+understood afterwards, ’twas chiefly about their own Affairs, in
+Relation to the further Prosecution of their intended Voyage; and by
+the little mention that was made of me, it appear’d, that _Russel_
+continu’d still inflexible, bitterly swearing, that he would, if he had
+a thousand Lives, lose them all, rather than miscarry in this his fix’d
+Resolution.
+
+“In this difficult Situation I stood, not daring to speak freely
+for fear of offending, nor be silent, lest I should be thought
+contemptuous; not knowing how to avoid their Resentments, and every
+Resentment menacing, and often bringing Death. And thus I tediously,
+as well as dangerously, pass’d my Time among them, until it pleas’d
+God to put it into their Hearts to discharge me; tho’, if seriously
+weigh’d, this my Discharge seem’d like sentencing me to a lingering
+and miserable Death; yet I must needs confess, considering the whole
+Matter, that I was in a Manner miraculously befriended and supported,
+even in spite of Malice, Rage, and Revenge, for which I shall always
+pay my humble Acknowledgements to the Divine Providence.
+
+“After several Efforts made by Capt. _Loe_, and others, and abundance
+of Arguments used to bring _Russel_ to better Temper relating to me;
+and finding it all to no Purpose, and that some of his Clan had bound
+themselves by Oath to stand by him, even to my Destruction, if the
+Dispute continu’d much longer; Capt. _Loe_, and Capt. _Spriggs_, and
+others, who were my Friends, resolv’d on sending me away as soon as
+possible; and for that Purpose _Loe_, the 10th Day after I was taken,
+made a Signal for a general Consultation on Board of him; and as soon
+as the Officers and leading Men of the other two Ships, were assembled,
+he made a Speech to them, to let them know the Reason of his calling
+them to a Consultation, telling them, _That he thought it was Time to
+discharge me, as they had before agreed, as also to prosecute their
+intended Voyage, they having lain a long Time driving; and that,
+altogether out of their Way, by Reason they could not expect, either
+here, or in this Drift, to meet with any Ships_.
+
+“To this they all agreeing, Capt. _Loe_ told them, _He thought it would
+be best to discharge me first, for several Reasons, among which, my
+being cumbersome to them, as well as unserviceable, they being forc’d
+to sail the Sloop themselves; besides, he said it was not proper that I
+should be made acquainted with the Design of their Voyage_.
+
+“They ask’d, _Why he did not turn me away?_ Saying, _They did not know
+for what Reason I had been kept so long, the Company having settled
+that Matter so long since_.
+
+“Capt. _Loe_ said, _Gentlemen, you all know what Arguments we have had
+already about this Matter, and how Capt._ Russel, _and some more, were
+angry with the Master of the Sloop, and, I verily believe, without any
+Cause by him given to any of you designedly; and therefore, I hope you
+have consider’d better of it since, and laid aside your Resentments
+against the poor Man; neither_, said he, _let us do any Thing now in
+Passion, for I do not design (nor would I, if I could) to inforce any
+of you to comply to any Thing against your Will; nor would I have
+you think, Gentlemen, that I shall ever shew so much Respect to any
+Prisoner, as, on his Account, to cause a Difference or Wrangling among
+our selves; but yet, Gentlemen, give me Leave to say, That tho’ we
+are Pirates, yet we are Men, and tho’ we are deem’d by some People
+dishonest, yet let us not wholly divest ourselves of Humanity, and
+make ourselves more Savage than Brutes. If we send this poor Man away
+from us, without Provisions or Hands to assist him, Pray what greater
+Cruelty can there be? I think the more lingering any Death is made, the
+more barbarous ’tis accounted by all Men; and therefore, Gentlemen, I
+leave it to your own Consideration._
+
+“To this, _Russel_ made answer, _That he, in the Company’s Name, had
+made the Master of the Sloop very good and generous Offers, in the
+Hearing of all the Company; but that I had, in his Opinion, after a
+very slighting Manner, refus’d them: That ’twas my Choice to be sent
+thus on Board the Sloop, rather than the Compulsion of the Company;
+and that, notwithstanding he told me what I must trust to by insisting
+on the Sloop, and how favourable they were design’d to be to me, if
+I would have but a little Patience ’till they could provide for me,
+yet that I had refus’d their Favours, notwithstanding the Pains he
+took to perswade me_; adding an egregious Falshood, (but I durst not
+tell him so) _That I had petition’d and begg’d of the Company, rather
+to be put in the Sloop in the Condition he now propos’d for me, and
+that therefore, according to my Desire, it should be so; and he hoped
+it could never be reckon’d Cruelty in them to give a Person his free
+Choice. And, Gentlemen_, says he, _we have had a great many more Words
+about this Matter already, than ever we had in the like Case before;
+but I hope you all have so much Value and Respect for one another, and
+for the general Peace, as that we shall have no more Debate on this
+Head, but determine at once the Time when he is to be discharg’d, the
+Manner of it being already settled by the major Part, and I as your
+Quarter-master, as my Office requires, will see it executed, and,
+perhaps, in a more favourable Manner than at first I design’d, or he
+really deserves at mine or your Hands either; but let that rest there_.
+
+“Then Capt. _Loe_ said, _Mr._ Russel _hath spoke to you, Gentlemen, his
+Sentiments, which, in the main, are reasonable and true, and I am glad
+he is reconcil’d to the Master of the Sloop before their parting; and,
+I cannot say, but I always believ’d_ Jack Russel _to be a Man of so
+much Sense, as well as Good-nature, that he would scorn to take Revenge
+on one whose Condition render’d him uncapable of helping himself. And I
+think, Gentlemen, we may discharge him as soon as you please, and this
+Afternoon, if you are all agreed to it._ They all said _Ay_. Upon which
+_Russel_ told them, it should be done that Afternoon; telling _Loe_,
+_That after Dinner he would take me on Board the Scooner with him, and,
+from thence, send me on Board the Sloop, and see what could be done for
+me_.
+
+“Some of _Loe’s_ Company said, _They would look out some Things, and
+give me along with me when I was going away_; but _Russel_ told them,
+_they should not, for he would toss them all into_ Davy Jones’s Locker
+_if they did; for I was the Scooner’s Prize, and she had all my Cargo
+and Plunder on Board of her, and therefore what was given to me should
+be given to me out of her_: And turning to me said, _Well, Master, I
+will this Evening put you on Board your own Sloop, and will be a better
+Friend to you, perhaps, than them that pretended a great deal more;
+but I am above being led by Passion_, &c. They all din’d on Board of
+_Loe_, who, after Dinner, order’d a Bowl of Punch to be made in the
+great Silver Bowl, and set a Dozen of Claret on the Table, and that
+they said was for me to take my Leave of them, and part Sailor-like.
+I thank’d them; so they drank round to my good Success, and then to
+their own fortunate Proceedings and good Success; and _Loe_ told me,
+_He wish’d me very well, and hoped to meet with me again, at some Time
+when they had a good Prize of rich Goods, and he would not fail to make
+me a Retaliation with good Advantage for my present Loss_. And they all
+present said, _I need not fear meeting with a Friend, whenever I met
+with them again_.
+
+“About duskish, they began to prepare to go on Board their Ships, and
+I took my Leave of Capt. _Loe_, and all his Ship’s Company, and in
+particular of the three Men, who, I believe, were my hearty Friends,
+and return’d them all Thanks for their Kindness, as well as good
+Humour, shew’d to me since my first coming on Board of them. I also
+took my Leave of Capt. _Spriggs_, and those of his Company who were
+present, wish’d me well, but not one of them, I believe, dar’d to give
+me any Lumber with me, nor durst I have accepted of it had they offer’d
+it, for Fear of angering my but newly and seemingly reconcil’d Enemy,
+who, in all Likelihood, would have taken from me whatever they would
+have given me: And for that Reason I believe it was, that none of them
+offer’d to give me a Farthing, notwithstanding all their Professions of
+Kindness to me; tho’ this Generosity is very usual with them, to People
+that they profess much less Favour for, than they did to me.
+
+“_Russel_ being ready, I was order’d to go in his Boat, which I did;
+and, as soon as we were come on Board the Scooner, he order’d a Supper
+to be got ready, and, in the mean Time, there was a Bowl of Punch made,
+and some Wine set on the Table. _Russel_ invited me down into the
+Cabbin, as also all his Officers, and we drank and smoak’d ’till Supper
+was brought, and then he told me I was very welcome, and bid me eat
+and drink heartily; _For_, he said, _I had as tedious a Voyage to go
+through, as_ Elijah’s _forty Days Journey was to Mount_ Horeb, _and, as
+far as he knew, without a Miracle, it must only be by the Strength of
+what I eat now; for I should have neither Eatables nor Drinkables with
+me in the Sloop_.
+
+“I told him, _I hoped not so_: He rapt out a great Oath, _That I should
+find it certainly true_. I told him, _That rather than be put on Board
+the Sloop, in that Manner, where there was no Possibility to escape
+perishing, without a Miracle, I would submit to tarry on Board, ’till
+an Opportunity offer’d to put me ashore where they pleas’d; or would
+yield to any Thing else they should think fit to do with me, excepting
+to enter into their Service_.
+
+“He said, _It was once in my Power to have been my own Friend; but my
+slighting their proffer’d Favours, and my own chusing what I now must
+certainly accept, had render’d me uncapable of any other Choice; and
+that therefore all Apologies were but in vain; and he thought he shew’d
+himself more my Friend than I could well expect, or than I had deserv’d
+at his Hands, having caused him to have a great deal of Difference with
+the Company more than ever he had in his Life before, or ever should
+have again, he hoped_.
+
+“I told him, _I was very sorry that I was so unfortunate as to be the
+unhappy Occasion of it; but could from my Heart aver, that it was not
+only undesign’d, but also sorely against my Inclinations_; and begg’d
+of him, and all the Gentlemen then present, _to consider me as an
+Object rather of their Pity, than of their Revenge_.
+
+“He told me, _All my Arguments and Perswasions now were in vain, it
+being too late: I had not only refus’d their Commiseration when I was
+offer’d it, but ungratefully despis’d it: Therefore_, says he, _as
+I told you before, it’s in vain for you to plead any more: Your Lot
+is cast, and you have nothing now to do, but to go through with your
+Chance as well as you can, and fill your Belly with good Victuals and
+good Drink, to strengthen you to hold it as long as you can: It may
+be, and is very probable to be, the last Meal that ever you may eat in
+this World: However, perhaps, such a Conscientious Man as you would
+fain seem, or it may be are, may have a supernatural, or, at least, a
+natural Means wrought by a supernatural Power, in a miraculous Manner,
+to deliver you. However, I cannot say but I pity the two Boys, and have
+a great Mind to take them on Board, and let the miraculous Deliverance
+be wrought on you alone_.
+
+“The Master and Gunner said, _They heard the Boys say, they were
+willing to take their Chance with their Master, let it be what it
+would. Nay, then_, says _Russel_, _it’s fit they should. I suppose
+their Master has made them as religious and as conscientious as
+himself. However, Master_, says _Russel_, (speaking to me) _I would
+have you eat and drink heartily, and talk no more about changing your
+allotted Chance; because, as I told you before, it is all in vain;
+besides, it may be a Means of Provocation to serve you worse_.
+
+“_Gentlemen_, says I, _I have done: I will say no more; you can do no
+more than God is pleas’d to permit you; and I own, for that Reason, I
+ought to take it patiently_.
+
+“_Well, well_, says _Russel_, _if it be done by God’s Permission, you
+need not fear that he will permit any Thing hurtful to befall so good a
+Man as you are_.
+
+“About ten a-Clock at Night, he order’d to call the Sloop’s Boat, which
+was brought by some of the Pirates of his own Clan, who were station’d
+on Board of her, and ask’d them, _If they had done as he had order’d
+them_, viz. _to clear the Sloop of every Thing_? And they said _Yes_,
+raping out a great Oath or two, adding, _She had nothing on Board
+except Ballast and Water. Z--ds_, said _Russel_, _did not I bid you
+have all the Casks that had Water in them on Board? So we did_, said
+they; _but the Water that we spoke of was Salt-water, leak’d in by the
+Vessel, and is now above the Ballast; for we have not pump’d her we do
+not know when_.
+
+“Said _Russel_, _Have you brought away the Sails I told you of?_ They
+said, _All but the Mainsail that was bent, for the other old Mainsail
+that he had order’d to be left, was good for nothing but to cut up for
+Parceling, and hardly for that, it was so rotten; besides, it was so
+torn, that it could not be brought too, and was past mending, and for
+that Reason they let it lie, and would not unbend the other Mainsail_.
+
+“_Z--ds_, says _Russel_, _we must have it, for I want it to make us a
+Mainsail. D--n it_, said the Men, _then you must turn the Man adrift in
+the Sloop without a Mainsail_.
+
+“_Pish_, said _Russel_, _the same miraculous Power that is to bring him
+Provisions, can also bring him a Sail_.
+
+“_What a Devil, is he a Conjurer?_ said one of them.
+
+“_No, no_, says _Russel_, _but he expects Miracles to be wrought for
+him, or he never would have chosen what he hath_.
+
+“_Nay, nay_, said they, _if he be such a one, he will do well enough;
+but I doubt_, says one of them, _he will fall short of his Expectation;
+for if he be such a mighty Conjurer, how the Devil was it that he did
+not conjure himself clear of us?_
+
+“_Pish_, said another, _it may be his conjuring Books were shut up. Ay,
+but_, said another, _now we have hove all his Conjuration Books over
+Board, I doubt he will be hard put to it to find them again_.
+
+“_Come, come_, says the Gunner, _Gentlemen, the poor Man is like to go
+through Hardship enough, and very probably may perish; yet it is not
+impossible but he may meet with some Ship, or other timely Succour,
+to prevent his perishing, and I heartily wish he may; but however,
+you ought not to add Affliction to the Afflicted; You have sentenc’d
+him to a very dangerous Chance, which I think is sufficient to stop
+your Mouths from making a Droll and Game of him. I would have you
+consider_, added he, _if any of you were at_ Tyburn, _or any other
+Place to be executed, as many better and stouter Men than some of you,
+have been, and the Spectators, or_ Jack Catch _should make a Droll and
+May-game of you, you would think them a very hard-hearted, as well as
+an inconsiderate Sort of People: And pray, Gentlemen, consider the
+Sentence which you are now going to execute on this poor Man, will
+be as bad, or rather worse, than one of our Cases would be there;
+because, unless Providence stand his Friend in an extraordinary Manner,
+his Death must as certainly ensue or be the Consequence of this your
+Sentence, as it would there be to any of us by the Sentence of a Judge,
+and so much the more miserable, by how much it is more lingering_.
+
+“_Damn it_, said _Russel_, _we have had enough, and too much of this
+already_.
+
+“_Ay_, said the Gunner, _and take Care_, Russel, _you have not this
+to answer for one Day, when perhaps you will then, but too late, wish
+you had never done it. But you have got the Company’s Assent in this,
+I cannot tell how, and therefore I shall say no more, only that I,
+as I believe most of the Company, came here to get Money, but not to
+kill, except in Fight, and not in cold Blood, or for private Revenge.
+And I tell you_, John Russel, _if ever such Cases as these be any more
+practis’d, my Endeavour shall be to leave this Company as soon as I
+possibly can_.
+
+“To which _Russel_ said nothing in Answer; but bid the Men that came on
+Board in the Boat, to leave the Sloop’s Boat on Board the Scooner, and
+take the Scooner’s Boat with them on Board the Sloop; and, as soon as
+they saw the Lights upon Deck on Board the Scooner, to come away from
+the Sloop with the Scooner’s Boat, and bring the Master of the Sloop’s
+biggest Boy with them; and to take their Hands out of the Sloop’s
+Boat, and put the Master’s Boy on Board of the Sloop’s Boat with his
+Master, and let them go on Board themselves with their Boat, and to be
+sure to bring the Sloop’s Mainsail with them, and also the Mate of the
+Sloop. All which they said they would do; so away they went; and then
+_Russel_ told me, _He would give me something with me to remember him_;
+which was an old Musket, and a Cartridge of Powder, but for what Reason
+he made me that Present, I cannot tell; and then order’d the Candles
+to be lighted in the Lanthorns and carry’d upon Deck, and order’d two
+Hands to step into the Sloop’s Boat to carry me away, and to execute
+his former Orders; and then shaking Hands with me, he wish’d me a good
+Voyage. I told him I hoped I should. The Gunner, Master, and several
+of the Crew, shook Hands with me also, and heartily wish’d me Success,
+and hoped I should meet with a speedy and safe Deliverance. I thank’d
+them for their good Wishes; and told them I was now forc’d into a
+Necessity of going through it, whether I would or not; but thank’d God
+I was very easy at present, not doubting in God’s Mercy to me, tho’ I
+was not deserving of it: And that if I was permitted to perish, I knew
+the worst; and doubted not but he would graciously pardon my Sins, and
+receive me to his Everlasting Rest; and, in this Respect, what they had
+intended for my Misfortune, would be the Beginning of my Happiness;
+and that in the mean Time, I had nothing to do but to resign myself to
+his blessed Will and Protection, and bear my Lot with Patience. And so
+bidding them farewell, I went over the Side into the Boat, which was
+directly put off; and about half Way between the Scooner and Sloop, we
+met the Scooner’s Boat, and, according to their Orders from _Russel_,
+they put my Boy on Board of me, and so put away again to get on Board
+their own Vessel.
+
+“After their Boat put away from us, I thought I heard the Voice of my
+Mate, but was not certain, because he spoke so low, his Conscience
+checking him, I suppose, for his leaving me so basely. I call’d to
+him, and said Arthur, _what are you going to leave me?_ He answer’d,
+_Ay_. _What_, said I, _do you do it voluntary, or are you forc’d?_ He
+answer’d faintly, _I am forc’d, I think_. I said, _It was very well_.
+He call’d to me again, and said, _He would desire me to write to his
+Brother, and give him an Account where he was, if ever I should have
+an Opportunity_. I told him, _I did not know where his Brother liv’d_.
+He called and said, _He liv’d in_ Carlingford. I told him, _I did not
+know where that was_. He said, _It was in_ Ireland. _Why_, said I, _you
+told me in_ Barbadoes that you was a Scotchman, _and that all your
+Friends liv’d in_ Scotland. But he made me no further Answer; but away
+they row’d towards their Vessel, and I towards the Sloop, and it being
+a very dark, as well as a close Night, it was as much as ever I could
+do to see her; this being the last Time that I spoke to, or saw any of
+them, nor do I ever more desire to see them, except at some Place of
+Execution.”
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[109] _The Four Voyages of Capt. George Roberts ... written by
+Himself_, London, 1726.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII
+
+THE BRUTAL CAREER AND MISERABLE END OF NED LOW
+
+
+The day after parting with Captain Roberts the pirate fleet put to sea
+bound for the coast of Brazil hoping for some rich Portuguese prizes.
+They made land on the northern part of the coast, meanwhile sighting
+only one sail, a ship they could not come up with, and fell in with
+much dangerous shoal water. The trade-winds were very strong just at
+that time and the pirate vessels narrowly escaped foundering. Good
+fortune not seeming to lie in that direction, Captain Low bore away for
+the West Indies and soon reached the Triangles, three islands lying off
+the mainland about forty leagues eastward of Surinam, where they went
+in to careen the vessels in order to remove the foul growth that had
+accumulated during the passage up from the equator. They began with
+the pink and ill fortune continued, for Low ordered too many men into
+the shrouds and yards so that the vessel heeled over too far and the
+water came rapidly into the ports, which had been left open, so that
+she soon overset. Low was in the cabin at the time and barely escaped
+by climbing out at one of the stern ports. Where the pink turned turtle
+there was about six fathoms of water, just enough for the masts to
+strike into the mud and keep the hull above water, so that the men
+could hold on until picked up by the boats. Nevertheless two men were
+drowned.
+
+Having found it impossible to right the pink, Low went to sea in the
+schooner and for lack of water, which could not be obtained at the
+Triangles, they soon were in bad shape. For sixteen days only half a
+pint of water a day was allowed each man. They tried to reach Tobago
+but the winds were light and the current strong and at last they stood
+away for the French island of Grand Grenada. When the port officers
+came on board they saw only men enough to man the ship. The rest were
+hidden below. Low told the Frenchmen that he was from Barbadoes and
+that his water casks had sprung aleak so he was obliged to put in for
+a supply. The story was swallowed and Low was permitted to send men
+ashore but after a time the Frenchmen became suspicious and the next
+day fitted out a large Rhode Island-built sloop and with thirty men
+aboard they sailed out into the harbor and had nearly come alongside
+the schooner before Low understood their intention. He at once called
+up his men on deck, some ninety in all, and with his eight guns to the
+Frenchman’s four, the sloop soon fell an easy prey.
+
+Low now took over the sloop and gave the command of the schooner to
+Francis Farrington Spriggs, who had been his quartermaster, and they
+cruised together for some time, capturing seven or eight sloops and
+a rich Portuguese ship called “Nostra Signiora de Victoria.” Low
+tortured several of her men to compel them to disclose where the money
+was concealed on board and soon learned that during the chase of the
+ship the Portuguese captain had hung out of a cabin window, a canvas
+bag containing about eleven thousand gold moidores, the equivalent
+of nearly fifteen thousand English pounds, and when the ship was
+captured the captain cut the rope and let the bag drop into the sea.
+Low raved like a fury when he discovered what he had lost and ordered
+the unfortunate captain to be tied to the mast, when he slashed off the
+poor man’s lips with his cutlass and had them broiled before the galley
+fire and then compelled the Portuguese mate to eat them while hot from
+the fire. Captain and crew were then murdered, thirty-two persons in
+all.
+
+Among the vessels captured about this time was the snow “Unity” from
+New York bound for Curacao, Robert Leonard, master, which was taken
+within sight of her destination. A man on board, who once belonged to a
+man-of-war, they whipped unmercifully and two of the crew were forced,
+viz.: Richard Owen and Frederick Van der Scure, both living in New
+York. The snow was taken on Jan. 25, 1723. Low also captured a snow
+bound from London for Jamaica, part of the cargo being wines shipped
+at Madeira, of which a generous stock was taken on board the sloop and
+the schooner.[110] Other captures were Captain Craig, in a sloop from
+the Bay of Honduras bound for New York, whom Low afterwards released so
+that he reached New York on April 27th. Captain Simpkins of New York on
+a sloop bound for Curacao, was taken in sight of the island and shortly
+released. The pink “Stanhope,” Andrew Delbridge, master, for Boston
+from Jamaica, was less fortunate and was burnt because of Low’s hatred
+for New England men.
+
+After a time Low came to anchor off the island of Santa Cruz and while
+laying there took it into his head that he wanted a new doctor’s chest.
+Shortly before he had captured two French sloops which were then at
+anchor near him. So putting four Frenchmen in one of the sloops and
+handing them some money, he ordered them to make all haste to buy a
+doctor’s chest at St. Thomas, about twelve leagues distant, swearing
+that if they didn’t bring back the chest the other sloop should be
+burnt and the rest of the Frenchmen killed. To his great amusement
+within twenty-four hours they returned with the chest and according to
+promise the sloops and Frenchmen were then allowed to go.
+
+From Santa Cruz, Low sailed for Curacao, meeting on the passage two
+sloops which outsailed him and got away. He then ranged the coast of
+New Spain and in the Gulf of Darien, about half-way between Carthagena
+and Porto Bello, sighted two ships which afterwards turned out to be
+the “Mermaid,” British man-of-war, and a large Guinea-man. Low was
+in the Rhode Island sloop that he had taken at Grand Grenada and
+Spriggs was in command of the Marblehead schooner “Fancy,” captured
+at Port Roseway the previous year. With them was the snow “Unity,”
+Captain Leonard, late commander, a recent capture. For some time Low
+made sail after the two ships until he came so near that he discovered
+his mistake and then there was nothing for him to do but to turn tail
+and run. The man-of-war of course gave chase and slowly overhauled
+Low’s fleet which was rapidly making towards the shoal water near the
+coast. Deciding to rid himself of the snow, the more unreliable of the
+forced men were put aboard and she was abandoned and Low and Spriggs
+took separate courses. As the sloop was the larger and carried more
+men, the “Mermaid” stood after her and was within gun-shot when she
+ran aground on a shoal. This happened because one of the men with Low
+knew of this uncharted shoal and telling him what course to steer the
+whole company thereby escaped hanging.[111] Spriggs, meanwhile, got
+safely into Pickaroon Bay, about eighteen leagues from Carthagena, and
+afterwards made sail for the Bay of Honduras and came to anchor near a
+small island called Utilla, about seven or eight leagues from the large
+island of Roatan and here the schooner was hove down and cleaned.
+
+Five weeks had passed since Spriggs parted from Low and the day that he
+was ready to sail out of Utilla a large sloop was discovered bearing
+down on them. At first sight Spriggs thought her to be a Spanish
+privateer full of men and being much weaker in both guns and men
+he made sail and tried to get away. Low, who was in the sloop, had
+recognized the schooner at once and when she tried to escape imagined
+that she had been captured from Spriggs, so he fired a shot that struck
+the schooner in the bow. Spriggs, still failing to recognize the sloop,
+continued on his course and Low then hoisted his pirate colors and
+discovered who he was, to the uproarious joy of them all. The next day
+the two vessels went into Roatan harbor where Low careened and cleaned
+the bottom of the sloop, the crews meanwhile living on shore in booths
+which they built for shelter. There was much drinking and carousing.
+By Saturday, the 9th of March, all was in readiness for another foray
+and the long-boat brought off the last of the casks from the watering
+place. It was here that Philip Ashton, a Marblehead fisherman who had
+been forced at Port Roseway, the previous year, made his escape into
+the forest growth, where he lived a solitary existence for nine months,
+as will be told in another chapter.
+
+By the Boston newspapers of May, 1723, it appears that Low and
+Spriggs were not the only pirates ranging the Bay of Honduras at
+that time. On the 10th of March, 1723, quite a fleet of New England
+vessels were there busily engaged in loading logwood. Three sloops
+hailing from Newport, Rhode Island, commanded by Captains Benjamin
+Norton, John Madbury and Jeremiah Clark, were nearly ready to sail.
+In addition there was a Boston sloop commanded by Capt. Edward Lyde,
+and a brigantine from the same port; a ship and a snow; and two
+or three other sloops that hailed from New York, one commanded by
+Captain Spafforth and another by Captain Craig. That morning a Spanish
+privateer of six guns and about sixty men came upon the small fleet
+that lay there at anchor. One of the Boston captains, Lyde, immediately
+cut his cables and made sail and although chased by the privateer
+succeeded in getting away safely. He lacked fresh water for the
+homeward passage, however, and so stood in for a small creek farther up
+the coast and while there learned from some Bay men that the Spaniard
+had taken all the other vessels. But this victory was short-lived for
+only four hours later Captains Low and Spriggs came sailing in to the
+anchorage flying Spanish colors which were hauled down as they came
+near the privateer and the black flag hoisted. Low fired a broadside
+and boarded at once. The Spaniards were greatly outnumbered and made
+no resistance, so Low’s men fell to plundering the vessel, soon finding
+the New England captains confined in the hold. When Low learned of the
+captures made by the Spaniards it was decided after a short discussion
+to kill the entire company, so they fell to with their cutlasses,
+pollaxes and pistols and soon wiped out nearly all of them. Some who
+jumped overboard were knocked in the head by men who manned the canoe
+belonging to the sloop. Seven of the younger and more active men did
+succeed in reaching the shore and escaped into the forest growth in
+more or less wounded condition. In one account of this affair it is
+related that while Low’s men were on shore carousing, one of the
+unfortunate Spaniards who reached shore, in his extremity came crawling
+out to them begging for God’s sake they would give him quarter. One of
+the crew took hold of him and said, “G-- d-- you, I will give you good
+quarters presently,” and forcing the unfortunate Spaniard to his knees,
+pushed the muzzle of his fusil into his mouth and fired down his throat.
+
+[Illustration: ONE OF LOW’S CREW KILLING A WOUNDED SPANIARD
+
+From an engraving in Johnson’s “Historie der Engelsche Zee-roovers,”
+Amsterdam, 1725, in the Harvard College Library]
+
+The captains who had been confined in the hold of the privateer Low
+ordered released and restored to their vessels, but made them solemnly
+promise not to steer for Jamaica for fear that a man-of-war should
+learn of his whereabouts. He threatened them with instant death in case
+they met again, should they violate their promise. The carpenter of the
+snow he forced and after burning the privateer sloop, the pirate sailed
+boisterously away steering for the Leeward Islands.
+
+Three months later a sloop arrived at Perth Amboy, New Jersey, with the
+following account of Low’s adventures on this cruise:--
+
+    “Perth-Amboy, June 6, 1723. The Sloop _William_, William
+    Fraser, Master, arrived here from Jamaica. They sailed the
+    last day of April in company with a Snow bound for Liverpool,
+    whose Commander’s name was Sandison; also 3 Ships, viz. Capt.
+    Willing, Capt. Burlington, and Capt. Eastwick, and a Scooner,
+    all belonging to New England, and a Sloop, Capt. Ellicot, for
+    Hampton in Virginia. In sailing round the West end of Cuba,
+    off of Cape San Antonia, the aforesaid Vessels were taken by
+    Pyrates and only Fraser escaped by running close under the Land
+    and coming to an Anchor within the breakers, then weighing
+    and standing to the Southward past them in the Night and so
+    got clear of them. But entering the Gulf the Pyrates waiting
+    there for them, took them and Plundered them. They cut and
+    whiped some and others they burnt with Matches between their
+    Fingers to the bone to make them confess where their Money was.
+    They took to the value of a Thousand Pistoles from Passengers
+    and others. They them let them go. But coming on the Coast
+    off of the Capes of Virginia, they were again chased by the
+    same Pyrates who first took them. They did not trouble them
+    again but wished them well Home. They saw at the same time his
+    Consort, a Sloop of eight Guns, with a Ship and a Sloop which
+    were supposed to be his Prizes. They are commanded by one
+    Edward Low. The Pyrates gave us an account of his taking the
+    Bay of Hondoras from the Spaniards, which had surprized the
+    English, and taking them and putting all the Spaniards to the
+    Sword Excepting two Boys; as also burning the _King George_ and
+    a Snow belonging to New York, and sunk one of the New England
+    Ships, and cut off one of the Masters Ears and slit his Nose;
+    all this they confessed themselves. They are now supposed to be
+    cruising off of Sandy Hook or thereabouts.”--_American Weekly
+    Mercury_, June 13, 1723.
+
+On the 27th of May, 1723, Captain Low appeared off the coast of South
+Carolina in the sloop “Fortune.” Capt. Charles Harris was then in
+command of the sloop “Ranger” lately commanded by Spriggs. Nothing has
+been learned of the whereabouts of Harris during the preceding five
+months. No mention of him is made in any account of Low’s doings until
+he reached the Carolina coast in May. There these two commanders, after
+a long chase, took three ships, the “Crown,” Captain Lovering, the
+“King William,” and the “Carteret,” and a brigantine that came out of
+port only two days before. A few days before they had taken the ship
+“Amsterdam Merchant,” Capt. John Welland [Williard?] from Jamaica,
+but owned in New England. As Low seldom allowed a New Englander to go
+free without carrying away some mark of his hatred, Captain Welland in
+consequence, lost one of his ears, had his nose slit up and was cut in
+several places about his body. After the ship was plundered it was sunk
+and the next day Captain Estwick of Piscataqua was taken, plundered and
+set free and in his ship Captain Welland and his crew later reached
+Portsmouth, N. H.[112]
+
+Early in June, Low overhauled the sloop “Hopefull Betty,” Captain
+Greenman, off the Capes of the Delaware and took away all his water
+and his sails and sheet anchor. The captain was badly cut about his
+body but was able to reach Philadelphia ten days later. He brought the
+news of the capture of Captain Pitman in a pink bound from Virginia
+to London and said that the pirates claimed they had recently taken
+sixteen sail of vessels but seemed to be in a great hurry to be gone,
+probably because of the intelligence that men-of-war from Virginia, New
+York and Boston were cruising in search of them. Low was reported to
+have on board about £80,000 in gold and silver. The man-of-war on the
+New York station was the ship “Greyhound,” Peter Solgard, commander,
+of twenty guns and one hundred and twenty men, and from one of the
+unfortunate vessels plundered by Low he learned of the whereabouts of
+the pirate vessels and steering as directed, at half-past four in the
+morning of June 10th came in sight of the rovers. He then tacked and
+stood to the southward and the pirates, always on the lookout for prey,
+gave chase which lasted for nearly two hours while Captain Solgard
+cleared his ship for action. At half-past seven he was ready for them.
+The sloop and the schooner were then about a gunshot off. Suddenly the
+ship tacked again and stood for them and both of the pirate vessels
+at once hoisted a black flag and fired on the “Greyhound.” A little
+later when about three-quarters of a mile distant the black flags
+came down and were replaced by red ones. The “Greyhound” passed to
+the windward and received their fire several times and when abreast
+made such good return with round- and grape-shot, that the sloop and
+the schooner began to edge away under the “Greyhound’s” stern and
+she after them. They made a running fight for nearly two hours when
+the pirates got out their oars and soon began to draw away from the
+ship. On discovering this, Captain Solgard ordered firing to cease and
+turned all hands to rowing and at about half-past two in the afternoon
+came up with them. The pirates hauled into the wind and the fight was
+warmly renewed. After a time, the “Greyhound” fell in between the
+pirate vessels and soon the main-yard of the schooner was shot down.
+Low now showed the real stuff that he was made of and bore away leaving
+Harris, in the “Ranger,” to his fate, and he, seeing the treachery of
+his commodore, lost courage and called for quarter. This happened at
+about four o’clock and an hour later the rogues were safely on board
+the “Greyhound.” There were then thirty-seven whites and six blacks in
+Harris’ crew, and ten or twelve of his men had been killed or wounded.
+Captain Low heretofore had borne so high a reputation for courage and
+boldness that in the minds of even his own men he had become a terror.
+But his behavior in the action with the “Greyhound” shows him to have
+been at heart a treacherous scoundrel. When the prisoners were safely
+in irons Captain Solgard followed the course of Captain Low toward the
+northwest, but he had too great a start and after a time drew out of
+sight in the growing darkness.[113]
+
+After this narrow escape Low’s chagrin and rage knew no bounds and
+swearing many oaths, he vowed vengeance on the unfortunates that next
+fell into his hands. This happened only two days later, when he came
+upon a sloop out of Nantucket that was whale fishing about eighty
+miles off shore. She had two whale-boats and one of them fortunately
+was out and at some considerable distance from the sloop at the time
+she was taken. The men in this boat seeing what had happened got safely
+to another whaling sloop some distance away and all escaped. The
+captain of the captured sloop was Nathan Skiff, a young unmarried man
+living at Nantucket. Low first ordered him stripped and then cruelly
+whipped him about the deck. His ears were then slashed off. After a
+time they grew tired of beating the unfortunate man and telling him
+that because he had been a good captain he should have an easy death,
+at last they shot him through the head and sunk the sloop. Low forced a
+boy and two Indian men and allowed three others of the crew to go away
+in the whale-boat in which, fortunately, there was a little water and
+a few biscuits, and with good weather these men at last safely reached
+Nantucket--“beyond all Expectation,” ends the account in the _Boston
+News-Letter_.
+
+Low’s insane rage was unabated two days later when a fishing boat was
+taken off Block Island. The master was dragged on board the pirate
+sloop and Low with furious oaths at once attacked him with a cutlass
+and hacked off his head. He gave the boat to two Indians who sailed
+with the murdered man and sent them away with the information that he
+intended to kill the master of every New England vessel he captured. On
+the afternoon of the same day two whaling sloops out of Plymouth were
+taken near the Rhode Island shore. The master of one vessel he ripped
+open alive and taking out the poor man’s heart ordered it roasted and
+then compelled the mate to eat it. The master of the other vessel he
+slashed and mauled about the deck and then cut off his ears and had
+them roasted and after sprinkling them with salt and pepper, made the
+unfortunate men eat them. The man’s wounds were so severe that he
+afterwards died.[114] Low proposed to murder some of the hands on
+these whaling sloops but the pirate crew had had enough blood about the
+deck for one day and swore the rest of the men should go free so Low
+was obliged to submit. These men brought home the information that the
+pirate master and crew claimed to have on board nearly £150,000 value
+in gold and silver coin and plate.[115]
+
+On the 5th of June, 1723, the sloop “Farley,” Thomas Calder, master,
+a “Pock-fretten” Scotchman, sailed from Piscataqua, N. H., bound for
+Maryland. On the 14th, when off Nantucket, she sighted a sloop with
+sails fluttering and rigging badly cut to pieces. The boat’s crew who
+boarded the sloop found that an attempt had been made to sink her. Not
+a soul was found on board. A pipe of wine was on the deck with the head
+knocked in and standing about were several buckets half-full of wine.
+From ship’s papers it was learned that the sloop belonged to William
+Clark of Boston.[116] Undoubtedly this sloop had been captured by Low
+but no record has been found giving any information regarding the fate
+of her master or crew. Capt. Jacob Waldron brought the derelict into
+Boston and libelled her for salvage. In the order of the Vice-Admiralty
+Court published in the _Boston Gazette_ of July 15, 1723, the sloop is
+described as “Flotsom, taken up on the high Seas,” and so ended another
+chapter in the lives of those who “go down to the sea in ships.”
+
+From the waters off Cape Cod, Low sailed north for the banks off
+Newfoundland and near Cape Breton took twenty-three French fishing
+vessels. One of the larger of them, a ship of twenty-two guns, he
+refitted and manned from his own crew and the two vessels then scoured
+the harbors and banks off Newfoundland and took eighteen more ships and
+smaller vessels some of which were sunk. While near Canso, two French
+shallops were taken by a small company of the pirates in a periagua
+that was serving as a tender. The Frenchmen were abused, noses were
+slit and faces slashed with cutlasses before they were allowed to go.
+A letter received by a Boston merchant not long after, gives some
+interesting details of the depredations committed by Low and his crew.
+It was printed in the _Boston News-Letter_ for Sept. 19, 1723.
+
+                                         “Canso, August 1, 1723.
+
+“In my last Letter to you, I inform’d you of the mischief the Pirates
+had done on the French at Whitehead, 6 Leagues Westward of this
+Harbour; and now I proceed to say, that they went to the Eastward and
+took a Sloop belonging to this Harbour, but treated them very kindly,
+and dismiss’d them without harm. The next News we heard of them was
+that they had taken another Vessel, Capt. Job Prince, Commander;
+they order’d them on Board, but Capt. Prince had no Boat, wherefore
+they only detain’d him about an hour and dismiss’d him without doing
+him any Damage. The next Vessel they took was Capt. Robinson’s whom
+they divested of their Arms, Ammunition and Silver Buckles, and then
+dismiss’d them. They had then in their Custody four French Ships, which
+they Plundered, used the men very Barbarously, and sent them in a
+Vessel belonging to Canso, to Cape Briton. They took Mr. Hood belonging
+to Boston, in a large Fishing Scooner,[117] when they first came on the
+Banks from Boston; but that was another Pirate, who also forced away
+three of his Men. The latter Sloop, which is known to be Low, uses the
+English very Kindly; but the French find little Mercy, at his hand;
+they cutt off some of their Ears and Noses, and treated them with all
+the Barbarity imaginable. One of the French Commanders desired him only
+to give him a Line from under his hand, that he had taken away some
+Casks of his Wine and Brandy, that his Owners might not suspect he had
+Dishonestly Sold them; upon which Low told him he would fetch him
+one, and accordingly brought up two Pistols, presenting one at Bowels,
+he told him there was one for his Wine, and Discharg’d it; and there,
+says he (presenting the other at his Head in the same manner) is one
+for your Brandy; which said, he discharg’d that also. We hear they
+have since Taken near 40 French Fishing Vessels, and are gone towards
+Newfoundland. This is all that is Remarkable concerning these Enemies
+to Mankind in General.”
+
+Two men-of-war were cruising at that time near the Cape Breton coast.
+Captain Solgard in the “Greyhound,” after landing his captured pirates
+at Newport, R. I., had sailed to the eastward and searched all the
+principal harbors for Low, but without success. On the 16th of June he
+met His Majesty’s ship “Sea Horse,” Captain Durell, from the Boston
+station, and they kept company for several days while cruising about
+the coast and fishing banks. All sorts of wild rumors were flying about
+the Province and the current newspapers reported several times that Low
+had been taken. One circumstantial story had it that the “Sea Horse”
+had surprised Low near Cape Sables, where he had gone to careen, and
+after a smart engagement had captured him killing eight of his pirate
+crew. From Salem it was reported that Low had been taken near Canso
+by a French man-of-war and another report had it that Low had died of
+his wounds three days after an engagement with H. M. ship “Greyhound.”
+A sloop arriving at New York on Sept. 19th, from Placentia in
+Newfoundland, after a month’s passage, brought news of the depredation
+of the pirates and reported that “it’s believed Low is dead for he
+was a little man and the new Capt. of those Pyrates is a lusty Man.”
+Undoubtedly Lowther had been confused with Low in this report. The
+sloop also brought news that the day before it sailed, Captain Harris,
+in a sloop from Boston, had reached Placentia and reported sighting “on
+the banks about eighteen or twenty Vessels together, which he imagined
+were all taken by the Pyrates and kept together by them.”[118] The
+_Boston News-Letter_ also published earlier intelligence from Canso,
+that one of their bank sloops had met a pirate sloop with one hundred
+and fifty men aboard, who had “ask’d them some Questions, who was at
+Canso. Inquired after most of the Notedest Men and left them without
+abuse; they did not Know the Master’s Name, but say most of them are
+West Country-men.”[119]
+
+Towards the end of July, 1723, Low captured a large ship from Virginia,
+called the “Merry Christmas,” and opening several new ports mounted
+her with thirty-four guns and refitting went on board and made her his
+principal ship. He assumed the title of Admiral and hoisted at the
+main-topmast head a new black flag--having on it a skeleton in red. As
+the fishing banks had been pretty thoroughly cleared of vessels and it
+was supposed that men-of-war were cruising on several of them,[120] it
+was thought best by Low and Lowther to make a course for the Western
+Islands where they arrived about the first of September. Soon after
+reaching Fayal, they took an English brigantine, formerly commanded
+by Elias Wild, but recently bought by a Portuguese nobleman. She was
+manned partly by English and partly by Portuguese and the latter Low
+caused to be hanged. The English sailors were put into their boat to
+shift for themselves and the brigantine was set on fire.
+
+“Thus these inhumane Wretches went on, who could not be contented
+to satisfy their Avarice only, and travel in the common Road of
+Wickedness; but, like their Patron, the Devil, must make Mischief their
+Sport, Cruelty their Delight, and damning of Souls their constant
+Employment. Of all the pyratical Crews that were ever heard of, none
+of the _English_ Name came up to this, in Barbarity; their Mirth and
+their Anger had much the same Effect, for both were usually gratified
+with the Cries and Groans of their Prisoners; so that they almost as
+often murthered a Man from the Excess of good Humour, as out of Passion
+and Resentment; and the Unfortunate could never be assured of Safety
+from them, for Danger lurked in their very Smiles. An Instance of this
+had liked to have happened to one Captain Graves, Master of a Virginia
+Ship last taken; for as soon as he came aboard of the Pyrate, Low takes
+a Bowl of Punch in his Hand, and drinks to him, saying, Captain Graves,
+here’s half this to you. But the poor Gentleman being too sensibly
+touched at the Misfortune of falling into his Hands, modestly desired
+to be excused, for that he could not drink; whereupon Low draws out a
+Pistol, cocks it, and with the Bowl in t’ther Hand, told him, he should
+either take one or the other; So Graves, without Hesitation, made
+Choice of the Vehicle that contained the Punch, and guttled down about
+a Quart, when he had the least Inclination that ever he had in his Life
+to be merry.”[121]
+
+At St. Michael’s, Low and Lowther sent their boats into the road and
+cut out a London-built ship of fourteen guns commanded by Captain
+Thompson, the same captain who had been taken there by Low the year
+before. His ship was stronger than the boats and he could have defended
+himself with every prospect of success, but his men through cowardice
+or an inclination to join the pirates, obliged him to surrender. When
+he came aboard Low’s vessel his ears were cut off close to his head by
+way of compensation for having proposed to his men to resist the pirate
+boats. The ship was burned. A bark was taken not long after and the
+Portuguese crew fared better than was usually the case, for the pirates
+happened to be in good humor, and only slashed them here and there with
+cutlasses and then set them adrift in their boat and fired the bark.
+Johnson, in his account of Low’s career, preserves a curious anecdote
+in connection with this capture, as follows:
+
+“When the Boat was going from the Side of the Ship, one of Low’s Men,
+who, we may suppose, was forced into his Gang, was drinking with a
+Silver Tankard at one of the Ports, and took his Opportunity to drop
+into the Boat among the Portugueze, and lye down in the Bottom, in
+order to escape along with them: After he had stowed himself in the
+Boat, so as not to be seen, it came into his Head, that the Tankard
+might prove of some Use to him, where he was going; so he got up again,
+laid hold of the Utensil, and went off, without being discover’d: In
+which Attempt had he failed, no doubt his Life, if not the Lives of all
+the People in the Boat, would have paid for it: The Name of this Man is
+Richard Hains.”[122]
+
+The Portuguese authorities in the Islands were highly incensed at Low’s
+cruelties and became exceedingly suspicious of all English vessels
+coming into their harbors. A sloop from Boston, commanded by Capt.
+Peter Tillinghast, going into Fayal about that time, was received by
+cannon shot from the castle and when the captain went ashore with a few
+hands he was seized and after an examination sent to jail. His vessel
+was boarded and his chest and papers brought ashore for examination and
+finding nothing by which he might be accused at last he obtained his
+liberty.[123]
+
+Low and Lowther, in company, sailed from the Canaries to the Cape
+Verde Islands and the London newspapers had news that they had gone
+down the African coast as far as Sierre Leone, and Captain Wyndham,
+in the “Diamond” man-of-war, was reported to have captured Low, sunk
+Lowther’s sloop and made twenty of the pirates prisoners. This account
+was soon contradicted[124] and not long after there came reports of his
+appearance near the Leeward Islands in the West Indies. The evidence
+is obscure and it is more probable that from the Cape Verdes, Low and
+Lowther made for the South American coast. At any rate. Low was off
+the Guinea coast during the fall of 1723 and captured a schooner and
+afterwards took the ship “Delight,” Captain Hunt, of twelve guns,
+formerly a man-of-war in the English service. She seemed well suited
+to their needs and so four more guns were mounted on her and Francis
+Farrington Spriggs, who had been serving as quartermaster, was given
+command with a crew of about sixty men. The fleet then consisted of the
+ship “Merry Christmas,” 34 guns, commanded by Captain Low; the sloop
+“Happy Delivery,” 16 guns, commanded by Captain Lowther; and the ship
+“Delight,” 16 guns, Captain Spriggs, and together they sailed along the
+Guinea coast bound for the West Indies. Spriggs seems to have been a
+slippery fellow for within two days he deserted the other vessels and
+went off pirating on his own account, as will be related in another
+chapter. Lowther may have separated from Low about the same time for he
+had no consort when he met with a disastrous adventure some time later
+at the island of Blanco near Tortuga.
+
+In January, 1724, Low took a ship called the “Squirrel,” Captain
+Stephenson,[125] and in March the news reached Boston that Low had had
+a fight with other pirates who had taken him, burned his vessel and
+marooned the survivors on an uninhabited island,[126] and this report
+persisted and was repeated as late as the spring of 1726, when Capt.
+William Cross arrived at Piscataqua, N. H., in a sloop, from the Bay of
+Honduras and related that both Low and Spriggs had been marooned and
+were supposed to have escaped among the Mosquito Indians.[127] From
+that time nothing can be learned about him until May 17th when some
+sailors belonging to a sloop owned in the Barbadoes, arrived there
+after much suffering and reported that they had been taken near the
+island of St. Lucia by Low, who, at that time, had only thirty men with
+him. A French man-of-war from the Martinico station was reported to
+be in pursuit[128] and may have afterwards captured him for a French
+account of Low’s piracies relates that in the spring of 1724, Low got
+into a dispute with his men in which the quartermaster took sides
+against him, which so greatly enraged Low that he afterwards murdered
+the quartermaster while he lay asleep. The crew at once rose against
+Low and with two or three of his strongest partisans he was thrown
+into a boat without provisions and abandoned to his fate. This proved
+to be capture by a French vessel owned in Martinico, the day after he
+had been set adrift, and after a quick trial by the French, he and his
+companions received short shift on a gallows erected for their benefit.
+
+This account of Low’s fate is confirmed, in part, by the narrative
+of Jonathan Barlow, a sailor who was taken off the Guinea coast, by
+Low in the “Merry Christmas.” Barlow relates that after capturing a
+French sloop near Martinico “some Differance arising among said Pirates
+they disbanded Low from his office & sent him away w’th only two more
+hands in s’d French sloop & put one Shipton Captain in his steed.”
+The pirate company then went to the Isle of Ruby and not long after
+Captain Spriggs put in appearance in the “Delight.” Spriggs “heft down”
+his ship and cleaned her and Shipton burned the “Merry Christmas” and
+went away in a sloop that had been taken not long before commanded
+by Capt. Jonathan Barney of Newport, R. I. The two pirate captains
+cruised to the westward and in the Bay of Honduras were chased by the
+“Diamond” man-of-war as is told in the chapter on Francis Farrington
+Spriggs.--_Massachusetts Archives_, vol. 38A, leaf 73.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[110] _American Weekly Mercury_, Mar. 14, 1723.
+
+[111] _American Weekly Mercury_, May 2, 1723.
+
+[112] _New England Courant_, June 17, 1723.
+
+[113] _New England Courant_, June 17, 1723 (_postscript_).
+
+[114] _Boston News-Letter_, June 27, 1723.
+
+[115] _American Weekly Mercury_, June 27, 1723.
+
+[116] _American Weekly Mercury_, Aug. 8, 1723.
+
+[117] This vessel was captured by Captain Lowther who was there about
+the same time as Captain Low.
+
+[118] _American Weekly Mercury_, Oct. 4, 1723.
+
+[119] _Boston News-Letter_, July 18, 1723.
+
+[120] In point of fact the “Greyhound” reached Newport, R. I. early in
+July and the “Sea Horse” arrived in Boston on July 13th.
+
+[121] Johnson, “_History of the Pirates_,” London, 1726.
+
+[122] Johnson, “_History of the Pirates_,” London, 1762.
+
+[123] _Boston News-Letter_, Oct. 18, 1723.
+
+[124] _Boston News-Letter_, Oct. 8, 1724.
+
+[125] _Boston News-Letter_, May 7, 1724.
+
+[126] _Boston News-Letter_, Mar. 27, 1724.
+
+[127] _New England Courant_, Apr. 30, 1726.
+
+[128] _Boston News-Letter_, Oct. 15, 1724.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIII
+
+THE STRANGE ADVENTURES OF PHILIP ASHTON
+
+
+On Friday, June 15, 1722, a number of the vessels of the fishing
+fleet hailing from Massachusetts Bay, were at anchor at Port Roseway
+near what is now Shelburne, Nova Scotia. It was the custom of these
+God-fearing fishermen, when possible, to come into some harbor not too
+remote from their fishing grounds and there to spend the Sabbath. On
+this occasion thirteen schooners and shallops were lying peacefully
+at anchor when a strange brigantine hove in sight and soon found an
+anchorage near them. She seemed to be an inward bound vessel from the
+West Indies and little attention was paid to her at first, even when a
+boat put off from her side with four men in it. When this boat’s crew
+reached the side of the nearest fisherman, the men climbed boldly on
+board and drawing pistols and cutlasses demanded a surrender.
+
+The brigantine turned out to be the “Rebecca,” owned in Boston, but
+recently captured and then commanded by Capt. Edward Low, the Boston
+man who had become a pirate and whose bloody excesses were becoming
+more notorious every day. One by one the fishermen surrendered and
+were pillaged.[129] On Tuesday, the 19th, Low decided to take for
+his “privateer,” the new schooner “Mary,” owned by Joseph Dolliber
+of Marblehead. He fitted her with ten guns, renamed her the “Fancy,”
+and went aboard with a crew of fifty men, including eight whom he
+forced from among the fishermen. The forced men were Philip Ashton
+and Nicholas Merritt, masters; Joseph Libbie, one of Ashton’s crew;
+Lawrence Fabens, one of the crew of the schooner “Rebeckah,” all of
+Marblehead, and four other men belonging to Piscataqua and the Isles of
+Shoals, all nimble young men, about twenty years of age and unmarried.
+Low shipped the prisoners he designed to send home, on board his late
+brigantine, the “Rebecca,” of Boston, which he and his consort Lowther
+had taken May 28th, and gave her to her former master, Capt. James
+Flucker, with orders to take them to Boston. On their arrival the
+news was duly published in the _Boston News-Letter_ of July 2d, with
+the customary advertisement as to the forcing, but in order to make
+the matter doubly sure, a further advertisement, in more legal form,
+appeared in the _News-Letter_, of July 9th, viz:--
+
+    “Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New-England, Essex, ss.
+    Anno Regni Regis Georgij nunc Magna Britaniæ, &c. Octavo.
+
+    “The Depositions of Thomas Trefry late Master of the Scooner
+    Mary; Robert Gilford Master of the Shallop Elizabeth; and John
+    Collyer, one of the Crew belonging to the Scooner Samuel,
+    William Nichols Master, all of Marblehead in the County of
+    Essex, Fisher men, Testify and say, That as they were upon
+    their lawfull Imployment nigh Cape Sables, on or about the
+    14th, 15th and 16th Days of June last past, they were taken
+    Prisoners by Captain Edward Low a Pirate then Commander of the
+    Brigantine [Rebecca] but since removed himself into the before
+    named Scooner Mary, which they took from the Deponent Trefry;
+    and besides these Deponents they took several other Fishing
+    Vessels, viz.: _Nicholas Merrit Master of the Shallop Jane_,
+    _Philip Ashton Master of the Scooner Milton_, _Joseph Libby
+    one of said Ashton’s Crew_, _Lawrence Phabens one of the Crew
+    belonging to the Scooner Rebeckah, Thomas Salter Commander_,
+    all these four Men, to wit, Nicholas Merrit, Philip Ashton,
+    Joseph Libbey, and Lawrence Phabens, being Young Nimble Men of
+    about Twenty Years of Age, the Pirates kept them by Force and
+    would not let them go tho’ they pleaded as much as they dare
+    to, yet nothing would avail, so as they wept like Children; yet
+    notwithstanding they forceably Carried them away to the great
+    Grief and Sorrow of the aforenamed four Young Men, as well as
+    these Deponents; and when any of these Deponents mentioned any
+    thing in favour of the said four Young Men, the Quarter Master
+    of the Pirate Publickly Declared, They would carry them, and
+    let them send to New England and Publish it if they pleased.
+    The Deponants further say, That the said Pirates constrained
+    four more Fisher men belonging to Piscataqua, and the Isle of
+    Sholes to go with them against their wills also.
+
+    “Salem, July the 3d 1722.
+                                              Thomas Trefry,
+                                              John Collyer,
+                                              Robert Gilford.
+
+                         Essex, ss. Salem, July the 3d, 1722.
+
+    “Then Thomas Trefry, John Collyer and Robert Gilford the
+    Three Deponants above named personally Appearing made Oath to
+    the Truth of the foregoing Deposition taken ad Perpetuam rei
+    memoriam.
+
+                   { Josiah Wolcot      Justices of the Peace
+      “Coram Nobis { Stephen Sewall       Quorum Unis
+
+    “A True Copy of the Original, and as of Record appears.
+    Examin’d per Stephen Sewall, Regist.”
+
+                           --_Boston News-Letter_, July 9, 1722.
+
+Philip Ashton served, unwillingly, with Low in the schooner “Fancy,” in
+the “Rose Pink,” alias “Frigate,” and again in the “Fancy,” with Low’s
+late quartermaster, Francis Farrington Spriggs. In the spring of 1723,
+Low went to the island of Roatan, in the Bay of Honduras, to clean and
+refit his fleet. Roatan lies in the latitude of 16° 31’ and is about
+thirty miles long. On March 9, 1723, while there, Ashton went ashore
+with the cooper and others for water and managed to escape and after
+five days Low and Spriggs sailed away without him. Ashton remained
+alone on the island, except for three days, until June, 1724, when he
+was joined by eighteen Bay men, seeking shelter from the Spaniards, who
+took him with them to the Island of Barbarat. Ashton then made several
+hunting trips to the island of Bonaco and in the spring of 1725 was
+found there by Captain Dove, the master of a Salem brigantine, who came
+in over the shoals for water. They sailed for Salem on March 31st, and
+Ashton arrived home May, 1725, having been absent almost three years.
+The _New England Courant_ announced his return soon after as follows:--
+
+    “Boston, May 10. We hear from Salem, that a Vessel arrived
+    there from the Bay [of Honduras] _has brought a Man who was
+    taken by Low the Pirate some Years since_, and ran away from
+    him when he went ashore at a Maroon Island to take in Water,
+    where he had been above two Years, when some of this Vessel’s
+    Company going on Shore brought him off.”
+
+Shortly after Ashton’s return to Marblehead, Roads, the historian of
+Marblehead, says the next Sunday, which would have been the day after
+his return, the Rev. John Barnard, pastor of the First Church, preached
+a sermon on “God’s Ability to Save His People from All Danger,” using
+for his text Daniel III, 17.[130]
+
+Philip Ashton[131] and his parents were present and the sermon closed
+with a personal address to him.
+
+Public interest having been aroused in the local Robinson Crusoe,
+who, indeed, had gone Alexander Selkirk one better, having landed on
+an uninhabited island wearing only a frock, trousers and cap, without
+a shirt or shoes, stockings, knife or other iron instrument, or any
+means of making a fire, and who had lived there nine months without
+fire or cooked food, there was naturally a demand for an account of his
+adventures. This was met by Mr. Barnard, who, on Aug. 3d, 1725, writing
+from Marblehead, says:--
+
+    “The great Reason why this Narrative, which has been so long
+    wished for, has no sooner appeared, is because Mr. Ashton has
+    necessarily been so absent, that I have not been able to get
+    the opportunity of Conferring with him, more than two or three
+    times, about the Remarkable Occurrences he has met with; and
+    having no leisure himself to write, I have taken the Minutes of
+    all from his own Mouth, and after I had put them together, I
+    have improved the first vacant Hour, I could, to Read it over
+    distinctly to him, that he might Correct the Errors, that might
+    arise from my misunderstanding his Report. Thus corrected, he
+    has set his Hand to it as his own History.
+
+    “I have added to a short Account of Mr. Nicholas Merritt, (who
+    was taken at the same time with Mr. Ashton), the manner of his
+    Escape from the Pirates, and the hard usage he met with upon
+    it, till his return to his own Country; which I had from his
+    own Mouth, all tending to the same end and purpose.”
+
+The narrative was soon published under the following title:--
+
+    “ASHTON’S MEMORIAL. / An / History / of the / Strange
+    Adventures, / and / Signal Deliverances, / of / Mr. Philip
+    Ashton, / Who, after he had made his Escape from the Pirates,
+    liv’d alone on a Desolate / Island for about Sixteen Months,
+    &c. / With A Short Account of Mr. Nicholas Merritt, / who was
+    taken at the same time. / To which is added / A Sermon on Dan.
+    3. 17. / By John Barnard V. D. M. / _We should not trust in
+    our selves, but in God; / --who delivered us from so great
+    a Death, and doth deliver; in whom we trust, that he will
+    yet deliver us._ / 11. Cor. 9. 10. / Boston, N. E. Printed for
+    Samuel Gerrish, at his Shop in Corn-Hill, 1725.”
+
+An edition was also published in London the next year and reprints in
+whole or in part have been made at Portland, Me., in 1810; Edinburgh,
+1815; Boston, 1850; and Marblehead in 1910.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This interesting recital of the veritable experiences of a New England
+man on board notorious pirate vessels, together with other adventures
+that fall to the lot of but few men, is here reprinted as a document of
+great value in corroborating many of the statements appearing elsewhere
+in this volume in chapters devoted to the exploits of Low, Lowther and
+Spriggs.
+
+
+[Illustration:
+
+                  _Ashton’s_ Memorial.
+
+                           AN
+                        _HISTORY_
+                         OF THE
+                   Strange Adventures,
+                           AND
+                  Signal Deliverances,
+                           OF
+                  Mr. _Philip Ashton_,
+
+       Who, after he had made his Escape from the
+           PIRATES, liv’d alone on a Desolate
+         _Island_ for about Sixteen Months, &c.
+
+                          WITH
+
+       A short Account of Mr. _Nicholas Merritt_,
+             who was taken at the same time.
+
+                    To which is added
+
+                A SERMON on _Dan. 3. 17._
+
+                By JOHN BARNARD, V. D. M.
+
+ ----_We should not trust in our selves, but in God;
+ ----who delivered us from so great a Death, and doth
+   deliver; in whom we trust, that he will yet deliver us._
+   II. Cor. I. 9, 10.
+
+        _BOSTON_, N. E. Printed for _Samuel Gerrish_,
+               at his Shop in Corn-Hill, 1725.
+]
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[129] Among the thirteen vessels taken were the following from
+Marblehead, viz.:--schooner Milton, Philip Ashton, master; shallop
+Jane, Nicholas Merritt, master; schooner Rebeckah, Thomas Salter,
+master; schooner Mary, Thomas Trefry, master; shallop Elizabeth, Robert
+Gifford, master; schooner Samuel, William Nichols, master.
+
+[130] “If it be so, our God whome we serve, is able to Deliver us from
+the Burning Fiery Furnace, and He will Deliver us out of thine Hand, O
+King.”
+
+[131] Ashton was the son of Philip and Sarah (Hendly) Ashton, and was
+born in Marblehead, Aug. 12, 1702. He married, first, Jane or Jean
+Gallison, Dec. 8, 1726, who bore him a daughter Sarah, baptized Dec. 3,
+1727, in the First Church, the mother dying a week later.
+
+On July 15, 1729, he married, second, Sarah Bartlett and they had
+Eliza, baptized Oct. 25, 1730; Philip, baptized May 28, 1732; William,
+baptized Oct. 20, 1734; Thomas, baptized Apr. 17, 1737 and Jean,
+baptized Aug. 15, 1742. The date of his death is not known.
+
+
+
+
+                           ASHTON’S MEMORIAL
+
+           AN HISTORY OF THE STRANGE ADVENTURES, AND SIGNAL
+                            DELIVERANCES OF
+                        MR. PHILIP ASHTON, JUN.
+                             OF MARBLEHEAD
+
+
+Upon Friday, June 15th, 1722, After I had been out for some time in the
+Schooner Milton, upon the Fishing grounds, off Cape Sable Shoar, among
+others, I came to Sail in Company with Nicholas Merritt, in a Shallop,
+and stood in for Port-Rossaway, designing to Harbour there, till the
+Sabbath was over; where we Arrived about Four of the Clock in the
+Afternoon. When we came into the Harbour, where several of our Fishing
+Vessels had arrived before us, we spy’d among them a Brigantine, which
+we supposed to have been an Inward bound Vessel, from the West Indies,
+and had no apprehensions of any Danger from her; but by that time we
+had been at Anchor two or three Hours, a Boat from the Brigantine, with
+Four hands, came along side of us, and the Men Jumpt in upon our Deck,
+without our suspecting any thing but that they were Friends, come on
+board to visit, or inquire what News; till they drew their Cutlasses
+and Pistols from under their Clothes, and Cock’d the one and Brandish’d
+the other, and began to Curse & Swear at us, and demanded a Surrender
+of our Selves and Vessel to them. It was too late for us to rectify our
+Mistake, and think of Freeing our Selves from their power; for however
+we might have been able, (being Five of us and a Boy) to have kept them
+at a Distance, had we known who they were, before they had boarded us;
+yet now we had our Arms to seek, and being in no Capacity to make any
+Resistance, were necessitated to submit our selves to their will and
+pleasure. In this manner they surprised Nicholas Merritt, and 12 or 13
+other Fishing Vessels this Evening.
+
+When the Boat went off from our Vessel, they carried me on board the
+Brigantine, and who should it prove but the Infamous Ned Low, the
+Pirate, with about 42 Hands, 2 Great Guns, and 4 Swivel Guns. You may
+easily imagine how I look’d, and felt, when too late to prevent it, I
+found my self fallen into the hands of such a mad, roaring, mischievous
+Crew; yet I hoped, that they would not force me away with them, and I
+purposed to endure any hardship among them patiently, rather than turn
+Pirate with them.
+
+Low presently sent for me Aft, and according to the Pirates usual
+Custom, and in their proper Dialect, asked me, If I would sign their
+Articles, and go along with them. I told him, No; I could by no means
+consent to go with them, I should be glad if he would give me my
+Liberty, and put me on board any Vessel, or set me on shoar there.
+For indeed my dislike of their Company and Actions, my concern for my
+Parents, and my fears of being found in such bad Company, made me dread
+the thoughts of being carried away by them; so that I had not the least
+Inclination to continue with them.
+
+Upon my utter Refusal to joyn and go with them, I was thrust down into
+the Hold, which I found to be a safe retreat for me several times
+afterwards. By that time, I had been in the Hold a few Hours, they had
+compleated the taking the several Vessels that were in the Harbour, and
+the Examining of the Men; and the next Day I was fetched up with some
+others that were there, and about 30 or 40 of us were put on board a
+Schooner belonging to Mr. Orn of Marblehead, which the Pirates made use
+of for a sort of a Prison, upon the present occasion; where we were
+all confined unarm’d, with an armed Guard over us, till the Sultan’s
+pleasure should be further known.
+
+The next Lord’s Day about Noon, one of the Quarter Masters, John Russel
+by Name, came on board the Schooner and took six of us, (Nicholas
+Merritt,[132] Joseph Libbie,[133] Lawrence Fabens,[134] and my self,
+all of Marblehead, the Eldest of, if I mistake not, under 21 Years of
+Age, with two others) and carried us on board the Brigantine; where we
+were called upon the Quarter Deck, and Low came up to us with Pistol
+in hand, and with a full mouth demanded, Are any of you, Married Men?
+This short and unexpected Question, and the sight of the Pistol, struck
+us all dumb, and not a Man of us dared to speak a word, for fear there
+should have been a design in it, which we were not able to see thro’.
+Our Silence kindled our new Master into a Flame, who could not bear it,
+that so many Beardless Boyes should deny him an Answer to so plain a
+Question; and therefore in a Rage, he Cock’d his Pistol, and clapt it
+to my Head, and cryed out, You D--g! why don’t you Answer me? and Swore
+vehemently, he would shoot me thro’ the Head, if I did not tell him
+immediately, whether I was Married or no.
+
+I was sufficiently frightened at the fierceness of the Man, and the
+boldness of his threatening, but rather than lose my Life for so
+trifling a matter, I e’en ventured at length to tell him, I was not
+Married, as loud as I dar’d to speak it; and so said the rest of my
+Companions. Upon this he seemed something pacified, and turned away
+from us.
+
+It seems his design was to take no Married Man away with him, how young
+soever he might be, which I often wondred at; till after I had been
+with him some considerable time, and could observe in him an uneasiness
+in the sentiments of his Mind, and the workings of his passions towards
+a young Child he had at Boston (his Wife being Dead, as I learned, some
+small time before he turned Pirate) which upon every lucid interval
+from Revelling and Drink he would express a great tenderness for,
+insomuch that I have seen him sit down and weep plentifully upon the
+mentioning of it; and then I concluded, that probably the Reason of
+his taking none but Single Men was, that he might have none with him
+under the Influence of such powerful attractives, as a Wife & Children,
+lest they should grow uneasy in his Service, and have an Inclination to
+Desert him, and return home for the sake of their Families.
+
+Low presently came up to us again, and asked the Old Question,
+Whether we would Sign their Articles, and go along with them? We all
+told him No; we could not; so we were dismissed. But within a little
+while we were call’d to him Singly, and then it was demanded of me,
+with Sternness and Threats, whether I would Joyn with them? I still
+persisted in the Denial; which thro’ the assistance of Heaven, I was
+resolved to do, tho’ he shot me. And as I understood, all my Six
+Companions, who were called in their turns, still refused to go with
+him.
+
+Then I was led down into the Steerage, by one of the Quarter-Masters,
+and there I was assaulted with Temptations of another kind, in hopes to
+win me over to become one of them; a number of them got about me, and
+instead of Hissing, shook their Rattles, and treated me with abundance
+of Respect and Kindness, in their way; they did all they could to
+sooth my Sorrows, and set before me the strong Allurement of the Vast
+Riches they should gain, and what Mighty Men they designed to be, and
+would fain have me to joyn with them, and share in their Spoils; and
+to make all go down the more Glib, they greatly Importuned me to Drink
+with them, not doubting but this wile would sufficiently entangle me,
+and so they should prevail with me to do that in my Cups, which they
+perceived they could not bring me to while I was Sober; but all their
+fair and plausible Carriage, their proffered Kindness, and airy notions
+of Riches, had not the Effect upon me which they desired; and I had no
+Inclination to drown my Sorrows with my Senses in their Inebriating
+Bowls, and so refused their Drink, as well as their Proposals.
+
+After this I was brought upon Deck again, and Low came up to me, with
+His Pistol Cock’d, and clap’d it to my Head, and said to me, You D--g
+you! if you will not Sign our Articles, and go along with me, I’ll
+shoot you thro’ the Head, and uttered his Threats with his utmost
+Fierceness, and with the usual Flashes of Swearing and Cursing. I told
+him, That I was in his hands, and he might do with me what he pleased,
+but I could not be willing to go with him: and then I earnestly beg’d
+of him, with many Tears, and used all the Arguments I could think of to
+perswade him, not to carry me away; but he was deaf to my Cryes, and
+unmoved by all I could say to him; and told me, I was an Impudent Dog,
+and Swore, I should go with him whether I would or no. So I found all
+my Cryes, and Entreaties were in vain, and there was no help for it, go
+with them I must, and as I understood, they set mine and my Townsmens
+Names down in their Book, tho’ against our Consent. And I desire to
+mention it with due Acknowledgments to GOD, who withheld me, that
+neither their promises, nor their threatenings, nor blows could move
+me to a willingness to Joyn with them in their pernicious ways.
+
+Upon Tuesday, June 19th, they changed their Vessel, and took for
+their Privateer, as they call’d it, a Schooner belonging to Mr.
+Joseph Dolliber of Marblehead, being new, clean, and a good Sailer,
+and shipped all their hands on board her, and put the Prisoners, such
+as they designed to send home, on board the Brigantine, with one
+---------------- who was her Master, and ordered them for Boston.
+
+When I saw the Captives were likely to be sent Home, I thought I would
+make one attempt more to obtain my Freedom, and accordingly Nicholas
+Merrit, my Townsman and Kinsman, went along with me to Low, and we
+fell upon our Knees, and with utmost Importunity besought him to let
+us go Home in the Brigantine, among the rest of the Captives: but he
+immediately called for his Pistols, and told us we should not go, and
+Swore bitterly, if either of us offered to stir, he would shoot us down.
+
+Thus all attempts to be delivered out of the hands of unreasonable Men
+(if they may be called Men) were hitherto unsuccessful; and I had the
+melancholy prospect of seeing the Brigantine sail away with the most of
+us that were taken at Port-Rossaway, but my self, and three Townsmen
+mentioned, and four of Shoal-men detained on board the Schooner, in the
+worst of Captivity, without any present likelyhood of Escaping.
+
+And yet before the Brigantine sailed, an opportunity presented, that
+gave me some hopes that I might get away from them; for some of Low’s
+people, who had been on shoar at Port-Rossaway to get water, had left
+a Dog belonging to him behind them; and Low observing the Dog a shoar
+howling to come off, order’d some hands to take the Boat and fetch him.
+Two Young Men, John Holman, and Benjamin Ashton, both of Marblehead,
+readily Jumpt into the Boat, and I (who pretty well know their
+Inclination to be rid of such Company, & was exceedingly desirous my
+self to be freed from my present Station, and thought if I could but
+once set foot on shoar, they should have good luck to get me on board
+again) was getting over the side into the Boat; but Quarter Master
+Russel spy’d me, and caught hold on my Shoulder, and drew me in board,
+and with a Curse told me, Two was eno’, I should not go. The two Young
+Men had more sense and virtue than to come off to them again, so that
+after some time of waiting, they found they were deprived of their Men,
+their Boat, and their Dog; and they could not go after them.
+
+When they saw what a trick was play’d them, the Quarter Master came up
+to me Cursing and Swearing, that I knew of their design to Run away,
+and intended to have been one of them; but tho’ it would have been an
+unspeakable pleasure to me to have been with them, yet I was forced
+to tell him, I knew not of their design; and indeed I did not, tho’
+I had good reason to suspect what would be the event of their going.
+This did not pacifie the Quarter-Master, who with outragious Cursing
+and Swearing clapt his Pistol to my Head, and snap’d it; but it miss’d
+Fire: this enraged him the more; and he repeated the snapping of his
+Pistol at my Head three times, and it as often miss’d Fire; upon which
+he held it over-board, and snap’d it the fourth time, and then it went
+off very readily. (Thus did GOD mercifully quench the violence of the
+Fire, that was meant to destroy me!) The Quarter-Master upon this, in
+the utmost fury, drew his Cutlass, and fell upon me with it, but I
+leap’d down into the Hold, and got among a Crowd that was there, and
+so escaped the further effects of his madness and rage. Thus, tho’
+GOD suffered me not to gain my wished-for Freedom, yet he wonderfully
+preserved me from Death.
+
+All hopes of obtaining Deliverance were now past and gone; the
+Brigantine and Fishing Vessels were upon their way homeward, the Boat
+was ashore, and not likely to come off again; I could see no possible
+way of Escape; and who can express the concern and Agony I was in, to
+see my self, a Young Lad not 20 Years Old, carried forcibly from my
+Parents, whom I had so much reason to value for the tenderness I knew
+they had for me, & to whom my being among Pyrates, would be as a Sword
+in their Bowels, and the Anguishes of death to them; confined to such
+Company as I could not but have an exceeding great abhorrence of; in
+Danger of being poisoned in my morals, by Living among them, and of
+falling a Sacrifice to Justice, if ever I should be taken with them.
+I had no way left for my Comfort, but earnestly to commit my self and
+my cause to GOD, and wait upon Him for Deliverance in his own time and
+way; and in the mean while firmly to resolve, thro’ Divine Assistance,
+that nothing should ever bring me to a willingness to Joyn with them,
+or share in their Spoils.
+
+I soon found that any Death was preferible to being link’d with such
+a vile Crew of Miscreants, to whom it was a sport to do Mischief;
+where prodigious Drinking, monstrous Cursing and Swearing, hideous
+Blasphemies, and open defiance of Heaven, and contempt of Hell it self,
+was the constant Employment, unless when Sleep something abated the
+Noise and Revellings.
+
+Thus Confined, the best course I could take, was to keep out of the
+way, down in the Hold, or wherever I could be most free from their
+perpetual Din; and fixed purpose with my self, that the first time I
+had an opportunity to set my Foot on shore, let it be in what part of
+the World it would, it should prove (if possible) my taking a final
+leave of Low and Company.
+
+I would remark it now also (that I might not interrupt the Story
+with it afterwards) that while I was on board Low, they used once a
+Week, or Fortnight, as the Evil Spirit moved them, to bring me under
+Examination, and anew demand my Signing their Articles, and Joyning
+with them; but Blessed be GOD, I was enabled to persist in a constant
+refusal to become one of them, tho’ I was thrashed with Sword or Cane,
+as often as I denyed them; the fury of which I had no way to avoid,
+but by Jumping down into the Hold, where for a while I was safe. I
+look’d upon my self, for a long while, but as a Dead Man among them,
+and expected every Day of Examination would prove the last of my Life,
+till I learned from some of them, that it was one of their Articles,
+Not to Draw Blood, or take away the Life of any Man, after they had
+given him Quarter, unless he was to be punished as a Criminal; and this
+emboldned me afterwards, so that I was not so much affraid to deny
+them, seeing my Life was given me for a Prey.
+
+This Tuesday, towards Evening, Low and Company came to sail in the
+Schooner, formerly called the Mary, now the Fancy, and made off for
+Newfoundland; and here they met with such an Adventure, as had like to
+have proved fatal to them. They fell in with the Mouth of St. John’s
+Harbour in a Fogg, before they knew where they were; when the Fogg
+clearing up a little, they spy’d a large Ship riding at Anchor in the
+Harbour, but could not discern what she was, by reason of the thickness
+of the Air, and concluded she was a Fish-Trader; this they look’d upon
+as a Boon Prize for them, and thought they should be wonderfully well
+accommodated with a good Ship under Foot, and if she proved but a good
+Sailer, would greatly further their Roving Designs, and render them a
+Match for almost any thing they could meet with, so that they need not
+fear being taken.
+
+Accordingly they came to a Resolution to go in and take her; and
+imagining it was best doing it by Stratagem, they concluded to put all
+their Hands, but Six or Seven, down in the Hold, and make a shew as
+if they were a Fishing Vessel, and so run up along side of her, and
+surprise her, and bring her off; and great was their Joy at the distant
+prospect how cleverly they should catch her. They began to put their
+designs in Execution, stowed away their Hands, leaving but a few upon
+Deck, and made Sail in order to seise the Prey; when there comes along
+a small Fisher-Boat, from out the Harbour, and hailed them, and asked
+them, from whence they were? They told them, from Barbadoes, and were
+laden with Rhum and Sugar; then they asked the Fisherman, What large
+Ship that was in the Harbour? who told them it was a large Man-of-War.
+
+The very Name of a Man-of-War struck them all up in a Heap, spoil’d
+their Mirth, their fair Hopes, and promising Design of having a good
+Ship at Command; and lest they should catch a Tartar, they thought it
+their wisest and safest way, instead of going into the Harbour, to
+be gone as fast as they could: and accordingly they stretched away
+farther Eastward, and put into a small Harbour, called Carboneur, about
+15 Leagues distance; where they went on Shoar; took the Place, and
+destroyed the Houses, but hurt none of the People; as they told me, for
+I was not suffered to go a shore with them.
+
+The next Day they made off for the Grand Bank, where they took seven
+or eight Vessels, and among them a French Banker, a Ship of about 350
+Tuns, and 2 Guns; this they carried off with them, and stood away for
+St. Michaels.
+
+Off of St. Michaels they took a large Portugueze Pink, laden with
+Wheat, coming out of the Road, which I was told was formerly call’d the
+Rose-Frigat. She struck to the Schooner, fearing the large Ship that
+was coming down to them; tho’ all Low’s Force had been no Match for
+her, if the Portugueze had made a good Resistance. This Pink they soon
+observed to be a much better Sailer than their French Banker, which
+went heavily; and therefore they threw the greatest part of the Wheat
+over board, reserving only eno’ to Ballast the Vessel for the present,
+and took what they wanted out of the Banker, and then Burnt her, and
+sent the most of the Portugueze away in a large Lanch they had taken.
+
+Now they made the Pink, which Mounted 14 Guns, their Commodore, and
+with this and the Schooner Sailed from St. Michaels, to the Canaries,
+where off of Teneriff, they gave Chase to a Sloop, which got under the
+Command of the Fortress, and so escaped sailing into their Hands; but
+stretching along to the Western end of the Island, they came up with a
+Fishing Boat, and being in want of Water, made them Pilot them into a
+small Harbour, where they went a shore and got a supply.
+
+After they had Watered, they Sailed away for Cape de Verde Islands, and
+upon making the Isle of May, they descry’d a Sloop, which they took,
+and it proved to be a Bristol-man, one Pare or Pier Master; this Sloop
+they designed for a Tender, and put on board her my Kinsman Nicholas
+Merritt, with 8 or 9 hands more, and Sailed away for Bonavista, with a
+design to careen their Vessels.
+
+In their Passage to Bonavista, the Sloop wronged both the Pink and the
+Schooner; which the Hands on board observing, being mostly Forced Men,
+or such as were weary of their Employment, upon the Fifth of September,
+Ran away with her and made their Escape.
+
+When they came to Bonavista, they hove down the Schooner, and careen’d
+her, and then the Pink; and here they gave the Wheat, which they had
+kept to Ballast the Pink with, to the Portugueze, and took other
+Ballast.
+
+After they had cleaned and fitted their Vessels, they steered away
+for St. Nicholas, to get better Water; and here as I was told, 7 or
+8 hands out of the Pink went a shore a Fowling, but never came off
+more, among which I suppose Lawrence Fabins was one, and what became
+of them I never could hear to this Day. Then they put out to Sea, and
+stood away for the Coast of Brasil, hoping to meet with Richer Prizes
+than they had yet taken; in the Passage thither, they made a Ship,
+which they gave chase to, but could not come up with; and when they
+came upon the Coast, it had like to have proved a sad Coast to them;
+for the Trade-Winds blowing exceeding hard at South East, they fell in
+upon the Northern part of the Coast, near 200 Leagues to the Leeward of
+where they designed; and here we were all in exceeding great Danger,
+and for Five Days and Nights together, hourly feared when we should
+be swallowed up by the violence of the Wind and Sea, or stranded upon
+some of the Shoals, that lay many Leagues off from Land. In this time
+of Extremity, the Poor Wretches had no where to go for Help! For they
+were at open Defiance with their Maker, & they could have but little
+comfort in the thoughts of their Agreement with Hell; such mighty
+Hectors as they were, in a clear Sky and a fair Gale, yet a fierce
+Wing and a boisterous Sea sunk their Spirits to a Cowardly dejection,
+and they evidently feared the Almighty, whom before they defied, lest
+He was come to Torment them before their expected Time; and tho’ they
+were so habituated to Cursing and Swearing, that the Dismal Prospect of
+Death, & this of so long Continuance, could not Correct the language of
+most of them, yet you might plainly see the inward Horror and Anguish
+of their Minds, visible in their Countenances, and like Men amazed, or
+starting out of Sleep in a fright, I could hear them ever now and then,
+cry out, Oh! I wish I were at Home.
+
+When the Fierceness of the Weather was over, and they had recovered
+their Spirits, by the help of a little Nantes, they bore away to the
+West Indies, and made the three Islands call’d the Triangles, lying off
+the Main about 40 Leagues to the Eastward of Surinam. Here they went
+in and careened their Vessels again; and it had like to have proved a
+fatal Scouring to them.
+
+For as they hove down the Pink, Low had ordered so many hands upon the
+Shrouds, and Yards, to throw her Bottom out of Water, that it threw
+her Ports, which were open, under Water; and the Water flow’d in with
+such freedom that it presently overset her. Low and the Doctor were in
+the Cabin together, and as soon as he perceived the Water to gush in
+upon him, he bolted out at one of the Stern-Ports, which the Doctor
+also attempted, but the Sea rushed so violently into the Port by that
+time, as to force him back into the Cabin, upon which Low nimbly run
+his Arm into the Port, and caught hold of his Shoulder and drew him
+out, and so saved him. The Vessel pitched her Masts to the Ground,
+in about 6 Fathom Water, and turn’d her Keel out of Water; but as her
+Hull filled, it sunk, and by the help of her Yard-Arms, which I suppose
+bore upon the Ground, her Masts were raised something out of Water;
+the Men that were upon her Shrouds and Yards, got upon her Hull, when
+that was uppermost, and then upon her Top-Masts and Shrouds, when
+they were raised again. I (who with other light Lads were sent up to
+the Main-Top-Gallant Yard) was very difficultly put to it to save my
+Life, being but a poor Swimmer; for the Boat which picked the Men up,
+refused to take me in, & I was put upon making the best of my way to
+the Buoy, which with much ado I recovered, and it being large I stayed
+my self by it, till the Boat came along close by it, and then I called
+to them to take me in; but they being full of Men still refused me;
+and I did not know but they meant to leave me to perish there; but the
+Boat making way a head very slowly because of her deep load, and Joseph
+Libbie calling to me to put off from the Buoy and Swim to them, I e’en
+ventured it, and he took me by the hand and drew me in board. They lost
+two Men by this Accident, viz. John Bell, and one they called Zana
+Gourdon. The Men that were on board the Schooner were busy a mending
+the Sails, under an Auning, so they knew nothing of what had happened
+to the Pink, till the Boat full of Men came along side of them, tho’
+they were but about Gun-Shot off, and We made a great out-cry; and
+therefore they sent not their Boat to help take up the Men.
+
+And now Low and his Gang, having lost their Frigate, and with her the
+greatest part of their Provision and Water, were again reduced to their
+Schooner as their only Privateer, and in her they put to Sea, and were
+brought to very great straits for want of Water; for they could not get
+a supply at the Triangles, and when they hoped to furnish themselves
+at Tobago, the Current set so strong, & the Season was so Calm, that
+they could not recover the Harbour, so they were forced to stand away
+for Grand Grenada, a French Island about 18 Leagues to the Westward of
+Tobago, which they gained, after they had been at the hardship of half
+a pint of Water a Man for Sixteen Dayes together.
+
+Here the French came on board, and Low having put all his Men down, but
+a sufficient number to Sail the Vessel, told them upon their Enquiry,
+Whence he was, that he was come from Barbadoes, and had lost his Water;
+and was oblig’d to put in for a recruit; the poor People not suspecting
+him for a Pyrate, readily suffered him to send his Men ashoar and fetch
+off a supply. But the Frenchmen afterwards suspecting he was a Smugling
+Trader, thought to have made a Boon Prize of him, and the next day
+fitted out a large Rhode-Island built Sloop of 70 Tuns, with 4 Guns
+mounted, and about 30 Hands, with design to have taken him. Low was
+apprehensive of no danger from them, till they came close along side of
+him and plainly discovered their design, by their Number and Actions,
+and then he called up his hands upon Deck, and having about 90 Hands on
+board, & 8 Guns mounted, the Sloop and Frenchmen fell an easy prey to
+him, and he made a Privateer of her.
+
+After this they cruised for some time thro’ the West Indies, in which
+excursion they took 7 or 8 Sail of Vessels, chiefly Sloops; at length
+they came to Santa Cruiz, where they took two Sloops more, & then came
+to Anchor off the Island.
+
+While they lay an Anchor here, it came into Low’s Head, that he wanted
+a Doctor’s Chest, & in order to procure one, he put four of the
+Frenchmen on board one of the Sloops, which he had just now taken, &
+sent them away to St. Thomas’s, about 12 Leagues off where the Sloops
+belonged, with the promise, that if they would presently send him off a
+good Doctor’s Chest, for what he sent to purchase it with, they should
+have their Men & Vessels again, but if not, he would kill all the Men
+& burn the Vessels. The poor People in Compassion to their Neighbours,
+& to preserve their Interest, readily complyed with his Demands; so
+that in little more than 24 Hours the four Frenchmen returned with what
+they went for, & then according to promise, they & their Sloops were
+Dismissed.
+
+From Santa Cruz they Sailed till they made Curacao, in which Passage
+they gave Chase to two Sloops that out sailed them & got clear; then
+they Ranged the Coast of New Spain, and made Carthagena, & about
+mid-way between Carthagena and Port-Abella, they descry’d two tall
+Ships, which proved to be the Mermaid Man-of-War, & a large Guinea-Man.
+Low was now in the Rhode Island Sloop, & one Farrington Spriggs a
+Quarter-Master, was Commander of the Schooner, where I still was. For
+some time they made Sail after the two Ships, till they came so near
+that they could plainly see the Man-of-War’s large range of Teeth, &
+then they turned Tail to, and made the best of their way from them;
+upon which the Man-of-War gave them Chase & overhalled them apace. And
+now I confess I was in as great terrour as ever I had been yet, for I
+concluded we should be taken, & I could expect no other butt to Dye for
+Companies sake; so true is what Solomon tells us, a Companion of Fools
+shall be destroyed. But the Pirates finding the Man-of-War to overhale
+them, separated, & Low stood out to Sea, & Spriggs stood in for the
+Shoar. The Man-of-War observing the Sloop to be the larger Vessel
+much, and fullest of Men, threw out all the Sail she could, & stood
+after her, and was in a fair way of coming up with her presently. But
+it hapened there was one Man on board the Sloop, that knew of a Shoal
+Ground thereabouts, who directed Low to run over it; he did so; and
+the Man-of-War who had now so forereached him as to sling a Shot over
+him, in the close pursuit ran a Ground upon the Shoal, and so Low and
+Company escaped Hanging for this time.
+
+Spriggs, who was in the Schooner, when he saw the Danger they were in
+of being taken, upon the Man-of-War’s outsailing them, was afraid of
+falling into the hands of Justice; to prevent which, he, and one of
+his Chief Companions, took their Pistols, and laid them down by them,
+and solemnly Swore to each other, and pledg’d the Oath in a Bumper of
+Liquor, that if they saw there was at last no possibility of Escaping,
+but that they should be taken, they would set Foot to Foot, and Shoot
+one another, to Escape Justice and the Halter. As if Divine Justice
+were not as inexorable as Humane!
+
+[Illustration: PIRATES BOARDING A SPANISH VESSEL IN THE WEST INDIES
+
+From an engraving in “The History and Lives of the most Notorious
+Pirates,” by an old Seaman, London, n.d., in possession of Capt. Ernest
+H. Pentecost, R.N.R.]
+
+But, as I said, he stood in for the Shoar, and made into Pickeroon Bay,
+about 18 Leagues from Carbagena, and so got out of reach of Danger.
+By this means the Sloop and Schooner were parted; and Spriggs made
+Sail towards the Bay of Honduras, and came to Anchor in a small Island
+called Utilla, about 7 or 8 Leagues to Leeward of Roatan, where by the
+help of a small Sloop, he had taken the Day before, he haled down, and
+cleaned the Schooner.
+
+While Spriggs lay at Utilla, there was an Opportunity presented, which
+gave occasion to several of us to form a design, of making our Escape
+out of the Pirates Company; for having lost Low, and being but weak
+handed, Spriggs had determined to go thro’ the Gulf, and come upon the
+Coast of New-England, to encrease his Company, and supply himself with
+Provision; whereupon a Number of us had entred into a Combination, to
+take the first fair advantage, to Subdue our Masters; and Free our
+selves. There were in all about 22 Men on board the Schooner, and 8
+of us were in the Plot, which was, That when we should come upon the
+Coast of New-England, we would take the opportunity when the Crew had
+sufficiently dozed themselves with Drink, and had got sound a Sleep, to
+secure them under the Hatches, and bring the Vessel and Company in, and
+throw ourselves upon the Mercy of the Government.
+
+But it pleased GOD to disappoint our Design. The Day that they came
+to Sail out of Utilla, after they had been parted from Low about five
+Weeks, they discovered a large Sloop, which bore down upon them.
+Spriggs, who knew not the Sloop, but imagined it might be a Spanish
+Privateer, full of Men, being but weak handed himself, made the best
+of his way from her. The Sloop greatly overhaled the Schooner. Low,
+who knew the Schooner, & thought that since they had been separated,
+she might have fallen into the hands of honest Men, fired upon her, &
+struck her the first Shot. Spriggs, seeing the Sloop fuller of Men than
+ordinary, (for Low had been to Honduras, & had taken a Sloop, & brought
+off several Baymen, & was now become an Hundred strong) & remaining
+still ignorant of his old Mate, refused to bring to, but continued to
+make off; and resolved if they came up with him, to fight them the best
+he could. Thus the Harpies had like to have fallen fowl of one another.
+But Low hoisting his Pirate Colours, discovered who he was; and then,
+hideous was the noisy Joy among the Piratical Crew, on all sides,
+accompanied with Firing, & Carousing, at the finding their Old Master,
+& Companions, & their narrow Escape; and so the design of Crusing upon
+the Coast of New-England came to nothing. A good Providence it was to
+my dear Country, that it did so; unless we could have timely succeeded
+in our design to surprise them.
+
+Yet it had like to have proved a fatal Providence to those of us that
+had a hand in the Plot; for tho’ our design of surprising Spriggs and
+Company, when we should come upon the Coast of New-England, was carried
+with as much secrecy as was possible, (we hardly daring to trust one
+another, and mentioning it always with utmost privacy, and not plainly,
+but in distant hints) yet now that Low appeared, Spriggs had got an
+account of it some way or other; and full of Resentment and Rage he
+goes aboard Low, and acquaints him with what he called our Treacherous
+design, and says all he can to provoke him to Revenge the Mischief upon
+us, and earnestly urged that we might be shot. But GOD who has the
+Hearts of all Men in His own Hands, and turns them as He pleases, so
+over ruled, that Low turned it off with a Laugh, and said he did not
+know, but if it had been his own case, as it was ours, he should have
+done so himself; and all that Spriggs could say was not able to stir up
+his Resentments, and procure any heavy Sentence upon us.
+
+Thus Low’s merry Air saved us at that time; for had he lisped a Word in
+compliance with what Spriggs urged, we had surely some of us, if not
+all, have been lost. Upon this he comes on board the Schooner again,
+heated with Drink, but more chased in his own mind, that he could not
+have his Will of us, and swore & tore like a Madman, crying out that
+four of us ought to go forward, & be shot; and to me in particular he
+said, You D--g, Ashton, deserve to be hang’d up at the Yards Arm, for
+designing to cut us off. I told him, I had no design of hurting any man
+on board, but if they would let me go away quietly I should be glad.
+This matter made a very great noise on board for several Hours, but at
+length the Fire was quenched, and thro’ the Goodness of GOD, I escaped
+being consumed by the violence of the Flame.
+
+The next Day, Low ordered all into Roatan Harbour to clean, and here it
+was that thro’ the Favour of GOD to me, I first gained Deliverance out
+of the Pirates hands; tho’ it was a long while before my Deliverance
+was perfected, in a return to my Country, and Friends; as you will see
+in the Sequel.
+
+Roatan Harbour, as all about the Gulf of Honduras, is full of small
+Islands, which go by the General Name of the Keys. When we had got in
+here, Low and some of his Chief Men had got a shoar upon one of these
+small Islands, which they called Port-Royal Key, where they made them
+Booths, and were Carousing, Drinking, and Firing, while the two Sloops,
+the Rhode-Island, and that which Low brought with him from the Bay were
+cleaning. As for the Schooner, he loaded her with the Logwood which the
+Sloop brought from the Bay, & gave her, according to promise, to one
+John Blaze, and put four men along with him in her, and when they came
+to Sail from this Place, sent them away upon their own account, and
+what became of them I know not.
+
+Upon Saturday the 9th of March, 1723, the Cooper with Six hands in the
+Long-Boat were going ashore at the Watering place to fill their Casks;
+as he came along by the Schooner I called to him and asked him, if he
+were going a shoar? he told me Yes; then I asked him, if he would take
+me along with him; he seemed to hesitate at the first; but I urged
+that I had never been on shoar yet, since I first came on board, and I
+thought it very hard that I should be so closely confined, when every
+one else had the Liberty of going ashoar, at several times, as there
+was occasion. At length he took me in, imagining, I suppose, that there
+would be no danger of my Running away in so desolate uninhabitated a
+Place, as that was.
+
+I went into the Boat with only an Ozenbrigs Frock and Trousers on, and
+a Mill’d Cap upon my Head, having neither Shirt, Shoes, nor Stockings,
+nor any thing else about me; whereas, had I been aware of such an
+Opportunity, but one quarter of an Hour before, I could have provided
+my self something better. However, thought I, if I can but once get
+footing on Terra-Firma, tho’ in never so bad Circumstances, I shall
+count it a happy Deliverance; for I was resolved, come what would,
+never to come on board again.
+
+Low had often told me (upon my asking him to send me away in some of
+the Vessels, which he dismissed after he had taken them), that I should
+go home when he did, and not before, and Swore that I should never set
+foot on shoar till he did. But the time for Deliverance was now come.
+GOD had ordered it that Low and Spriggs, and almost all the Commanding
+Officers, were ashoar upon an Island distinct from Roatan, where the
+Watering place was; He presented me in sight, when the Long Boat came
+by, (the only opportunity I could have had) He had moved the Cooper to
+take me into the Boat, and under such Circumstances as rendred me least
+lyable to Suspicion; and so I got ashoar.
+
+[Illustration: MAP OF THE BAY OF HONDURAS SHOWING RATTAN ISLAND
+
+From the map in “Voyages and travels of Capt. Nathaniel Uring,” London,
+1726, in the library of the Massachusetts Historical Society]
+
+When we came first to Land, I was very Active in helping to get the
+Casks out of the Boat, & Rowling them up to the Watering place; then I
+lay down at the Fountain & took a hearty Draught of the Cool Water; &
+anon, I gradually strol’d along the Beech, picking up Stones & Shells,
+& looking about me; when I had got about Musket Shot off from them
+(tho’ they had taken no Arms along with them in the Boat) I began to
+make up to the Edge of the Woods; when the Cooper spying me, call’d
+after me, & asked me where I was going; I told him I was going to get
+some Coco-Nuts, for there were some Coco-Nut Trees just before me. So
+soon as I had recovered the Woods, and lost sight of them, I betook my
+self to my Heels, & ran as fast as the thickness of the Bushes, and my
+naked Feet would let me. I bent my Course, not directly from them, but
+rather up behind them, which I continued till I had got a considerable
+way into the Woods, & yet not so far from them but that I could hear
+their talk, when they spake any thing loud; and here I lay close in a
+very great Thicket, being well assured, if they should take the pains
+to hunt after me never so carefully they would not be able to find me.
+
+After they had filled their Casks and were about to go off, the Cooper
+called after me to come away; but I lay snug in my Thicket, and would
+give him no Answer, tho’ I plainly eno’ heard him. At length they set
+a hallooing for me, but I was still silent; I could hear them say to
+one another, The D--g is lost in the Woods, and can’t find the way out
+again; then they hallooed again; and cried, he is run-away and won’t
+come again; the Cooper said, if he had thought I would have served him
+so, he would not have brought me ashoar. They plainly saw it would be
+in vain to seek me in such hideous Woods, and thick Brushes. When they
+were weary with hallooing, the Cooper at last, to shew his good Will
+to me, (I can’t but Love and Thank him for his Kindness) call’d out,
+If you don’t come away presently, I’ll go off and leave you alone. But
+all they could say was no Temptation to me to discover my self, and
+least of all that of their going away and leaving me; for this was
+the very thing I desired, that I might be rid of them, and all that
+belonged to them. So finding it in vain for them to wait any longer,
+they put off with their Water, without me; and thus was I left upon a
+desolate Island destitute of all help, and much out of the way of all
+Travellers; however this Wilderness I looked upon as Hospitable, and
+this Loneliness as good Company, compared with the State and Society I
+was now happily Delivered from.
+
+When I supposed they were gone off, I came out of my Thicket, and drew
+down to the Water side, about a Mile below the Watering place, where
+there was a small run of Water; and here I sat down to observe their
+Motions, and know when the Coast was clear; for I could not but have
+some remaining fears lest they should send a Company of Armed Men after
+me; yet I thought if they should, the Woods and Bushes were so thick
+that it would be impossible they should find me. As yet I had nothing
+to Eat, nor indeed were my Thoughts much concerned about living in this
+Desolate Place, but they were chiefly taken up about my geting clear.
+And to my Joy, after the Vessels had stayed five Days in this Harbour,
+they came to Sail, and put out to Sea, and I plainly saw the Schooner
+part from the two Sloops, and shape a different Course from them.
+
+When they were gone and the Coast clear, I began to reflect upon my
+self, and my present Condition; I was upon an Island from whence I
+could not get off; I knew of no Humane Creature within many scores
+of Miles of me; I had but a Scanty Cloathing, and no possibility of
+getting more; I was destitute of all Provision for my Support, and
+knew not how I should come at any; every thing looked with a dismal
+Face; the sad prospect drew Tears from me in abundance; yet since GOD
+had graciously granted my Desires, in freeing me out of the hands of
+the Sons of Violence, whose Business ’tis to devise Mischief against
+their Neighbour, and from whom every thing that had the least face of
+Religion and Virtue was intirely Banished, (unless that Low would never
+suffer his Men to work upon the Sabbath, (it was more devoted to Play)
+and I have seen some of them sit down to Read in a good Book) therefore
+I purposed to account all the hardship I might now meet with, as Light,
+& Easy, compared with being Associated with them.
+
+In order to find in what manner I was to Live for the time to come,
+I began to Range the Island over, which I suppose is some 10 or 11
+Leagues Long, in the Latitude of 16 deg. 30 min. or thereabouts. I soon
+found that I must look for no Company, but the Wild Beast of the Field,
+and the Fowl of the Air; with all of which I made a Firm Peace, and GOD
+said Amen to it. I could discover no Footsteps of any Habitation upon
+the Island; yet there was one walk of Lime Trees near a Mile long, and
+ever now & then I found some broken Shreds of Earthen Pots, scattered
+here and there upon the Place, which some say are some remains of the
+Indians that formerly Lived upon the Island.
+
+The Island is well Watered, and is full of Hills, high Mountains, and
+lowly Vallies. The Mountains are Covered over with a sort of scrubby
+black Pine, & are almost inaccessible. The Vallies abound with Fruit
+Trees, and are so prodigiously thick with an underbrush, that ’tis
+difficult passing.
+
+The Fruit were Coco-Nuts, but these I could have no advantage from,
+because I had no way of coming at the inside; there are Wild-Figs, and
+Vines in abundance, these I chiefly lived upon, especially at first;
+there is also a sort of Fruit growing upon Trees somewhat larger than
+an Orange, of an Oval shape, of a brownish Colour without, and red
+within, having two or three Stones about as large as a Walnut in the
+midst: tho’ I saw many of these fallen under the Trees, yet I dared not
+to meddle with them for sometime, till I saw some Wild Hogs eat them
+with safety, and then I thought I might venture upon them too, after
+such Tasters, and I found them to be a very delicious sort of Fruit;
+they are called Mammees Supporters, as I learned afterwards. There are
+also a sort of small Beech-Plumb, growing upon low shrubs; and a large
+form of Plumb growing upon Trees, which are called Hog-Plumbs; and many
+other sorts of Fruit which I am wholly a Stranger to. Only I would take
+notice of the Goodness of GOD to me, in preserving me from destroying
+my self by feeding upon any Noxious Fruit, as the Mangeneil Apple,
+which I often took up in my hands, and look’d upon, but had not the
+power to eat of; which if I had, it would have been present Death to
+me, as I was informed afterwards, tho’ I knew not what it was.
+
+There are also upon this Island, and the Adjacent Islands, and Keys,
+Deer, and Wild Hogs; they abound too with Fowl of diverse sorts,
+as Ducks, Teil, Curlews, Galdings, (a Fowl long Legged, and shaped
+somewhat like a Heron, but not so big) Pellicans, Boobys, Pigeons,
+Parrotts, &c. and the Shoars abound with Tortoise.
+
+But of all this Store of Beast, and Fowl, I could make no use to Supply
+my Necessities; tho’ my Mouth often watered for a Bit of them; yet I
+was forced to go without it; for I had no Knife, or other Instrument of
+Iron with me, by which to cut up a Tortoise, when I had turned it; or
+to make Snares or Pitts, with which to entrap, or Bows & Arrows with
+which to kill any Bird or Beast withal; nor could I by any possible
+means that I knew of, come at Fire to dress any if I had taken them,
+tho’ I doubt not but some would have gone down Raw if I could have come
+at it.
+
+I sometimes had thoughts of Digging Pits and covering them over with
+small Branches of Trees, & laying Brush and Leaves upon them to take
+some Hogs or Deer in; but all was vain imagination, I had no Shovel,
+neither could I find or make any thing that would answer my end, and I
+was presently convinced, that my Hands alone, were not sufficient to
+make one deep and large eno’ to detain any thing that should fall into
+it; so that I was forced to rest satisfied with the Fruit of the Vine,
+and Trees, and looked upon it as good Provision, and very handy for one
+in my Condition.
+
+In length of time, as I was poking about the Beech, with a Stick, to
+see if I could find any Tortoise Nests, (which I had heard lay their
+Eggs in the Sand) I brought up part of an Egg clinging to the Stick,
+and upon removing the Sand which lay over them, I found near an Hundred
+& Fifty Eggs which had not been laid long eno’ to spoil; so I took some
+of them and eat them: And in this way I sometimes got some Eggs to Eat,
+which are not very good at the best; yet what is not good to him that
+has nothing to Live upon, but what falls from the Trees.
+
+The Tortoise lay their Eggs above High Water Mark, in a hole which they
+make in the Sand, about a Foot, or a Foot and half deep, and cover them
+over with the Sand, which they make as smooth & even as any part of the
+Beech, so that there is no discerning where they are, by any, the least
+sign of a Hillock, or Rising; and according to my best observation,
+they Hatch in about 18 or 20 Days, and as soon as the Young Ones are
+Hatched they betake themselves immediately to the Water.
+
+There are many Serpents upon this, and the Adjacent Islands. There is
+one sort that is very Large, as big round as a Man’s Wast, tho’ not
+above 12 or 14 Feet long. These are called Owlers. They look like old
+fallen Stocks of Trees covered over with a short Moss, when they lye
+at their length; but they more usually lye coiled up in a round. The
+first I saw of these greatly surprised me; for I was very near to it
+before I discovered it to be a Living Creature, and then it opened it’s
+Mouth wide eno’ to have thrown a Hat into it, and blew out its Breath
+at me. This Serpent is very slow in its motion, and nothing Venemous,
+as I was afterwards told by a Man, who said he had been once bitten by
+one of them. There are several other smaller Serpents, some of them
+very Venemous, particularly one that is called a Barber’s Pole, being
+streaked White and Yellow. But I met with no Rattle-Snakes there,
+unless the Pirates, nor did I ever hear of any other being there.
+
+The Islands are also greatly infested with vexatious Insects,
+especially the Musketto, and a sort of small Black Fly, (something like
+a Gnat) more troublesome than the Musketto; so that if one had never so
+many of the comforts of Life about him, these Insects would render his
+Living here very burthensome to him; unless he retired to a small Key,
+destitute of Woods and Brush, where the Wind disperses the Vermin.
+
+The Sea hereabouts, hath a variety of Fish; such as are good to Eat,
+I could not come at, and the Sharks, and Alligators or Crocodiles, I
+did not care to have any thing to do with; tho’ I was once greatly
+endangered by a Shark, as I shall tell afterwards.
+
+This was the Place I was confined to; this my Society and Fellowship;
+and this my State and Condition of Life. Here I spent near Nine Months;
+without Converse with any Living Creature; for the Parrots here had not
+been taught to Speak. Here I lingred out one Day after another, I knew
+not how, without Business, or Diversion; unless gathering up my Food,
+rambling from Hill to Hill, from Island to Island, gazing upon the
+Water, and staring upon the Face of the Sky, may be called so.
+
+In this Lonely and Distressed Condition, I had time to call over
+my past Life; and Young as I was, I saw I had grown Old in Sin; my
+Transgressions were more than my Days; and tho’ GOD had graciously
+Restrained me from the Grosser Enormities of Life, yet I saw Guilt
+staring me in the Face; eno’ to humble me and forever to vindicate the
+Justice of GOD in all that I underwent. I called to mind many things I
+had heard from the Pulpit, and what I had formerly Read in the Bible,
+which I was now wholly Destitute of, tho’ I thought if I could but have
+one now, it would have sweetened my Condition, by the very Diversion
+of Reading, and much more from the Direction and Comfort it would have
+afforded me. I had some Comforts in the midst of my Calamity. It was
+no small Support to me, that I was about my Lawful Employment, when
+I was first taken; and that I had no hand in bringing my Misery upon
+my self, but was forced away sorely against my Will. It wonderfully
+aleviated my Sorrows, to think, that I had my Parents approbation, and
+consent in my going to Sea; and I often fancied to my self, that if
+I had gone to Sea against their will and pleasure, and had met with
+this Disaster, I should have looked upon it as a designed Punishment
+of such Disobedience, and the very Reflection on it would have so
+aggravated my Misery, as soon to have put an end to my Days. I looked
+upon my self also, as more in the way of the Divine Blessing now, than
+when I was linked to a Crew of Pirates, where I could scarce hope for
+Protection and a Blessing. I plainly saw very signal Instances of the
+Power & Goodness of GOD to me, in the many Deliverances which I had
+already experienced (the least of which I was utterly unworthy of) and
+this Encouraged me to put my Trust in Him: and tho’ I had none but GOD
+to go to for help, yet I knew that He was able to do more for me than
+I could ask or think: to Him therefore I committed my self, purposing
+to wait hopefully upon the Lord till he should send Deliverance to me:
+Trusting that in his own time and way, he would find out means for my
+safe Return to my Fathers House; and earnestly entreating that he would
+provide a better place for me.
+
+It was my Daily Practice to Ramble from one part of the Island to an
+other, tho’ I had a more special Home near to the Water side. Here I
+had built me a House to defend me from the heat of the Sun by Day,
+and the great Dews of the Night. I took some of the best Branches I
+could find fallen from the Trees, and stuck them in the Ground, and
+I contrived as often as I could (for I built many such Huts) to fix
+them leaning against the Limb of a Tree that hung low; I split the
+Palmeto Leaves and knotted the Limb & Sticks together; then I covered
+them over with the largest and best Palmeto Leaves I could find. I
+generally Situated my Hut near the Water side, with the open part of
+it facing the Sea, that I might be the more ready upon the look out,
+and have the advantage of the Sea Breeze, which both the Heat and
+the Vermin required. But the Vermin, the Muskettos and Flys, grew so
+troublesome to me, that I was put upon contrivance to get rid of their
+Company. This led me to think of getting over to some of the Adjacent
+Keys, that I might have some Rest from the disturbance of these busy
+Companions. My greatest difficulty lay in getting over to any other
+Island; for I was but a very poor Swimmer; and I had no Canoo, nor any
+means of making one. At length I got a piece of Bamboe, which is hollow
+like a Reed, and light as a Cork, and having made tryal of it under
+my Breast and Arms in Swimming by the shoar; with this help I e’en
+ventured to put off for a small Key about Gunshot off, and I reached it
+pretty comfortably. This Key was but about 3 or 400 Feet in compass,
+clear of Woods & Brush, & lay very low: & I found it so free from the
+Vermin, by the free Passage of the Wind over it, that I seemed to be
+got into a New World, where I lived more at ease. This I kept as a
+place of Retreat, whither I retired when the Heat of the Day rendred
+the Fly-kind most troublesome to me: for I was obliged to be much upon
+Roatan for the sake of my Food, Water, & House. When I swam backward
+& forward from my Night to my Day Island, I used to bind my Frock &
+Trousers about my Head, but I could not so easily carry over Wood &
+Leaves to make a Hut of; else I should have spent more of my time upon
+my little Day Island.
+
+My Swimming thus backward & forward exposed me to some Danger. Once I
+Remember as I was passing from my Day to my Night Island, the Bamboe
+got from under me e’er I was aware, & the Tide or Current set so
+strong, that I was very difficulty put to it to recover the Shoar;
+so that a few Rods more distance had in all probability landed me in
+another World. At another time as I was Swimming over to my Day Island,
+a Shovel nos’d Shark, (of which the Seas thereabouts are full, as well
+as Alligators) struck me in the Thigh just as I set my Foot to Ground,
+& so grounded himself (I suppose) by the shoalness of the Water, that
+he could not turn himself to come at me with his Mouth, & so, thro’
+the Goodness of GOD, I escaped falling a Prey to his devouring Teeth.
+I felt the Blow he gave me some hours after I had got ashoar. By
+accustoming my self to Swim, I at length grew pretty dexterous at it,
+and often gave my self the Diversion of thus passing from one Island to
+another among the Keys.
+
+One of my greatest difficulties lay in my being Barefoot, my Travels
+backward & forward in the Woods to hunt for my Daily Food, among the
+thick under-brush, where the Ground was covered with sharp Sticks &
+Stones, & upon the hot Beech among the sharp broken Shells, had made
+so many Wounds and Gashes in my Feet, & some of them very large, that
+I was hardly able to go at all. Very often as I was treading with all
+the tenderness I could, a sharp Stone or Shell on the Beech or pointed
+Stick in the Woods, would run into the Old Wounds, & the Anguish of it
+would strike me down as suddenly as if I had been shot thro’, & oblige
+me to set down and Weep by the hour together at the extremity of my
+Pain; so that in process of time I could Travel no more than needs
+must, for the necessary procuring of Food. Sometimes I have sat leaning
+my Back against a Tree, with my Face to the Sea, to look out for the
+passing of a Vessel for a whole Day together.
+
+At length I grew very Weak & Faint, as well as Sore and Bruised; and
+once while I was in this Condition, a Wild Boar seemed to make at me
+with some Fierceness; I knew not what to do with my self, for I was not
+able to defend my self against him if he should attack me. So as he
+drew nearer to me, I caught hold of the Limb of a Tree which was close
+by me, & drew my Body up by it from the Ground as well as I could;
+while I was in this Hanging posture, the Boar came and struck at me,
+but his Tushes only took hold of my shattered Trousers & tore a peice
+out; and then he went his way. This I think was the only time that I
+was assaulted by any Wild Beast, with whom I said I had made Peace; and
+I look upon it as a Great Deliverance.
+
+As my Weakness encreased upon me, I should often fall down as tho’
+struck with a dead sleep, and many a time as I was thus falling, and
+sometimes when I lay’d my self down to Sleep, I never expected to wake
+or rise more; and yet in the midst of all GOD has Wonderfully preserved
+me.
+
+In the midst of this my great Soreness & Feebleness I lost the Days of
+the Week, & how long I had layn in some of my numb sleepy Fits I knew
+not, so that I was not able now to distinguish the Sabbath from any
+other Day of the Week; tho’ all Days were in some sort a Sabbath to me.
+As my Illness prevailed I wholly lost the Month, and knew not where
+abouts I was in the Account of Time.
+
+Under all this Dreadful Distress, I had no healing Balsames to apply
+to my Feet, no Cordials to revive my Fainting Spirits, hardly able now
+& then to get me some Figs or Grapes to Eat, nor any possible way of
+coming at a Fire, which the Cool Winds, & great Rains, beginning to
+come on now called for. The Rains begin about the middle of October, &
+continue for Five Months together, and then the Air is Raw Cold, like
+our North East Storms of Rain; only at times the Sun breaks out with
+such an exceeding Fierceness, that there is hardly any enduring the
+Heat of it.
+
+I had often heard of the fetching Fire by Rubbing of two Sticks
+together; but I could never get any this way; tho’ I had often
+tried while I was in Health and Strength, untill I was quite tired.
+Afterwards I learned the way of getting Fire from two Sticks, which I
+will Publish, that it may be of Service to any that may be hereafter in
+my Condition.
+
+Take Two Sticks, the one of harder the other softer Wood, the dryer the
+better, in the soft Wood make a sort of Mortice or Socket, point the
+harder Wood to fit that Socket; hold the softer Wood firm between the
+Knees, take the harder Wood between your Hands with the point fixed in
+the Socket, and rub the Stick in your Hands backward & forward briskly
+like a Drill, and it will take Fire in less than a Minute; as I have
+sometimes since seen, upon experiment made of it.
+
+But then I knew of no such Method (and it may be should have been
+difficulty put to it to have formed the Mortice and Drill for want of
+a Knife) and I suffered greatly without a Fire, thro’ the chillness of
+the Air, the Wetness of the Season, and Living only upon Raw Fruit.
+
+Thus I pass’d about Nine Months in this lonely, melancholy, wounded,
+and languishing Condition. I often lay’d my self down as upon my last
+Bed, & concluded I should certainly Dye alone, & no Body knew what was
+become of me. I thought it would be some relief to me if my Parents
+could but tell where I was; and then I thought their Distress would be
+exceeding great, if they knew what I under went. But all such thoughts
+were vain. The more my Difficulties encreased, and the nearer prospect
+I had of Dying, the more it drove me upon my Knees, and made me the
+more earnest in my Crys to my Maker for His favourable regards to me,
+and to the Great Redeemer to pardon me, and provide for my after well
+being.
+
+And see the surprising Goodness of GOD to me, in sending me help in my
+time of trouble, & that in the most unexpected way & manner, as tho’ an
+Angel had been commissioned from Heaven to relieve me.
+
+Sometime in November, 1723, I espied a small Canoo, coming towards
+me with one Man in it. It did not much surprise me. A Friend I could
+not hope for; and I could not resist, or hardly get out of the way
+of an Enemy, nor need I fear one. I kept my Seat upon the Edge of the
+Beech. As he came nearer he discovered me & seemed great surprised. He
+called to me. I told him whence I was, & that he might safely venture
+ashoar, for I was alone, & almost Dead. As he came up to me, he stared
+& look’d wild with surprise; my Garb & Countenance astonished him; he
+knew not what to make of me; he started back a little, & viewed me more
+thorowly; but upon recovering of himself, he came forward, & took me by
+the Hand & told me he was glad to see me. And he was ready as long as
+he stayed with me, to do any kind offices for me.
+
+He proved to be a North-Britain, a Man well in Years, of a Grave and
+Venerable Aspect, and of a reserved Temper. His Name I never knew, for
+I had not asked him in the little time he was with me, expecting a
+longer converse with him; and he never told me it. But he acquainted me
+that he had lived with the Spaniards 22 Years, and now they threatened
+to Burn him, I knew not for what Crime: therefore he had fled for
+Sanctuary to this Place, & had brought his Gun, Ammunition, and Dog,
+with a small quantity of Pork, designing to spend the residue of his
+Days here, & support himself by Hunting. He seemed very kind & obliging
+to me, gave me some of his Pork, and assisted me all he could; tho’ he
+conversed little.
+
+Upon the Third Day after he came to me, he told me, he would go out in
+his Canoo among the Islands, to kill some Wild Hogs & Deer, and would
+have had me to go along with him. His Company, the Fire and a little
+dressed Provision something recruited my Spirits; but yet I was so
+Weak, and Sore in my Feet, that I could not accompany him in Hunting:
+So he set out alone, and said he would be with me again in a Day or
+two. The Sky was Serene and Fair, and there was no prospect of any
+Danger in his little Voyage among the Islands, when he had come safe in
+that small Float near 12 Leagues; but by that time he had been gone an
+Hour, there arose a most Violent Gust of Wind and Rain, which in all
+probability overset him; so that I never saw nor heard of him any more.
+And tho’ by this means I was deprived of my Companion, yet it was the
+Goodness of GOD to me, that I was not well eno’ to go with him; for
+thus I was preserved from that Destruction which undoubtedly overtook
+him.
+
+Thus after the pleasure of having a Companion almost Three Days, I was
+as unexpectedly reduced to my former lonely Condition, as I had been
+for a little while recovered out of it. It was grievous to me to think,
+that I no sooner saw the Dawnings of Light, after so long Obscurity,
+but the Clouds returned after the Rain upon me. I began to experience
+the Advantage of a Companion, and find that Two is better than One,
+and flattered my self, that by the help of some fresh Hogs Grease, I
+should get my Feet well, and by a better Living recover more Strength.
+But it pleased GOD to take from me the only Man I had seen for so many
+Months after so short a Converse with him. Yet I was left in better
+Circumstances by him that he found me in. For at his going away he
+left with me about Five Pound of Pork, a Knife, a Bottle of Powder,
+Tobacco Tongs and Flint, by which means I was in a way to Live better
+than I had done. For now I could have a Fire, which was very needful
+for me, the Rainy Months of the Winter; I could cut up some Tortoise
+when I had turned them, and have a delicate broiled Meal of it: So
+that by the help of the Fire, and dressed Food, and the Blessing of
+GOD accompanying it, I began to recover more Strength, only my Feet
+remained Sore.
+
+Besides, I had this Advantage now, which I had not before, that I could
+go out now and then and catch a Dish of Crab-Fish, a Fish much like a
+Lobster, only wanting the great Claws. My manner of catching them was
+odd; I took some of the best peices of the old broken small Wood, that
+came the nearest to our Pitch Pine, or Candle-Wood, and made them up
+into a small Bundle like a Torch, and holding one of these lighted at
+one End in one hand, I waded into the Water upon the Beech up to my
+Wast: the Crab-Fish spying the Light at a considerable distance, would
+crawl away till they came directly under it, and then they would lye
+still at my Feet. In my other hand I had a Forked Stick with which I
+struck the Fish and tossed it ashoar. In this manner I supplyed my self
+with a Mess of Shell-Fish, which when roasted is very good Eating.
+
+Between two and three Months after I had lost my Companion, as I was
+ranging a long shoar, I found a small Canoo. The sight of this at first
+renewed my Sorrows for his Loss; for I thought it had been his Canoo,
+and it’s coming ashore thus, was a proof to me that he was lost in the
+Tempest: but upon further Examination of it I found it was one I had
+never seen before.
+
+When I had got this little Vessel in possession, I began to think
+my self Admiral of the Neighbouring Seas, as well as Sole Possessor
+and Chief Commander upon the Islands; and with the advantage hereof
+I could transport my self to my small Islands of Retreat, much more
+conveniently than in my former Method of Swimming. In process of time I
+tho’t of making a Tour to some of the more distant and larger Islands,
+to see after what manner they were inhabitated, and how they were
+provided, and partly to give my self the Liberty of Diversions. So I
+lay’d in a small parcel of Grapes and Figs, and some Tortoise, & took
+my Fire-Works with me, and put off for the Island of Bonacco, an Island
+of about 4 or 5 Leagues long, and some 5 or 6 Leagues to the Eastward
+of Roatan.
+
+As I was upon my Voyage I discovered a Sloop at the Eastern End of
+the Island; so I made the best of my way, and put in at the Western
+End; designing to travel down to them by Land, partly because there
+ran out a large point of Rocks far into the Sea, and I did not care
+to venture my self so far out in my little Canoo as I must do to head
+them: & partly because I was willing to make a better discovery of
+them, before I was seen by them; for in the midst of my most deplorable
+Circumstances, I could never entertain the thoughts of returning on
+board any Pirate, if I should have the opportunity, but had rather Live
+and Dye as I was. So I haled up my Canoo, and fastened her as well as I
+could, and set out upon my Travel.
+
+[Illustration: MAP SHOWING ROATAN ISLAND IN THE BAY OF HONDURAS WHERE
+PHILIP ASHTON ESCAPED FROM PIRATES
+
+From a map in the “American Atlas” by Thomas Jeffery, London, 1776, in
+the possession of John W. Farwell]
+
+I spent two Days, and the biggest part of two Nights in Travelling
+of it; my Feet were yet so sore that I could go but very slowly, and
+sometimes the Woods and Bushes were so thick that I was forced to Crawl
+upon my Hands and Knees for half a Mile together. In this Travel I
+met with an odd Adventure that had like to have proved fatal to me,
+and my preservation was an eminent Instance of the Divine Conduct and
+Protection.
+
+As I drew within a Mile or two of where I supposed the Sloop might be,
+I made down to the Water side, and slowly opened the Sea, that I might
+not discover my self too soon; when I came down to the Water side I
+could see no sign of the Sloop, upon which I concluded that it was
+gone clear, while I spent so much time in Travelling. I was very much
+tired with my long tedious March, and sat my self down leaning against
+the Stock of a Tree facing to the Sea, and fell a Sleep. But I had
+not slept long before I was awakened in a very surprising manner, by
+the noise of Guns. I started up in a fright, and saw Nine Periaguas,
+or large Canooes, full of Men firing upon me. I soon turned about and
+ran as fast as my sore Feet would let me into the Bushes; and the Men
+which were Spaniards, cryed after me, O Englishman, we’ll give you good
+Quarter. But such was the Surprise I had taken, by being awakened out
+of Sleep in such a manner, that I had no command of my self to hearken
+to their offers of Quarter, which it may be at another time under
+cooler thoughts I might have done. So I made into the Woods, and they
+continued Firing after me, to the Number of 150 small Shot at least,
+many of which cut off several small twigs of the Bushes along side of
+me as I went off. When I had got out of the reach of their Shot, into a
+very great Thicket, I lay close for several Hours; and perceiving they
+were gone by the noise of their Oars in Rowing off, I came out of my
+Thicket, and Travelled a Mile or two along the Water side, below the
+place where they Fired upon me, and then I saw the Sloop under English
+Colours, Sailing out of the Harbour, with the Periaguas in tow; and
+then I concluded that it was an English Sloop that had been at the Bay,
+whom the Spaniards had met with and taken.
+
+The next Day I went up to the Tree, where I so narrowly Escaped being
+taken Napping, and there to my surprise I found 6 or 7 Shot had gone
+into the Body of the Tree, within a Foot or less of my Head as I sat
+down; & yet thro’ the wonderful goodness of GOD to me, in the midst of
+all their Fire, and tho’ I was as a Mark set up for them to shoot at,
+none of their Shot touched me. So did GOD as yet signally preserve me.
+
+After this I Travelled away for my Canoo at the Western End of the
+Island, and spent near three Days e’er I reached it. In this Long March
+backward and forward, I suffered very much from the Soreness of my
+Feet, & the want of Provision; for this Island is not so plentifully
+stored with Fruit as Roatan is, so that I was very difficultly put
+to it for my Subsistence, for the 5 or 6 Days that I spent here; and
+besides the Musketoes and Black Flys were abundantly more numerous, and
+vexatious to me than at my old Habitation. The Difficulties I met with
+here made me lay aside all thoughts of tarrying any time to search the
+Island. At length much tired and spent I reached my Canoo, and found
+all safe there, to my great Joy; and then I put off for Roatan, which
+was a Royal Palace to me in comparison of Bonacco, where I arrived to
+my great Satisfaction about Ten a Clock at Night, & found all things as
+I left them.
+
+Here I Lived (if it may be called Living) alone for about Seven Months
+more, from the time of my loosing my North British Companion; and spent
+my time after my usual manner in Hunting for my Food, and Ranging the
+Islands; till at length it pleased GOD, to send some Company to me with
+whom I could Converse, and enjoy somewhat more of the Comforts of Life.
+
+Sometime in June, 1724, as I was upon my small Island, where I often
+retired for Shelter from the pestering Insects, I saw two large Canooes
+making into the Harbour; as they drew near they saw the Smoak of the
+Fire which I had kindled, and wondring what it should mean came to a
+stand. I had fresh in my Memory what I met with at Banacco, and was
+very loth to run the risque of such another firing, and therefore
+steped to my Canoo upon the back side of my small Island, not above 100
+feet off from me, and immediately went over to my great Mansion, where
+I had places of safety to Shelter me from the Designs of an Enemy,
+and Rooms large and spacious eno’ to give a kindly welcome to any
+ordinary number of Friends. They saw me cross the Ferry of about Gun
+shot over, from my little to my great Island, and being as much afraid
+of Spaniards, as I was of Pirates, they drew very cautiously towards
+the shoar. I came down upon the Beech shewing my self openly to them,
+for their caution made me think they were no Pirates, and I did not
+much care who else they were; however, I thought I could call to them,
+and know what they were, before I should be in much danger from their
+shot; and if they proved such as I did not like, I could easily retire
+from them. But before I called, they, who were as full of fears as I
+could be, lay upon their Oars and hallooed to me, enquiring who I was,
+and whence I came; I told them I was an English Man, and had Run away
+from the Pirates. Upon this they drew something nearer and enquired who
+was there besides my self; I assured them I was alone. Then I took my
+turn, and asked them who they were, and whence they came. They told
+me they were Bay-men, come from the Bay. This was comfortable News to
+me; so I bid them pull ashoar, there was no danger, I would stop for
+them. Accordingly they put ashoar, but at some distance from me, and
+first sent one Man ashoar to me; whom I went to meet. When the Man came
+up to me he started back, frighted to see such a Poor, Ragged, Lean,
+Wan, Forlorn, Wild, Miserable Object so near him: but upon recovering
+himself, he came and took me by the hand, and we fell to embracing one
+another, he with surprise and wonder, I with a sort of Extasy of Joy.
+After this was over he took me in his Arms and carried me down to their
+Canooes, where they were all struck with astonishment at the sight of
+me, were glad to receive me, and expressed a very great tenderness to
+me.
+
+I gave them a short History how I had escaped from Low, and had lived
+here alone for Sixteen Months, (saving three days) what hardship I
+had met with, and what danger I had run thro’. They stood amazed!
+They wondred I was alive! and expressed a great satisfaction in it,
+that they were come to relieve me. And observing I was weak, and my
+Spirits low, they gave me about a Spoonful of Rhum to recruit my
+fainting Spirits. This small quantity, thro’ my long disuse of any
+Liquor higher Spirited than Water, and my present weakness, threw my
+Animal Spirits into such a violent Agitation, as to obstruct their
+Motion, and produced a kind of Stupor, which left me for some time
+bereft of all Sense; some of them perceiving me falling into such a
+strange Insensibility, would have given me more of the same Spirit to
+have recovered me; but those of them that had more wit, would not allow
+of it. So I lay for some small time in a sort of a Fit, and they were
+ready to think that they should lose me as soon as they had found me.
+But I revived.
+
+And when I was so thorowly come to my self as to converse with them, I
+found they were Eighteen Men come from the Bay of Honduras, the chief
+of which were, John Hope, and John Ford. The occasion of their coming
+from the Bay was, a Story they had got among them, that the Spaniards
+had projected to make a descent upon them by Water, while the Indians
+were to assault them by Land, and cut off the Bay; and they retired
+hither to avoid the Destruction that was designed. This John Hope and
+Ford had formerly, upon a like occasion, sheltered themselves among
+these Islands, and lived for four Years together upon a small Island
+called Barbarat, about two Leagues from Roatan, where they had two
+Plantations, as they called them; and being now upon the same design of
+retreating for a time for Safety, they brought with them two Barrels
+of Flower, with other Provisions, their Fire-Arms, Ammunition and Dogs
+for Hunting, and Nets for tortoise, and an Indian Woman to dress their
+Provisions for them. They chose for their chief Residence a small Key
+about a quarter of a Mile Round, lying near to Barbarat, which they
+called the Castle of Comfort, chiefly because it was low, and clear of
+Woods and Bushes, where the Wind had an open passage, and drove away
+the pestering Muskettoes and Gnats. From hence they sent to the other
+Islands round about for Wood and Water, and for Materials, with which
+they Built two Houses, such as they were, for Shelter.
+
+And now I seemed to be in a far more likely way to Live pretty
+tollerably, than in the Sixteen Months past; for besides the having
+Company, they treated me with a great deal of Civility, in their way;
+they Cloathed me, and gave me a large sort of Wrapping Gown to lodge
+in a Nights to defend me from the great Dews, till their Houses were
+Covered; and we had plenty of Provision. But after all they were Bad
+Company, and there was but little difference between them and the
+Pirates, as to their Common Conversation; only I thought they were not
+now engaged in any such bad design as rendered it unlawful to Joyn with
+them, nor dangerous to be found in their Company.
+
+In process of time, by the Blessing of GOD, & the Assistance I
+received from them, I gathered so much Strength that I was able
+sometimes to go out a Hunting with them. The Islands hereabouts, I
+observed before, abound with Wild Hogs and Deer, and Tortoise. Their
+manner was to go out a number of them in a Canoo, sometimes to one
+Island, sometimes to another, and kill what Game they could meet with,
+and Firk their Pork, by beginning at one end of a Hog and cutting along
+to the other end, and so back again till they had gone all over him,
+and flee the flesh in long strings off from the Bones; the Venison they
+took whole or in quarters, and the Tortoise in like manner; and return
+home with a load of it; what they did not spend presently, they hung up
+in their House a smoak drying; and this was a ready supply to them at
+all times.
+
+I was now ready to think my self out of the reach of any danger from an
+Enemy, for what should bring any here? and I was compassed continually
+with a Number of Men with their Arms ready at hand; and yet when I
+thought my self most secure, I very narrowly escaped falling again into
+the hands of the Pirates.
+
+It happened about 6 or 7 Months after these Bay-men came to me. That
+three Men and I took a Canoo with four Oars, to go over to Banacco,
+a Hunting and to kill Tortoise. While we were gone the rest of the
+Bay-men haled up their Canooes, and Dryed and Tarred them, in order to
+go to the Bay and see how matters stood there, and to fetch off their
+Effects which they had left behind them, in case they should find there
+was no safety for them in tarrying. But before they were gone, we, who
+had met with good Success in our Voyage, were upon our return to them
+with a full load of Tortoise and Firkt Pork. As we were upon entering
+into the Mouth of the Harbour, in a Moon-light Evening, we saw a great
+Flash of Light, and heard the report of a Gun, which we thought was
+much louder than a Musket, out of a large Periagua, which we saw near
+our Castle of Comfort. This put us into a great Consternation, and we
+knew not what to make of it. Within a Minute or two we heard a Volley
+of 18 or 20 small Arms discharged upon the shoar, and heard some Guns
+also fired off from the shoar. Upon which we were satisfied that some
+Enemy, Pirates or Spaniards were attacking our People, and being cut
+off from our Companions, by the Periaguas which lay between us and
+them, we thought it our wisest way to save our selves as well as we
+could. So we took down our little Mast and Sail, that it might not
+betray us, and rowed out of the Harbour as fast as we could; thinking
+to make our Escape from them undiscovered, to an Island about a Mile
+and half off. But they either saw us before we had taken our Sail down,
+or heard the noise of our Oars as we made out of the Harbour, and came
+after us with all speed, in a Periagua of 8 or 10 Oars. We saw them
+coming, & that they gained ground upon us apace, & therefore pull’d
+up for Life, resolving to reach the nearest shoar if possible. The
+Periagua overhaled us so fast that they discharged a Swivel Gun at us,
+which over-shot us; but we made a shift to gain the shoar before they
+were come fairly within the reach of their small Arms; which yet they
+fired upon us, as we were getting ashoar. Then they called to us, and
+told us they were Pirates, and not Spaniards, and we need not fear,
+they would give us good Quarter; supposing this would easily move us
+to surrender our selves to them. But they could not have mentioned any
+thing worse to discourage me from having any thing to do with them, for
+I had the utmost dread of a Pirate; and my first aversion to them was
+now strengthened with the just fears, that if I should fall into their
+hands again, they would soon make a Sacrifice of me, for my Deserting
+them. I therefore concluded to keep as clear of them as I could; and
+the Bay-men with me had no great inclination to be medling with them,
+and so we made the best of our way into the Woods. They took away
+our Canoo from us, and all that was in it; resolving if we would not
+come to them, they would strip us, as far as they were able, of all
+means of Subsistance where we were. I who had known what it was to be
+destitute of all things, and alone, was not much concerned about that,
+now that I had Company, and they their Arms with them, so that we could
+have a supply of Provision by Hunting, and Fire to dress it with.
+
+This Company it seems were some of Spriggs Men, who was Commander of
+the Schooner when I Ran away from them. This same Spriggs, I know not
+upon what occasion, had cast off the Service of Low, and set up for
+himself as the Head of a Party of Rovers, and had now a good Ship of
+24 Guns, and a Barmuda Sloop of 12 Guns, under his Command, which were
+now lying in Roatan Harbour, where he put in to Water and Clean, at the
+place where I first made my Escape. He had discovered our People upon
+the small Island, where they Resided, and sent a Perigua full of Men to
+take them. Accordingly they took all the Men ashoar, and with them an
+Indian Woman and Child; those of them that were ashoar abused the Woman
+shamefully. They killed one Man after they were come ashoar, and threw
+him into one of the Baymens Canooes where their Tar was, and set Fire
+to it, and burnt him in it. Then they carried our People on Board their
+Vessels, where they were barbarously treated.
+
+One of the Baymen Thomas Grande, turned Pirate, and he being acquainted
+that Old Father Hope (as we called him) had hid many things in the
+Woods, told the Pirates of it, who beat poor Hope unmercifully, and
+made him go and shew them where he had hid his Treasure, which they
+took away from him.
+
+After they had kept the Bay-men on board their Vessels for five Days,
+then they gave them a Flat, of about 5 or 6 Tons to carry them to the
+Bay in, but they gave them no Provision for their Voyage; and before
+they sent them away, they made them Swear to them, not to come near
+us, who had made our Escape upon another Island. All the while the
+Vessels rode in the Harbour, we kept a good look out, but were put to
+some difficulties, because we did not dare to make a Fire to dress our
+Victuals by, least it should discover whereabouts we were, so that
+we were forced to live upon Raw Provision for five Days. But as soon
+as they were gone, Father Hope with his Company of Bay-men, (little
+regarding an Oath that was forced from them; and thinking it a wicked
+Oath, better broken, than to leave four of us in such a helpless
+Condition) came to us, and acquainted us who they were, and what they
+had done.
+
+Thus the watchful Providence of GOD, which had so often heretofore
+appeared on my behalf, again took special care of me, and sent me out
+of the way of danger. ’Tis very apparent that if I had been with my
+Companions, at the usual Residence, I had been taken with them; and
+if I had, it is beyond question (humanely speaking) that I should not
+have escaped with Life, if I should the most painful and cruel Death,
+that the Madness and Rage of Spriggs could have invented for me; who
+would now have called to mind the design I was engaged in while we were
+parted from Low, as well as my final Deserting of them. But Blessed be
+GOD, who had designs of favour for me, and so ordered that I must at
+this time be absent from my Company.
+
+Now Old Father Hope and his Company were all designed for the Bay; only
+one John Symonds, who had a Negro belonging to him, purposed to tarry
+here for some time, and carry on some sort of Trade with the Jamaica
+Men upon the Main. I longed to get home to New England, and thought if
+I went to the Bay with them, it was very probable that I should in a
+little while meet with some New England Vessel, that would carry me to
+my Native Country, from which I had been so long a poor Exile. I asked
+Father Hope, if he would take me with him, and carry me to the Bay.
+The Old Man, tho’ he seemed glad of my Company, yet told me the many
+Difficulties that lay in the way; as that their Flat was but a poor
+thing to carry so many Men in for near 70 Leagues, which they must
+go before they would be out of the reach of Danger; that they had no
+Provision with them, and it was uncertain how the Weather would prove,
+they might be a great while upon their Passage thither, & their Flat
+could very poorly endure a great Sea; that when they should come to the
+Bay, they knew not how they should meet with things there, and they
+were Daily in Danger of being cut off; and it may be I should be longer
+there, in case all was well, than I cared for, e’er I should meet with
+a Passage for New-England; for the New-England Vessels often Sailed
+from the Bay to other Ports: so that all things considered, he thought
+I had better stay where I was, seeing I was like to have Company;
+whereas rather than I should be left alone he would take me in.
+
+On the other hand, Symonds, who as I said designed to spend some time
+here, greatly urged me to stay and bear him Company. He told me that as
+soon as the Season would permit, he purposed to go over to the Main to
+the Jamaica Traders, where I might get a Passage to Jamaica, and from
+thence to New-England, probably quicker, and undoubtedly much safer
+than I could from the Bay; and that in the mean while I should fare as
+he did.
+
+I did not trouble my self much about fareing, for I knew I could not
+fare harder than I had done; but I thought, upon the Consideration of
+the whole, that there seemed to be a fairer Prospect of my getting home
+by the way of Jamaica, than the Bay; and therefore I said no more to
+Father Hope about going with him, but concluded to stay. So I thanked
+Father Hope and Company for all their Civilities to me, wished them a
+good Voyage, and took leave of them.
+
+And now there was John Symonds, and I, and his Negro left behind; and
+a good Providence of GOD was it for me that I took their Advice and
+stayed; for tho’ I got not home by the way of Jamaica as was proposed,
+yet I did another and quicker way, in which there was more evident
+Interpositions of the Conduct of Divine Providence, as you will hear
+presently.
+
+Symonds was provided with a Canoo, Fire-Arms, and two Dogs, as well
+as a Negro; with these he doubted not but we should be furnished of
+all that was necessary for our Subsistence; with this Company I spent
+between two and three Months after the usual manner in Hunting and
+Ranging the Islands. And yet the Winter Rains would not suffer us to
+hunt much more than needs must.
+
+When the Season was near approaching for the Jamaica Traders to be over
+at the Main, Symonds proposed the going to some of the other Islands
+that abounded more with Tortoise, that he might get the Shells of
+them, and carry to the Traders, and in Exchange furnish himself with
+Ozenbrigs and Shoes and such other necessaries as he wanted. We did so,
+and having got good store of Tortoise Shell, he then proposed to go
+first for Bonacco, which lies nearer to the Main than Roatan, that from
+thence we might take a favourable Snatch to run over.
+
+Accordingly we went to Bonacco, and by that time we had been there
+about Five Days there came up a very hard North wind which blew
+exceeding Fierce, and lasted for about three Days; when the heaft of
+the Storm was over, we saw several Vessels standing in for the Harbour;
+their number and largeness made me hope they might be Friends, and now
+an opportunity was coming in which Deliverance might be perfected to me.
+
+The Larger Vessels came to Anchor at a great Distance off; but a
+Brigantine came over the Shoals, nearer in against the Watering place
+(for Bonacco as well as Roatan abounds with Water) which sent in her
+Boat with Cask for Water: I plainly saw they were Englishmen, and
+by their Garb & Air, and number, being but three Men in the Boat,
+concluded they were Friends, and shewed my self openly upon the Beech
+before them: as soon as they saw me they stop’d rowing, and called
+out to me to know who I was. I told them, and enquired who they were.
+They let me know they were honest Men, about their Lawful Business. I
+then called to them to come ashoar, for there was no Body here that
+would hurt them. They came ashoar, and a happy meeting it was for me.
+Upon enquiry I found that the Vessels were the Diamond Man-of-War,
+and a Fleet under his Convoy, bound to Jamaica, (many whereof she had
+parted with in the late Storm) which by the violence of the North had
+been forced so far Southward, and the Man-of-War wanting Water, by
+reason of the Sickness of her Men which occasioned a great Consumption
+of it, had touched here, and sent in the Brigantine to fetch off Water
+for her. Mr. Symonds, who at first kept at the other end of the Beech,
+about half a Mile off, (lest the three Men in the Boat should refuse to
+come ashoar, seeing two of us together), at length came up to us and
+became a sharer in my Joy, and yet not without some very considerable
+reluctance at the Thoughts of Parting. The Brigantine proved to be
+of Salem (within two or three Miles of my Fathers House) Capt. Dove,
+Commander, a Gentleman whom I knew. So now I had the prospect of a
+Direct Passage Home. I sent off to Capt. Dove, to know if he would give
+me a Passage home with him, and he was very ready to comply with my
+desire; and upon my going on Board him, besides the great Civilities
+he treated me with, he took me into pay; for he had lost a hand, and
+needed me to supply his place. The next Day the Man-of-War sent her
+Long Boat in, full of Cask, which they filled with Water, and put on
+Board the Brigantine, who carried them off to her. I had one Difficulty
+more to encounter with, which was to take leave of Mr. Symonds, Who
+Wept heartily at parting; but this I was forced to go thro’ for the Joy
+of getting Home.
+
+So the latter end of March 1725, we came to Sail, and kept Company with
+the Man-of-War, who was bound to Jamaica: the first of April we parted,
+and thro’ the good hand of GOD upon us came safe thro’ the Gulf of
+Florida, to Salem-Harbour, where we arrived upon Saturday-Evening, the
+first of May: Two Years, Ten Months and Fifteen Days, after I was first
+taken by the Pirate Low; and Two Years, and near two Months after I had
+made my Escape from him upon Roatan Island. I went the same Evening to
+my Father’s House, where I was received, as one coming to them from the
+Dead, with all Imaginable Surprise of Joy.
+
+Thus I have given you a Short Account, how GOD has Conducted me
+thro’ a great variety of Hardships and Dangers, and in all appeared
+Wonderfully Gracious to me. And I cannot but take notice of the strange
+concurrence of Divine Providence all along, in saving me from the Rage
+of the Pirates, and the Malice of the Spaniards, from the Beasts of the
+Field, and the Monsters of the Sea; in keeping me alive amidst so many
+Deaths, in such a lonely and helpless Condition; and in bringing about
+my Deliverance; the last Articles whereof are as peculiarly Remarkable
+as any;--I must be just then gone over to Bonacco; a Storm must drive
+a Fleet of Ships so far Southward; and their want of Water must oblige
+them to put in at the Island where I was:--and a Vessel bound to my own
+Home must come and take me in.--_Not unto Men and means, but unto thy
+Name, O Lord, be all the Glory!_ Amen.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[132] Nicholas Merritt was Ashton’s kinsman. He was the son of Nicholas
+and Elizabeth Merritt and born in Marblehead where he was baptized Mar.
+29, 1702 in the First Church. He served unwillingly on Low’s vessel and
+finally escaped at Saint Michael’s, in September, 1722, where he was
+imprisoned by the Portuguese authorities and not released until the
+following June. Making his way to Lisbon he at last reached home safely
+on September 28, 1723.
+
+[133] Joseph Libbie also served, unwillingly, at first. He was with Low
+in the “Rose Frigate,” when she was lost in careening in the spring of
+1723, and pulled Philip Ashton out of the water. He then served with
+Low’s consort, Capt. Charles Harris, in the sloop “Ranger,” and on
+June 10, 1723, with Harris and forty-two others, was taken by H. M.
+ship “Greyhound,” Capt. Peter Solgard, commander, between Block Island
+and Long Island, and brought into Newport, R. I. The pirates were duly
+tried and on Friday, July 19th, 1723, Captain Harris, Joseph Libbie and
+twenty-four others were hanged within the seamark inside of two hours.
+
+[134] Lawrence Fabens served, unwillingly, on the schooner “Fancy,”
+under Low, but succeeded in escaping at St. Nicholas in the fall of
+1722, shortly after Merritt escaped as is told elsewhere. He was
+probably the son of James and Johannah Fabians, born in Marblehead
+about 1702, where nine of his brothers and sisters were duly baptized
+in the First Church between 1688 and 1709.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIV
+
+NICHOLAS MERRITT’S[135] ACCOUNT OF HIS ESCAPE FROM PIRATES
+
+
+I was taken by the Pirate Low, at Port-Rossaway, at the same time my
+Kinsman Philip Ashton was; and while I continued under Low’s Custody
+was used much as he was; and all my entreaties of him to free me were
+but in vain; as you have seen something of in the foregoing History:
+So that I shall not enlarge in telling how it fared with me under the
+Pirates hands, but only give some short Account of the manner of my
+Escape from them, and what I met with afterwards till I Arrived at
+Marblehead, where I belong.
+
+Low had with him the Rose Pink, the Scooner, and a Sloop taken from
+one Pier of Bristol, and was standing away for Bonavista. I who was on
+board the Scooner had been greatly abused by an old Pirate, whom they
+called Jacob, but what his Sirname was I know not: I desired some that
+were upon occasion going on board Low, to acquaint him how much I was
+beat and abused by old Jacob; they did so; and Low ordered me to be put
+on board the Sloop. Thus the Foundation of my Escape was lay’d, and my
+Sufferings proved the means of my Deliverance.
+
+On board the Sloop there were Nine hands, (one of them a Portugue)
+whom Low had no Suspicion of, but thought he could trust them as much
+as any Men he had; and when I came on board I made the Tenth Man. We
+perceived that the Sloop greatly wronged both the Pink and Scooner,
+and there were Six of us (as we found by sounding one another at a
+distance) that wanted to get away. When we understood one anothers
+minds pretty fully, we resolved upon an Escape. Accordingly the Fifth
+of September, 1722, a little after break of Day, all hands being upon
+Deck, three of us Six went forward, and three aft, and one John Rhodes,
+who was a Stout hand, step’d into the Cabbin and took a couple of
+Pistols in his hands, and stood in the Cabbin Door, and said, If there
+were any that would go along with him, they should be welcome, for he
+designed to carry the Sloop home, and Surrender himself; but if any
+Man attempted to make resistance, he Swore he would shoot down the
+first Man that stirred. There being five of us that wanted to gain our
+Liberty, he was sure of us; and as for the other four they saw plainly
+it was in vain for them to attempt to oppose us. So we haled close upon
+a Wind, and stood away.
+
+When we parted with Low, we had but a very little Water aboard, and
+but two or three pieces of Meat among us all; but we had Bread eno’.
+We designed for England; but our want of Water was so great, being put
+to half a Point a Man, and that very muddy and foul, from the time we
+parted with Low, and meeting with no Vessel of whom we could beg a
+Supply, that it made us come to a Resolution to put in at the first
+Port: so we Steered for St. Michaels, where we Arrived September 26.
+
+So soon as we got in, we sent a Man or two ashoar, to inform who
+we were, and to get us some Provisions & Water. The Consul who was
+a French Protestant, with a Magistrate, and some other Officers
+came on board us, to whom we gave an Account of our selves, and our
+Circumstances. The Consul told us, there should not a Hair of our Heads
+be hurt. Upon which we were all carried ashoar, and examined before
+the Governor; but we understood nothing of their Language, and could
+make him no Answer, till one Mr. Gould a Linguistor was brought to us;
+and upon understanding our Case, the Governour cleared us. But the
+Crusidore, a sort of Superintendent over the Islands, whose power was
+Superiour to the Governours, refused to clear us, and put us in Jayl,
+where we lay 24 Hours.
+
+The next Day we were brought under Examination again, and then we
+had for our Linguistor one Mr. John Curre, who had formerly been in
+New-England. We gave them as full and distinct Account as we could,
+where, and when, we were severally taken and how we had made our Escape
+from the Pirates. They brought several Witnesses Portuguese against
+us, as that we had taken them, and had Personally been Active in the
+Caption and Abuse of them, which yet they agreed not in; only they
+generally agreed that they heard some of us Curse the Virgin Mary,
+upon which the Crusidore would have condemned us all for Pirates. But
+the Governour, who thought we had acted the honest part, interposed
+on our behalf, and said, that it was very plain, that if these Men
+had been Pirates, they had no need to have left Low, and under such
+Circumstances, and come in here, and resign themselves, as they did;
+they could have stayed with their Old Companions, and have been
+easily eno’ supplied with what they wanted; whereas their taking the
+first opportunity to get away from their Commander, and so poorly
+accommodated, was a proof to him, that we had no Piratical designs; and
+if he (the Crusidore) treated us at this rate, it was the way to make
+us, and all that had the unhappiness to fall into Pirates hands, turn
+Pirates with them. Yet all he could say would not wholly save us from
+the Angry Resentments of the Crusidore, who we thought was inflamed by
+the Portague that was among us. So he committed us all to Prison again:
+me with three others to the Castle, the rest to another Prison at some
+considerable distance off: and so much pains was taken to Swear us out
+of our Lives, that I altogether despaired of Escaping the Death of a
+Pirate; till a Gentleman, Capt. Littleton (if I mistake not) told me it
+was not in their power to hang us, and this comforted me a little.
+
+In this Prison we lay for about four Months, where, at first we had
+tolerable allowance, of such as it was, for our Subsistance; but
+after three Months time they gave us only one Meal a Day, of Cabbage,
+Bread, and Water boiled together, which they call Soop. This very
+scanty allowance put us out of Temper, and made us resolve rather
+than Starve, to break Prison, and make head against the Portuguese,
+and get some Victuals; for Hunger will break thro’ Stone Walls. The
+Governour understanding how we fared, told the Crusidore that we
+should stay in his Prison no longer, as the Castle peculiarly was; and
+greatly asserted our Cause, and urged we might be set at Liberty; but
+the Crusidore would not hearken as yet to the clearing us, tho’ he
+was forced to remove us from the Castle, to the Prison in which our
+Comrades were, where after they had allowed us about an hour’s converse
+together, they put us down into close Confinement; tho’ our allowance
+was a small matter better than it had been.
+
+Under all this Difficulty of Imprisonment, short allowance, and hard
+fare, false Witnesses, and fear lest I should still have my Life taken
+from me, (when I had flattered my self, that if I could but once set
+Foot upon a Christian shoar, I should be out of the reach of Danger) I
+had a great many uneasy Reflections. I thought no bodies case was so
+hard as mine: first to be taken by the Pirates, and threatened with
+Death for not Joyning with them; to be forced away, and suffer many a
+drubbing Bout among them for not doing as they would have me; to be
+in fears of Death for being among them, if we should be taken by any
+Superiour force; and now that I had designedly, and with Joy, made my
+Escape from them, to be Imprisoned and threatened with the Halter.
+Thought I, When can a Man be safe? He must look for Death to be found
+among Pirates; and Death seems as threatening, if he Escapes from them;
+where is the Justice of this! It seemed an exceeding hardship to me.
+Yet it made me Reflect, with Humility I hope, on the Justice of GOD in
+so Punishing of me for my Transgressions; for tho’ the tender Mercies
+of Man seemed to be Cruelty, yet I could not but see the Mercy and
+Goodness of GOD to me, not only in Punishing me less than I deserved,
+but in preserving me under many and sore Temptations, and at length
+delivering me out of the Pirates hands: and I had some hope that GOD
+would yet appear for me, and bring me out of my distress, and set my
+Feet in a large place.
+
+I thought my Case was exceedingly like that of the Psalmist; and the
+Meditation on some Verses in the XXXV. Psalm was a peculiar support
+to me: I thought I might say with him, False Witnesses did rise up,
+they laid to my charge things that I knew not; they rewarded me evil
+for good. But as for me, when they were taken (tho’ I don’t remember
+I had ever seen the Faces of any of them then) I humbled my self, and
+my Prayer returned into my own bosom; I behaved my self as tho’ they
+had been my friends, I bowed down heavily, as one that mourneth for
+his mother; but in my adversity they rejoyced, and gathered themselves
+together against me; yea, they opened their mouth wide against
+me,--they gnashed upon me with their teeth, and said Aba, Aba, our eye
+hath seen it,--so would we have it. But Lord how long wilt thou look
+on? preserve my Soul from their Destruction, let not them that are mine
+Enemies wrongfully rejoyce over me,--stir up thy Self and awake to
+my Judgment even unto my cause, my God and my Lord, and let them not
+rejoyce over me--and I will give thee thanks in the great Congregation;
+my tongue shall speak of thy Righteousness, and thy Praise all the day
+long.
+
+In the midst of all my other Calamities, after I had been in this
+Prison about two Months, I was taken down with the Small-Pox, and this
+to be sure was a very great addition to my Misery. I knew well how
+we dreaded this Distemper in my own Country: and thought I, how can I
+possibly escape with Life? To be seised with it in a Prison, where I
+had no Help, no Physician, nor any Provision suitable therefor; only
+upon my first being taken I sent word of it to the Consul, who was so
+kind as to send some Bundles of Straw for me to lye upon, instead of
+the hard Stones which as yet had been my Lodging; and the Portuguese
+gave me some Brandy, and Wine & Water to drive out the Pock. I was
+exceedingly dejected, and had nothing to do but to commit my self to
+the Mercy of GOD, and prepare my self for Death, which seemed to have
+laid hold upon me; for which way soever I looked, I could see nothing
+but Death in such a Distemper, under such Circumstances; and I could
+see the Portuguese how they stared upon me, looked sad, and shook their
+heads; which told me their apprehensions, that I was a Dead Man. Yet I
+had this comfort, that it was better to Die thus by the hand of GOD,
+than to Die a vile Death by the hand of Man, as if I had been one of
+the worst of Malefactors.
+
+But after all it pleased GOD in His Wonderful Goodness so to order
+it, that the Pock came out well, and filled kindly and then I had the
+comfort of seeing the Portuguese look more pleasant, and hearing them
+say, in their Language, that it was a good sort. In about five or six
+Days the Pock began to turn upon me, and then it made me very Sick,
+and at times I was something out of my Head; and having no Tender or
+Watcher, I got up in the Night to the Pail of Water to drink, which at
+another time, and in another place, would have been thought fatal to
+me; but GOD in infinite Mercy prevented my receiving any hurt thereby,
+and raised me up from this Sickness.
+
+After I recovered of this Illness, I was but in a weak Condition for a
+long time, having no other Nourishment and Comfort, than what a Jayl
+afforded, where I still lay for near three Months longer. At length,
+sometime in June, 1723, I was taken out of jayl, and had the Liberty
+of the Consul’s House given me, who treated me kindly and did not
+suffer me to want any thing that was necessary for my Support.
+
+While I was at Liberty, I understood there was one John Welch, an
+Irishman, bound to Lisbon, whom I desired to carry me thither. And in
+the latter end of June I set Sail in him for Lisbon, where we Arrived
+about the middle of July, after we had been 21 Days upon the Passage.
+When I had got to Lisbon, being almost Naked, I apply’d my self to the
+Envoy, told him my Condition and desired him to bestow some old Cloaths
+upon me. But he, (good Man!) said to me, that as I had Run away from
+the Pirates, I might go to Work for my Support, and provide my self
+with Cloaths as well as I could. And I found I must do so, for none
+would he give me. I had nothing against Working, but I should have
+been glad to have been put into a Working Garb; for I was sensible it
+would be a considerable while before I could purchase me any Cloaths,
+because Welch play’d me such an Irish trick, that he would not release
+me, unless I promised to give him the first Moidore I got by my Labour;
+tho’ I had wrought for him all the Passage over, and he knew my poor
+Circumstances; however when I came to Sail for New-England, Welch was
+better than his Word, and forgave me the Moidore, after I had been at
+the Labour of unloading his Vessel.
+
+I spent some time in Lisbon; at length I heard there was one Capt.
+Skillegorne bound to New-England, in whom I took my Passage home; who
+Clothed me for my Labour in my Passage. We touched in at Madara, and
+Arrived at Boston upon Wednesday, September 25, 1723. And I at my
+Father’s House in Marblehead the Saturday after.
+
+So had GOD been with me in six troubles, and in seven. He has suffered
+no evil to come nigh me. He has drawn me out of the Pit, Redeemed my
+Life from Destruction, and Crowned me with Loving Kindness and Tender
+Mercies; unto Him be the Glory for ever. Amen.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[135] Nicholas Merritt, tertius, the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth
+Merritt, was born in Marblehead and baptized Mar. 29, 1702, in the
+First Church. He married Jane or Jean Gifford in December, 1724, which
+may account for the name of the shallop “Jane,” which he commanded when
+taken, although he had a sister Jane, and also a sister Rebecca who
+married Robert Gifford, who was taken but released at Port Roseway.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XV
+
+FRANCIS FARRINGTON SPRIGGS, COMPANION OF CAPT. NED LOW
+
+
+Francis Farrington Spriggs is supposed to have sailed from London
+with Lowther, in March, 1721, in the ship “Gambia Castle,” and to
+have willingly followed him in his piratical venture. When Lowther
+joined forces with Ned Low in January, 1722, Spriggs was with him
+and when Lowther parted company with Low the following May, Spriggs
+seems to have thought Low a man after his own heart for he left his
+old commander and followed Low in the recently captured brigantine
+“Rebecca,” where he was made quartermaster. With Low he sailed along
+the New England coast and north to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland;
+then across the Atlantic to the Western Islands and back to the West
+Indies where, late in the year 1722, a Rhode Island-built sloop was
+captured which Low took over for his own command and Spriggs was given
+command of the Marblehead schooner “Fancy,” that had been taken at Port
+Roseway, Nova Scotia, in June. When Low and Spriggs had their narrow
+escape from capture by the man-of-war “Mermaid,” in February, 1723,
+Spriggs determined never to be taken and swore with a boon companion
+and pledged the oath in a bumper of rum, that when he saw there was
+no possibility of escaping they would set foot to foot and shoot one
+another and so cheat the halter.[136]
+
+Before long there was a falling out between Low and Spriggs or,
+possibly, Spriggs may have been taken sick or been wounded; at any
+rate, Charles Harris was in command of a sloop called the “Ranger,”
+when the pirate vessel appeared off the coast of South Carolina on
+May 27, 1723, and fortunate it was for Spriggs, for later on this
+disastrous foray Low deserted his consort under fire near the Rhode
+Island coast and the “Ranger” was captured and Harris and many of his
+crew were tried and hanged at Newport. Spriggs served with Low on this
+voyage, in his old station as quartermaster, until the ship “Delight”
+was taken, off the Guinea coast, in the late fall. She was well suited
+to their needs so four more guns were mounted on her and Spriggs was
+given command with a crew of about sixty men. Within two days Spriggs
+deserted Low--slipped away in the night--and for this reason. One of
+the crew had murdered a man in cold blood and Spriggs was for executing
+him as a punishment. Low, on the other hand, would not agree and so
+there was a heated quarrel that embittered Spriggs and led to his
+desertion.
+
+The next day Spriggs was elected captain of the company by popular
+vote, and a black flag was made with the same device as the ensign
+carried by Low, namely, a white skeleton holding in one hand an arrow
+piercing a bleeding heart and in the other hand an hour-glass. This
+flag they called the “Jolly Roger,” and when it was finished and
+hoisted to the masthead they fired all their guns in salute and sailed
+away to the West Indies in search of prey. Before long they overhauled
+a Portuguese bark that supplied some valuable plunder, but not content
+with that alone, Spriggs determined to torture the men by “sweating”
+them, a game that greatly diverted his piratical crew. Lighted candles
+were placed in a circle around the mizzenmast, between decks, and one
+by one the poor Portuguese were ordered to go inside the circle and run
+round and round the mast, while in a circle outside the candles stood
+the crew (as many as could crowd into line), armed with penknives,
+tucks,[137] forks, compasses, etc., and with roaring songs and
+boisterous laughter they pricked the terrified Portuguese as long as
+he was able to foot it. This usually lasted for ten minutes or more
+for the pirates took good care not to strike too deep and so kill their
+victims.[138] When the “sweating” was over the Portuguese were set
+adrift in a boat with a small quantity of provisions and their vessel
+was fired.
+
+[Illustration: “SWEATING” ON CAPT. SPRIGG’S PIRATE VESSEL
+
+From an engraving in “History and Lives of the Most Notorious Pirates,”
+by an old Seaman, London, n.d., in possession of Capt. Ernest H.
+Pentecost, R.N.R.]
+
+Near the island of St. Lucia, Spriggs took a sloop owned in the
+Barbadoes, which was plundered and burned. Some of the crew were forced
+and others who absolutely refused to go with him were cut and badly
+beaten and set adrift in a boat. Captain De Haws was taken in sight of
+Barbadoes and two of his men were forced--James Rush and Joseph Cooper,
+both born in London, England. Some of Spriggs’ crew told Captain De
+Haws that they had come away from Captain Low “on account of the
+Barbarity he used those he took.”[139] A Martinico vessel was the next
+capture. The men were abused in the usual manner, but their vessel was
+not burned.
+
+On March 22, 1724, a ship called the “Jolly Batchelor,” from Jamaica,
+commanded by Captain Hawkins, was taken near the island of Bonaco, as
+she was coming out of the Bay of Honduras. Her principal cargo was
+logwood, but her stores and ammunition were looted and what the pirates
+didn’t take they threw overboard or destroyed. In sheer mischief her
+cables were cut, the cabins knocked down and the cabin windows smashed.
+The first and second mates, Burrage and Stephens, and some of the
+men, were forced and on the 29th the ship was allowed to go. Two days
+before, however, a Newport, R. I. sloop, the “Endeavor,” commanded by
+Capt. Samuel Pike, Jr., came up and was ordered to lay by. The crew
+were forced and the mate Dixey Gross, “being a grave, sober man, and
+not inclinable to go, they told him he should have his Discharge,
+and that it should be immediately writ on his Back; whereupon he was
+sentenced to receive ten lashes from every Man in the Ship, which was
+vigorously put in Execution.”[140] Among those forced from the sloop
+were William Wood and Thomas Morris, a boy about twelve years old.
+Burrage, the first mate of Captain Hawkins’ ship, and a good navigator,
+is said to have signed their Articles.
+
+On April 2d, a sail was sighted and Spriggs gave chase. After several
+hours they came close to her and fired a couple of broadsides when
+a cry for quarter came from the ship and soon she was found to be
+commanded by Captain Hawkins who had been looted and sent away only
+three days before. This was such a disappointment that when the captain
+came on board they laid for him with their cutlasses and soon he was
+flat on the deck. Before he received a fatal blow, Burrage pushed in
+among them and begged for the captain’s life and he having just shown
+himself the right sort by signing their Articles his request was heeded
+and Captain Hawkins was pulled to his feet. A bonfire was made of
+his ship, however, and a little later, desiring more diversion, the
+unfortunate Hawkins was sent down to the cabin for supper. This turned
+out to be a dish of candles which he was forced to swallow and then, in
+order to aid digestion, the poor man was thrown about the cabin until
+he was covered with bruises and afterward sent forward amongst the
+other prisoners.
+
+Two days later Spriggs reached the small island of Roatan in the Bay of
+Honduras. It was uninhabited and here he put ashore Captain Hawkins,
+his boatswain, and an old man who had been a passenger on his ship and
+who afterwards died on the island of the hardships he had undergone.
+With them went Capt. Samuel Pike of the Rhode Island sloop and his mate
+Dixey Gross, Simon Fulmore, a sailor, and James Nelley, one of the
+pirate crew with whom Spriggs was at odds.[141] The marooned men were
+given an old musket and a small supply of powder and ball with which
+to make shift as best they could and Spriggs and his crew then sailed
+away. Captain Hawkins and his companions supplied themselves with fish
+and fowl and lived in comparative comfort for the next ten days, when
+two men in a dugout canoe came in sight and after a time answered their
+signals. These men conveyed them to another island which had better
+water and plenty of fish and twelve days later the sloop “Merriam,”
+Captain Jones, came in sight and answered their smoke signals. He stood
+in and took them off and by this timely rescue they all finally reached
+Jamaica safely. It is a curious coincidence that Captain Hawkins should
+have been marooned on the island of Roatan only four days after Philip
+Ashton, the Marblehead fisherman who had lived a solitary life on the
+same island for nine months, sailed from the nearby island of Bonaco,
+homeward bound, as is told in another chapter.
+
+From Roatan, Spriggs sailed westward to another small island where
+he cleaned his ship and then steered a course for the island of St.
+Christopher, proposing to lay in wait for Captain Moore who had
+surprised Captain Lowther while his vessel was on careen at the island
+of Blanco. Spriggs had resolved to catch Captain Moore, if possible,
+and put him to death for being the cause of the death of Lowther, his
+brother pirate. Instead of Captain Moore, however, a French man-of-war
+was found by Spriggs to be on the coast and not fancying such company
+Spriggs crowded on all sail with the Frenchman after him. During the
+chase the man-of-war unfortunately lost her main-topmast and so Spriggs
+escaped the intended interview. Standing now to the northward, towards
+Bermuda, Spriggs overhauled on April 30th, a schooner owned in New York
+and commanded by Capt. William Richardson, who reported after reaching
+Boston, that Spriggs had told him that he intended to ravage the
+northern coasts and sink or burn all the vessels he took northward of
+Philadelphia.[142] Captain Durell, in His Majesty’s ship “Sea Horse,”
+was ordered to make sail at once in quest of Spriggs.
+
+On May 2, 1724, the Boston owned brigantine “Daniel,” John Hopkins in
+Command, was homeward bound in latitude 33° and near Bermuda, when a
+strange sail fired a gun and soon hoisted a black flag. The pirate
+ship was crowded with men and resistance was out of reason so Captain
+Hopkins ordered his boat lowered and went aboard the ship. After
+rifling the brigantine it was burned. Joseph Cole of Beverly, Mass.,
+and Benjamin Wheeler of Boston, seamen on board the “Daniel,” were
+forced “notwithstanding their importunate Prayers & Tears to him to
+dismiss them.”[143] Spriggs swore to the master that “he designed to
+encrease his Company on the Banks of Newfoundland, and then would sail
+for the coast of New England in quest of Captain Solgard, who attack’d
+and took their Consort Charles Harris; Spriggs being then in Low’s
+sloop, very fairly run for it.”[144] Two days later Captain Hopkins
+and his men, including John Bovewe and Elias Tozer, were put aboard a
+Philadelphia sloop bound for Jamaica which in time they reached safely
+and in April of the following year they were in Boston again.
+
+Instead of going to Newfoundland, as he had threatened, Spriggs stood
+to the windward of St. Christopher’s and on June 4, 1724, took a
+sloop, Nicholas Trot, master, belonging to St. Eustatia. The plunder
+of the vessel didn’t amount to much so the pirates thought they would
+amuse themselves by fastening a rope around the men’s bodies, one by
+one, and after hoisting them as high as the main- and foretops by
+letting go of the ropes the unfortunate wretches would fall tumbling
+to the deck with force enough to break skins and smash bones. After
+the men were well crippled by this usage Captain Trot was given his
+sloop and told to clear out. A week later, a Rhode Island ship bound
+for St. Christopher’s was taken. She was loaded with provisions and
+some horses, which the pirate crew soon mounted and rode about the
+deck, backwards and forwards, at full gallop, cursing and howling
+like demons, which soon made the animals so wild that they threw their
+riders and spoiled the sport. They then turned to the ship’s crew and
+whipped and cut them in a wicked manner, saying, that it was because
+boots and spurs had not been brought with the horses that they were not
+able to ride like gentlemen.
+
+Captain Spriggs was seldom lacking in boldness and next he cruised off
+Port Royal in the island of Jamaica and made one or two minor captures.
+Two men-of-war at anchor in port were ordered out and the commander of
+one of them, Capt. James Wyndham of the “Diamond,” ordered a course set
+for the Bay of Honduras, thinking that Spriggs might return to his old
+haunts. This proved to be correct for when the man-of-war sailed into
+the Bay, Spriggs and his crew were there busily engaged in plundering
+ten or twelve vessels that had been loading logwood. The pirates were
+completely surprised and but feebly returned the fire of the man-of-war
+and soon considered it wiser to get out their sweeps and row into shoal
+water and so they at last escaped, there being but little wind. This
+took place the latter part of September, 1724. Spriggs at that time was
+in command of his ship, the “Batchelor’s Delight,” and had with him as
+consort, a sloop commanded by Captain Shipton. During the encounter
+they had six men killed and five or six wounded. Capt. John Cass, when
+he reached Newport, R. I., from the Bay of Honduras, the first of
+December following, brought an account of this affair and reported to
+his owners the information that “a Spanish half Galley with about 50
+Men on board, and a Perriagoe with 26 Men, now in the Bay of Honduras,
+lye in obscure Places & Key’s to take vessels in their way there.”[145]
+All these dangers to New England shipping must have added greatly to
+the market value of logwood chips.
+
+After escaping from the “Diamond” man-of-war, Spriggs sailed for the
+Bahama Channel and on the voyage ran very short of provisions. He took
+a sloop in the service of the South Sea Company, bound from Jamaica
+to Havana, with negro slaves, and later a ship bound for Newport, R.
+I., Capt. Richard Durffie, master. Spriggs proposed to put all the
+negroes on board Captain Durffie’s vessel but the captain urgently
+represented his want of sufficient provisions and the danger that they
+all would perish by starvation and at last Spriggs transferred to his
+ship only ten of the slaves and then let him go. Durffie put in to
+South Carolina for fresh supplies and while there Capt. Jeremiah Clarke
+of Newport, met him and brought home the news of his capture. Spriggs
+and Shipton continued on their course towards the Bahamas and off the
+western end of Cuba were so unfortunate as to again meet the “Diamond”
+man-of-war, still in pursuit of them. As the wind lay their only means
+of escape was to make for the Florida shore where Shipton’s sloop was
+run aground near the Cape and lost. This sloop was owned in Newport, R.
+I., and was in command of Jonathan Barney at the time she was taken by
+Spriggs. When the sloop went ashore she carried 12 guns and seventy or
+more men all of whom reached land safely only to fall into the hands
+of the Indians, except Shipton and ten or a dozen others who escaped
+in the ship’s canoe and finally reached Cuba.[146] It was said at the
+time that the Indians killed and ate sixteen of the pirates and that
+forty-nine were taken and carried to Havana; but why the “Diamond,” an
+English man-of-war, should carry English pirates to a Spanish port is
+not explained in any of the newspaper accounts of the affair. About two
+thousand pounds value in gold fell a prize to the “Diamond.”
+
+[Illustration: PIRATES KILLING A CAPTURED MAN
+
+From an old mezzotint in the possession of Capt. E. H. Pentecost,
+R.N.R.]
+
+[Illustration: FIGHT ON A PIRATE SHIP
+
+From an old mezzotint in the possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost,
+R.N.R.]
+
+Spriggs, by good seamanship, was able to make his escape and in some
+way afterwards picked up Shipton and the few men who escaped with him
+and made his way back to the Bay of Honduras where on Dec. 23, 1724, in
+company with Shipton, who at that time was in command of a perriagua
+with ten white men and three or four negroes, he descended on the
+logwood ships in the Bay and took sixteen vessels, one of which,
+commanded by Capt. Kelsey, he burned. The captain was given a long-boat
+and it being fair weather, he reached the uninhabited island of Bonaco
+safely, from which he and his crew afterwards were rescued by a passing
+sloop. Shipton took the ship “Mary and John,” of Boston, Thomas Glen,
+master, and after plundering her, carried away the master and put him
+on board a Boston sloop, Ebenezer Kent, master, which he had taken the
+same day, intending to sail for the rendezvous at the island of Roatan.
+The mate of the “John and Mary,” Matthew Perry, he left on board with
+his hands tied behind him and later ordered three of his pirates,
+together with two forced men, Nicholas Simons and Jonathan Barlow, all
+double armed, to take possession of the “John and Mary” and follow him
+to the rendezvous. Simons was to be the navigator and commander. But
+after Shipton had gone, Simons and Barlow untied Perry’s hands and
+proposed that together they attempt to kill the three pirates who had
+come on board with them and if successful, to make a course for some
+English port. The mate at once consented and Barlow gave him a pistol
+and he started for the steerage where one of the pirates was rummaging.
+Coming up behind him he snapped his pistol but unfortunately it missed
+fire. The pirate had four pistols in his belt and immediately drawing
+one he aimed it at Perry before he could reach the ladder. Strangely
+enough this pistol, too, missed fire. Simons was in the cabin at the
+time and hearing the snapping of the flints came rushing in crying,
+“In the name of God and His Majesty King George, let us go on with our
+design.” He shot dead the pirate who had attempted to kill the mate and
+told another of the pirates who was present, if he made any resistance
+he would kill him too. Meanwhile, Barlow and some of the ship’s company
+had killed the third pirate. They then cut their cable and made the
+best of their way to deep water and with no further adventures reached
+Newport, R. I., the last of January, 1725.[147] After their arrival,
+the circumstantial accounts of Simons and Barlow were published at
+length in the Boston newspapers.
+
+Simons claimed that he was the humble instrument that brought about the
+disaster to the sloop commanded by Shipton, that was chased ashore on
+the Florida coast, and that while in Spriggs’ company he and Barlow had
+been treated “very barbarously; made to eat candles with the wick, and
+often threatened to take away their lives.”[148] Barlow also related
+that he had been forced by Low and afterwards served in Spriggs’ and
+Shipton’s companies. He said Low had abused him, had knocked out one
+of his teeth with a pistol and threatened to shoot down his throat,
+“whereupon Barlow fell and was taken up sick which held him three
+months.” He also repeated the story of the discarding of Low by his men
+and his having been sent away with two other pirates in a French sloop
+and nothing had been heard from him since.[149]
+
+After Spriggs and Shipton made their captures in the Bay of Honduras
+on Dec. 23, 1724, but little is known as to their later movements. In
+April, 1725, a captain arriving at New York brought the report that
+Spriggs was yet roving and had five vessels in his fleet. Early in
+May, 1725, Captain MacKarty reached Boston from Jamaica, and reported
+that not long before he had spoken a pink off the South Carolina coast
+that had been taken by Spriggs, who was in a ship mounting twelve guns
+with a crew of thirty-five men. Several vessels had been captured and
+burned or sunk and the crews had been put aboard the pink and sent
+away. The master of the pink told Captain MacKarty that Spriggs was
+using his prisoners barbarously and that he threatened to be on the
+New England coast very soon after.[150] The threatened raid did not
+materialize and Spriggs and Shipton both dropped out of sight and we
+now have no information as to what became of them save the rumor that
+reached Boston a year later that they both had been marooned by their
+men and “were got among the Musketoo Indians.”[151] And this may have
+been their fate, for Spriggs’ quartermaster, one Philip Lyne, was
+in command of a pirate sloop mounting ten carriage guns and sixteen
+swivels and carrying forty men which was making captures on the banks
+off the Newfoundland coast in the summer of 1725. This sloop had been
+one of Spriggs’ consorts on the South Carolina coast earlier in the
+year and appears to have deserted him. On June 30th, Lyne took the ship
+“Thomasine,” Capt. Samuel Thorogood, bound for London from Boston, on
+which were four passengers and after plundering and destroying most of
+the ship’s lading and forcing five of the crew to sign his Articles,
+he allowed the ship to go free with only a small store of stinking
+provisions and a little water.[152] Lyne also took a Rhode Island
+sloop, Captain Casey, which was burned and the master and men were
+forced to go aboard the pirate vessel which then headed for the Cape
+Verde islands. Lyne probably followed the example of Low and Lowther
+and from there set a course for the Guiana coast, for in October,
+1725 he was captured by two sloops fitted out at Curacao. During the
+engagement a number of the pirates were killed but Lyne and four others
+were “hanged by the neck until dead,” by the Dutch authorities on the
+island, to the great satisfaction of all who had ever met them on the
+high seas.[153]
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[136] See chapter on Philip Ashton.
+
+[137] A short sword. Sometimes a rapier is called a tuck.
+
+[138] “Sweating” generally was used to force information as to the
+location of concealed valuables.
+
+[139] _Boston Gazette_, Apr. 20, 1724.
+
+[140] Johnson, _History of the Pirates_, London, 1726.
+
+[141] _Boston News-Letter_, July 23, 1724.
+
+[142] _Boston News-Letter_, May 21, 1724.
+
+[143] _Boston News-Letter_, Apr. 15, 1725.
+
+[144] Johnson, _History of the Pirates_, London, 1726.
+
+[145] _Boston News-Letter_, Dec. 10, 1724.
+
+[146] _Boston News-Letter_, Feb. 11, 1725; Oct. 7, 1725.
+
+[147] _New England Courant_, Feb. 8, 1725 and _Boston News-Letter_,
+Feb. 11, 1725.
+
+[148] _Boston News-Letter_, Feb. 11, 1725.
+
+[149] _Boston News-Letter_, Feb. 11, 1725.
+
+[150] _New England Courant_, May 18, 1725.
+
+[151] _New England Courant_, Apr. 30, 1726.
+
+[152] _Boston News-Letter_, Sept. 16, 1725.
+
+[153] _New England Courant_, Jan. 8, 1726.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVI
+
+CHARLES HARRIS WHO WAS HANGED AT NEWPORT WITH TWENTY-FIVE OF HIS CREW
+
+
+On the 10th of January, 1722, the good ship “Greyhound” of Boston in
+the Massachusetts Bay, Benjamin Edwards, commander, was homeward bound.
+She was loaded with logwood and only one day out from the coast of
+Honduras where the crew had been worked hard for several weeks loading
+the many boatloads of heavy, thorny-growthed, blood-red wood. Early
+in the morning the lookout had sighted a ship headed toward them and
+while not plantation built she attracted no particular attention until
+it was seen that her course was slightly changed to conform to that of
+the “Greyhound,” or rather, it would seem, to intersect the course on
+which the “Greyhound” was sailing. As the ship drew nearer, a long look
+through the perspective revealed a heavily-manned vessel of English
+build and Captain Edwards thought it best to order all hands on deck.
+Soon the stranger ran up a black flag having a skeleton on it and fired
+a gun for the “Greyhound” to bring to.
+
+West India waters had been plagued for many years by piratical gentry
+and the Boston captain had heard many terrifying tales of their
+barbarous cruelties to masters and seamen but he was a dogged type of
+man and so at once prepared to defend his ship. The pirate edged down
+a bit and shortly gave the “Greyhound” a broadside of eight guns which
+Captain Edwards bravely returned and for nearly an hour the give and
+take continued at long gunshot without much damage to either vessel.
+Finding that the pirate was more heavily armed than the “Greyhound,”
+and her decks showing many men, Captain Edwards began to reckon the
+consequences of a too stubborn resistance, for it seemed likely that
+eventually he must surrender, barring, of course, lucky chance shot
+from his guns that might cut down a mast on the pirate ship. At last he
+ordered his ensign to be struck and hove to. Two boatloads of armed men
+soon came aboard and searched the ship for anything of value. The loot
+was not great for the New England logwood ships had little opportunity
+for trade or barter and the disappointment of the pirate crews was soon
+spit out on the men. Whenever one came within reach of the cutlass of
+a pirate he would receive a swinging slash across shoulders or arms,
+or perhaps, a blow on the head with the flat of the blade that would
+fell him half-senseless to the deck. By way of diversion two of the
+unoffending sailors were triced up at the foot of the mainmast and
+lashed until the blood ran from their backs. Captain Edwards and his
+men were then ordered into the boats and sent on board the pirate ship
+and the “Greyhound” was set on fire.
+
+The rogue proved to be the “Happy Delivery,” commanded by Capt. George
+Lowther and manned by a strange assortment of English sailors and
+soldiers with a sprinkling of New England men. As soon as the men from
+the “Greyhound” reached her deck they were given a mug of rum and
+invited to join the pirate crew. This was habitually done at that time
+by these outlaws and frequently a nimble sailor would be forced and
+compelled to serve with the pirates against his will. The first mate
+of the “Greyhound” was Charles Harris, born in London, England, then
+about twenty-four years old and a man who understood navigation. He,
+with four others, Christopher Atwell, Henry Smith, Joseph Willis and
+David Lindsay, was forced and Captain Edwards and the rest of his crew,
+with other captured men, were put on board another logwood vessel and
+permitted to make the best of their way home. In a day or two, Harris,
+beguiled by the adventurous spirit of the ship’s company, was persuaded
+to sign the Articles of the “Happy Delivery,” when again asked to do
+so by Captain Lowther. He proved to be so capable a man, when several
+captures were made, that ten days later, when a Jamaican sloop was
+taken, Lowther decided to retain her and give the command to Harris and
+to this he readily acceded.
+
+The mate of the “Happy Delivery” was Ned Low, a young Englishman who
+had lived in Boston for a few years and not long before this time had
+deserted from a logwood ship in the Bay and happening to meet Lowther
+had joined him in a career of robbery and murder. Just before the
+Jamaican sloop was taken, a Rhode Island sloop of about one hundred
+tons was captured and as she was newly built was taken over by Lowther
+and armed with eight carriage guns and ten swivels and the command
+given to Low.
+
+The career of Harris during the next fourteen months closely follows
+that of Lowther and Low and may be traced in the narrative of their
+adventures. He soon lost his sloop when it was abandoned at sea in the
+gulf of Matique and May 28th, 1722, when Lowther and Low separated,
+Harris cast his lot with Low and sailed north with him along the New
+England coast to Nova Scotia and then across the Atlantic to the
+Western Islands, where a large Portuguese pink was taken and retained
+and the command of the schooner “Fancy”[154] given to Harris. These two
+scoundrels cruised together for some time making several captures and
+at length reached the Triangles off the South American coast, eastward
+of Surinam, and here the pink was lost while being careened and both
+crews went on board the schooner where Low again assumed command.
+Before long a large Rhode Island-built sloop was captured which Low
+took over and having had a falling out with Harris, the command of the
+schooner “Fancy” was given to Francis Farrington Spriggs, who had been
+serving as quartermaster.
+
+Harris now drops out of sight for about five months. He may have been
+wounded or sick at the time Spriggs was given his command, at any rate,
+no mention of his name has been found until May 27, 1723, when he
+appeared off the South Carolina coast in command of the sloop “Ranger,”
+lately commanded by Spriggs. Captain Low was sailing in company with
+him in the sloop “Fortune,” and together they took three ships. About
+three weeks before, they had captured the ship “Amsterdam Merchant,”
+from Jamaica but owned in New England. The master was John Welland of
+Boston and after he had been on board the “Ranger” for some three hours
+he was transferred to the “Fortune,” where Low vented his spite against
+New Englanders by cutting the captain about the body with his cutlass
+and slashing off his right ear. A month later, at the trial of Captain
+Harris at Newport, R. I., this Captain Welland was the principal
+witness against him. He deposed that he had been chased by two sloops
+and that one of them came up with him and after hoisting a blue flag
+had taken him. This was the “Ranger,” with Harris in command. He had
+been ordered aboard the pirate sloop and had gone with four of his men.
+The quartermaster had examined him and asked how much money he had on
+board, and he had replied “About £150 in gold and silver.” This money
+was taken away by the pirates. Meanwhile Captain Low in the “Fortune,”
+came up and Welland was sent aboard to be interrogated where he was
+greatly abused. The next day, after taking out a negro, some beef
+and other stores, the “Amsterdam Merchant” was sunk. While the three
+vessels were lying near each other, Captain Estwick of Piscataqua, N.
+H., came in sight and soon fell into the clutches of Low and Harris.
+His ship was plundered but not destroyed and in this vessel Captain
+Welland and his men at last reached Portsmouth.
+
+Off the Capes of the Delaware other minor captures were made by Low
+and steering eastward along the Long Island shore early on the morning
+of the 10th of June a large ship was sighted which soon changed its
+course and the two pirate sloops at once followed in pursuit. What
+then took place may best be told in the words of the newspaper account
+written at the time.
+
+“Rhode Island, June 14. On the 11th Instant arrived here His Majesty’s
+Ship Grayhound, Capt. Peter Solgard Commander, from his Cruize at Sea
+and brought in a Pirate Sloop of 8 Guns, Barmudas built, 42 White Men
+and 6 Blacks, of which number eight were wounded in the Engagement and
+four killed; the Sloop was commanded by one Harris, very well fitted,
+and loaded with all sorts of Provisions: One of the wounded Pirates
+died, on board of the Man of War, with an Oath on his Departure; thirty
+lusty bold young Fellows, were brought on shore, and received by one of
+the Town Companys under Arms guarding them to the Goal, and all are now
+in Irons under a strong Guard. The Man of War had but two Men wounded,
+who are in a brave way of Recovery.
+
+“Here follows an Account (from on board of the Man of War) of the
+Engagement between Capt. Solgard and the two Pirates Sloops: Capt.
+Solgard being informed by a Vessel, that Low the Pirate, in a Sloop of
+10 Guns & 70 Men, with his Consort of 8 Guns and 48 Men, had sailed off
+the East End of Long-Island: The Capt. thereupon steered his Course
+after them; and on the 10th Currant, half an hour past 4 in the Morning
+we saw two Sloops N. 2 Leagues distance, the Wind W.N.W. At 5 we tack’d
+and stood Southward, and clear’d the Ship, the Sloops giving us Chase,
+at half an hour past 7 we tack’d to the Northward, with little Wind,
+and stood down to them; at 8 a Clock they each fired a Gun, and hoisted
+a Black Flag; at half an hour past 8 on the near approach of the Man
+of War, they haul’d it down, (fearing a Tartar) and put up a Bloody
+Flag, stemming with us distant 3 quarters of a Mile: We hoisted up
+our Main-Sail and made easy Sail to the Windward, received their Fire
+several times; but when a breast we gave them ours with round & grape
+Shot, upon which the head Sloop edg’d Away, as did the other soon
+after, and we with them. The Fire continued on both sides for about an
+hour; but when they hall’d from us with the help of their Oars, we left
+off Firing, and turned to Rowing with 86 Hands, and half an Hour past
+Two in the Afternoon we came up with them; when they clapt on a Wind to
+receive us; we again kept close to Windward, and ply’d them warmly with
+small and grape shot; and during the Action we fell between them, and
+having shot down one of their Main Sails we kept close to him, and at 4
+a Clock he call’d for Quarters; at 5 having got the Prisoners on board,
+we continued to Chase the other Sloop, when at 8 a Clock in the Evening
+he bore from us N.W. by W. two Leagues, when we lost sight of him near
+Block Island. One Desperado was for blowing up this Sloop rather than
+surrendering, and being hindered, he went forward, and with his Pistol
+shot out his own Brains.
+
+“Capt. Solgard designing to make sure of one of the Pirate Sloops, if
+not both, took this, seeming to be the Chief, but proved otherwise, and
+if we had more Day-light the other of Low’s had also been taken, she
+being very much batter’d; and ’tis tho’t he was slain, with his Cutlas
+in his hand, encouraging his Men in the Engagement to Fight, and that a
+great many more Men were kill’d and wounded in her, than the other we
+took.
+
+“The Two Pirate Sloops Commanded by the said Low and Harris intended
+to have boarded the Man of War, but he plying them so successfully
+they were discouraged, and endeavoured all they could to escape,
+notwithstanding they had sworn Damnation to themselves, if they should
+give over Fighting, tho’ the Ship should even prove to be a Man of War.
+They also intended to have hoisted their Standard upon Block-Island,
+but we suppose now, there will be a more sutable Standard hoisted for
+those that are taken, according to their Desarts.
+
+“On the 12th Currant Capt. Solgard was fitting out again to go in
+the Quest of the said Low the other Pirate Sloop, (having the Master
+of this with him, he knowing what Course they intended by Agreement
+to Steer, in order to meet with a third Consort) which, we hope he’ll
+overtake and bring in.”--_Boston News-Letter_, June 20, 1723.
+
+The _New England Courant_ of Boston, Franklin’s paper, printed a
+similar account of the fight and capture and also mentioned the fact
+that Joseph Sweetser of Charlestown was one of the men taken and that
+both he and Charles Harris, “who is the Master or Navigator,” had
+previously been advertised in the public prints as forced men, with one
+or two more of the company. A week later the _Courant_ published a list
+of the names of the men, as follows:--
+
+    “An Account of the Names, Ages, and places of Birth of those
+    Men taken by his Majesty’s Ship Greyhound, in the Pirate Sloop
+    called the Ranger, and now confined in his Majesty’s Gaol in
+    Rhode-Island.
+
+      _Names_                 _Ages_       _Places of Birth_
+    William Blades              28      Rhode Island
+    Thomas Powel, Gunner        21      Wethersfield, Conn.
+    John Wilson                 23      New London County
+    Daniel Hyde                 23      Eastern Shore of Virginia
+    Henry Barnes                22      Barbadoes
+    Stephen Mundon              29      London
+    Thomas Huggit               24      London
+    William Read                35      London-derry, Ireland
+    Peter Kewes                 32      Exeter, England
+    Thomas Jones                17      Flint, Wales
+    James Brinkley              28      Suffolk, England
+    Joseph Sawrd                28      Westminster
+    John Brown                  17      Leverpool
+    William Shutfield           40      Leicestershire, Engl.
+    Edward Eaton                38      Wreaxham, Wales
+    John Brown                  29      County of Durham, Engl.
+    Edward Lawson               20      Isle of Man
+    Owen Rice                   27      South Wales
+    John Tomkins                23      Glocestshire, Engl.
+    John Fitz-Gerald            21      County of Limerick, Irela.
+    Abraham Lacey               21      Devonshire, Engl.
+    Thomas Linisker             21      Lancashire, Engl.
+    Thomas Reeve                30      County of Rutland, Engl.
+    John Hinchard, Doctor       22      Near Edinburg, N. Brit.
+    Joseph Sweetser (forc’d)    24      Boston, New-England
+    Francis Layton              39      New-York
+    John Walters, Quar. Master  35      County of Devon
+    William Jones               28      London
+    Charles Church              21      Westminster
+    Tom Umper, an Indian        21      Marthas Vineyard
+                         In all 30
+
+                             --_New England Courant_, June 24, 1723.
+
+The following seven were held on board the “Grayhound” by Captain
+Solgard, who hoped through them to take Low. They were brought back to
+Newport and gaoled on July 11th. One of the pirates died in gaol on
+July 15th.
+
+    Charles Harris, Captain     25      London
+    Thomas Hazell               50      ----
+    John Bright                 25      ----
+    Joseph Libbey               21      Marblehead
+    Patrick Cunningham          25      ----
+    John Fletcher               17      ----
+    Thomas Child                15      ----
+
+When the news of this great capture of pirates reached the seaport
+towns along the New England shore there was much rejoicing. Nothing
+like it had ever happened in the history of the Colonies and to be
+accused of piracy at that time, with any show of evidence, was very
+nearly equivalent to being found guilty, so a great gathering of people
+was assured for the hanging soon to follow.
+
+Three weeks later the Honorable William Dummer, Esq.,
+Lieutenant-Governor and Commander in Chief of His Majesty’s Province
+of the Massachusetts Bay in New England, together with divers members
+of His Majesty’s Council and other gentlemen from that Province
+came riding into the town of Newport, and with Governor Cranston of
+Rhode Island and other judges duly commissioned by Act of Parliament
+proceeded to open a Court of Admiralty for the trial of the pirates.
+The trial was held in the town house on Wednesday morning, July 10,
+1723. The Court was authorized by Act of Parliament made 11 and 12
+William III; made perpetual by Act of 6 George I. The Court organized,
+and then adjourned until eight oclock in the morning of the next
+day--when Charles Harris and twenty-seven others were brought to the
+bar and arraigned for acts of felony, piracy and robbery.
+
+[Illustration: WILLIAM DUMMER, LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS,
+WHO PRESIDED AT THE TRIAL OF CAPT. CHARLES HARRIS FOR PIRACY
+
+From the portrait by Robert Feke in possession of the Trustees of
+Dummer Academy]
+
+The facts connected with the taking of the ship “Amsterdam Merchant,”
+with the presence in court of the master and some of his men, were
+in themselves sufficient to hang the accused. Captain Solgard of the
+man-of-war, who had fought with the accused pirates and captured them,
+also testified as did his lieutenant and surgeon. The presence of these
+men in court together with the reputed facts of the chase and capture
+decided the case in the minds of the people before the evidences were
+offered or the verdict rendered. John Valentine, the Advocate General
+for the King, presented the articles which accused the prisoners of
+piratically surprising and seizing the ship “Amsterdam Merchant,” and
+carrying away beef, gold and silver and a negro slave named Dick;
+cutting off Captain Welland’s right ear and afterwards sinking the ship
+valued at one thousand pounds. They were also accused of piratically
+attacking His Majesty’s ship, the “Grey Hound,” and wounding seven of
+his men.
+
+The prisoners were not represented by counsel, but they all pleaded
+“not guilty,” and fourteen of them were ordered tried at that very
+session, so the Advocate General addressed the Court as follows:--
+
+“May it please your honor, and the rest of the honorable judges, of this
+court.
+
+“The prisoners at the bar stand articled against and are prosecuted
+for, several felonious piracies and robberies by them committed upon
+the high sea. To which they severally pleaded not guilty.
+
+“The crime of piracy is a robbery (for piracy is a sea term for
+robbery) committed within the jurisdiction of the admiralty.
+
+“And a pirate is described to be one who to enrich himself either by
+surprise or open force, sets upon merchants and others trading by sea,
+to spoil them of their goods and treasure, often times by sinking their
+vessels, as the case will come out before you.
+
+“This sort of criminals are engaged in a perpetual war with every
+individual, with every state, christian or infidel; they have no
+country, but by the nature of their guilt, separate themselves,
+renouncing the benefit of all lawful society, to commit these heinous
+crimes. The Romans therefore justly styled them, _Hostes humoni
+generis_ enemies of mankind, and indeed they are enemies and armed,
+against themselves, a kind of _felons de se_--importing something more
+than a natural death.
+
+“These unhappy men satiated with the number and notoriety of their
+crimes, had filled up the measure of their guilt, when by the
+Providence of Almighty God, and through the valor and conduct of
+Captain Solgard, they were delivered up to the sword of justice.
+
+“The Roman Emperors in their edicts made this piece of service so
+eminent for the public good, as meritorious as any act of piety, or
+religious worship whatsoever.
+
+“And ’twill be said for the honor and reputation of this colony (though
+of late scandalously reproached, to have favored or combined with
+pirates), and be evinced by the process and event of this affair, that
+such flagitious persons find as little countenance, and as much justice
+at Rhode Island, as in any other part of his Majestie’s dominions.
+
+“But your time is more precious than my words, I will not misspend it
+in attempting to set forth the aggravations of this complex crime, big
+with every enormity, nor in declaring the mischiefs and evil tendencies
+of it; for you better know these things before I mention them; and I
+consider to whom I speak, and that the judgment is your honors.
+
+“I shall therefore call the King’s evidences to prove the several
+facts, as so many distinct acts of piracy charged on Prisoners, not by
+light circumstances and presumptions, not by strained and unfounded
+conjectures, but by clear and postive evidence: and then I doubt not,
+since for ’tis the interest of mankind, that these crimes should be
+punished; your honors will do justice to the prisoners, this colony,
+and the rest of the world in pronouncing them guilty, and in passing
+sentence upon them according to law.”
+
+Capt. John Welland then testified as to the facts attending the capture
+of his ship. He also said that Henry Barnes, one of the prisoners at
+the bar, was forced out of his ship at the time it was taken and was
+“very low and weak” and when on board Captain Estwick’s vessel (in
+which they had at last reached Portsmouth) Barnes had tried to get away
+and hid himself. But the pirates threatened to burn the ship unless he
+was given up so Barnes was compelled to go on board the pirate sloop.
+Barnes had cried and “took on very much” and asked the mate of the
+“Amsterdam Merchant” to notify his three sisters living in Barbadoes
+that he was a forced man and also very sick and weak at the time. The
+mate and the ship’s carpenter confirmed the captain’s testimony that
+all the pirates were “harnessed, that is, armed with guns, etc.”
+
+Capt. Peter Solgard, Lieut. Edward Smith, and Archibald Fisher,
+“Chirsurgeon” of the “Grey-Hound Man of War,” testified to the
+well-known facts of the engagement with the pirates and William Marsh,
+a mariner, made oath that he had been taken by Low’s company in the
+West Indies the previous January and that “he saw on board the schooner
+at that time Francis Laughton and William ------------ and on board
+the sloop, Charles Harris, Edward Lawson, Daniel Hyde, and John Fitz
+Gerald, all prisoners at the Bar, and that Gerald asked him whether he
+would seek his fortune with him.”
+
+This concluded the testimony and the prisoners were then severally
+asked if they had anything to say in their own defence. Without
+exception each man said that he had been forced on board of Low and did
+nothing voluntarily.
+
+The Advocate General then summed up the case, as follows:--
+
+    “Your Honors, I doubt not have observed the weakness, and
+    vanity of the defence which has been made by the prisoners
+    at the Bar, and that the articles (containing indisputable
+    flagrant acts of piracy) are supported against each of them:
+    Their impudences and unfortunate mistake, in attacking his
+    majesty’s ship, tho’ to us fortunate, and of great service
+    to the neighboring governments: Their malicious and cruel
+    assault upon Capt. Welland, not only in the spoiling of his
+    goods, but what is much more, the cutting off his right ear,
+    a crime of that nature and barbarity which can never be
+    repaired: Their plea of constraint, or force, (in the mouth of
+    every Pirate) can be of no avail to them, for if that could
+    justify or excuse! No pirate would ever be convicted; nor even
+    any profligate person in his own account offend against the
+    moral law; if it were asked, it would be hard to answer; who
+    offer’d the violence? It’s apparent they forced, or persuaded
+    one another, or rather the compulsion proceeded of their own
+    corrupt and avaricious inclinations: but if there was the
+    least semblance of truth; in the plea; it might come out in
+    proof, that the prisoners or some of them did manifest their
+    uneasiness and sorrow, to some of the persons whom they had
+    surprised and robb’d; but the contrary of that is plain from
+    Mr. Marsh’s evidence, that the prisoners were so far from
+    a dislike, or regretting their number by inviting him to
+    join with them, and seemed resolved to live and die by their
+    calling, or for it, as their fate is like to be. And now seeing
+    that the facts are as evident as proof by testimony can make
+    ’em, I doubt not your honors will declare the prisoners to be
+    guilty.”
+
+The prisoners were than taken from the bar, the court room was cleared
+and the judges considered the evidence and voted that all were guilty
+except John Wilson and Henry Barns. The Court then adjourned for dinner
+and at two o’clock met and opened by proclamation. The prisoners were
+brought in and those found guilty were sentenced by Lieut.-Governor
+Dummer to be hanged by the neck until dead. Thirteen more “of that
+miserable crew of men,” as they were characterised by the Advocate
+General, were then brought to the bar for trial, and Captain Welland
+named six of whom he recognized as having been on the “Ranger” and
+all had been harnessed, except Thomas Jones, the boy. John Mudd, the
+carpenter, said that he well remembered Joseph Sound because “said
+Sound took his buttons out of his sleeves.”
+
+“Benjamin Weekham of Newport mariner, deposed, that on the tenth of
+March last he was in the bay of Honduras on board of a sloop, Jeremiah
+Clark Master, Low and Lowders companies being pirates, took the
+aforesaid sloop, and that this deponent then having the small pox was
+by John Waters one of the prisoners at the Bar carried on board another
+vessel; and that he begg’d of some of the company two shirts to shirt
+himself, the said Waters said damn him, he would beg the vessel too,
+but at other times he was very civil; and the deponent further saith,
+he saw William Blades now prisoner at the Bar amongst them.
+
+“William Marsh deposed, that he was taken in manner as aforesaid, and
+that John Brown the tallest was on board the schooner, and the said
+Brown told him he had rather be in a tight vessel than a leaky one, and
+that he was not forced.
+
+“Henry Barns mariner, deposed, that he being on board the Sloop Ranger
+during her engagement with the Grey-Hound Man of War, saw all the
+prisoners at the Bar on board the said sloop Ranger, and that he saw
+John Brown the shortest in arms, that Thomas Mumford Indian, was only
+as a servant on board.
+
+“The prisoners at the bar were then asked if they had anything to say
+in their own defence.
+
+“William Blades said he was forced on board of Low about eleven months
+ago, and never signed to their articles, and that he had when taken
+about ten or twelve pounds, and that he never shared with them, but
+only took what they gave him.
+
+“Thomas Hugget said he was one of Capt. Mercy’s men on the coast of
+Guinea, and in the West Indies was put on board Low, but never shared
+with them, and they gave him twenty-one pounds.
+
+“Peter Cues said, that on the twenty-third or twenty-fourth of January
+last he belonged to one Layal in a sloop of Antigua, and was then taken
+by Low and detained ever since, but never shared with them, and had
+about ten or twelve pounds when taken, which they gave him.
+
+“Thomas Jones said, he is a lad of about seventeen years of age, and
+was by Low and company taken out of Capt. Edwards at Newfoundland, and
+kept by Low ever since.
+
+“William Jones said, he was taken out of Capt. Ester at the Bay of
+Honduras the beginning of April last by Low and Lowther, and that he
+has been forced by Low to be with him ever since; that he never shared
+with them, nor signed the articles till compelled three weeks after he
+was taken, and the said Jones owned he had eleven pounds of the quarter
+master at one time, and eight pounds at another.
+
+“Edward Eaton said, that he was taken by Low in the Bay of Honduras,
+about the beginning of March, and kept with him by force ever since.
+
+“John Brown the tallest said, that on the ninth of October last he was
+taken out of the Liverpool merchant at the Cape De Verde by Capt. Low
+who beat him black and blue to make him sign the articles, and from the
+Cape de Verde they cruized upon the coast of Brazil about eleven weeks,
+and from thence to the West Indies, and he was on board of the Ranger
+at the taking of Welland.
+
+“James Sprinkly said, he was forced out of a ship at the Cape de Verde
+by Low in October last, and by him compelled to sign the articles, but
+never shared with them.
+
+“John Brown the shortest said, he was about seventeen years old, and in
+October last at the Cape de Verdes was taken out of a ship by Low, and
+kept there ever since, and that the quarter-master gave him about forty
+shillings, and the people aboard about three pounds.
+
+“Joseph Sound said, he was taken from Providence, about three months
+ago, by Low and company and detained by force ever since.
+
+“Charles Church said, he was taken out of the Sycamore Galley at the
+Cape de Verdes, Capt. Scot commander, about seven or eight months ago,
+by Capt. Low, never shared, but the quarter-master gave him about
+fourteen pounds.
+
+“John Waters said, he was taken by Low on the twenty-ninth of June
+last, out of --------, and they compelled him to take charge of a
+watch, and that he had thirteen pistols when taken, which was given
+him, and that he said in the time of the engagement with his Majesties
+ship they had better strike, for they would have better quarter.
+
+“Thomas Mumford Indian said, he was a servant a fishing the last year,
+and was taken out of a fishing sloop with five other Indians off of
+Nantucket by Low and Company, and that they hanged two of the Indians
+at Cape Sables, and that he was kept by Low ever since, and had about
+six bitts when taken.”
+
+These excuses availed nothing except for Thomas Jones, the boy, and
+Thomas Mumford, the Indian. The rest were found guilty and duly
+sentenced.
+
+The next morning John Kencate, the doctor on board the “Ranger,”
+was brought to trial. The Advocate General stated that although the
+prisoner “used no arms, was not harness’d (as they term it) but was a
+forc’d man; yet if he received part of their plunder, was not under
+a constant durance, did at any time approve, or join’d in their
+villanies, his guilt is at least equal to the rest; the Doctor being
+ador’d among ’em as the pirates God for in him they chiefly confide
+for their cure and life, and in this trust and dependence it is, that
+they enterprise these horrid depredations not to be heightened by
+aggravation, or lessened by any excuse.”
+
+“Capt. John Welland deposed, and that he saw the Doctor aboard the
+Ranger; he seem’d not to rejoice when he was taken but solitary, and he
+was inform’d on board he was a forc’d men; and that he never signed the
+articles as he heard of, and was now on board the deponants ship.
+
+“John Ackin Mate and John Mudd Carpenter, swore they saw the prisoner
+at the Bar walking forwards and backwards disconsolately on board the
+Ranger.
+
+“Archibald Fisher Physician and Chirurgion on board the said Greyhound
+Man-of-War deposed, that when the prisoner at the Bar was taken and
+brought aboard the King’s ship he searched his medicaments, and the
+instruments, and found but very few medicaments, and the instruments
+very mean and bad.”
+
+Others testified that the doctor was forced on board, by Low, and
+that he never signed articles so far as they knew or heard, but used
+to spend much of his time in reading, and was very courteous to the
+prisoners taken by Low and his company, and that he never shared with
+them.
+
+The doctor himself said that he was chirurgion of the Sycamore-Galley,
+Andrew Scot, master, and was taken out of that ship in September last
+at Bonavista, one of the Cape de Verde Islands, by Low and Company, who
+detained him ever since, and that he never shared with them, nor signed
+their articles.
+
+The Court then cleared the doctor and proceeded with the trial of
+Thomas Pownall, Joseph Sweetser and Joseph Libbey. The name of the
+latter is not found in the first published lists of the pirates gaoled
+at Newport for the reason that he was one of those detained by Captain
+Harris in hopes of capturing Low who had deliberately deserted them,
+when jointly they probably could have taken the man of war. Libbey’s
+name appears in the published lists of those condemned and executed, as
+having been born in Marblehead.
+
+At the trial of these men Doctor Kencate testified that “he well knew
+Thomas Powell, Joseph Sweetser and John Libbey, and that Thomas Powell
+acted as gunner on board the Ranger, and that he went on board several
+vessels taken by Low and company, and plundered, and that Joseph Libbey
+was an active man on board the Ranger, and used to go on board vessels
+they took and plundered and that he see him fire several times, and
+the deponent further deposed that Joseph Sweetser now prisoner at the
+bar, was on board the pirate Low, and that he has seen him armed, but
+never see him use them, and that the said Sweetser used to often get
+alone by himself from amongst the rest of the crew, he was melancholly,
+and refused to go on board any vessel by them taken, and got out of
+their way. And the deponent further saith, that on that day, as they
+engaged the man-of-war, Low proposed to attack the man-of-war, first
+by firing his great guns then a volley of small arms, heave in their
+powder flasks and board her in his sloop, and the Ranger to board over
+the Fortune, and that no one on board the Ranger disagreed to it as he
+knows of, for most approved of it by words and the others were silent.
+
+“Thomas Jones deposed that Thomas Powell acted as gunner on board the
+Ranger, and Joseph Libbey was a stirring, active man among them, and
+used to go aboard vessels to plunder, and that Joseph Sweetser was
+very dull aboard, and at Cape Antonio he cried to Dunwell to let him
+go ashore, who refused, and asked him to drink a dram, but Sweetser
+went down into the hold and cried a good part of the day, and that Low
+refused to let him go, but brought him and tied him to the mast and
+threatened to whip him; and he saw him armed but never saw him use his
+arms as he knows of: and that Sweetser was sick when they engaged the
+man-of-war, tho’ he assisted in rowing the vessel.
+
+“John Wilson deposed that Thomas Powell was gunner of the Ranger;
+and the Sabbath day before they were taken, the said Powell told the
+deponent he wished he was ashore at Long Island, and they went to the
+head of the mast and Powell said to him I wish you and I were both
+ashore here stark naked.
+
+“Thomas Mumford, Indian (not speaking good English), Abissai Folger
+was sworn interpereter, deposed that Thomas Powell, Joseph Libbey and
+Joseph Sweetser were all on board of Low the pirate, that he saw Powell
+have a gun when they took the vessels, but never saw him fire, he saw
+him go on board of a vessel once, but brought nothing from her as he
+saw, he see him once [shoot] a negro but never a white man. And he saw
+Joseph Libbey once go aboard a vessel by them taken and brought away
+from her one pair of stockings. And that Joseph Swetser cooked it on
+board with him sometime, and sometimes they made him hand the sails;
+once he saw said Swetser clean a gun, but not fire it, and Swetser
+once told him that he wanted to get ashore from among them, and said
+he if the Man-of-War should take them they would hang him, and in the
+engagement of the Man-of-War, Swetser sat unarmed in the range of the
+sloop’s mast, and some little time before the said engagement he asked
+Low to let him have his liberty and go ashore, but was refused.”
+
+There was other testimony to much the same effect. Powell said he was
+taken by Lowther in the Bay of Honduras in the winter of 1721-2 and by
+him turned over to Low. Libbey said he was a forced man and produced a
+newspaper advertisement in proof. Sweetser said he was taken by Lowther
+about a year before and forced on board of Low. He, too, produced an
+advertisement to prove that he had been forced. Powell and Libbey were
+found guilty and Sweetser was cleared. Hazel, Bright, Fletcher, and
+Child and Cunningham who had been detained on board the “Greyhound”
+in the later pursuit of Low, were then placed on trial. By numerous
+witnesses it was shown that all had been active on board the “Ranger”
+at the time of the fight but that Fletcher was only a boy and that
+Child had come on board from the “Fortune,” only three or four days
+before the fight. Captain Welland spoke a good word for Cunningham
+and said that he had got him water and brought the doctor at the time
+he was laying bleeding below hatches for nearly three hours with a
+sentinel over him. John Bright was the drummer and “beat upon his drum
+upon the round house in the engagement.”
+
+Thomas Hazel said he had been forced by Low about twelve months before
+in the Bay of Honduras. Bright said that he was a servant to one Hester
+in the Bay and had been taken by Low about four months before and
+forced away to be his drummer.
+
+Cunningham said he had been forced about a year before from a fishing
+schooner and that he had tried to get away at Newfoundland but without
+success. Fletcher, the boy, said he had been forced by Low from on
+board the “Sycamore Galley,” Scot, master, at Bona Vista, because he
+could play a violin. There is no record of what Child had to say for
+himself. Fletcher and Child were found not guilty; the others were
+sentenced to be hanged. Cunningham and John Brown “the shortest,” were
+recommended “unto His Majesty, for Remission.”
+
+While the pirates were in prison and especially in the interval between
+their condemnation and execution they were visited frequently by the
+ministers who afterwards stated in print that “while they were in
+Prison, most seemed willing to be advised about the affairs of their
+souls.”[155] John Brown prepared in writing a “warning” to young people
+in which he declared “it was with the greatest Reluctancy and Horror
+of Mind and Conscience, I was compelled to go with them ... and I
+can say my Heart and Mind never joined in those horrid Robberies,
+Conflagarations and Cruelties committed.” On the day before they
+were executed letters were written by many of them to relatives and
+Fitz-Gerald composed a poem which afterwards was printed. The following
+verses illustrate his poetical style:
+
+ “To mortal Men that daily live in Wickedness and Sin;
+ This dying Counsel I do give, hoping you will begin
+ To serve the Lord in Time of Youth his Precepts for to keep;
+ To serve him so in Spirit and Truth, that you may mercy reap.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+ In Youthful blooming Years was I, when I that Practice took;
+ Of perpetrating Piracy, for filthy gain did look.
+ To Wickedness we all were bent, our Lusts for to fulfil;
+ To rob at Sea was our Intent, and perpetrate all Ill.
+
+        *       *       *       *       *
+
+ I pray the Lord preserve you all and keep you from this End;
+ O let Fitz-Gerald’s great downfall unto your welfare tend.
+ I to the Lord my Soul bequeath, accept thereof I pray,
+ My Body to the Earth bequeath, dear Friend, adieu for aye.”
+
+The gallows were set up between high-and-low water mark on a point of
+land projecting into the harbor, then and now known as Gravelly Point.
+At that time there was no street or way that gave direct or convenient
+access and the crowds that gathered to witness the execution went
+around by what afterwards was known as Walnut Street by the almshouse,
+or filled the boats and small vessels that lined the shore. Most of the
+condemned had something to say when on the gallows usually advising
+all people, especially young persons, to beware of the sins that had
+brought them to such an unhappy state. The execution took place on
+July 19, 1723, between twelve and one o’clock, and twenty-six men were
+“hanged by the neck until dead” in accordance with the sentence of the
+Court.
+
+“Mr. Bass went to Prayer with them; and some little time after, the
+Rev. Mr. Clap concluded with a short Exhortation to them. Their Black
+Flag, with the Pourtrature of Death having an Hour-Glass in one Hand,
+and a Dart in the other, at the end of which was the Form of a Heart
+with three Drops of Blood, falling from it, was affix’d at one Corner
+of the Gallows. This Flag they call’d Old Roger, and often us’d to say
+they would live and die under it.”[156]
+
+“Never was there a more doleful sight in all this land, then while they
+were standing on the stage, waiting for the stopping of their Breath
+and the Flying of their Souls into the Eternal World. And oh! how awful
+the Noise of their dying moans!”[157]
+
+The bodies were not gibbetted but taken to Goat or Fort Island and
+buried on the shore between high and low water mark.
+
+After the execution had taken place, Captain Solgard set sail in the
+“Greyhound” for his station at New York, taking with him the pirate
+sloop.[158] His exploit was looked upon as a great service rendered to
+the country and the merchants of New York were anxious that some public
+acknowledgment be made, and so it came about that the Common Council of
+the City, at a meeting held July 25, 1723, passed an order presenting
+to Captain Solgard the Freedom of the City and providing that the seal
+of the Freedom be enclosed in a gold box, the Arms of the Corporation
+to be engraved on one side and a representation of the engagement on
+the other, with this motto: _Quaesitos Humani Generis Hostes Debellare
+Superbum 10 Junii 1723_. The clerk was instructed to have the
+Freedom handsomely engrossed on parchment and when ready the Council
+voted to wait upon Captain Solgard in a body and present the same.
+
+[Illustration: “VIEW OF NEWPORT, R. I., IN 1730,” SHOWING AT THE LEFT,
+GRAVELLY POINT, ON WHICH THE PIRATES WERE HANGED IN 1723
+
+The original painting really represents the town at a somewhat later
+date. Reproduced from a lithograph copy made in 1864, now in the George
+L. Shepley Library, Providence, R. I.]
+
+But the “Greyhound,” in March of the previous year, had an encounter
+with Spaniards, in which her officers came off less happily. Captain
+Waldron, then in command, was trading on the coast of Cuba and “invited
+some of the Merchants to Dinner, who with their Attendants and Friends
+came on Board to the Number of 16 or 18 in all; and having concerted
+Measures, about six or eight dined in the Cabin, and the rest waited
+on the Deck. While the Captain and his Guests were at Dinner, the
+Boatswain Piped for the Ship’s Company to dine. Accordingly the Men
+took their Platters, received their Provisions, and went down between
+Decks, leaving only 4 or 5 Hands besides the Spaniards, above; who
+were immediately dispatched by them, and the Hatches laid on the rest.
+Those in the Cabin were as ready as their Companions, for they pull’d
+out their Pistols and shot the Captain, Surgeon and another (Jacob
+Lopez, a merchant) dead, and grievously wounded the Lieutenant; but he
+getting out of the Window upon a Side-ladder, thereby saved his Life,
+and so they made themselves Masters of the Ship in an Instant. But by
+accidental good Fortune, she was recovered before she was carry’d off;
+for Capt. Waldron having mann’d a Sloop with 30 Hands of his Ship’s
+Company, had sent her to Windward some days before, also for Trade,
+which the Spaniards knew very well; and just as the Action was over
+they saw this Sloop coming down, before the Wind, towards their Ship;
+upon which the Spaniards took about 10000£. in Specie, quitted the
+Ship, and went off in their Launch unmolested.”[159] The Greyhound
+eventually made her way to her station at New York under command of the
+lieutenant, where she was joined on Oct. 19th by her new commander,
+Capt. Peter Solgard, Doctor Fisher, and twenty sailors.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[154] Formerly the “Mary,” 80 tons, owned by Joseph Dolliber of
+Marblehead and captured at Port Roseway, Nova Scotia.
+
+[155] _An account of the Pirates, with divers of their Speeches_, etc.,
+Boston, 1723.
+
+[156] _New England Courant_, July 22, 1723 (_postscript_).
+
+[157] _An account of the Pirates, with divers of their Speeches_, etc.,
+Boston, 1723.
+
+[158] A great storm occurred on July 29, 1723, during which the pirate
+sloop, then at anchor at New York, was forced to cut down her mast and
+afterwards was driven out to sea and lost. _New England Courant_, Aug.
+12, 1723 (_postscript_).
+
+[159] Johnson, _History of the Pirates_, London, 1726.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVII
+
+JOHN PHILLIPS WHOSE HEAD WAS CUT OFF AND PICKLED
+
+
+The sloop “Squirrel,” commanded by Skipper Andrew Haraden, sailed out
+of Annisquam harbor, Cape Ann, on the morning of April 14th, 1724,
+bound eastward on a fishing voyage. She was newly built. In fact, the
+owner and skipper were both so anxious to see her on her way to the
+banks that they didn’t wait for all the deck-work to be completed
+before she sailed and so the necessary tools were taken along with the
+intention of finishing the work before Cape Sable was reached. As the
+sloop made outward into Ipswich Bay two or three sails were in sight,
+among them a sloop, off to the eastward, following a course similar to
+the “Squirrel” but a point or two more to the north, so that early in
+the afternoon when the vessels were both off the Isles of Shoals, the
+stranger was only a gunshot distant.
+
+Skipper Haraden was looking her over when suddenly a puff of smoke
+broke out of a swivel on her rail and the ball struck the water less
+than a hundred feet in front of the “Squirrel’s” bow. Just after the
+gun was fired the sloop ran up a black flag and soon the Annisquam
+fisherman was headed into the wind and her skipper was getting into a
+boat in answer to a command that came across the water from the pirate.
+When he reached her deck, Haraden found that the pirate was commanded
+by Capt. John Phillips who was well-known from the captures he had made
+among the fishing fleets the year before. He was then on his way north
+after spending a pleasant winter in the warm waters of the West Indies
+and on the way up the coast had made numerous captures.
+
+When Captain Phillips found that he had taken a newly built vessel,
+with lines that suggested speed, he decided to take her over and the
+next day the guns, ammunition and stores were transferred to the
+“Squirrel” and the fishermen were ordered aboard the other sloop and
+left to shift for themselves; but Skipper Haraden was forcibly detained.
+
+Haraden soon found that about half of the men with Phillips had been
+forced like himself and were only waiting for a chance to escape and
+one of them, Edward Cheeseman, a ship carpenter, “broke his mind” to
+Haraden not long after the vessels separated. It developed that various
+plans had already been cautiously discussed by several of the captured
+men and now that another bold man was aboard and an extra broadax and
+adz used to complete the carpenter work on the “Squirrel” were about
+the deck, the time seemed ripe to rise and capture the vessel. John
+Filmore, a fisherman who had been captured by Phillips while off the
+Newfoundland coast the previous fall, was active in abetting Cheeseman
+in the proposal to rise. Filmore came from the town of Wenham which
+is not far from Annisquam, and in November, 1724, after having been
+acquitted of piracy by the Admiralty Court in Boston, he married Mary
+Spiller of Ipswich and his son Nathaniel, became grandfather of Millard
+Fillmore, President of the United States.
+
+Several of the men on the “Squirrel” were for surprising the pirates at
+night but as the sailing master, John Nutt, was a man of great strength
+and courage, it was pointed out that it would be dangerous to attack
+him without firearms. Cheeseman, who had taken the lead in proposing
+the capture of the vessel, was resolutely in favor of making the
+attack by daylight as less likely to end in confusion or mistake. He
+also volunteered to make way with the long-armed Nutt. The plan agreed
+upon called for a united assault at noon on April 17th, while the
+carpenter’s tools lay about the deck, Cheeseman, the ship-carpenter,
+having his tools there also. When the time arrived, Cheeseman brought
+out his brandy bottle and took a dram with the rest, drinking to the
+boatswain and the sailing master and “To their next merry meeting.” He
+then took a turn about the deck with Nutt, asking him what he thought
+of the weather and the like. Meanwhile, Filmore took up a broadax and
+whirling it around on its point as though at play, winked at Cheeseman
+to let him know that all was ready. He at once seized Nutt by the
+collar and putting the other hand between his legs and holding hard he
+tossed him over the side of the vessel. Nutt, taken by surprise, had
+only time to grasp Cheeseman’s coat sleeve and say “Lord, have mercy
+upon me! What are you trying to do, carpenter?” Cheeseman replied that
+it was an unnecessary question “For, Master, you are a dead man,” and
+striking him on the arm, Nutt lost his hold and fell into the sea and
+never spoke again.
+
+By this time the boatswain was dead, for as soon as Filmore saw the
+master going over the rail he raised his broadax and gave the boatswain
+a slash that divided his head clear to his neck. Nutt’s cry and the
+noise of the scuffle brought the captain on deck to be met by a blow
+from a mallet in the hands of Cheeseman, which broke his jaw-bone
+but didn’t knock him down. Haraden then made for the captain with a
+carpenter’s adz which Sparks, the gunner, attempted to prevent and
+for his pains was tripped up by Cheeseman and tumbled into the hands
+of Charles Ivemay, another of the conspirators, who, aided by two
+Frenchmen, instantly tossed him overboard. Meanwhile, Haraden had
+smashed the captain over the head with the adz and ended his piratical
+career for all time. Cheeseman lost no time and jumped from the deck
+into the hold and was about to beat out the brains of John Rose Archer,
+the quartermaster, and already had got in two or three blows with
+his mallet when Harry Giles, a young seaman, came down after him and
+cried out that Archer’s life should be spared as evidence of their own
+innocence so that it might not afterwards appear that the attack on
+the pirates had been made with the intent of seizing their plunder.
+Cheeseman saw the force of this advice and so Archer was spared and
+secured with ropes as were three others who were below when the attack
+was made on deck and who surrendered when they found out what had
+happened.
+
+Captain Haraden now took command of the “Squirrel” and altered her
+course from Newfoundland to Annisquam which was reached on April 24th.
+As they came into the harbor they prepared to fire a swivel to announce
+their arrival to the village, but in some way the gun was prematurely
+discharged and a French doctor on board, a forced man, was instantly
+killed. Tradition, still lingering on the Cape, affirms that the head
+of Phillips was hanging at the sloop’s mast-head when she arrived at
+Annisquam[160] and there is an island in Annisquam River, known as
+Hangman’s Island, which received its name from some connection with
+this event. The local tradition has it that some of the pirates were
+hanged on this island but that is incorrect as will be shown later. It
+is possible, however, that Captain Haraden may have brought back one or
+more bodies of the dead pirates, as trophies, and these bodies may have
+been placed on gibbets erected on what is now Hangman’s Island.
+
+The day after the return of the “Squirrel,” Captain Haraden, Israel
+Tricker and William Mills went over to “the Harbor,” now the city
+of Gloucester, and made oath before Esquire Epes Sargent to the
+particulars of the capture and recapture of the sloop and on May 3d,
+the entire company arrived in Boston and the four accused pirates and
+the seven forced men found on board with them were placed in gaol to
+await a speedy trial.
+
+Before relating the story of what took place at the trial it may
+be well to recount the piratical adventures of Capt. John Phillips
+previous to the final encounter that cost him his head. He was an
+Englishman, a carpenter by trade, who shipped for a Newfoundland voyage
+in a West-Country ship and was captured on the way over by Captain
+Anstis in the “Good Fortune.” Phillips soon became reconciled to the
+life of a pirate and was appointed carpenter of the vessel and there he
+continued until the company broke up at Tobago in the West Indies.
+
+While Phillips was with Anstis, the ship “Irwin,” Captain Ross, bound
+to the West Indies from Cork, Ireland, was taken off Martinico. Among
+the passengers was Colonel Doyly of the island of Monserrat, who was
+wounded and much abused while trying to save from the insults of the
+pirate crew a poor woman, who was also a passenger. Twenty-one of the
+scoundrels successively forced the poor creature and then they broke
+her back and threw her overboard. Johnson in his “History of the
+Pirates,” is responsible for this account, which seems incredible,
+especially as all the known “Articles” of pirate ships expressly
+forbid, under penalty of death, attacks on inoffensive women.
+
+Before long, dissentions arose among the crew. Some wanted to petition
+the King for a pardon and others wished to continue to sail under the
+black flag. Finally it was decided to seek a retreat on the island
+of Tobago while a petition was sent to England. It was signed in a
+“round robin,” that is, all names were signed in a circle to avoid
+the appearance of any one having signed first and thereby be thought
+a principal. The petition stated that they had all been taken by
+Bartholomew Roberts and forced; that they abhorred and detested piracy
+and that their capture of the “Good Fortune” and other vessels had been
+made in the hope of escaping and obtaining a pardon. This petition was
+sent home by a merchant ship bound to England from Jamaica and in
+her went a number of the company who felt certain of a pardon and among
+them John Phillips.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+    _A View of a Stage & also of y^e manner of Fishing for, Curing
+    & Drying Cod at NEW FOUND LAND._
+
+    _A. The Habit of y^e Fishermen. B. The Line. C. The manner of
+    Fishing. D. The Dressers of y^e Fish. E. The Trough into which
+    they throw y^e Cod when Dressed. F. Salt Boxes. G. The manner
+    of Carrying y^e Cod. H. The Cleansing y^e Cod. I. A Press to
+    extract y^e Oyl from y^e Cods Livers. K. Casks to receive y^e
+    Water & Blood that comes from y^e Livers. L. Another Cask to
+    receive the Oyl. M. The manner of Drying y^e Cod._
+
+FISHING SHIP AND STATION, NEWFOUNDLAND, ABOUT 1717
+
+From an insert in Herman Moll’s “Map of North America,” London
+[1710-1717], in the possession of John W. Farwell]
+
+His stay in England was short for while visiting his friends in
+Devonshire he learned that some of his former companions had been
+taken and were safe in custody in Bristol gaol and realizing that
+his turn might come next he made for his nearest port, Topsham, and
+shipped for a Newfoundland voyage with one Captain Wadham. When the
+ship reached St. Peters, in Newfoundland, Phillips promptly deserted
+and hired out for the season as a fish splitter. But this was only a
+makeshift until he found opportunity to carry into effect his intended
+piratical schemes. He soon persuaded a number of his fellow-workers to
+join him in seizing a schooner owned by William Minott of Boston in the
+Massachusetts Bay, which lay at anchor in the harbor near St. Peters.
+The night of Aug. 29, 1723, was the time agreed upon for the adventure
+but only four men put in an appearance out of the sixteen who had
+agreed with Phillips to go pirating. Notwithstanding this falling away,
+Phillips still favored taking the schooner, feeling certain they would
+soon enlarge their company and so the vessel was seized and out of the
+harbor they sailed.
+
+When safely at sea they renamed their schooner the “Revenge,” chose
+officers and drew up Articles to govern their future affairs. John
+Phillips was made captain; John Nutt, master or navigator; James
+Sparks, gunner, Thomas Fern, carpenter, and William White, the
+remaining member of the company, constituted the crew. The Articles, as
+drawn up, were sworn to upon a hatchet for lack of a Bible and were as
+follows, viz.:--
+
+
+    “THE ARTICLES ON BOARD THE _REVENGE_.
+
+    “1. Every Man shall obey civil Command; the Captain shall have
+    one full Share and a half in all Prizes; the Master, Carpenter,
+    Boatswain and Gunner shall have one Share and quarter.
+
+    “2. If any Man shall offer to run away, or keep any Secret from
+    the Company, he shall be maroon’d, with one Bottle of Powder,
+    one Bottle of Water, one small Arm and Shot.
+
+    “3. If any Man shall steal any Thing in the Company, or game to
+    the Value of a Piece of Eight, he shall be maroon’d or shot.
+
+    “4. If at any Time we should meet another Marrooner [that is,
+    pyrate], that Man that shall sign his Articles without the
+    Consent of our Company, shall suffer such Punishment as the
+    Captain and Company shall think fit.
+
+    “5. That Man that shall strike another whilst these Articles
+    are in force, shall receive Moses’s Law (that is, 40 Stripes
+    lacking one) on the bare Back.
+
+    “6. That Man that shall snap his Arms, or smoak Tobacco in the
+    Hold, without a Cap to his Pipe, or carry a Candle lighted
+    without a Lanthorn, shall suffer the same Punishment as in the
+    former Article.
+
+    “7. That Man that shall not keep his Arms clean, fit for an
+    Engagement, or neglect his Business, shall be cut off from his
+    Share, and suffer such other Punishment as the Captain and the
+    Company shall think fit.
+
+    “8. If any Man shall lose a Joint in Time of an Engagement, he
+    shall have 400 Pieces of Eight, if a Limb, 800.
+
+    “9. If at any Time we meet with a prudent Woman, that Man that
+    offers to meddle with her, without her Consent, shall suffer
+    present Death.”
+
+Thus organized and prepared, the “Revenge” was steered to the fishing
+banks and several small vessels were soon captured out of which they
+forced a few men and found a few others who joined them voluntarily.
+Among the latter was a man named John Rose Archer who had served off
+the Carolina coast under the famous Teach, otherwise called “Black
+Beard,” and because he was experienced in the trade Captain Phillips
+made him quartermaster, an appointment that disaffected some of the
+original company and especially Fern, the carpenter, which led to
+his attempted desertion at a later time. Three fishing vessels were
+taken Sept. 5th, near a harbor in Newfoundland and John Parsons, John
+Filmore, and Isaac Lassen, an Indian man, were forced. Lassen was
+usually employed afterwards as man at the helm. About the middle of
+the month a schooner, one Furber, master, was taken and on the 20th
+of September a French vessel of 150 tons fell into their hands from
+which they looted thirteen pipes of wine, provisions and a “Great Gun
+& Carriage valued at £50.”[161] Two Frenchmen, John Baptis and Peter
+Taffery, were forced from this vessel. They afterwards were active in
+helping Cheeseman and Haraden to recapture the “Squirrel.”
+
+Early in October the “Revenge” was off Barbadoes and among the captures
+made was the brigantine “Mary,” ---- Moor, master, from which cloth
+and provisions valued at £500, were taken. A few days later they
+fell in with a brigantine, ---- Reed, master, bound to Virginia with
+servants. It was from this vessel that William Taylor was enlisted.
+He afterwards said “they were carrying me to Virginia to be sold and
+they met with these honest men [meaning the pirates] and I listed to
+go with them.” Seven days later a Portuguese brigantine bound for
+Brazil was captured, out of which a negro man slave named Francisco,
+valued at £100, was taken; also three dozen shirts valued at £40, and
+a cask of brandy valued at £30. On October 27th the sloop “Content,”
+George Barrows, master, was captured near Bermuda. She was bound from
+Boston for Barbadoes. The mate, John Masters, was forced and the sloop
+was plundered of plate and provisions. Masters remained on board the
+“Revenge” for four months before he was released.
+
+Captain Phillips now bore away for the island of Barbadoes and cruised
+about there and off the Leeward Islands for nearly three months without
+speaking a single vessel so no captures were made and the supply of
+provisions ran so low that the company was reduced to a pound of meat
+a day for ten men. It was then that they came up with a French sloop
+out of Martinico, of twelve guns and thirty-five men, a far superior
+force which they would not have ventured to attack at any other time.
+But “hunger will break down stone walls” and so the black flag was run
+aloft and they boldly ran along side the sloop and ordered them to
+strike immediately or no quarter would be given, which so intimidated
+the Frenchmen that they made no resistance. The pirate crew plundered
+her of all her provisions and taking four of her men, the sloop was
+allowed to go.
+
+Soon after this welcome supply of provisions was obtained Captain
+Phillips proposed that the “Revenge” be careened and her bottom cleaned
+and suggested that they go to the island of Tobago where the former
+company of pirates that he belonged to, under Anstis and Fern, had
+broken up. He said that there had been left behind on the island six
+or eight men who would not take the chance of returning to England,
+and three negro servants, and if any of these men yet remained on
+the island they now would certainly join the company on board the
+“Revenge.” This seemed worth while to the company so a course was set
+for Tobago and when reached careful search was made for the men but
+only one of the negroes was found, who told Captain Phillips that the
+rest of those left behind including Captain Fern had been taken by a
+man-of-war’s crew and carried to Antigua and hanged. This was bad news.
+Nevertheless, they fell to work careening the sloop and just as the job
+was completed, a man-of-war’s boat came nosing into the harbor and the
+ship could be seen cruising to the leeward of the island. No time was
+lost and as soon as the boat left, the “Revenge” was warped out and a
+course to the windward was made in all haste. The four Frenchmen were
+left on the island.
+
+Captain Phillips now steered northerly and on February 4, 1724, when
+about thirty-five leagues south of Sandy Hook, they captured a
+snow, -------- Laws, master, from New York bound for Barbadoes, and
+obtained cloth and provisions. Fern, the carpenter, James Wood, William
+Taylor and William Phillips were sent on board the snow and ordered
+to navigate her in company with the “Revenge.” They sailed southward
+until latitude 21° was reached when Fern and Wood attempted to run
+away with the vessel. Fern had not forgotten that Archer had been
+appointed quartermaster in preference to him and had been waiting for
+this opportunity to break company with Captain Phillips, so he brought
+over the others to his way of thinking and then changed the course
+of the snow. Captain Phillips was keeping a good lookout, however,
+and interpreting their design correctly gave chase and coming up with
+the snow a skirmish ensued. Fern was ordered to come on board the
+“Revenge” and replied by firing at the captain and a brisk exchange of
+shots followed during which Wood was killed and William Phillips badly
+wounded in his left leg. The other two then surrendered.
+
+There was no surgeon on board either of the vessels and after a
+consultation it was decided that Phillips’ leg must be cut off. But who
+should perform the operation was much disputed. Finally the carpenter
+was selected as the man best fitted for the job. He brought up from his
+chest his largest saw and taking the injured leg under his arm fell to
+work as though he were cutting a deal board in two and soon the leg was
+separated from the body of the patient. The carpenter then heated his
+broadax red hot and cauterized the wound but this use of his excellent
+tool being less familiar to him than the previous operation he
+unfortunately burned flesh somewhat removed from the amputated surface
+and in consequence the wound narrowly escaped becoming mortified.
+Nature, however, made up for his lack of skill and in time a cure was
+effected without other assistance.
+
+Two months after this rude operation had been performed, a fishing
+schooner was taken and Captain Phillips proposed that the maimed man
+should be put on board the vessel before she was allowed to go, but
+he absolutely refused saying “if he should go they would hang him.”
+William Phillips afterwards testified at his trial in Boston, that he
+had been forced out of the sloop “Glasgow,” William Warden, master,
+which had been captured in October, 1723, and “that sometime after
+he was on board, he understood there were Articles drawn up for the
+Captain called him auft, and with his pistol Cocked demanded him to
+sign the said Articles or else he would blow his Brains out, which he
+refused to do, Reminding the Captain of his promise that he should
+be cleared; but the Captain Declaring that it should not hurt him, &
+Insisting on it as aforesaid he was obliged to sign the said Articles.”
+He also testified that when Fern and the others were attempting to get
+away in the snow, they told him they were going to Holmes’ Hole and
+“there every one to shift for himself.”[162]
+
+On Feb. 7, 1724, in latitude 37°, a ship bound from London for
+Virginia, fell into the clutches of Captain Phillips. The master was
+Captain Hussam and from this vessel they secured a great gun and
+carriage, with powder and ball and forced Henry Gyles, “an artist,” _i.
+e._ a man who understood navigation. Gyles afterwards testified in the
+Admiralty Court that William White, one of the pirates who boarded the
+ship, threatened “to cut him in sunder if he didn’t make haste to go on
+board the pirate with his Books and Instruments.”[163] While on board
+the “Revenge,” Gyles kept the journal having been ordered to do so by
+Nutt, the sailing master.
+
+Captain Phillips continued his southerly course and shortly took a
+Portuguese ship bound for Brazil and two or three sloops from Jamaica
+in one of which Fern again attempted to make his escape and this time
+he was shot and killed by Phillips. Another man met the same fate a
+few days later so that the forced men became very careful how they
+discussed measures for getting away and in sheer terror several of
+them signed the Articles and quietly waited for a certain opportunity.
+
+On March 27, 1724, two ships from Virginia, bound for London, were
+taken, one of them commanded by Capt. John Phillips, the pirate’s
+namesake, and the other by Capt. Robert Mortimer, a young married man
+on his first voyage in command. Phillips, the pirate captain, remained
+on board Captain Mortimer’s ship while his men transferred the crew
+to the sloop and when the boat returned one of the pirate crew called
+up to Phillips that there was a mutiny on board their vessel. Captain
+Mortimer had two of his men left on board and there were two pirates
+with Phillips. When Mortimer heard of the mutiny he thought it was an
+opportunity to recover his ship and taking up a handspike he struck
+Phillips over the head making a dangerous wound but not felling him
+to the deck. Phillips was able to draw his sword and wound Mortimer
+and the two pirates that were on board coming to his assistance the
+unfortunate captain was soon cut to pieces while his own two men stood
+by and did nothing.
+
+Out of the other ship they forced Charles Ivemay, a seaman, and also
+Edward Cheeseman, the carpenter, to fill the place of their former
+carpenter, Fern, who had been killed by Phillips. It was while Filmore,
+the young man from Wenham, was rowing Cheeseman from one ship to the
+other, that he told him of his condition on board the pirate vessel and
+how few voluntary pirates there were on board and proposed that they
+join with others in capturing the sloop. More came of this later.
+
+The very last of March, the schooner “Good-Will,” of Marblehead, was
+taken, Benjamin Chadwell, master, and on April 1st, a fishing schooner,
+William Lancy, master, fell into their hands off Cape Sable. Lancy was
+detained on board the “Revenge” and while there saw nine different
+vessels taken, including a Cape Ann sloop commanded by Capt. John
+Salter. On board Captain Lancy’s schooner was a seaman named David Yaw
+who afterwards deposed that when the pirates came on board one of them,
+John Baptis, a Frenchman, “damn’d him and kicked him in his legs and
+pointed to his Boots, which was a sign as this deponent understood it
+that he wanted his Boots, and he accordingly pulled them off and Baptis
+took them.”[164]
+
+Among the vessels taken about this time, most of them while Captain
+Lancy was on board, were those commanded by the following masters,
+viz.:--Joshua Elwell, Samuel Elwell, Mr. Combs, Mr. Lansly, James
+Babson, Edward Freeman, Mr. Start, Obadiah Beal, Erick Erickson,
+Benjamin Wheeler and Dependence Ellery. The latter captain gave
+Phillips a long chase and when he came up with him about night, the
+poor man was dragged aboard the “Revenge” and made to dance about the
+deck until he could hardly stand.
+
+It was on April 14th that Captain Haraden’s sloop was taken and three
+days later Phillips was dead. Of the men who had sailed with him from
+Newfoundland less than eight months before all had met a violent death
+except William White and he reached the gaol in Boston on May 3d and
+was brought to a speedy trial.[165]
+
+The Court of Admiralty for the trial of the pirates was held May 12th,
+1724 and the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province, William Dummer, sat
+as President. John Filmore, the son of the Wenham farmer, and Edward
+Cheeseman, the carpenter of the London-bound ship, who had been so
+active in the capture of the pirates, were brought to trial first and
+“Articles of Piracy, Robbery and Felony exhibited” against them, by the
+King’s attorney. Skipper Haraden testified as to the details of his
+capture by Phillips and to the exciting events on the day when Phillips
+was killed. Everything indicated that both men had been forced and the
+activity they had shown in attacking the voluntary pirates was all in
+their favor so the court room was cleared and a unanimous verdict of
+“not guilty” was declared.
+
+In the afternoon, the Court sat again and William Phillips, Isaac
+Larsen, the Indian, Henry Giles, “the artist,” Charles Ivemay, John
+Bootman, John Combs and Henry Payne were brought to the bar. The men
+were accused of assisting in the capture and plunder of the vessels
+taken since the previous October and John Masters, formerly mate of the
+sloop “Content,” and William Lancy, the master of a fishing schooner,
+both of whom had testified at the morning session, were placed on the
+witness stand. Filmore and Cheeseman also gave particular accounts
+of occurrences on board the pirate vessel. It was agreed that Larsen
+had hold of Captain Phillips’ arm when Haraden struck him on the head
+with the adz and that during the seven months while on board “he was
+generally set at the helm to steer the vessel” and Filmore said that he
+never saw him guilty of piracy “except that they now and then obliged
+him to take a shirt or a pair of stockings when almost naked.”
+
+William Phillips, who had lost a leg, addressed the court and attempted
+to justify his conduct on board the pirate vessel. He said that he had
+been forced out of the sloop “Glasgow” and had signed the Articles
+under compulsion, but the Court “by a plurality of voices” found him
+guilty and the rest of the accused, not guilty, by unanimous voice.
+
+William White, one of the original five who seized the sloop “Revenge”
+at Newfoundland, and John Archer, “otherwise called John Rose Archer,”
+who claimed to have served with “Black Beard” on the Carolina coast,
+and William Taylor, were brought to trial the next day. Filmore was the
+principal witness against them. He had been in the harbor of St. Peters
+at the time that Mr. Minott’s sloop had been taken by Phillips and the
+others and not long after had been captured by them. White had told him
+that he had been in drink at the time he entered into his piratical
+design and was afterwards sorry. As for William Taylor,--“he was very
+Great with Phillips and Nutt, being admitted into the Cabin upon any
+Consultation they had together.” All three were found guilty.
+
+The two Frenchmen, John Baptis and Peter Taffery, also escaped the
+gallows for it was shown that they had been active at the rising
+against the pirates and with the others had fallen on James Sparks,
+the gunner, and killed him and thrown the body overboard. Haraden also
+testified in their favor.
+
+On Tuesday, June 2, 1724, John Rose Archer, aged about twenty-seven
+years, and William White, aged twenty-two years, were executed at the
+ferryway in Boston leading to Charlestown, “where were a multitude
+of spectators. At one end of the Gallows was their own dark Flag, in
+the middle of which an Anatomy, and at one side of it a Dart in the
+Heart, with drops of Blood proceeding from it; and on the other side an
+Hour-glass, the sight dismal.... After their death they were in Boats
+conveyed down to an Island, where the Quarter Master was hung up in
+Irons, to be a spectacle, and so a Warning to others.”[166]
+
+It is said that they both died very penitent and made on the scaffold
+the following declarations with the assistance of two grave divines who
+attended them.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+          _The Converted Sinner._
+
+              The NATURE of a
+                CONVERSION
+             to Real and Vital
+                  PIETY:
+        And the MANNER in which it
+      is to be Pray’d & Striv’n for.
+
+           A SERMON Preached in
+           BOSTON, May 31, 1724.
+
+  In the _Hearing_ and at the _Desire_ of
+    certain PIRATES, a little before
+    their Execution.
+
+  To which there is added, A more Private
+    CONFERENCE of a MINISTER with them.
+
+                Jam. V. 20.
+
+  _He who Converteth the Sinner from the
+    Error of his way, shall save a Soul
+    from Death._
+
+ _BOSTON_: Printed for _Nathaniel Belknap_
+    and Sold at his Shop the Corner
+    Scarletts-Wharff. 1724.
+]
+
+    “The dying Declarations of John Rose Archer, and William White,
+    on the Day of their Execution at Boston, June 2, 1724, for the
+    Crimes of Pyracy,
+
+                    “First, separately, of _Archer_.
+
+    “I Greatly bewail my Profanations of the Lord’s Day, and my
+    Disobedience to my Parents. And my Cursing and Swearing, and my
+    blaspheming the Name of the glorious God.
+
+    “Unto which I have added, the Sins of Unchastity. And I have
+    provoked the Holy One, at length, to leave me unto the Crimes
+    of Pyracy and Robbery; wherein, at last, I have brought my self
+    under the Guilt of Murder also.
+
+    “But one Wickedness that has led me as much as any, to all the
+    rest, has been my brutish Drunkenness. By strong Drink I have
+    been heated and hardened into the Crimes that are now more
+    bitter than Death unto me.
+
+    “I could wish that Masters of Vessels would not use their Men
+    with so much Severity, as many of them do, which exposes us to
+    great Temptations.
+
+                         “And then of _White_.
+
+    “I am now, with Sorrow, reaping the Fruits of my Disobedience
+    to my Parents, who used their Endeavours to have me instructed
+    in my Bible, and my Catechism.
+
+    “And the Fruits of my neglecting the publick Worship of God,
+    and prophaning the holy Sabbath.
+
+    “And of my blaspheming the Name of God, my Maker.
+
+    “But my Drunkenness has had a great Hand in bringing my Ruin
+    upon me. I was drunk when I was enticed aboard the Pyrate.
+
+    “And now, for all the vile Things I did aboard, I own the
+    Justice of God and Man, in what is done unto me.
+
+                           “Of both together.
+
+    “We hope, we truly hate the Sins, whereof we have the Burthen
+    lying so heavy upon our Consciences.
+
+    “We warn all People, and particularly young People, against
+    such Sins as these. We wish, all may take Warning by us.
+
+    “We beg for Pardon, for the Sake of Christ, our Saviour; and
+    our Hope is in him alone. Oh! that in his Blood our Scarlet and
+    Crimson Guilt may be all washed away!
+
+    “We are sensible of an hard Heart in us, full of Wickedness.
+    And we look upon God for his renewing Grace upon us.
+
+    “We bless God for the Space of Repentance which he has given
+    us; and that he has not cut us off in the Midst and Height of
+    our Wickedness.
+
+    “We are not without Hope, that God has been savingly at work
+    upon our Souls.
+
+    “We are made sensible of our absolute Need of the Righteousness
+    of Christ; that we may stand justified before God in that. We
+    renounce all Dependance on our own.
+
+    “We are humbly thankful to the Ministers of Christ, for the
+    great Pains they have taken for our Good. The Lord reward their
+    Kindness.
+
+    “We don’t despair of Mercy; but hope, through Christ, that when
+    we die, we shall find Mercy with God, and be received into his
+    Kingdom.
+
+    “We with others, and especially the Sea-faring, may get Good by
+    what they see this Day befalling of us.
+
+    “Declared in the Presence of
+
+                                                   “J. W. D. M.”
+
+Jeremiah Bumstead, a Boston brazier, recorded in his diary that “Mr.
+Webb wallkt with them and prayed thare: their death flagg was set on
+the gallows.” Six days later he took his wife and ten relatives and
+neighbors and sailed down the harbor “to see the piratte in Gibbits att
+Bird Island.” Bird island was located about half-way between Governor’s
+island and Noddle’s island, now East Boston. Fifty years later it had
+worn away so that little remained but a sandy flat exposed at low water
+and before many years it had disappeared entirely. As for Phillips
+and Taylor; they were reprieved before the day set for execution and
+finally pardoned but for what reason does not appear.
+
+Preserved among the manuscripts in the Massachusetts State Archives
+are the papers connected with this trial and among them is the bill
+rendered by the marshal for expenses incurred by him in connection with
+the execution and gibbetting of Archer.
+
+                            “The Province of the Massachusetts Bay
+                                           to Edward Stanbridge, Dr.
+
+    June 2,
+    1724
+
+    For Sundrys by him Expended being Marshall and by Order of a
+    Special Cort of Admiralty for the Execution of John Rose Archer
+    and William White two Pirats, Viz.:
+
+    To the Executioner for his Services                     £12:00:-
+
+    To Mr. Joseph Parsons for Cordage & Line                  2:17:6
+
+    To Boat hire and Labourers to help sett the Gibet and
+    there Attendance at the Execution and Diging the
+    grave for White                                           3:10:8
+
+    To Expences for Victuals and Drink for the Sherifs
+    officers and Constables after the Executions att Mrs.
+    Mary Gilberts her Bill                                    3:15:8
+
+    To George May, Blockmaker, 5 Blocks with straps and
+    hooks and Sheaves                                          1: 5:-
+
+    To Makeing of the Chains for John Rose Archer one of
+    the Pyrats and the hire of a man to help fix him on
+    the Gebbet att Bird Island                                12:10:-
+
+    To treating the Gentlemen that listed the Piratical
+    Goods                                                      0: 5:-
+                                                             --------
+                                                             £36: 3:10
+
+                             “E: Excepted
+                                     “P Edward Stanbridge.”
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[160] Babson, _History of Gloucester_, p. 287. This very likely is
+true as Jeremiah Bumstead of Boston recorded in his diary on May 3,
+1724, that “Phillip’s & Burrill’s heads were brought to Boston in
+pickle.”--_N. E. Hist. Gen. Reg._, Vol. 15, p. 201.
+
+[161] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. 63, leaf 341.
+
+[162] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. 63, leaf 381.
+
+[163] _Ibid._, Vol. 63, leaf 386.
+
+[164] _Massachusetts Archives_, Vol. 63, leaf 383.
+
+[165] Phillips had captured between August 29, 1723 and April 14, 1724,
+a snow from New York, Low, master; three shallops; fifteen fishing
+vessels; three schooners, Haskel of Cape Ann, Furber and Chadwell;
+three brigantines, Moore, Read, and Francisco, masters; four sloops,
+Barrow, Salter and Harradine, masters; five ships, one from France, and
+a Frenchman, another from Martinico, Hussam from London to Virginia,
+two from Virginia for London, John Phillips and Robert Mortimer; in all
+thirty-four vessels.--_Boston News-Letter_, Apr. 30--May 7, 1724 issue.
+
+[166] _Boston News-Letter_, May 28-June 4, 1724 issue.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XVIII
+
+WILLIAM FLY, WHO WAS HANGED IN CHAINS ON NIX’S MATE
+
+
+The piratical career of this fellow was very short, a fortunate thing
+for shipping along the New England coast, as he was a bloody-minded
+man who would undoubtedly have become a scourge had he been able to
+increase his ship’s company and secure a vessel better suited to his
+purposes. The “Remarkable Relation of a Cockatrice crush’d in the Egg”
+is the characterization made by the Rev. Cotton Mather in his narrative
+of Fly’s career published in Boston soon after the execution of the
+pirates.
+
+Fly was born in England and went to sea early. He was of obscure
+parentage and of limited education and until he led the mutiny and
+capture of the Bristol snow, in May, 1726, he had served only as a
+foremast-man or petty officer.
+
+In the spring of 1726 he was at Jamaica, in the West Indies, when a
+snow owned by Bristol merchants and commanded by Capt. John Green, came
+to anchor in the harbor. The snow “Elizabeth” was bound for the coast
+of Guinea on a slaving voyage and being short of hands, Fly was shipped
+as boatswain. The captain of a slaving ship must be a man of strong
+character, a rough and ready type, and Captain Green soon incurred, in
+some way, the enmity of Fly who began plotting with several of the men
+whom he found ripe for any kind of villainy. They resolved before long
+to seize the snow, murder the captain and mate and turn pirates.
+
+On May 27, 1726, Fly had the early morning watch. At one o’clock,
+accompanied by the other mutineers, he went to the helmsman, Morice
+Cundon, and told him with many curses that if he spoke a word or
+stirred from his post they would blow his brains out. Fly then rolled
+up his shirt sleeves and cutlass in hand went into the captain’s cabin
+accompanied by Alexander Mitchell. Captain Green awoke instantly and
+asked what was the matter. Mitchell replied that they had no time to
+answer impertinent questions; that he was to go on deck at once and if
+he refused they would be at the trouble of scraping the cabin to clean
+up his blood, for Captain Fly had been chosen commander and they would
+have no other captain on board nor waste provisions to feed useless
+men. Captain Green said he would make no resistance and proposed that
+they should put him ashore somewhere meanwhile keeping him in irons.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+                        The
+                      TRYALS
+                        OF
+         Sixteen Persons for PIRACY, _&c._
+
+        _Four of which were found Guilty_,
+
+              And the rest Acquitted.
+
+ At a Special Court of Admiralty for the Tryal of
+   Pirates, Held at _Boston_ within the Province
+   of the _Massachusetts-Bay_ in _New-England_,
+   on Monday the Fourth Day of _July_, Anno Dom.
+   1726. Pursuant to His Majesty’s Commission,
+   Founded on an Act of Parliament, made in the
+   Eleventh and Twelfth Years of the Reign of
+   King WILLIAM the Third, Intitled; _An Act for
+   the more Effectual Suppression of Piracy_.
+   And made Perpetual by an Act of the Sixth of
+   King GEORGE.
+
+                  [Illustration]
+
+ _BOSTON_: Printed for and Sold by _Joseph
+   Edwards_, at the Corner Shop on the North
+   side of the Town-House, 1726.
+]
+
+“Ay, God damn ye,” said Fly, “to live and hang us, if we are ever
+taken. No! no! Walk up and be damn’d, that bite won’t take. It has
+hanged many an honest fellow already.”
+
+Without more words they pulled the captain out of bed, hauled him into
+the steerage and drove him up on deck, Fly cutting him several times
+with his cutlass. Once there, one of them asked the unfortunate man if
+he would rather take a leap like a brave fellow or be tossed overboard
+like a sneaking rascal. In despair, the captain said to Fly,--“For the
+Lord’s sake, don’t throw me overboard, boatswain; for if you do, you
+throw me into Hell immediately.”
+
+“Damn you!” answered Fly. “Since he’s so devilish godly, we’ll give him
+time to say his prayers and I’ll be parson. Say after me, _Lord, have
+mercy on my soul_, short prayers are best, and then over with him, my
+lads.”
+
+When the men seized him, the captain clutched at the mainsheet and one
+of them, Thomas Winthrop, picked up a cooper’s broadax and chopped off
+the poor master’s hand at the wrist and then overboard he went and soon
+disappeared from sight.
+
+While this was going on, Winthrop, Samuel Cole and Henry Hill had
+pounced on the mate, Thomas Jenkins, and dragged him on deck telling
+him he was “of the Captain’s Mess, and they should e’en drink together;
+it was a pity to part good Company.” As the mate struggled to escape,
+one of them snatched up the broadax with which Winthrop had lopped off
+the captain’s hand, and aimed a blow at the mate’s head which landed
+instead on his shoulder and then he was thrown overboard just before
+the main shrouds. As he fell he cried out to the ship’s doctor, “For
+the Lord’s sake, fling me a rope.” But Fly soon put the doctor in irons
+and also confined the gunner and the carpenter who declined to fall in
+with the others.
+
+Captain Fly was now saluted and escorted to the great cabin with some
+ceremony, where a bowl of punch was made. While it was brewing, Morice
+Cundon, the helmsman, was called down and one John Fitzherbert set
+in his place. A seaman named Thomas Streator was also brought into
+the cabin and Fly told the two men that they were rascals and richly
+deserved to be sent after the captain and the mate, but the company was
+willing to show them mercy and not put them to death in cold blood; but
+for the security of the ship’s company they would be placed in irons.
+The snow was then renamed the “Fame’s Revenge.” She was well stored
+with powder, rum and provisions but was a slow sailer.
+
+While the company was still debating what course should be taken word
+was brought down that a ship was near them and the council broke up. As
+it grew lighter she was recognized as the “Pompey,” which had come out
+from England in company with Captain Green and had sailed from Jamaica
+at the same time. The “Pompey” stood in near the snow and hailed,
+asking for Captain Green’s health. Fly answered “He is very well. At
+your service!” Not having hands enough Fly decided not to attack the
+ship so the company returned to the cabin and the bowl of punch and
+soon voted to make for the North Carolina coast.
+
+On June 3d, off Cape Hatteras, they came upon a sloop lying at anchor
+inside the bar. She was the “John and Hannah,” John Fulker, master,
+bound for Boston in New England. When the snow stood in for the harbor
+of Carolina, Captain Fulker thought she might be in need of a pilot
+and so took his boat and accompanied by Samuel Walker, the mate, a
+young lad, and two passengers,--Capt. William Atkinson, late master
+of the brigantine “Boneta,” and Richard Ruth, rowed out to the snow
+intending to bring her in. When on board they were told the snow was
+from Jamaica. Fly received them very civilly and invited them down to
+the cabin where a bowl of punch was ordered. When it was brought in
+Fly told his guests “that he was no Man to mince Matters: that he and
+his Comrades were Gentlemen of Fortune, and should make bold to try if
+Captain Fulker’s Sloop was a better sailer than the Snow; if she was,
+she would prove much fitter for their Business, and they must have her.”
+
+The snow came to anchor about a league from the sloop and Fly ordered
+Captain Fulker with six men to bring her alongside the snow. The wind
+was in the wrong quarter, however, and after several attempts they
+gave it up for the time and brought Captain Fulker back to the snow
+where Fly received him in a violent passion, cursing and damning him
+for not bringing off the sloop. Fulker said it was impossible. “Damn
+ye,” replied Fly, “you lie like a Dog, but damn my Blood, your Hide
+shall pay for your Roguery, and if I can’t bring her off I’ll burn her
+where she lies.” He then ordered Captain Fulker “to the Geers.” He was
+at once stripped and given an unmerciful beating. The boat’s crew were
+then sent back again to bring off the sloop and after a time got her as
+far as the bar where she bilged and sank.
+
+With Captain Fulker, Captain Atkinson and the rest on board, the
+“Fame’s Revenge” set sail on June 5th and the next day sighted the ship
+“John and Betty,” Capt. John Gale, bound from Barbadoes for Virginia.
+Fly gave chase and finding that the ship could outsail him he hoisted
+“a Jack at the Main topmast Head, in token of Distress.” Captain Gale
+was suspicious and ignoring the signal kept his course with Fly still
+in chase. The pursuit was kept up all night and early in the morning,
+the wind having slackened, Fly came within gunshot and hoisting a black
+flag, fired several times until Captain Gale struck his colors. Fly
+manned his long boat, which carried a pateraro in the bow, and went on
+board well armed with pistols and cutlasses and having made the master
+and crew prisoners sent them on board the snow. Fly lay by for two days
+and finding little on board of value to him, save some sail cloth and
+small arms, he permitted the ship to go after forcing six of the crew.
+In her went Captain Fulker, Mr. Ruth and Captain Green’s surgeon, who
+had steadfastly refused to serve the pirate company. Captain Atkinson,
+however, was forced to remain with Fly as he understood navigation and
+also was familiar with the New England coast. When Captain Atkinson
+asked to be allowed his liberty, Captain Fly replied as follows:--
+
+“Look ye, Captain Atkinson, it is not that we care a T----d for
+your Company, G----d d----n ye, G----d d----n my Soul, not a
+T----d, by G----d, and that’s fair; but G----d d----n ye, and
+G----d’s B----d and W----ds, if you don’t act like an honest
+Man, G----d d----n ye, and offer to play us any Rogue’s Tricks,
+by G----d, and G----d sink me, but I’ll blow your Brains out;
+G----d d----n me if I don’t. Now, Captain Atkinson, you may
+do as you please, you may be a Son of a Whore, and pilot us
+wrong, which, G----d d----n ye, would be a rascally Trick, by
+God, because you would betray Men who trust in you; but, by the
+eternal J----s, you shan’t live to see us hang’d. I don’t love
+many Words, G----d d----n ye, if you have a Mind to be well
+used you shall, G----d’s B----d; but if you will be a Villain
+and betray your trust, may G----d strike me dead, and may I
+drink a Bowl of Brimstone and Fire with the D----l, if I don’t
+send you head-long to H----ll, G----d d----n me; and so there
+needs no more Arguments, by G----d, for I’ve told you my Mind,
+and here’s all the Ship’s Crew for Witnesses, that if I do blow
+your Brains out, you may blame no Body but your self, G----d
+d----n ye.”[167]
+
+Fly forbade Captain Atkinson to have any conversation with other forced
+men lest he should hatch a conspiracy and to prevent any communication
+between them at night a hammock was given him in the cabin.
+
+Off Delaware Bay they met the sloop “Rachel,” Samuel Harris, commander,
+bound for Pennsylvania from New York. She had about fifty Scotch-Irish
+passengers aboard. When Fly hoisted his black ensign and ordered her to
+strike she did so at once. The sloop was ransacked and held for a day
+and then permitted to go. One of her crew, a lusty fellow named James
+Benbrook, was forced.
+
+Fly now ordered Captain Atkinson to bear away for Martha’s Vineyard
+proposing to water there and then sail for the Guinea coast; but
+Atkinson, instead of steering for the Vineyard, purposely carried them
+past and out into the Bay. When Fly discovered this he told Captain
+Atkinson that “he was a rascally Son of an envenom’d Bitch, and damn
+his Blood it was a Piece of Cruelty to let such a son of a Whore live,
+who design’d the Death of so many honest Fellows.”
+
+Atkinson replied that he never pretended to know the coast and it
+was very hard that he should die for being thought an abler man than
+he really was. “G----d d----n you,” said Fly, “you are an obstinate
+Villain,” and he was about to draw a pistol to shoot Atkinson when
+Mitchell interposed and saved his life.
+
+On June 23d they met a fishing schooner lying to on Brown’s bank. She
+was the “James,” of Marblehead, George Girdler, master, and as Fly
+came up he fired a gun and hoisted his black ensign. When the master
+came aboard, Fly told him that he proposed taking his vessel unless
+he found a better sailer. About noon, as they lay near each other,
+several other schooners came in sight and Fly ordered six of his
+pirates and a prisoner named George Tasker, to man the prize schooner
+and go in pursuit. This was a very hazardous thing to do for it left
+him on board the “Fame’s Revenge” with only three of his pirate crew,
+one of whom, Samuel Cole, was in irons on suspicion of mutiny. Against
+this small number of armed men were Captain Atkinson, Captain Fulker’s
+mate, a couple of his boys, Captain Green’s gunner and carpenter, five
+of Captain Gale’s men, James Benbrooke, and three fishermen belonging
+to the Marblehead schooner. Atkinson already had secretly had some
+conversation with Samuel Walker and Thomas Streaton and Walker had
+spoken to Benbrook. This seemed to be the opportunity that they had
+waited for. By good fortune, just at this time, several other vessels
+appeared in sight and Atkinson, by telling Fly what he saw from the
+bows, drew him forward from his loaded guns and cutlass which he had
+kept beside him on the quarter-deck. At first Fly was loath to leave
+the quarter-deck and told Atkinson that he could see but one sail, but
+Atkinson insisted that he could see two others and told Fly that he
+would soon have a fleet of prizes. “If you were but here, Sir, with
+your glass, ahead, you would easily see them all,” said Atkinson. Fly
+in his intense interest forgot his earlier caution and came off the
+quarter-deck where his arms lay and went ahead to spy the sails that
+Atkinson claimed to have seen. He sat on the windlass and with his
+prospective glass tried to locate the mythical vessels. Benbrook and
+Walker now came forward and directed the captain to look a point or
+two at one side and while so engaged, Atkinson, a spare and slender
+man, slipped aft towards the guns and as Walker and Benbrook seized
+Fly he quickly pointed a gun at him and told him that “he was a dead
+man if he didn’t immediately submit.” Benbrook already had broken
+Fly’s sword. About this time Greenville, one of the pirates, heard the
+struggle and put his head above to see what was the matter. Atkinson
+at once struck him over the head with his gun and with the help of the
+carpenter the other man was soon in irons. Meanwhile the rest of the
+forced men stood by as in a trance but soon came to and with a will
+aided in securing the prisoners.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+      _It is a fearful thing to fall into the
+             Hands if the Living GOD._
+
+                         A
+                     _SERMON_
+
+            Preached to some miserable
+                     _PIRATES_
+
+                  July 10. 1726.
+
+         On the _Lord’s Day_, before their
+                    Execution.
+
+               By _Benjamin Colman_,
+          Pastor of a Church in _Boston_.
+
+  To which is added some Account of said Pirates.
+
+ Deut. XVII. 13. _And all the People shall
+   hear and fear, and do no more so
+   presumptuously._
+
+ _BOSTON, N. E._ Printed for _John Phillips_ and
+   _Thomas Hancock_, and Sold at their Shops.
+   1726.
+]
+
+Fly, when he found himself in irons, began to blaspheme, cursing all
+rovers who should ever give quarter to an Englishman. This was the
+brave-spirited fellow who would say when it had thundered, “They are
+playing bowls in the air”; and when it lightned, he would say, “Who
+fires now? Stand by,” etc. Four days later Captain Atkinson had brought
+the snow and the pirates to anchor in Boston harbor and on July 4,
+1726 they came to a speedy trial before the Honorable William Dummer,
+Lieutenant-Governor, and the judges of the Admiralty Court, among whom
+was Samuel Sewall.
+
+The court was held in the old Court House that formerly stood at the
+head of what is now State street. Captain Atkinson was tried first and
+soon cleared as were Joseph Marshall and William Ferguson, sailors
+on the schooner “James.” Then followed the trials of John Cole, John
+Browne, Robert Dauling, John Daw, James Blair and Edward Lawrence who
+had been forced from the “John and Betty,” Edward Apthorp, who belonged
+to the “John and Hannah,” James Benbrook, the spry young seaman forced
+from the “Rachel,” and Morice Cundon, the helmsman on the “Elizabeth”
+when Captain Green was thrown overboard. These all were acquitted.
+
+The four pirates that had been taken were brought to trial last.
+Captain Fly, aged twenty-seven years, denied that he had aided in
+throwing overboard either Captain Green or Jenkins, the mate. “I can’t
+charge myself with Murder,” he said. “I did not strike or wound the
+Master or Mate. It was Mitchel did it.” Samuel Cole, aged thirty-seven
+years, owned to having a wife and seven children. He had served as
+quartermaster on the pirate snow and when Fly suspected him of mutiny
+he ordered a hundred lashes given him “whereof he continued sore to his
+Death.” Henry Greenville, about forty years of age, was a married man.
+George Condick, a young man of twenty years, had usually been the worse
+for drink and not able to bear arms when vessels had been taken. He had
+served as cook for the company. This may have saved his neck for he was
+fortunate enough to be recommended for a reprieve. The other three were
+sentenced to be hanged, Fly’s body afterwards to be hung in chains from
+a gibbet erected on Nix’s Mate, a small island in Boston harbor which
+now has been entirely washed away. A granite monument marks the site
+and also serves as a warning to navigators.
+
+With the pirates sentenced to death and awaiting execution the
+ministers of the town began their ministrations and “great pains were
+taken to dispose them for a Return unto God”; so says the Rev. Cotton
+Mather who always occupied a prominent place in the public eye at such
+times. The account of his conference with the doomed pirates, held on
+July 6, written by him and printed soon after their execution, begins
+as follows:--
+
+“Unhappy Men:--Yet not hopeless of Eternal Happiness:--A
+Marvellous Providence of GOD has put a _Quickstop_ to a Swift
+Carriere you were taking in the _paths of the Destroyer_.
+But had you been _at once_ cut off in your Wickedness, what
+had become of you? A merciful GOD has not only given you a
+_space to Repent_, but has ordered your being brought into a
+place where such _means_ of Instruction will be Employ’d upon
+you, and such _pains_ will be taken for the Salvation of your
+Souls, as are not commonly Elsewhere to be met withal, May this
+_Goodness of GOD lead you to Repentance_:--Among other and
+greater proofs of This, you will accept this _Visit_, which I
+now intend you.
+
+“We thank you, Syr, replied the pirates.”
+
+The eminent divine continues in the same strain through twenty-one
+printed pages. As he left the condemned prisoners he supplied them
+“with several Books of Piety,” very likely of his own voluminous
+writings.
+
+After Fly was put in prison he ate very little. New England rum
+kept strength in his body. He absolutely refused to go to the North
+Meeting-house, the Sunday before he was executed, when the other
+prisoners were placed on exhibition and preached to by the Rev. Cotton
+Mather who chose for his text--“They Dy even without Wisdom.” Fly said
+“he would not have the Mob to gaze upon him.... He seemed all along
+ambitious to have it said, _That he died a brave fellow!_ He pass’d
+along to the place of Execution, with a _Nosegay_ in his hand, and
+making his _Complements_, where he _thought he saw occasion_. Arriving
+there, he nimbly mounted the stage, and would fain have put on a
+Smiling Aspect. He reproached the Hangman, for not understanding his
+Trade, and with his own Hands rectified matters, to render all things
+more Convenient and Effectual.”[168]
+
+[Illustration:
+
+         _The Vial poured out upon the SEA._
+
+                          A
+                 Remarkable RELATION
+                     Of certain
+
+                       PIRATES
+
+        Brought unto a Tragical and Untimely
+                        END.
+
+             Some CONFERENCES with them,
+             after their _Condemnation_.
+
+        Their BEHAVIOUR at their _Execution_.
+
+                       AND _A_
+
+                       SERMON
+
+             Preached on that Occasion.
+
+                     Job XX. 29.
+
+   _This is the portion of a wicked Man from GOD,
+     and the Heritage appointed unto him by GOD._
+
+   _BOSTON_: Printed by _T. Fleet_, for _N. Belknap_,
+     and sold at his Shop near _Scarlet_’s Wharf. 1726.
+]
+
+The execution occurred at the usual place near the Charlestown ferry
+about where the North End park is now located, and the gallows was
+placed on the shore between the ebb and flow of the tides. Thousands of
+people, coming from miles around, had gathered to witness the spectacle
+and after the doomed men were on the platform three ministers of the
+town offered lengthy prayers.
+
+After the execution was over and the crowd of spectators had returned
+to their homes to recall its details, the bodies of the pirates “were
+carried in a Boat to a small Island call’d Nicks’s-Mate, about 2
+Leagues from the Town, where Fly was hung up in Irons, as a Spectacle
+for the warning of others, especially Seafaring Men; the other Two were
+buried there.”--_Boston News-Letter_, July 7-14, 1726.
+
+And so ended the short reign of a would-be scoundrel who only wanted
+skill and power to become as infamous as any who had scoured the seas.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[167] Johnson, _History of the Pirates_, London, 1726.
+
+[168] Rev. Cotton Mather, _Vial poured upon the Sea_, Boston, 1726.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XIX
+
+PIRATE HAUNTS AND CRUISING GROUNDS
+
+
+The pirates who frequented the New England coast during the first
+century after the settlement usually remained in the warm waters of
+the West Indies during the winter months. With the coming of spring
+they cruised northward along the coast capturing small vessels in the
+hope of obtaining provisions and looting larger craft bound to and
+from England or the Leeward Islands. During the seventeenth century
+there was considerable piratical barter with the settlements along
+the Carolina coast and when New England was reached, on the northerly
+voyage, the eastern end of Long Island and the islands off the mouth of
+Buzzard’s Bay were much frequented for fresh water and trade. The Sound
+off Martha’s Vineyard was used by coasting vessels bound for New York
+or Virginia and here the pirates could lie in wait with the certainty
+of making some capture. But not for long as ill news traveled swiftly
+even in those days and armed vessels from Boston were usually sent out
+in pursuit, though seldom making a capture, for the pirate captain
+skilled in his trade was constantly on the move and thereby eluded
+successful attack by a stronger force.
+
+The inefficiency of the men-of-war on the various stations in the
+early days is commented upon by contemporary writers. Because of the
+difficulty of reckoning longitude it was customary at that time for
+vessels sailing from Europe bound for the West Indies or the American
+coast, to steer into the latitude of the port for which they were
+bound and then sail westward without altering their course. An early
+example of this practice is the course of Winthrop’s fleet when sailing
+westward to found the settlement in Massachusetts Bay. After leaving
+the Scilly Isles they came down to the latitude of Agamenticus, on
+the Maine coast, and then sailed westward until they reached the
+Gulf Stream. It was this “west-way” that the pirates frequented and
+a merchant ship eluding one might be taken by another. This custom
+was well-known and if the stolid men-of-war captains had taken the
+same track followed by the pirates, captures must have followed. Of a
+certainty the pirates would have been driven to other less-frequented
+hunting grounds or forced to take refuge in some of their lurking
+holes among the many uninhabited islands in the West Indies, there to
+be systematically hunted down and destroyed. It seems strange that a
+few pirates could range the seas for years and be engaged but rarely
+by men-of-war. Captain Lowther made thirty-three captures in seventeen
+months; Captain Low took one hundred and forty vessels in twenty
+months; Francis Farrington Spriggs took forty in twelve months; John
+Phillips, thirty-four in eight months; and greatest of all, Captain
+Bartholomew Roberts took four hundred vessels in three years.
+
+To return to the islands off Buzzard’s Bay. From there the pirates
+either steered southerly or sailed directly for Cape Sable then much
+frequented by fishing vessels which often were sufferers at the hands
+of Low, Lowther, Phillips, and others. From there a course was usually
+made for Newfoundland which had long been good plundering ground. It
+also was a good place at which to obtain recruits for pirate crews, for
+the West Country fishing vessels each year brought over a considerable
+number of poor fellows engaged at low wages, who, by their contracts,
+must pay for the return passage. Fishing, splitting and drying fish was
+hard labor and as the nights were chill, “black strap” was in great
+demand. This was a villainous combination of rum, molasses and chowder
+beer and before the season was over it usually caused many to “outrun
+the Constable” and compelled them to agree to articles of servitude
+that kept them on the Island during the winter. After the fishing
+vessels returned home the masters in charge of the stations saw to it
+that food and clothing supplied to the needy men were charged at high
+prices so that the men would soon find themselves bound for the next
+season’s labor and so the merry round continued. This made men willing
+converts to the Articles signed on board pirate vessels or caused them
+to run away with shallops and boats and begin piratical exploits on
+their own account.
+
+From Newfoundland, the pirate captains usually took advantage of the
+westerly winds and made the long voyage to the Azores, which was good
+plundering ground. Sometimes they sailed south to the Cape Verde
+islands and then to Sierre Leone and the Guinea coast. The Sierre Leone
+river has a large mouth with small bays on one side very convenient
+for cleaning and watering vessels and for some years it was a favorite
+resort for pirates especially as the English traders located there were
+friendly to them. About 1720, when this coast was most frequented by
+pirates, there were about thirty of these traders nearly all of whom
+had at some time in their lives engaged in privateering, buccaneering,
+or piracy. The river also was resorted to by Bristol ships trading for
+slaves and elephants’ ivory, and the ships of the Royal African Company
+sailed past here regularly, richly laden with merchandize, ivory and
+gold dust.
+
+There was a great clean-up of pirates on this coast in 1722 when
+Bartholomew Roberts’ ships were taken by the “Swallow,” man-of-war,
+and fifty-five pirates were hanged and twenty condemned for seven
+years to work in chains in the gold mines. Some died in “the Hole,” at
+Cape Coast and many more were sent to London for trial and exhibition
+on gibbets at Cuckold’s Point, on the Thames. It was a fatal blow to
+piracy on the Guinea Coast.
+
+From the Cape Verde islands the pirate captains would sail westerly,
+taking advantage of the trade winds, and after making the coast
+of Brazil and taking toll of Portuguese shipping, would cruise
+northerly until the West Indies were reached and here the winter months
+would be spent.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN BARTHOLOMEW ROBERTS
+
+From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the Pirates,”
+London, 1725]
+
+The West Indies possessed many advantages as a pirate stronghold and
+were resorted to by freebooters of many nations. The small, uninhabited
+islands and keys supplied harbors convenient for careening vessels and
+many of them abounded with fish and game. Sea turtles in great numbers
+furnished meat, and edible fruits of many kinds grew everywhere.
+The turtles frequented the small, sandy keys and their eggs were a
+common food not only among the pirates but on the larger inhabited
+islands where turtling was a recognized industry. Moreover, it was
+comparatively easy to escape from pursuit among the numerous small
+inlets, lagoons and harbors.
+
+Because of the growth of the sugar-cane plantations a considerable
+commerce had developed and in the vicinity of the Trading islands the
+pirates were certain to find vessels laden with provisions, clothing,
+naval stores and money, large sums of which were sent home to Europe,
+the returns of the Assiento and private slave trade. The rich mines on
+the mainland also paid tribute.
+
+Piracy frequently began in the West Indies when desperate men got to
+the end of their rope in making an honest living. Then they would set
+out in the long boat of a ship or even in a large sailing canoe and
+exchange successive prizes, if successful, until after a time they
+would be in possession of a large ship, often a former man-of-war,
+and ready for foreign expeditions. The logwood cutters in the Bay of
+Honduras and the vessels that went there to load with the dyewood,
+supplied good material for piratical ventures. The cutters were
+generally a rough, drunken crew, some of them having been pirates at
+different times and most of them sailors. It was here that Capt. Ned
+Low of Boston, began his career as a pirate.
+
+“In the dry time of the year the Logwood Cutters search for a good
+Number of Logwood Trees: and then build a Hut near them where they live
+during the Time they are cutting. When they have cut down the Tree,
+they Log it, and Chip it, which is cutting off the Bark and Sap, and
+then lay it in Heaps, cutting away the Under-wood, and making Paths to
+each Heap, so that when the Rains come on, which overflows the Ground,
+it serves as so many Creeks or Channels, where they go with small
+Canows or Dories and load ’em, which they bring to a Creek-side and
+there lade their Canows, and carry it to the Barcadares, which they
+sometime fetch Thirty Miles, from whence the People who buy it fetch
+it.”[169]
+
+Capt. Nathaniel Uring writes that he went into the Bay of Campeachy
+in an English ship in July, 1712, to load logwood. When he arrived
+he anchored off shore and “fired several Guns, to give Notice to the
+Logwood Cutters (who were up in the Lagunes) of our arrival: and in a
+Day or Two, several White Men came on board to us.... I sold Provisions
+and Liquor to several of the Bay Men for Wood, which cost us about
+Forty Shillings per Ton, prime cost, at Jamaica.... I remained here
+more than a month before any Vessels arrived; during which Time my
+People were fetching down the Logwood out of the Lagunes in Canows, and
+went more than Thirty Miles for some of it.”
+
+The rise or rather increase of piracy in the West Indies after the
+Peace of Utrecht, can be laid at the door of the Spanish settlements,
+the governors of which having gone there to make a fortune generally
+countenanced any proceeding that brought in profit. It is fair to say,
+however, that the Spanish governors were not the only ones accused of
+such practices. They granted commissions to great numbers of _guarda
+costas_, under pretence of preventing an interloping trade, with orders
+to seize all vessels within five leagues of their coasts. English ships
+could not well avoid coming within this limit when on their way to
+Jamaica. If the captains of Spanish _guarda costas_ exceeded their
+authority, the sufferers were allowed legal redress, but usually found
+after long litigation that their vessels and cargoes had been condemned
+among the crew, and the captain, the only one responsible, had nothing
+on which to levy.
+
+The frequent losses of the English merchants by these Spanish _guarda
+costas_ was provocation enough to call forth reprisals and the
+opportunity offering in 1716, the West India traders at once made use
+of it. In 1714, several of the Spanish galleons of “the plate fleet,”
+were cast away in the Gulf of Florida; and in 1716 several vessels from
+Havana were at work with diving engines fishing up the silver. They
+had recovered several millions of “pieces of eight” and carried them
+to Havana and had taken up 350,000 pieces more, which were placed in
+a storehouse on shore under guard of sixty soldiers, when an English
+fleet from Jamaica and Barbadoes, consisting of two ships and three
+sloops under Capt. Henry Jennings, came upon them. Jennings landed
+three hundred men, drove away the guard and carried off the treasure to
+Jamaica. On the way he met a Spanish ship laden with cochineal, indigo
+and 60,000 “pieces of eight,” and his hand being in, she was plundered,
+after which he sailed boldly back to Jamaica with the Spaniard
+following him. The Governor at Havana soon sent a vessel to Jamaica to
+demand restitution and punishment for Jennings. As it was in a time of
+peace, Jennings and his men soon realized that they would not be left
+unpunished let alone protected. Having disposed of their cargo to good
+advantage and furnished themselves with ammunition, provisions, &c.,
+they again put to sea, but this time as full-fledged pirates, robbing
+not only Spaniards but Englishmen and any one else they could lay their
+hands on.
+
+About the same time three or four small “Spanish men of war” fell upon
+the logwood cutters in the bays of Campeachy and Honduras, and also
+took twenty-two vessels, about half of the number hailing from New
+England, and most of the crews of these vessels, made desperate by
+their misfortunes, took on with the pirates under Captain Jennings,
+whom they met soon after. Captain Jennings and his consorts, augmented
+by “the Bay men,” consulted together about some retreat where they
+might store their wealth, clean and repair their ships and make
+themselves a snug abode and fixed upon New Providence the largest of
+the Bahama islands. The Bahamas for some years had been under English
+control with a nominal governor, but were much resorted to by pirates
+who were hand and glove with the principal traders. When Captain
+Jennings arrived with his fleet it became a veritable pirate stronghold
+and a breeding place for most of the pirate leaders who ranged the seas
+during the next five or six years.
+
+Complaints soon reached London and in such number that on Sept. 15,
+1716, Capt. Woods Rogers was placed in command of a fleet of sixteen
+men-of-war and tenders and ordered to proceed to New Providence and
+receive the submission of the pirates or suppress them by force.
+Captain Rogers not long before had made a voyage around the world in
+the course of which he had taken a Spanish ship bound for Acapulco
+laden with the wealth of the Philippines. Before he sailed for New
+Providence, the King’s Proclamation for suppressing pirates, or “Act
+of Grace,” as it was usually called, was sent ahead so that ample
+opportunity might be had for consideration and submission. On its
+arrival at the Island a general council of the pirate commonwealth
+was called. What took place is described in Johnson’s “History of the
+Pirates,” in the following language, viz:--
+
+“There was so much Noise and Clamour, that nothing could be
+agreed on; some were for fortifying the Island, to stand upon
+their own Terms, and treating with the Government upon the
+Foot of a Commonwealth; others were also for strengthening the
+Island for their own Security, but were not strenuous for
+these Punctillios, so that they might have a general Pardon,
+without being obliged to make any Restitution, and to retire,
+with all their Effects, to the neighbouring British Plantations.
+
+“But Captain Jennings, who was their Commadore, and who
+always bore a great Sway among them, being a Man of good
+Understanding, and a good Estate, before this Whim took him
+of going a Pyrating, resolved upon surrendering, without more
+ado, to the Terms of the Proclamation, which so disconcerted
+all their Measures, that the Congress broke up very abruptly
+without doing any Thing; and presently Jennings, and by his
+Example, about 150 more, came in to the Governor of Bermudas,
+and had their Certificates, tho’ the greatest Part of them
+returned again, like the Dog to the Vomit. The Commanders
+who were then in the Island, besides Captain Jennings above
+mentioned, I think were these, Benjamin Hornigold, Edward
+Teach, John Martel, James Fife, Christopher Winter, Nicholas
+Brown, Paul Williams, [consort to] Charles Bellamy [lost on
+the back of Cape Cod, with 142 of his crew and prisoners, Apr.
+26, 1717], Oliver la Bouche, Major Penner, Edward England, T.
+Burgess, Thomas Cocklyn, R. Sample, Charles Vane, and two or
+three others; Hornygold, William Burgess and LaBouche were
+afterwards cast away; Teach and Penner killed, and their
+Crews taken; James Fife killed by his own Men; Martel’s Crew
+destroyed and forced on an unhabited Island; Cocklyn, Sample
+and Vane hanged; Winter and Brown surrendered to the Spaniards
+at Cuba, and England lives now [1724] at Madagascar.”
+
+Captain Rogers arrived at New Providence in June, 1717, with two
+men-of-war and found that all the pirates had surrendered to the
+pardon, except Charles Vane and his crew, who slipped their cable,
+set fire to a large prize and sailed out of the harbor firing at the
+men-of-war as they went off.
+
+In the latter part of the seventeenth century some of the richest
+commerce in the world was on the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. The
+Orientals owned much shipping and the overland trade with Europe was
+increasing rapidly. The English East India Company had established
+a number of important factories or trading stations and Portuguese
+merchants had been established for some time at Goa, on the Malabar
+coast. Finding that the game in the West Indies promised smaller
+returns than the commerce of the East, many of the pirate fraternity
+established themselves for a time on the island of Perim at the
+entrance to the Strait of Babelmandeb. Here there was an excellent
+harbor and the advantageous location permitted the levying of toll on
+all vessels passing in and out of the Red Sea. The great disadvantage
+was a lack of fresh water. Slaves were employed to excavate the rocky
+formation to a great depth, but without success, and at last the nest
+was abandoned and the pirate settlement removed to Madagascar. This
+is said to have taken place not long after Captain Avery captured a
+daughter of the Great Mogul of India, in a richly laden ship.
+
+Capt. John Avery, one of the greatest of the Madagascar pirates, was
+the son of a tavern keeper of Plymouth, England, and was variously
+known as Avery, Every and Bridgman, while his intimates spoke of him
+as “Long Ben.” He was looting shipping on the Atlantic as early as
+1693, when he took two heavily armed Danish vessels at Princess Island,
+on the West Coast of Africa, and he is said to have been in the West
+Indies before that time. During the winter of 1693-4, while in command
+of the “Fanny,” of forty-six guns and one hundred and thirty men, he
+made his most famous capture, a ship carrying a daughter of the Great
+Mogul on a pilgrimage to Mecca. Other vessels in his pirate fleet
+were the “Dolphin,” Captain Want, of Philadelphia; the “Portsmouth
+Adventure,” Captain Faro, and the “Pearl,” Capt. William Mues, both
+hailing from Newport, R. I.; and the ship “Amity,” of New York,
+commanded by the notorious Capt. Thomas Tew,[170] who eventually
+lost his life by a cannon ball while cruising in the Red Sea.
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN JOHN AVERY TAKING THE GREAT MOGUL’S SHIP
+
+From a rare engraving in the Harry Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard
+College Library]
+
+The booty on the Mogul’s ship was immense and consisted of diamonds,
+pearls and valuable jewels and also great sums of money intended to
+meet the cost of the pilgrimage, an amount said to have been over
+£325,000. Not content with this, Avery ravished the young princess and
+eventually took her in his ship to Madagascar where he had a child
+by her. When the Great Mogul learned what had happened, it aroused
+a fanatical resentment against the English factories that was only
+appeased by the promise of the governor to send out two ships of the
+East India Company to convey the pilgrims to Jedda.
+
+Meanwhile, large rewards for his capture were offered by the British
+Government and Avery abandoned the Perim rendezvous and effected a
+settlement on Madagascar where he built a strong fortification and
+organized a rude form of government that exacted a tenth of the value
+of all captures and required tribute from the native princes on the
+island. This tribute commonly took the form of their daughters and
+other young girls who were added to the harems of the pirates. Many
+slaves were employed in cultivating rice, fishing and hunting and for a
+time a powerful settlement existed that was resorted to by pirates from
+all parts of the world. When Capt. Woods Rogers went to Madagascar in
+the “Delicia,” in 1722, to buy slaves to sell to the Dutch at Batavia,
+he touched at a part of the island where he met some of the pirates
+who had been living there for more than twenty-five years and were
+surrounded by a motley collection of children and grandchildren.
+
+Avery ruled his little kingdom for a time but at last wearying of it,
+planned with some chosen spirits to make his way to America. While
+cruising with other vessels, one night his ship steered another course
+and in the morning the others were no longer in sight. The first land
+they made was the island of Providence, one of the Bahamas, where the
+ship was sold[171] and in a sloop they touched at several American
+ports at each of which some of the company disappeared. Avery intended
+to settle in Boston but finding that Puritan town no safe market for
+the display or sale of his store of diamonds, he sailed for Ireland and
+eventually reached Bideford in Devonshire, where he changed his name
+and lived quietly.[172] Through a friend he delivered his ill-gotten
+fortune to Bristol merchants to be converted into money. Needing funds
+he applied for an accounting and was shocked to discover that there
+were as good pirates on land as he had been at sea. He died June 10,
+1714 not leaving money enough to buy a coffin.
+
+While the founding of a pirate colony on the island of Madagascar is
+generally credited to Avery and other pirate captains of his time it
+is likely that at some earlier date a base had been established there
+by buccaneers from the west coast of South America who, after looting
+the wealth of Peru and Mexico, came in search of a hiding place at
+which to enjoy their gains. The first rendezvous of the pirates was
+in Masseledge Bay on the northwest coast of Madagascar, but later an
+important settlement grew up on the island of St. Mary, or Nosy Boraha,
+on the east coast, about three leagues from the mainland, which for
+some time was the resort of Avery and Plantain, the celebrated Jamaica
+pirate. Here came Burgess, Clayton, Taylor, Congdon, England and
+other successful leaders. The island stronghold was established, it
+is said, by Mission and Carracioli, who named it Libertatia. It was
+fortified and from here marauding expeditions were fitted out on a
+large scale. Pirates gorged with plunder settled on plantations where
+they surrounded themselves with native “wives” and slaves. The native
+tribes brought down their cattle from the interior and exchanged them
+for European trinkets provided by the pirates, who also incited the
+numerous chiefs to war with their neighbors and then bought their
+prisoners of war to be sold to slavers and taken to the plantations in
+the West Indies and America.
+
+The pirate settlements on the Madagascar coast increased in population
+and required various goods and supplies necessary not only for human
+comfort but also to continue the trade of plundering,--powder and shot
+and the like. This demand was supplied by vessels sailing at somewhat
+regular intervals from New York, Newport and Philadelphia and furnished
+with passes from Governor Fletcher of New York or some other person
+in authority. It was said in London that in Philadelphia they “not
+onlie wink att but Imbrace pirats, Shipps and men.”[173] In 1697 many
+returned pirates were living in Philadelphia and Governor Basse of New
+Jersey reported that colony to be a favorite resort for such gentry.
+The daughter of William Penn’s agent in Pennsylvania is said to have
+married one of these retired freebooters.[174] In 1699, Bellomont, the
+new governor of New York, reported that over forty of these returned
+pirates were in custody in New York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.
+
+But the ships continued to clear from the port of New York bound for
+Madagascar. In the year 1699, four vessels were cleared at one time.
+The merchandise brought back so glutted the markets that some kinds of
+European and Oriental goods could be bought in the Colonies cheaper
+than in London; and this was at a time when all European goods, by law,
+must be imported through London. One of Captain Avery’s men testified
+in Admiralty Court that “Captain Gough, who keeps a mercer’s shop at
+Boston, made a good estate” dealing in piratical plunder.
+
+Rev. John Higginson, the minister at Salem, Massachusetts, had a
+son Thomas, who sailed for Arabia in a privateer before 1696 and
+nothing was heard from him afterward. Another son was in command at
+Fort George, in Madras, and in 1699 he wrote that Thomas’ “unhappy
+miscarriage” had troubled him much. Although he had met several who had
+been taken by pirates and afterwards escaped he could learn nothing of
+the erring Thomas. Four men-of-war had recently arrived in India having
+touched at Madagascar on the way out, but met no pirate vessels. The
+Salem minister replied in October, 1699:--
+
+“I am sorry to hear there is such a crew of pirates in your parts;
+and do doubt not that what you intimate of New York, Providence, and
+the West Indies is too true. Frederick Phillips of New York, it is
+reported, has had a pirate trade to Madagascar for near twenty years,
+and it is said has attained an estate of 100,000 pounds. But I assure
+you the government of this place has always been severe with all such;
+and, at this time, there are many now in our gaol for piracy; namely,
+Captain Kidd, who went from England with a ship and commission to take
+pirates, but turned pirate himself, and robbed many ships in the East
+Indies, and thence came into the West Indies, and there disposed of
+much of his wealth; and at last came into these parts with some of his
+stolen goods; who was here seized, and some of his men, and goods,
+who are in irons, and wait for a trial. And there was one Bradish, a
+Cambridge man, who sailed in an interloper bound for India, who, in
+some part of the East Indies, took an opportunity, when the Captain and
+some of the officers were on shore, to run away with the ship, and came
+upon our coast, and sunk their ship at Block Island, and brought much
+wealth ashore with them; but Bradish, and many of his company, and what
+of his wealth could be found, were seized and secured. But Bradish, and
+one of his men, broke prison and run away amongst the Indians; but it
+is supposed that he will be taken again.”[175]
+
+[Illustration: CAPTAIN EDWARD TEACH, COMMONLY CALLED “BLACK BEARD”
+
+From a rare engraving in the Harry Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard
+College Library]
+
+After a time the pirate colonies at Madagascar diminished in importance
+and most of the men abandoned the sea and lived at ease on their
+plantations. In 1716, one of the pirate settlements was visited by an
+Englishman, Robert Drury,[176] who wrote as follows:--
+
+“One of these men was a Dutchman, named John Pro, who spoke
+good English. He was dressed in a short coat with broad, plate
+buttons, and other things agreeable, but without shoes or
+stockings. In his sash stuck a brace of pistols, and he had
+one in his right hand. The other man was dressed in an English
+manner, with two pistols in his sash and one in his hand, like
+his companion.... John Pro lived in a very handsome manner. His
+house was furnished with pewter dishes, &c., a standing bed
+with curtains, and other things of that nature except chairs,
+but a chest or two served for that purpose well enough. He
+had one house on purpose for his cook-room and cook-slave’s
+lodging, storehouse and summer-house; all these were enclosed
+in a palisade, as the great men’s houses are in this country,
+for he was rich, and had many castles and slaves. His wealth
+had come principally while cruizing among the Moors, from whom
+his ship had several times taken great riches, and used to
+carry it to St. Mary’s. But their ship growing old and crazy,
+they being also vastly rich, they removed to Madagascar, made
+one Thomas Collins, a carpenter, their Governor, and built a
+small fort, defending it with their ship’s guns. They had now
+lived without pirating for nine years.”
+
+In the summer of 1719 there were about twenty white pirates living
+permanently on the island of St. Mary’s. Others continued to sail
+out from the harbor but the vigilance of the English Admiralty and
+the strength and watchfulness of the ships of the East India Company
+served to discourage freebooting in those parts and in 1721 when France
+granted an amnesty a number of them surrendered and became colonists
+on the island of Bourbon. The last of the pirates on St. Mary’s were
+routed out by men-of-war during the winter of 1722-23. Others lived
+and died on the mainland of Madagascar and left behind them numerous
+descendants, for in 1768 the Abbe Rochon visited that part of the
+island north of St. Mary’s and observed many whites and half-breeds
+living about the Bay of Antongil who claimed descent from the pirates
+formerly settled there.
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[169] _Voyages and Travels of Capt. Nathaniel Uring_, London, 1726.
+
+[170] _Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1696-1697,
+pp. 260, 262.
+
+[171] “It was at the island of St. Thomas that the famous Captain
+Avery, or some of his companions, disposed of the greatest part of the
+rich goods taken in a ship belonging to the Mogul, about forty years
+ago, when the magazines on the Island were so excessively crowded
+with rich Indian goods that they were not entirely emptied in twenty
+years after, though they generally sold them at low prices; and it
+was by this accident that pieces of Arabian gold, which were properly
+speaking Pagodas, were long current in the West Indies under the name
+of Sequins, for they knew not what to call them, at the rate of about
+six shillings. And nutmegs, cloves, sinnimon and mace were likewise
+bought very cheap for many years after.”--John Harris, _Collection of
+Voyages_, London, 1739.
+
+[172] Some of Avery’s pirate crew were afterwards taken in England and
+brought to trial on Oct. 19, 1696, but acquitted for lack of sufficient
+evidence.
+
+[173] _Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1696-1697,
+p. 636.
+
+[174] Channing, _History of United States_, Vol. II, p. 266.
+
+[175] _Massachusetts Hist. Society Colls._, 3d series, Vol. VII, p. 209.
+
+[176] _Madagascar; or Robert Drury’s Journal_, London, 1729.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XX
+
+PIRATE LIFE AND DEATH
+
+
+The company of men on board a pirate vessel, especially during that
+great period of activity in roving following the Peace of Ryswick in
+1697, well illustrate in their relations with one another, the main
+features of that ideal commonwealth where everything is held in common
+and where everyone has an equal voice in public affairs. As in every
+well-ordered government it is necessary to have leaders, so in pirate
+companies there must be captains, quartermasters, gunners, boatswains,
+and other officers, but none may remain in authority after having lost
+the confidence and support of the company. This appears in a speech
+made at the time Bartholomew Roberts was elected a pirate captain.
+
+“Should a Captain be so sawcy as to exceed Prescription at any time,”
+said one of the pirate Lords, “why down with Him; it will be a Caution
+after he is dead, to his successors, of what a fatal Consequence any
+sort of assuming may be. However, it is my Advice, that, while we are
+sober, we pitch upon a Man of Courage, and skill’d in Navigation,
+one, who by his Council and Bravery seems best able to defend this
+Commonwealth, and ward us from Dangers and Tempests of an instable
+Element, and the fatal Consequences of Anarchy.”
+
+The successful captain of a pirate vessel must possess qualities of
+leadership and a dare-devil courage, for nothing will so quickly
+brand a pirate leader and lose for him the support of his crew as an
+appearance of cowardice,--a show of the white feather. Sometimes it
+may be no more than a difference of judgment, but failing in the loyal
+support of a resolute company no captain can last very long. This is
+shown in the case of Capt. Charles Vane who defied Capt. Woods Rogers’
+men-of-war at New Providence in 1717, but the very next year when he
+fell in with a French man-of-war off Cape Nicholas, his company was
+divided as to what course to pursue. Vane was for making off as fast
+as possible being of the opinion that the Frenchman was too strong
+for them. The quartermaster, John Rackham,[177] was of a different
+opinion saying, “That tho’ she had more Guns, and a greater Weight of
+Mettal, they might board her and then the best Boys would carry the
+Day.” At last, although the majority were for attacking, Captain Vane
+exercised his right to settle the dispute, for his power by universal
+agreement was absolute in time of chase, and so the brigantine showed
+her heels to the Frenchman and outsailed her. But the next day the
+captain’s decision was made to stand the test of a popular vote and he
+failed of support. A resolution was passed branding him a coward and
+deposing him from command. He was given a small sloop with a supply of
+provisions and ammunition and sent off with all those who did not vote
+for boarding the French man-of-war.
+
+The captain of a pirate company was generally chosen for his daring
+and dominating character and for being “pistol proof.” Among
+hardened pirates the one who went the greatest length in cruelty and
+destructiveness was looked upon with a certain amount of admiration.
+The captain had the great cabin to himself but any man had the right
+to use his punch bowl, enter the cabin, swear at him and seize his
+food without his finding fault, except as between men; but this rarely
+happened.
+
+When a captain was chosen there was usually some little ceremony on
+conducting him to the cabin. After the election had taken place, a
+complimentary speech would be made expressing the desire that he would
+take the command as the most capable among them and on his accepting
+he would be led into the cabin in state and seated at a table with
+only one other chair and that at the lower end. This was reserved for
+the company’s quartermaster who then would seat himself also and tell
+the captain in behalf of the crew (whose spokesman he was) that having
+confidence in him they all promised to obey his lawful commands. Then
+taking up a sword, the quartermaster would present it and declare him
+captain, at the same time saying, “This is the commission under which
+you are to act; may you prove fortunate to yourself and us.” The guns
+would then be fired with a charge of round shot and a rousing three
+cheers given in honor of the new captain. The ceremony would end with
+an invitation from the captain to such as he wished to have dine with
+him and an order for a large bowl of punch for every mess.
+
+[Illustration:
+
+                      THE
+
+                    TRIALS
+
+                      OF
+
+                 Five Persons
+
+        For Piracy, Felony and Robbery,
+
+ Who were found Guilty and Condemned, at a
+   Court of Admiralty for the Trial of Piracies,
+   Felonies and Robberies, committed on the
+   High Seas, Held at the Court-House in
+   _Boston_, within His Majesty’s Province of
+   the _Massachusetts-Bay_ in _New-England_, on
+   _Tuesday_ the Fourth Day of _October_, Anno
+   Domini, 1726. Pursuant to His Majesty’s Royal
+   Commission, founded on an Act of Parliament
+   made in the Eleventh and Twelfth Years of the
+   Reign of King _William_ the Third, Entituled,
+   _An Act for the more effectual Suppression of
+   Piracy_; And made Perpetual by an Act of the
+   Sixth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord
+   King _GEORGE_.
+
+ _BOSTON_: Printed by _T Fleet_ for _S Gerrish_
+   at the Lower End of _Cornhill_. 1726.
+]
+
+The captain had usually a sort of privy council which was composed
+of certain of the officers and older and more experienced sailors
+and these were sometimes distinguished by the title of “Lord.” The
+captain’s power was supreme in time of chase or action. He then had the
+right to strike, stab or shoot any man who disobeyed his orders. He
+also had power over prisoners and could condemn them to ill usage or
+set them free but this power did not extend to cargo or captured vessel
+for then the property interests of the company were concerned.
+
+The quartermaster came next after the captain in exercising authority
+over the affairs of the pirate company. He was chosen with the approval
+of the crew who could claim authority in this way through him, except
+in time of battle. At discretion he could punish any of the men for
+insubordination, by blows or whipping, which no one else might do
+without standing in danger of receiving the lash from the ship’s
+company. In a way he was the trustee for all and was usually the first
+on board a prize. For small offences, too insignificant for a jury,
+he was the arbitrator. If any of the crew disobeyed his commands,
+plundered when plundering should end, or failed to keep their weapons
+in good order, the quartermaster then might punish them. He was the
+manager of all duels and in fact was the magistrate of the company.
+
+Pirate craft usually sailed under what was known as “the Jamaica
+Discipline,” a commonwealth or form of government that originated
+among the West India privateers or buccaneers. All pirate companies
+also adopted codes of laws or “Articles,” as they were called, to
+govern their actions and these were signed and sworn to by all. These
+“Articles” varied somewhat in form and substance but in general
+included the following obligations, viz:--
+
+
+                                   I
+
+    Every man had a vote in all affairs of importance and equal
+    title to all fresh provisions or strong liquors that had been
+    taken and might use them at pleasure unless a scarcity made it
+    necessary to vote a restriction for the common good.
+
+
+                                  II
+
+    Every man was to be called in turn, as entered in the
+    quartermaster’s list, to go on board prizes, because on such
+    occasions each was allowed a shift of clothing from the
+    captured stores. This was in addition to the common share in
+    the plunder of the prize. If any man, however, defrauded the
+    common store of the company, in plates, jewelry or money,
+    to the value of a piece of eight, the punishment was to be
+    marooned on some uninhabited island or shore and supplied
+    with only a gun, a few shot, a bottle of water and a bottle
+    of powder, and there to starve or escape if possible by some
+    unexpected good fortune. If a man robbed another of the
+    same company, the ears or nose of the guilty party might be
+    slit, after which he sometimes would be put ashore, not on
+    an uninhabited island, but where he was sure to encounter
+    hardships.
+
+
+                                  III
+
+    No gaming for money at cards or dice was allowed under any
+    circumstances as likely to lead to fighting and death.
+
+
+                                  IV
+
+    All lights and candles must be put out before eight o’clock at
+    night and after that hour if any of the crew continued drinking
+    they were to do it on the open deck. This rule in relation
+    to drinking was not observed on board a number of the pirate
+    ships. The snapping of arms and smoking of tobacco in the hold
+    was also forbidden on board most ships.
+
+
+                                   V
+
+    Every man must keep his gun, pistol and cutlass clean and fit
+    for service. This rule was seldom broken for its necessity was
+    recognized by all. Moreover, there was always more or less
+    competition between men over the beauty and richness of their
+    arms. When an auction was held “at the mast,” sometimes as much
+    as £30 or £40, would be bid for a pair of fine pistols. These
+    were slung into bright colored sashes worn over the shoulders
+    in a manner peculiar to the pirates, giving a very showy
+    appearance to the swaggering individual.
+
+
+                                  VI
+
+    No women were allowed on board and if any man induced a woman
+    to go to sea in disguise he was to suffer death. When a
+    vessel was captured if a woman was found among the passengers
+    a sentinel was placed over her immediately to prevent ill
+    consequences from so dangerous a cause for quarrels. As a rule,
+    boys were not allowed in pirate companies but exceptions to
+    this rule sometimes occurred.
+
+
+                                  VII
+
+    To desert the ship or to abandon quarters in time of battle was
+    punished with death or marooning.
+
+
+                                 VIII
+
+    No man was permitted to strike a member of his company while on
+    board ship. All quarrels must be settled on shore, with sword
+    or pistol, the quartermaster acting as master of ceremonies.
+    The usual rule was for him to attempt a reconciliation but if
+    the difference could not be healed without a fight he would
+    go ashore with such assistants as he thought proper and after
+    placing the meh back to back they would walk apart the number
+    of paces agreed upon and at the word of command immediately
+    turn and fire. If both missed, they might fall to with
+    cutlasses and the man who drew first blood was declared the
+    victor.
+
+
+                                  IX
+
+    No man was allowed to talk of breaking up their way of living
+    until each had shared £1000. In case a man lost a limb or was
+    otherwise injured there was to be an allowance made to him out
+    of the common stock in proportion to his injury. These amounts
+    varied with the company but a leg was usually estimated as
+    worth eight hundred to a thousand pieces of eight.
+
+
+                                   X
+
+    The captain and the quartermaster each received usually two
+    shares in a prize; the master, gunner, and boatswain, a share
+    and a half, and the other officers, a share and a quarter. The
+    men had a share apiece.
+
+
+                                  XI
+
+    All the larger pirate vessels carried musicians--trumpeters,
+    drummers and fiddlers, and these men were given a day off on
+    Sunday.
+
+When a vessel was captured the likely men among the prisoners would be
+solicited by the quartermaster or captain to join the pirate crew and
+sign the “Articles,” and young and active men who refused to sign would
+sometimes be compelled to join the company in the hope that later
+they might have a change of heart and in any event be of service in
+navigating the vessel. This was called “forcing,” and when the captain
+or fellow-seamen of the forced men reached shore, an advertisement was
+oftentimes inserted in a newspaper, stating the circumstances so that
+in case the forced men were taken while on board a pirate vessel they
+might point to the advertisement as evidence of their innocence.[178]
+
+The flags on pirate vessels were intended to strike terror to the
+hearts of mariners and usually displayed a white skull and cross-bones
+on a black ground. Sometimes the skeleton of a man was depicted,
+usually styled at the time “an anatomy.” Sometimes a livid heart
+pierced by an arrow dripping blood was displayed. Small pirate
+companies contented themselves with a plain black flag without device.
+Capt. Howell Davis for lack of something better hung aloft “a dirty
+Tarpawlin,” while attacking a French vessel near Hispaniola. He
+afterwards used a black flag as did his associate La Bouse. Blackbeard
+sailed under a black flag along the Carolina coast but Major Stede
+Bonnet about the same time used “a bloody flag” and Captain Worley,
+who was on the same coast in 1718, flew “a black ensign with a white
+Death’s head in the middle of it.”
+
+Captain Roberts at first used a black flag which he called “the Jolly
+Roger,” although this term did not originate with him, but afterwards
+becoming enraged at the many attempts made by the governors of
+Barbadoes and Martinico to take him, he ordered a new jack to be made
+with his own figure portrayed standing on two skulls. Under one were
+the letters A. B. H. and under the other, A. M. H., signifying “A
+Barbadian’s Head” and “A Martinican’s Head.” When Roberts sailed into
+Whydah in January, 1722, he had a “black silk flag flying at the mizen
+peak and a jack and pendant of the same: The Flag had a Death in it,
+with an Hour-Glass in one Hand, and cross-Bones in the other, a Dart by
+it, and underneath a Heart dropping three Drops of Blood. The Jack had
+a Man pourtray’d on it, with a flaming Sword in his Hand, and standing
+on two Skulls.”
+
+Frequent mention has been made of the cruelty and destructiveness of
+pirate captains. They often sank or burned the vessels that they took.
+Sometimes it was done to prevent news of their presence getting abroad
+before they were ready to sail for some other hunting ground. Sometimes
+they lacked men enough to navigate their captures and at other times
+the pirate captain would be displeased at the prolonged defense or
+flight of the captured master. Sometimes the fate of a fine ship and
+rich cargo was decided by a caprice or through sheer destructiveness.
+Frequently enquiry would be made among the crew of a captured vessel
+if their captain was a good master and kind to his men and when a
+favorable answer was made such a captain would be let off more easily.
+
+[Illustration: THE PIRATE SHIPS “ROYAL FORTUNE” AND “RANGER” IN WHYDAH
+ROAD, JANUARY 11, 1722
+
+From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the Pirates,”
+London, 1725]
+
+Bartholomew Roberts, one of the most successful and level-headed of the
+pirate captains who plagued shipping during the first quarter of the
+eighteenth century, sailed into the harbor of Trepassi in Newfoundland,
+the last of June, 1720, with black colors flying, drums beating and
+trumpets sounding. There were twenty-two vessels at anchor in the
+harbor and every man on board fled ashore at sight of the pirate ship.
+Roberts burned or sank every vessel except one, which he manned, and
+then ruthlessly destroyed all the fishing stages of the poor planters,
+depriving inoffensive men of their means of livelihood with absolutely
+no attendant advantage to himself. It was this same crew that captured
+the ship “Samuel,” Captain Cary, a few days later. She was from London
+bound for Boston with a rich cargo. These furies opened the hatches and
+swarmed into the hold armed with axes and cutlasses and cut and smashed
+all the bales, cases and boxes they could reach and when any goods
+came on deck that they didn’t want to carry aboard their ship, instead
+of tossing them back into the hold they threw them overboard. Captain
+Cary was told “that they should accept no Act of Grace; that the King
+and Parliament might be damned with their Acts of Grace; neither would
+they go to Hope’s Point, to be hang’d up a sun drying, as Kidd’s and
+Braddish’s Company were; but if ever they should be overpowered, they
+would set Fire to the Powder, with a Pistol, and go all merrily to Hell
+together.”[179]
+
+“Walking the plank” was a diversion practised at a later day among the
+West India pirates whereby their victims were blindfolded and forced to
+find a watery grave at the end of a plank thrust out from the vessel’s
+side. But this was not original with them for in the days of the Roman
+empire when the Mediterranean pirates took a ship they frequently
+would enquire if any on board were Romans and when found the pirates
+would fall down on their knees before the citizens of that illustrious
+nation, as though asking pardon for what they had done. Other
+deferences would be shown until their captives actually grew to believe
+in their sincerity. When that point was attained the outlaws would hang
+the ship’s ladder over the side and with great show of courtesy tell
+their victims they were free to leave the vessel in that way. The shock
+to the unfortunate Romans always greatly amused the pirates who then
+would throw them overboard with much laughter.
+
+Since those early times when men first effected crude forms of
+government to guard and control their relations with each other, the
+pirate has been looked upon as a common enemy. In the days of the
+Roman empire neither faith nor oath need be kept with him. However,
+“might made right” in those days, as in later times, and when large
+bodies of successful sea rovers set up an organized state or government
+that assumed a somewhat permanent form, after a time they would be
+recognized by existing nations and granted the right of legalized
+warfare with diplomatic and commercial intercourse. The Mediterranean
+and the Baltic were nurseries for growths of this character and as
+late as 1818, European nations were paying tribute to the corsair
+governments on the Barbary coast.
+
+Piracy was considered among Englishmen a kind of petty treason until
+about the year 1350, when it was made a felony by law and it has
+remained so ever since. In 1536, during the reign of Henry VIII, the
+laws relating to piracy were defined by Act of Parliament and the
+forms of trial, executions of sentence, etc., were established and
+with slight modifications were in force in New England during the
+period covered by the preceding chapters. By the practical working of
+this statute curious applications sometimes developed. An Englishman
+captured from a foreign vessel flying the flag of a country with which
+England was then at war, was declared to be a pirate and so dealt with;
+but a subject of a country at war with England, if taken on board an
+English pirate vessel, was not deemed to be engaged in piracy but in
+actual warfare.
+
+Here are some of the laws at that time, relating to piracy, abstracted
+from the “Statutes of the Realm.”
+
+    “_If Letters of_ Marque _be granted to a Merchant, and he
+    furnishes out a Ship, with a Captain and Mariners, and they,
+    instead of taking the Goods, or Ships of that Nation against
+    whom their Commission is awarded, take the Ship and Goods of a
+    Friend, this is Pyracy; and if the Ship arrive in any Part of
+    his Majesty’s Dominions, it will be seized, and for ever left
+    to the Owners; but they are no Way liable to make Satisfaction._
+
+    “_If a Ship is assaulted and taken by the Pyrates, for
+    Redemption of which, the Master becomes a Slave to the Captors,
+    by the Law_ Marine; _the Ship and Lading are tacitly obliged
+    for his Redemption, by a general Contribution; but if it happen
+    through his own Folly, then no Contribution is to be made._
+
+    “_If Subjects in Enmity with the Crown of_ England, _are aboard
+    an_ English _Pyrate, in Company with_ English, _and a Robbery
+    is committed, and they are taken; it is Felony in the_ English,
+    _but not in the Stranger; for it was no Pyracy in them, but the
+    Depredation of an Enemy, and they will be tried by a Martial
+    Law._
+
+    “_If Pyracy is committed by Subjects in Enmity with_ England
+    _upon the_ British _Seas, it is properly only punishable by
+    the Crown of_ England, _who have issued_ Regimen & Domininum
+    _exclusive of all other Power._
+
+    “_If Pyracy be committed on the Ocean, and the Pyrates in the
+    Attempt be overcome, the Captors may, without any Solemnity
+    of Condemnation, hang them up at the Main-Yard; if they are
+    brought to the next Port, and the Judge rejects the Tryal, or
+    the Captors cannot wait for the Judge, without Peril or Loss,
+    Justice may be done upon them by the Captors._
+
+    “_If Merchandize be delivered to a Master, to carry to one
+    Port, and he carries it to another, and sells and disposes of
+    it, this is not Felony; but if, after unlading it at the first
+    Port, he retakes it, it is Pyracy._
+
+    “_If a Pyrate attack a Ship, and the Master for Redemption,
+    gives his Oath to pay a Sum of Money, tho’ there be nothing
+    taken, yet it is Pyracy by the Law_ Marine.
+
+    “_If a Ship is riding at Anchor, and the Mariners all ashore,
+    and a Pyrate attack her, and rob her, this is Pyracy._
+
+    “_If a Man commit Pyracy upon the Subjects of any Prince, or
+    Republick, (though in Amity with us), and brings the Goods
+    into_ England, _and sells them in a Market_ Overt, _the same
+    shall bind, and the Owners are for ever excluded._
+
+    “_If a Pyrate enters a Port of this Kingdom, and robs a Ship at
+    Anchor there, it is not Pyracy, because not done_, super altum
+    Mare; _but is Robbery at common Law, because_ infra Corpus
+    Comitatus. _A Pardon of all Felonies does not extend to Pyracy,
+    but the same ought to be especially named._
+
+    “_This Act shall not prejudice any Person, or Persons, urged
+    by Necessity, for taking Victuals, Cables, Ropes, Anchors or
+    Sails, out of another Ship that may spare them, so as they
+    either pay ready Money, or Money worth for them, or give a
+    Bill for the Payment thereof; if on this Side the Straits
+    of_ Gibraltar, _within four Months; if beyond, within twelve
+    Months._
+
+    “_If any natural born Subjects or Denizons of_ England, _commit
+    Pyracy, or any Act of Hostility, against his Majesty’s Subjects
+    at Sea, under Colour of a Commission or Authority, from any
+    foreign Prince or State, or Person whatsoever, such Offenders
+    shall be adjudged Pyrates._
+
+    “_If any Commander or Master of a Ship, or Seaman or Mariner,
+    give up his Ship, &c. to Pyrates, or combine to yield up, or
+    run away with any Ship, or lay violent Hands on his Commander,
+    or endeavour to make a Revolt in the Ship, he shall be adjudged
+    a Pyrate._
+
+    “_All Persons who after the 29th of_ September, 1720, _shall
+    set forth any Pyrate (or be aiding and assisting to any such
+    Pyrate) committing Pyracy on Land or Sea, or shall conceal such
+    Pyrates, or receive any Vessel or Goods pyratically taken,
+    shall be adjudged accessary to such Pyracy, and suffer as
+    Principals._
+
+    “_All Persons who have committed, or shall commit any Offences,
+    for which they ought to be adjudged Pyrates, may be tried for
+    every such Offence, in such Manner as by the Act 28_ Henry
+    VIII, _chapter 15, is directed for the Tryal of Pyrates; and
+    shall not have the Benefit of the Clergy._”[180]
+
+The enforcement of the English statute relating to piracy was variously
+interpreted in the colonial courts and local enactments sometimes
+superseded it in actual practice. Previous to 1700, the statute
+required that men accused of piracy should be sent to England to be
+tried before a High Court of Admiralty. Pound, Hawkins, Bradish, Kidd
+and other known pirates were accordingly sent in irons to London for
+trial. But the difficulties and delays, to say nothing of the expense,
+induced Parliament by an Act of 11 and 12 William III, to confer
+authority by which trials for piracy might be held by the Courts of
+Admiralty sitting in the colonies. On the other hand, the Massachusetts
+Court of Assistants, in 1675, found John Rhoades and others, guilty of
+piracy and sentenced them to be “hanged presently after the lecture.”
+This was in accordance with an order adopted by the Great and General
+Court on Oct. 15, 1673. When Robert Munday was tried at Newport, R.
+I., in 1703, it was by a jury in the ordinary criminal court, in open
+disregard of the King’s commission.
+
+Governor Bellomont in a letter to the Council of Trade, described the
+situation in Massachusetts in 1699, as follows:--
+
+    “A pirate cannot suffer death in this province, and what to
+    do with Bradish’s crew and Kidd and his men, I know not, and
+    therefore desire your orders. The reason why their Act, that
+    was approved in England, will not reach the life of a pirate is
+    this: Piracy by the Law of England is felony without benefit
+    of clergy and punishment with death. Here there’s no such
+    thing in practice as the benefit of clergy; neither is felony
+    punishable with death, but by their law the felon is only to
+    make a three-fold restitution of the value of the offence or
+    trespass.”[181]
+
+The Courts of Admiralty held in the colonies were composed of certain
+officials designated in the Royal commission, including the Governor,
+Lieutenant-Governor, the Judge of the Vice-Admiralty for the Province,
+the Chief Justice, the Secretary, Members of the Council and the
+Collector of Customs. Counsel was assigned to the accused to advise
+and to address the Court “upon any matter of law,” but the practice at
+that time was different from the present. Accused persons in criminal
+cases were obliged to conduct their own defence and their counsel were
+not permitted to cross-examine witnesses, the legal theory at the time
+being that the facts in the case would appear without the necessity for
+counsel; that the judge could be trusted to see this properly done; and
+the jury would give the prisoner the benefit of any reasonable doubt.
+
+Trials occupied but a short time and executions generally took place
+within a few days after the sentence of the Court was pronounced.
+During the interval the local clergy labored with the condemned to
+induce repentance and all the terrors of Hell were pictured early and
+late. Usually, the prisoners were made the principal figures in a
+Sunday spectacle and taken through the streets to the meeting-house of
+some prominent minister, there to be gazed at by a congregation that
+crowded the building, while the reverend divine preached a sermon
+suited to the occasion. This discourse was invariably printed and
+avidly read by the townsfolk, so that few copies have survived the
+wear and tear of the years. From these worn pamphlets may be learned
+something of the lives and future of the prisoners as reflected by the
+mental attitude of the attending ministers.
+
+The day of execution having arrived, the condemned prisoners were
+marched in procession through the crowded streets safely guarded by
+musketeers and constables. The procession included prominent officials
+and ministers and was preceded by the Marshal of the Admiralty Court
+carrying “the Silver Oar,” his emblem of authority. This was usually
+about three feet long and during the trial was also carried by him in
+the procession of judges to the court room where it was placed on the
+table before the Court during the proceedings.[182]
+
+Time-honored custom and the Act of Parliament, as well, required that
+the gallows should be erected “in such place upon the sea, or within
+the ebbing or flowing thereof, as the President of the Court ... shall
+appoint,”[183] and this necessitated the construction of a scaffold or
+platform suspended from the framework of the gallows by means of ropes
+and blocks. When an execution took place on land, that is to say, on
+solid ground easily approached, it was the custom at that time to carry
+the condemned in a cart under the cross-arm of the gallows and after
+the hangman’s rope had been adjusted around the neck and the signal
+had been given, the cart would be driven away and the condemned person
+left dangling in the air. In theory, the proper adjustment of the knot
+in the rope and the short fall from the body of the cart when it was
+driven away, would be sufficient to break the bones of the neck and
+also cause strangulation; but in practice this did not always occur.
+
+In the winter of 1646, a case of infanticide was discovered in Boston
+by a prying mid-wife and when the suspected mother was brought before
+a jury and caused to touch the cloth-covered face of the murdered
+infant, the covering was instantly stained with fresh blood. Then the
+young woman confessed. This was the medieval “ordeal of touch” which
+was practiced in Massachusetts as late as 1768. The young mother was
+condemned to death and Governor Winthrop relates in his “Journal,” that
+“after she was turned off and had hung a space, she spake, and asked
+what they did mean to do. Then one stepped up and turned the knot of
+the rope backward and then she soon died.”
+
+When pirates were executed on a gallows placed between “the ebb and
+flow of the tide,” the scaffold on which they stood was allowed to
+fall by releasing the ropes holding it suspended in mid-air. This was
+always the climax of the spectacle for which thousands of spectators
+had gathered from far and near. Six pirates were hanged in Boston in
+1704 and “when the scaffold was let sink, there was such a Screech of
+the women” present that the sound was heard over half a mile away. So
+writes Samuel Sewall, one of the judges who had condemned the pirates
+to execution.
+
+Not infrequently the judges of a Court of Admiralty had brought before
+them for trial, a pirate whose career had been more infamous than the
+rest. A cruel and bloody-minded fellow fit only for a halter,--and
+then the sentence to be hanged by the neck until dead would be followed
+by another judgment,--dooming the lifeless body of the pirate to be
+hanged in chains from a gibbet placed on some island or jutting point
+near a ship channel, there to hang “a sun drying” as a warning to other
+sailormen of evil intent. In Boston harbor there were formerly two
+islands--Bird island and Nix’s Mate--on which pirates were gibbetted.
+Bird island long since disappeared and ships now anchor where the
+gibbet formerly stood. Nix’s Mate was of such size that early in the
+eighteenth century the selectmen of Boston advertised its rental for
+the pasturage of cattle. Today, every foot of its soil has washed away
+and the point of a granite monument alone marks the site of the island
+where formerly a pirate hung in chains beside the swiftly flowing tides.
+
+[Illustration: NIX’S MATE, BOSTON HARBOR, IN 1775, WHERE CAPTAIN FLY
+WAS GIBBETED IN 1726
+
+From an engraving in the “Atlantic Neptune,” Part III, London, 1781, in
+the library of the Massachusetts Historical Society]
+
+[Illustration: MONUMENT ON THE SHOAL, FORMERLY NIX’S MATE, IN 1637 AN
+ISLAND OF MORE THAN TEN ACRES
+
+From a photograph made about 1900]
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+[177] This was the man who enticed Anne Bonny to go to sea with him and
+become a female pirate.
+
+[178] _Advertisement._ John Smith of Boston in New England late Mate
+of the Briganteen Rebecca of Charlestown burthen’d about Ninety Tuns
+whereof James Flucker was late Commander and Charles Meston of Boston
+aforesaid Mariner, late belonging to the said Briganteen, severally
+Declare and say, That the said Briganteen in her Voyage from St.
+Christophers to Boston, on the Twenty-eighth of May last past, being
+in the Latitude of Thirty Eight Degrees and odd Minutes North, the
+said Briganteen was taken by a Pirate Sloop, Commanded by one Lowther,
+having near one Hundred Men, and Eight Guns mounted. The Day after
+the said Briganteen was taken, the said Pirate parted their Company.
+Forty of them went on Board the said Brigantine Commanded by Edward
+Loe of Boston aforesaid, Mariner; and the rest of the said Pirates
+went on board the Sloop, Commanded by the said Lowther. And Declarants
+further say, That Joseph Sweetser of Charlestown aforesaid, and Richard
+Rich and Robert Willis of London, Mariners, all belonging to the said
+Brigantine, were forced and compelled against their Wills to go with
+the said Pirates, viz. Joseph Sweetser and Richard Rich on board the
+Brigantine, & Robert Willis on Board the Sloop. The said Willis having
+broke his Arm by a Fall from the Mast, desired that considering his
+Condition they would let him go; but they utterly refused and forced
+him away with them.
+
+                                            _Signum_ JOHN SMITH
+                                                     CHARLES MESTON
+
+_Suffolk ss._                            Boston, June 12, 1722.
+
+The abovenamed John Smith and Charles Meston personally appearing, made
+Oath to the Truth of the aforewritten Declaration.
+
+                         _Coram me_ J. WILLARD, Secr. & J. Pac.
+                             --_New England Courant_, June 18, 1722.
+
+[179] Johnson, _History of the Pirates_, London, 1726.
+
+[180] By the old English law the clergy were exempted from trial before
+a secular judge. This privilege was afterwards extended, for many
+offences, to all laymen who could read. The legal recognition of the
+“Benefit of the Clergy” was not wholly repealed until 1827.
+
+[181] _Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies_, 1699, p. 746.
+
+[182] The origin of this emblem is not known but it dates back at least
+to the fourteenth century. The existing silver oar of the High Court of
+Admiralty in England is believed to be of Tudor date, and that of the
+Cinque Ports, now preserved at Dover Castle, England, is of an earlier
+period. The silver oar had inscribed on its blade, the Royal Arms, an
+anchor, or some similar device. Miniature silver oars were also in use
+as badges of authority when effecting arrests under the order of an
+Admiralty Court. See an article on “The Jurisdiction of the Silver Oar
+of the Admiralty,” in the _Nautical Magazine_, Vol. XLVI (1877).--W. G.
+PERRIN, _The Library, Admiralty, London_. Admiralty Courts in America
+continue to use the oar as an emblem of authority. The oar preserved in
+the Federal Building, Boston, is made of wood.
+
+[183] This was because the Admiralty Courts, in theory and practice,
+had authority over acts committed on the sea and that control ceased at
+high-water mark.
+
+
+
+
+APPENDIX
+
+
+
+
+I
+
+CAPTAIN PLOUGHMAN’S PRIVATEERING COMMISSION
+
+ =Joseph Dudley=, _Esq; Captain General and Governour in Chief,
+    in and over Her Majesties Provinces of the_ Massachusetts
+    Bay, _and_ New-Hampshire _in_ New-England _in_ America, _and
+    Vice-Admiral of the same. To Capt._ Daniel Plowman, _Commander
+    of the Briganteen_ Charles _of_ Boston, _Greeting_.
+
+Whereas Her Sacred Majesty _ANNE_ by the Grace of GOD, of _England_,
+_Scotland_, _France_ and _Ireland_, QUEEN, Defender of the Faith, _&c._
+Hath an Open and Declared War against _France_ and _Spain_, their
+Vassals and Subjects. AND FORASMUCH as you have made Application unto
+Me for Licence to Arm, Furnish and Equip the said Briganteen in Warlike
+manner, against Her Majesties said Enemies, I do accordingly Permit
+and Allow the same; And, Reposing special Trust and Confidence in your
+Loyalty, Courage and good Conduct, Do by these Presents, by Virtue of
+the Powers and Authorities contained in Her Majesties Royal Commission
+to Me granted, Impower and Commissionate you the said _Daniel Plowman_,
+to be Captain or Commander of the said Briganteen _Charles_, Burthen
+Eighty Tuns or thereabouts: Hereby Authorizing you in and with the said
+Briganteen and Company to her belonging, to War, Fight, Take, Kill,
+Suppress and Destroy, any Pirates, Privateers, or other the Subjects
+and Vassals of _France_, or _Spain_, the Declared Enemies of the Crown
+of _England_, in what Place soever you shall happen to meet them;
+Their Ships, Vessels and Goods, to take and make Prize of. And your
+said Briganteens Company are Commanded to Obey you as their Captain:
+And your self in the Execution of this Commission, to Observe and
+Follow the Orders and Instructions herewith given you. And I do hereby
+Request all Governors and Commanders in Chief, of any of Her Majesties
+Territories, Islands, Provinces or Plantations, where the said Captain
+or Commander shall arrive with his said Vessel and Men: And all
+Admirals, Vice-Admirals and Commanders of Her Majesties Ships of War,
+and others, that may happen to meet him at Sea; Also all Officers and
+Subjects of the Friends or Allies of Her said Sacred Majesty, to permit
+him the said Captain or Commander with his said Vessel, Men, and the
+Prizes that he may have taken, freely and quietly to pass and repass,
+without giving or suffering him to receive any Trouble or Hindrance,
+but on the contrary all Succour and Assistance needful. And this
+Commission is to continue in Force for the Space of Six Months next
+ensuing (if the War so long last) and not afterwards. _Given under my
+Hand and Seal at Arms at_ Boston _the Thirteenth Day of_ July: _In the
+Second Year of Her said Majesties Reign_, Annoque Domini, 1703.
+
+   _By His Excellencies Command_,
+ =Isaac Addington=, Secr.
+
+
+
+
+II
+
+CAPTAIN PLOUGHMAN’S INSTRUCTIONS
+
+
+ _Province of the_ Massachusetts
+ Bay _in_ New-England.
+
+              _By His Excellency_ =Joseph Dudley=, Esq; _Captain-General
+                             and Governour in Chief_, &c.
+
+_Instructions to be Observed by Capt._ Daniel Plowman, _Commander of
+the Briganteen_ Charles _of_ Boston, _In Pursuance of the Commission
+herewith given him._
+
+_First_, You are to keep such good Orders among your said Briganteen’s
+Company, that Swearing Drunkenness and Prophaneness be avoided, or duly
+Punished; And that GOD be duly worshipped.
+
+_2dly_, You are upon all Occasions to Endeavour the maintaining of
+Her Majesties Honour, and to give Protection to Her Subjects, by
+endeavouring to secure them in their Trade, and in no wise to hurt or
+injure any of Her Majesties Subjects, Friends or Allies.
+
+_3dly._ You are to take, seize, sink, or destroy any of the Ships,
+Vessels or Goods belonging to _France_ or _Spain_, their Vassals or
+Subjects, the Declared Enemies of the Crown of _England_. And all such
+Ships and Vessels with their Lading, Goods, and Merchandizes, which you
+shall happen to seize or take, you are to carry or send into some Port
+or Ports within Her Majesties Kingdom or Dominions, to be proceeded
+against and adjudged: And if near this Coast, then to bring or send
+them to _Boston_, your Commission Port.
+
+_4thly._ You are to take effectual Care, That no Money, Goods,
+Merchandizes, or what else shall be taken by you in any Ship, Vessel,
+or otherwise, be Imbezelled, Purloyned, Concealed, or Conveyed away.
+And that Bulk be not broken until the same be first adjudged to be
+Lawful Prize: And Order given for the landing and securing thereof,
+as by Law is directed. And likewise you are carefully to preserve all
+Books, Papers, Letters and Writings which shall be found in any Ship
+or Vessel to be by you taken, to the intent a more clear Evidence and
+Discovery may be made to what Persons such Ship or Vessel and her
+Lading did belong.
+
+_5thly._ You are to take care, That no Person or Persons taken or
+surprized by you in any Ship or Vessel as aforesaid, though known to
+be of the Enemies side, be in cold Blood killed, maimed, or by Torture
+or Cruelty inhumanly treated contrary to the Common Usage or Just
+Permission of War.
+
+_6thly._ You are to keep a fair Journal of all your Proceedings, That
+so you may be the better enabled to give a Copy thereof when you shall
+be thereunto duly required.
+
+_7thly._ You may not at any time wear on Board your said Briganteen,
+by Virtue of the said Commission, any other Jack than that Ordered by
+Her Majesties Royal Proclamation, of the Eighteenth of _December_ 1702,
+to be worn by such Ships as have Commission of Mart or Reprizal; and
+upon meeting with any of Her Majesties Ships of War, you are to pay all
+Customary Respect unto them, according to the Laws and Orders of the
+Sea.
+
+_8thly._ You may not enter or retain on Board your said Briganteen any
+Mens Sons under Age, or Servants, contrary to the Law of this Province:
+And before you depart with your said Briganteen from the same, you are
+to deliver into the Secretaries Office a List by you signed, of the
+Names of the Company belonging to your said Briganteen with the Place
+of their Respective Dwellings, or Aboad, as near as you can learn; and
+such of them as are Inhabitants, or belonging to this Province, you are
+to bring back with you to the same, or use your best Endeavours so to
+do, not willingly leaving any of them behind in other Parts.
+
+_9thly._ You are to take care, That the Prisoners which you shall take
+in any Prize Ship or Vessel, or so many of them as you may be able to
+keep under Command (especially the Officers or more Principal of them)
+be brought or sent into your Commission Port, or where else within Her
+Majesties Dominions you send your Prizes: To the intent there may be
+the more full Evidences for Condemning the same, and also an advantage
+for the Exchange of Prisoners.
+
+_Lastly._ You are carefully to observe and keep all the foregoing
+Articles and Instructions, and not to make any breach thereof, or of
+Her Majesties Laws, respecting Letters of Reprisal, and Prize Ships and
+Goods; and to see that the full and just Parts and Shares of all such
+Vessels and Goods as shall be taken and seized by you, by Law accruing
+unto Her Majesty, and the Lord High Admiral, be duly and truly answered
+and paid.
+
+_Given under my Hand at_ Boston, _the Thirteenth Day of_ July, _in the
+Second Year of Her Majesties Reign_, Annoque Domini, 1603.
+
+    _Copy of the Instructions given unto me_                J. DUDLEY.
+        Daniel Plowman.
+
+                              _Register._
+
+
+
+
+III
+
+THE DYING SPEECHES OF CAPTAIN QUELCH AND HIS COMPANIONS
+
+An Account of the Behaviour and last Dying
+
+SPEECHES
+
+Of the Six Pirates, that were Executed on _Charles River, Boston_ side,
+on Fryday _June_ 30th. 1704. _Viz._
+
+_Capt._ John Quelch, John Lambert, Christopher Scudamore, John Miller,
+Erasmus Peterson _and_ Peter Roach.
+
+
+The Ministers of the Town, had used more than ordinary Endeavours,
+to Instruct the Prisoners, and bring them to Repentance. There were
+Sermons Preached in their hearing, Every Day: And Prayers daily made
+with them. And they were Catechised; and they had many occasional
+Exhortations. And nothing was left, that could be done for their Good.
+
+On Fryday the _30th. of June_ 1704. Pursuant to Orders in the Dead
+Warrant, the aforesaid Pirates were guarded from the Prison in
+_Boston_, by Forty Musketeers, Constables of the Town, the Provost
+Marshal and his Officers, _&c._ with Two Ministers, who took great
+pains to prepare them for the last Article of their Lives. Being
+allowed to walk on Foot through the Town, to Scarlets Wharff; where the
+Silver Oar being carried before them; they went by Water to the Place
+of Execution, being Crowded and thronged on all sides with Multitudes
+of Spectators. The Ministers then Spoke to the Malefactors, to this
+Effect.
+
+“We have told you often, ye we have told you Weeping, That you have by
+Sin undone your selves; That you were born Sinners, That you have lived
+Sinners, That your Sins have been many and mighty; and that the Sins
+for which you are now to Dy, are of no common aggravation. We have told
+you, That there is a Saviour for Sinners, and we have shewn you, how to
+commit your selves into His Saving and Healing Hands. We have told you,
+That if He Save you, He will give you an hearty Repentance for all your
+Sins, and we have shown you how to Express that Repentance. We have
+told you, What Marks of Life, must be desired for your Souls, that you
+may Safely appear before the Judgment Seat of God. Oh! That the means
+used for your Good, may by the Grace of God be made Effectual. We can
+do no more, but leave you in His Merciful Hands!
+
+“When they were gone up upon the Stage, and Silence was Commanded, One
+of the Ministers Prayed.”...
+
+                   _They then severally Spoke_, Viz.
+
+I. Capt. _John Quelch_. The last Words he spake to One of the Ministers
+at his going up the Stage, were, _I am not afraid of Death, I am not
+afraid of the Gallows, but I am afraid of what follows; I am afraid
+of a Great God, and a Judgment to Come_. But he afterwards seem’d to
+brave it out too much against that fear: also when on the Stage first
+he pulled off his Hat, and bowed to the Spectators, and not Concerned,
+nor behaving himself so much like a Dying man as some would have done.
+The Ministers had in the Way to his Execution, much desired him to
+Glorify God at his Death, by bearing a due Testimony against the Sins
+that had ruined him, and for the ways of Religion which he had much
+neglected: yet now being called upon to speak what he had to say, it
+was but thus much; _Gentlemen, ’Tis but little I have to speak: What I
+have to say is this, I desire to be informed for what I am here, I am
+Condemned only upon Circumstances. I forgive all the World: So the Lord
+be Merciful to my Soul._ When _Lambert_ was Warning the Spectators to
+beware of _Bad-Company_, _Quelch_ joyning, _They should also take care
+how they brought Money into New-England, to be Hanged for it!_
+
+II. _John Lambert._ He appeared much hardened, and pleaded much on
+his Innocency: He desired all men to beware of Bad Company; he seem’d
+in a great Agony near his Execution: he called much and frequently on
+Christ, for Pardon of Sin, that God Almighty would Save his innocent
+Soul: he desired to forgive all the World: his last words were, _Lord,
+forgive my Soul! Oh, receive me into Eternity! blessed Name of Christ
+receive my Soul._----
+
+III. _Christopher Scudamore._ He appeared very Penitent since his
+Condemnation, was very diligent to improve his time going to, and at
+the place of Execution.
+
+IV. _John Miller._ He seem’d much concerned, and complained of a great
+Burden of Sins to answer for; Expressing often, _Lord! What shall I do
+to be Saved!_
+
+V. _Erasmus Peterson._ He cryed of injustice done him; and said, it is
+very hard for so many mens Lives to be taken away for a little Gold. He
+often said, _his Peace was made with God; and his Soul would be with
+God_: yet extream hard to forgive those he said wronged him: He told
+the Executioner, _he was a strong man, and Prayed to be put out of
+misery as soon as possible_.
+
+VI. _Peter Roach._ He seem’d little concerned, and said but little or
+nothing at all.
+
+_Francis King_ was also Brought to the place of Execution, but
+Repriev’d.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+_Printed for and Sold by_ Nicholas Boone, _at his Shop near the Old
+Meeting-House in_ Boston, 1704.
+
+
+
+
+IV
+
+JOHN FILLMORE’S NARRATIVE
+
+
+In 1802, there was published at Suffield, Conn., a pamphlet of twelve
+pages with the following title, viz:--
+
+    “_Narrative of the Singular Sufferings of John Fillmore and
+    others on board the noted Pirate Vessel Commanded by Captain
+    Phillips_”....
+
+This pamphlet was reprinted at Johnstown in 1809 and at Aurora, N. Y.
+in 1837, and again, in the “Publications of the Buffalo Historical
+Society,” Volume X. It was written when John Fillmore was an old man
+and the testimony given at the trial of the pirates shows it to be
+inaccurate in some particulars. It preserves, however, biographical
+details which are probably correct.
+
+Fillmore relates that his father was a sailor who was taken into
+Martinico by a French frigate where he was imprisoned and suffered
+many hardships so that when sent home in a French cartel he died on
+the voyage. Young Fillmore was apprenticed to a carpenter and across
+the road from where he lived was a tailor who had an apprentice named
+William White who afterwards went to sea. When young Fillmore met him
+again it was on board Phillips’ pirate vessel off the Newfoundland
+coast.
+
+When seventeen years old Fillmore went to sea in the sloop “Dolphin,”
+Captain Haskell, and was taken by Phillips soon after reaching the
+fishing grounds. “Having heard of the cruelties committed by Phillips,”
+he refused to go on board his vessel until White came back with an
+order to bring him on board “dead or alive.” He states that while
+with Phillips he was assigned the helm for much of the time, and on
+one occasion when a fine merchant ship was sighted, Captain Phillips
+“walked the deck with his glass in his hand” and damned young Fillmore
+for not steering as well as he thought he should and at last struck him
+over the head with his broadsword, cutting his hat. The merchant was
+light and a better sailer and so got away.
+
+When Fern, the carpenter, attempted to get away the second time,
+Phillips ran his sword through his body and then blew out his brains
+with a pistol. Phillips also killed a young friend of Fillmore’s in the
+same manner.
+
+Fillmore represents that he played a very active part in the overthrow
+of the pirates, which he initiated the evening before by burning the
+soles of the feet of White and Archer, as they lay dead drunk below
+deck, so that they were unable to come on deck the next day. At the
+time of the attack the master was preparing to take an observation and
+“the quartermaster was in the cabin drawing out some leaden slugs for a
+musket.” Fillmore relates that he split open the head of the boatswain
+with a broadax, hit the captain on the head and stunned him and when
+the quartermaster, hearing the noise, came running out of the cabin
+with a hammer in his hand he “gave him a blow on the back of his head
+cutting his wig and neck almost off so that his head hung down before
+him.” As Archer was the quartermaster of the vessel and was supposed
+to be suffering with burned feet and unable to come on deck, Fillmore
+at this point seems to add embroidery to his narrative. He also states
+that three of the pirates were sent to England for trial and hanged
+there.
+
+James Cheeseman returned to England where he was rewarded by the
+Government, says Fillmore, and enjoyed until his death the office of
+quartermaster in the dockyard at Portsmouth.
+
+
+
+
+V
+
+AN “ACT OF GRACE”
+
+
+From time to time proclamations were published granting a gracious
+pardon to those guilty of acts of piracy who would surrender themselves
+to the authorities on or before a certain date. These offers of pardon
+were known as “Acts of Grace.” The proclamation made in 1717, which
+brought about the great surrender of pirates in the Bahamas, is here
+reprinted.
+
+
+                             By the King
+              A PROCLAMATION for Suppressing of PYRATES
+
+    “Whereas we have received information, that several Persons,
+    Subjects of Great Britain, have, since the 24th Day of June,
+    in the Year of our Lord, 1715, committed divers Pyracies and
+    Robberies upon the High-Seas, in the West-Indies, or adjoyning
+    to our Plantations, which hath and may Occasion great Damage
+    to the Merchants of Great Britain, and others trading into
+    those Parts; and tho’ we have appointed such a Force as we
+    judge sufficient for suppressing the said Pyrates, yet the more
+    effectually to put an End to the same, we have thought fit, by
+    and with the Advice of our Privy Council, to Issue this our
+    Royal Proclamation; and we do hereby promise, and declare, that
+    in Case any of the said Pyrates, shall on, or before, the 5th
+    of September, in the Year of our Lord 1718, surrender him or
+    themselves, to one of our Principal Secretaries of State in
+    Great Britain or Ireland, or to any Governor or Deputy Governor
+    of any of our Plantations beyond the Seas; every such Pyrate
+    and Pyrates so surrendering him, or themselves, as aforesaid,
+    shall have our gracious Pardon, of, and for such, his or their
+    Pyracy, or Piracies, by him or them committed, before the fifth
+    of January next ensuing. And we do hereby strictly charge and
+    command all our Admirals, Captains, and other Officers at Sea,
+    and all our Governors and Commanders of any Forts, Castles, or
+    other Places in our Plantations, and all other our Officers
+    Civil and Military, to seize and take such of the Pyrates, who
+    shall refuse or neglect to surrender themselves accordingly.
+    And we do hereby further declare, that in Case any Person or
+    Persons, on, or after, the 6th Day of September, 1718, shall
+    discover or seize, or cause or procure to be discovered or
+    seized, any one or more of the said Pyrates, so refusing or
+    neglecting to surrender themselves as aforesaid, so as they
+    may be brought to Justice, and convicted of the said Offence,
+    such Person or Persons, so making such Discovery or Seizure,
+    or causing or procuring such Discovery or Seizure to be made,
+    shall have and receive as a Reward for the same, viz. for every
+    Commander of any private Ship or Vessel, the Sum of 100 l. for
+    every Lieutenant, Master, Boatswain, Carpenter, and Gunner,
+    the Sum of 40 l. for every inferior Officer, the Sum of 30 l.
+    and for every private Man, the Sum of 20 l. And if any Person
+    or Persons, belonging to, and being Part of the Crew, of any
+    Pyrate Ship and Vessel, shall, on or after the said sixth Day
+    of September, 1718, seize and deliver, or cause to be seized
+    or delivered, any Commander or Commanders, of such Pyrat Ship
+    or Vessel, so as that he or they be brought to Justice, and
+    convicted of the said Offence, such Person or Persons, as a
+    Reward for the same, shall receive for every such Commander,
+    the Sum of 200 l. which said Sums, the Lord Treasurer, or the
+    Commissioners of our Treasury for the time being, are hereby
+    required, and desired to pay accordingly.
+
+    “Given at our Court, at Hampton-Court, the fifth Day of
+    September, 1717, in the fourth Year of our Reign.
+
+                                                       GEORGE R.
+
+                         “God save the KING.”
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration: BOSTON HARBOR FROM THE SURVEY IN THE “ENGLISH PILOT,”
+Part IV. London, 1707
+
+From an original in the Harvard College Library.]
+
+[Illustration: MAP OF CAPE COD IN 1717, SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THE
+PIRATE WRECK
+
+From a chart surveyed and published by Capt. Cyprian Southack of
+Boston, now in possession of John W. Farwell.]
+
+
+
+
+INDEX
+
+
+ Acadie, 45.
+
+ Acapulco, 15.
+
+ Ackin, John, 303.
+
+ Act of Grace, 344, 361, 381.
+
+ Addington, Isaac, 67, 107.
+
+ Aernouts, Jurriaen, 44, 45.
+
+ Aix-la-Chapelle, Treaty of, 10.
+
+ Allen, Rev. John, 68.
+
+ Alsop, ----, 61.
+
+ Andreson, Cornelius, 45-51.
+
+ Andros, Gov. Edmund, 54, 69.
+
+ Angola, 87.
+
+ Annisquam, 310, 313.
+
+ Anstis, Captain, 314, 318.
+
+ Apthorp, Edward, 335.
+
+ Archer, John Rose, 312, 316, 323-325, 380.
+
+ Arnold, Sion, 38.
+
+ Ashton, Benjamin, 229.
+   Philip, 142, 150, 204, 218-270, 281.
+   Sarah (Hendly), 221.
+
+ Atkins, John, xxii.
+
+ Atkinson, William, 331-335.
+
+ Atwell, Christopher, 144, 289.
+
+ Austin, James, 102, 103.
+
+ Avery, “Long Ben,” xviii, 76, 92, 97.
+   John, 346-348, 350.
+
+ Ayres, Captain, 144.
+
+ Azores, 152, 155, 233, 271, 340.
+
+
+ Babson, James, 322.
+
+ Bahama Islands, 344.
+
+ Baker, Thomas, 123, 130, 131.
+
+ Baptis, John, 317, 322, 324.
+
+ Barbary Coast, 3, 5, 23.
+
+ Barlow, Jonathan, 217, 285, 286.
+
+ Barnard, Rev. John, 221, 222.
+
+ Barnes, Henry, 294, 298, 300.
+
+ Barney, Jonathan, 217, 284.
+
+ Barrows, George, 317.
+
+ Bartlett, Sarah, 221.
+
+ Bass, Rev. ----, 308.
+
+ Basse, Governor, 38.
+   Jeremiah, 96.
+
+ Beal, Obadiah, 322.
+
+ Beer, Captain, 121, 122.
+
+ Belcher, Andrew, 9.
+
+ Bell, John, 236.
+
+ Bellamy, Samuel, 116-131.
+
+ Bellomont, Governor, 17, 34, 42, 73-80, 365.
+
+ Benbrook, James, 333-335.
+
+ Bennett, William, 58, 71.
+
+ Bermuda, 84.
+
+ Bernard, Thomas, 114.
+
+ Bevins, Benjamin, 79.
+
+ Bishop, ----, 5.
+
+ Blades, William, 294, 300, 301.
+
+ Blair, James, 335.
+
+ Blake, Benjamin, 70.
+
+ Blaney, ----, 61.
+
+ Blaze, John, 241.
+
+ Block Island, 24, 41, 209.
+
+ Bluefield, ----, 17.
+
+ Bonnet, Stede, 360.
+
+ Bonny, Anne, 354.
+
+ Bootman, John, 323.
+
+ Borneo, 40.
+
+ Boston, 19, 24, 25, 28, 34, 39, 41, 45, 54, 73, 96, 103, 130, 141, 322,
+       335, 368.
+
+ Bouche, Oliver la, 345.
+
+ Bovewe, John, 282.
+
+ Bradish, Joseph, 34, 40-43, 350.
+
+ Bradstreet, Governor, 18, 31, 66.
+
+ Brazil, 100.
+
+ Breck, John, 102.
+
+ Bredcake, Thomas, 23.
+
+ Brenton, ----, 39.
+   Jahlael, 107.
+
+ Brethren of the Coast, 13.
+
+ Bridgman, ----, 346.
+
+ Bright, John, 295, 306.
+
+ Brinkley, James, 294.
+
+ Brisco, Lieutenant, 105.
+
+ Broadhaven, Ireland, 3.
+
+ Brown, Captain, 104.
+   John, 123, 130, 131, 294, 300-302, 306.
+   John, Jr., 148.
+   Nicholas, 345.
+
+ Browne, Edward, 60, 66, 71.
+   John, 335.
+
+ Buccaneers, 10-15.
+
+ Buck, Eleazer, 66, 67-70.
+
+ Bull, Dixey, 20-22.
+
+ Bumstead, Jeremiah, 313, 326.
+
+ Burgess, ----, 76.
+   T., 345.
+   William, 345, 349.
+
+ Burk, ----, 39.
+
+ Burlington, Captain, 205.
+
+ Burrage, ----, 279, 280.
+
+ Burrill, ----, 313.
+
+ Byfield, Nathaniel, 103, 105, 107.
+
+
+ Cahoon, James, 147.
+
+ Calder, Thomas, 210.
+
+ Calley, Edward, 31.
+
+ Campbell, Duncan, 78.
+
+ Campeachy, 13, 14.
+
+ Candor, Ralph, 140.
+
+ Cape Ann, 104.
+
+ Cape Cod, 33.
+
+ Cape Verde Islands, 154, 234, 340.
+
+ Carr, John, 38.
+
+ Carracioli, ----, 349.
+
+ Carter, Captain, 152.
+   Denis, 102.
+   John, 102.
+
+ Cary, Captain, 114, 361.
+
+ Casco Bay, Me., 31.
+
+ Casey, Captain, 287.
+
+ Cass, John, 283.
+
+ Castine, Me., 44-46.
+
+ Caymans Islands, 143.
+
+ Chadwell, Benjamin, 321.
+
+ Chambly, ---- de, 45.
+
+ Chandler, Captain, 152.
+
+ Chard, Allen, 56.
+
+ Cheeseman, Edward, 311-313, 321-323, 380.
+
+ Cheever, ----, 105.
+
+ Chevalle, Daniel, 102.
+
+ Child, Thomas, 295, 306.
+
+ Chuley, Daniel, 102.
+
+ Church, Charles, 295, 302.
+
+ Churchill, John, 140.
+
+ Clap, Rev. ----, 308.
+   Roger, 22.
+
+ Clark, Jeremiah, 204.
+   William, 210.
+
+ Clarke, Jeremiah, 284, 300.
+   William, 99, 101.
+
+ Clayton, ----, 349.
+
+ Clifford, John, 102, 103, 108, 109.
+
+ Coates, Edward, 94.
+
+ Cocklyn, Thomas, 345.
+
+ Coddington, Capt., 37, 38.
+
+ Codin, James, 138.
+
+ Codman, John, 113.
+
+ Cole, John, 124, 335.
+   Joseph, 282.
+   Samuel, 329, 334, 335.
+   Thomas, 47.
+
+ Collins, Daniel, 130.
+   Thomas, 351.
+
+ Collyer, John, 219, 220.
+
+ Colman, John, 99, 101.
+
+ Combs, Captain, 322.
+
+ Condick, George, 336.
+
+ Congdon, ----, 349.
+
+ Coombs, John, 323.
+
+ Cooper, Joseph, 279.
+
+ Cooper, Thomas, 32.
+
+ Coote, Richard, _see_ Bellomont.
+
+ Coward, William, 33.
+
+ Cox, Captain, 152.
+
+ Craig, Captain, 202, 204.
+
+ Cranston, Governor, 37, 295.
+
+ Cromwell, Thomas, 23.
+
+ Cross, William, 216.
+
+ Crumpstey, Andrew, 122, 125, 126.
+
+ Cues, Peter, 301.
+
+ Cundon, Morice, 328, 330, 335.
+
+ Cunningham, Patrick, 295, 305.
+
+ Cuthbert, William, 36.
+
+ Curacao, 44, 63.
+
+ Curre, John, 272.
+
+
+ Danforth, Thomas, 66.
+
+ Daniels, James, 58, 71.
+
+ Danson, John, 29-31.
+
+ Darby, John, 57, 71.
+
+ Dauling, Robert, 335.
+
+ Davies, Capt., 36.
+
+ Davis, ----, 14.
+   Gabriel, 102.
+   Howel, 132, 360.
+   Silvanus, 57, 58.
+   Thomas, 117, 118, 125, 127, 130.
+
+ Daw, John, 335.
+
+ De Haws, Captain, 279.
+
+ Delbridge, Andrew, 202.
+
+ Deloe, Jonathan, 137.
+
+ Dew, Capt., 31.
+
+ Dickenson, John, 84.
+
+ Dicks, Anthony, 21.
+
+ Dipper, Henry, 71.
+
+ Doane, Joseph, 124, 127.
+
+ Doggett, Samuel, 129.
+
+ Dole, Francis, 34.
+
+ Dolliber, Joseph, 150, 229.
+
+ Dorothy, John, 102, 103.
+
+ Douglass, James, 132.
+   William, 31.
+
+ Dove, Captain, 221, 268.
+
+ Doyly, Colonel, 314.
+
+ Drew, George, 85.
+
+ Drury, Robert, 351.
+
+ Dudley, Gov. Joseph, 18, 39, 103, 107, 115, 371, 373.
+   Paul, 102, 103, 105, 114.
+
+ Dummer, ----, 37.
+   Jeremiah, 114.
+   William, 130, 295, 300, 322, 335.
+
+ Dunavan, James, 122.
+
+ Dunbar, Captain, 60.
+   Nicholas, 102.
+
+ Dunn, William, 67, 71.
+
+ Dunston, Thomas, 31.
+
+ Dunwell, ----, 304.
+
+ Durffie, Richard, 284.
+
+ Durell, Captain, 211, 281.
+
+ Dyer, ----, 114.
+
+
+ Easton, Peter, 2, 5.
+
+ Eastwick, Captain, 205, 207.
+
+ Eaton, Edward, 294, 301.
+
+ Edgecomb, Capt., 34, 36.
+
+ Edwards, Benjamin, 144, 288, 289, 301.
+
+ Eldridge, Webster, 126.
+
+ Eleuthera, W. I., 29.
+
+ Ellery, Dependence, 322.
+
+ Ellicot, Captain, 206.
+
+ Elwell, Joshua, 322.
+   Samuel, 322.
+
+ Emmot, Joseph, 73, 76-79.
+
+ England, Edward, 345, 349.
+
+ English, Philip, 56.
+
+ Erickson, Erick, 322.
+
+ Esquemeling, John, 12.
+
+ Ester, Captain, 301.
+
+ Estwick, Captain, 291, 298.
+
+
+ Fabens, James, 226.
+   Lawrence, 150, 219, 226, 234.
+
+ Faro, Captain, 346.
+
+ Falmouth, Me., 57.
+
+ Farrington, Thomas, 102.
+
+ Feake, John, 46, 48, 49.
+
+ Feny, John, 94.
+
+ Ferguson, William, 335.
+
+ Fern, Thomas, 315, 316, 318, 319-321, 380.
+
+ Fife, James, 345.
+
+ Filmore, John, 311-313, 317, 321-324, 379.
+
+ Fillmore, Millard, 311.
+
+ Fisher, Dr. Archibald, 298, 303, 309.
+
+ Fitz-Gerald, John, 294, 298, 307.
+
+ Fitzgerald, Thomas, 122-124.
+
+ Fitzherbert, John, 330.
+
+ Flags, _see_ Pirate flags.
+
+ Fletcher, Gov. Benjamin, 17,84,92-95.
+   John, 295, 306.
+
+ Flucker, James, 145, 148, 150, 219, 359.
+
+ Fly, William, 328-337.
+
+ Folger, Abissai, 305.
+
+ Forcing men, 359.
+
+ Ford, John, 260.
+
+ Forrest, William, 25.
+
+ Foster, John, 68.
+   William, 23.
+
+ Franklin, Benjamin, 294.
+
+ Fraser, William, 205, 206.
+
+ Frontenac, Governor, 18.
+
+ Freeborn, Matthew, 140.
+
+ Freeman, Edward, 322.
+
+ Fulker, John, 331, 332.
+
+ Fulmore, Simon, 280.
+
+ Furber, Captain, 317.
+
+
+ Gale, John, 331.
+
+ Gallison, Jane, 221.
+
+ Gallop, Benjamin, 63, 99.
+
+ Gardiner, ----, 38.
+   John, 79.
+
+ Gardiner’s Island, N. Y., 30, 37, 41, 79.
+
+ George, John, 68, 69.
+
+ Gibbetting, 83, 113, 326, 327, 336, 340, 369.
+
+ Giddings, John, 60, 66, 71.
+
+ Giddins, Paul, 102.
+
+ Gifford, Jane, 270.
+   Robert, 218-220, 270.
+
+ Gilbert, Mrs. Mary, 327.
+   Richard, 84.
+
+ Giles, Harry, 312, 320, 323.
+
+ Gillam, James, 34-38.
+
+ Girdler, George, 333.
+
+ Glen, Thomas, 285.
+
+ Gloucester, Mass., 18, 105.
+
+ Glover, ----, 93, 96.
+
+ Goffe, Christopher, 30-32.
+
+ Gorges, Sir Ferdinando, 20.
+
+ Gough, Captain, 96, 350.
+
+ Gould, ----, 272.
+
+ Goulden, Penelope, 92.
+
+ Goulding, Captain, 154.
+
+ Gourdon, Zana, 236.
+
+ Graham, ----, 28.
+
+ Grande, Thomas, 264.
+
+ Granger, Roger, 140.
+
+ Grant, Peter, 50.
+
+ Graves, Captain, 214.
+
+ Green, John, 328, 329.
+
+ Greenman, Captain, 207.
+
+ Greenville, Henry, 334, 336.
+
+ Grenada, W. I., 201.
+
+ Griffin, Richard, 55, 66, 67, 70.
+   Thomas, 31.
+
+ Gross, Dixey, 279, 280.
+
+ Gulleck, Thomas, 40.
+
+ Gullock, Capt., 38.
+
+ Gwatkins, Captain, 136.
+
+
+ Hains, Richard, 215.
+
+ Hall, Nathaniel, 149.
+   Thomas, 84.
+
+ Hallam, Nicholas, 28.
+
+ Halsey, Dinah, 39.
+   James, 39.
+   John, 39, 40.
+
+ Hamilton, Captain, 144.
+
+ Haraden, Andrew, 310-323.
+
+ Harding, Samuel, 127, 128.
+   Thomas, 9.
+
+ Hargrave, ----, 136.
+
+ Harvey, ----, 27.
+
+ Harris, Charles, 5, 135, 144, 145, 153, 154, 206, 208, 212, 226, 282,
+       288-309.
+   Samuel, 333.
+
+ Harwood, John, 102.
+
+ Haskell, Captain, 322, 379.
+
+ Hawkins, Abigail, 68.
+   Hannah, 68.
+   Thomas, 23, 33, 55-70, 279-281.
+
+ Hazell, Thomas, 295, 306.
+
+ Headland, John, 148.
+
+ Heath, Peleg, 33.
+
+ Heed, Captain, 138.
+
+ Henley, ----, 30.
+
+ Herrick, Captain, 105.
+
+ Hesh, George, 58.
+
+ Hester, ----, 306.
+
+ Higginson, Rev. John, 89, 350.
+   Nathaniel, 89.
+   Thomas, 350.
+
+ Hill, Henry, 329.
+   John, 58, 71.
+
+ Hilliard, Edward, 46.
+
+ Hinchard, Dr. John, 295.
+
+ Hobby, Charles, 99, 110.
+
+ Holding, Anthony, 102, 109.
+
+ Holloway, Henry, 31.
+
+ Holman, John, 229.
+
+ Honan, Daniel, 94.
+
+ Honduras, Bay of, 142, 203, 288, 341-344.
+
+ Hood, Captain, 211.
+   John, 137.
+
+ Hoof, Peter Cornelius, 130, 131.
+
+ Hope, John, 260, 264, 265.
+
+ Hopkins, Caleb, 128.
+   John, 282.
+
+ Hore, ----, 17, 34, 38, 93.
+
+ Hornygold, Benjamin, 116, 345.
+
+ Hubbard, Captain, 9.
+
+ Huggit, Thomas, 294, 301.
+
+ Hull, Edward, 24.
+   John, 23, 24.
+
+ Hunt, Captain, 216.
+
+ Hunter, Andrew, 137, 140.
+   Henry, 137, 140.
+
+ Hussam, Captain, 320.
+
+ Hutchinson, ----, 9.
+   Elisha, 68.
+
+ Hutnot, Joseph, 102.
+
+ Hyde, Daniel, 149, 294, 298.
+
+
+ Ireland, John, 74.
+
+ Isles of Shoals, 31, 106.
+
+ Ivemay, Charles, 312, 321, 323.
+
+
+ Jacob, ----, 270.
+
+ Jamaica Discipline, 356.
+
+ James, Charles, 102.
+
+ Jenkins, Thomas, 329.
+
+ Jennings, ----, 5.
+   Henry, 343-345.
+
+ Johnson, Charles, v, xviii.
+
+ Johnson, Isaac, 102.
+   Thomas, 33, 56-70.
+
+ Jones, Captain, 281.
+   Thomas, 92, 96, 294, 301, 302, 304.
+   William, 102, 106, 295, 301.
+
+ Judson, Randall, 47, 50.
+
+ Julian, John, 122, 125, 130.
+
+
+ Kelly, James, 35.
+
+ Kelsey, Captain, 285.
+
+ Kencate, Dr. John, 302, 304.
+
+ Kendale, Ralph, 137.
+
+ Kent, Ebenezer, 285.
+   John, 59.
+
+ Kewes, Peter, 294.
+
+ Kidd, Robert, 83.
+   Rev. John, 74.
+   Mrs. Sarah, 79, 80.
+   William, 35, 36, 42, 43, 73-83, 350.
+
+ King, Charles, 102.
+
+ King, Francis, 111, 113, 378.
+   John, 102.
+   Peter, 135.
+
+ Knight, Christopher, 33.
+
+ Knot, Captain, 35, 36, 39.
+
+
+ La Bouche, Oliver, 345, 360.
+
+ Lacey, Abraham, 294.
+
+ Lakin, Thomas, 66.
+
+ Lambert, ----, 122.
+   John, 102, 103, 110-113, 376, 378.
+
+ Lancy, William, 321-323.
+
+ Lander, Daniel, 66, 67, 70.
+
+ Lansley, Captain, 322.
+
+ Larkin, David, 58.
+   George, 88.
+
+ Larramore, Captain, 104-106, 114.
+
+ Lassen, Isaac (indian), 317, 323.
+
+ Laughton, Francis, 298.
+
+ Lawrence, Edward, 335.
+   Richard, 102, 103.
+
+ Laws, Captain, 319.
+
+ Lawson, Edward, 294, 298.
+   Nicholas, 102.
+
+ Layal, Captain, 301.
+
+ Layton, Francis, 295.
+
+ Lebous, Louis, 116, 117.
+
+ Legg, Colonel, 104, 105.
+
+ Leonard, Robert, 201, 203.
+
+ Leverett, Governor, 45.
+
+ Levercott, Samuel, 140.
+
+ Lewis, Nicholas, 140.
+
+ Libbie, Joseph, 150, 219, 226, 236, 295, 303-305.
+
+ Libertatia, Madagascar, 86, 89, 349.
+
+ Lilly, Captain, 155.
+
+ Lindsay, David, 144, 289.
+
+ Linisker, Thomas, 295.
+
+ Littleton, Captain, 273.
+
+ Livingston, Robert, 74, 75.
+
+ Logwood, 341.
+
+ L’Olonnais, ----, 14.
+
+ Long, Captain, 149.
+
+ Long Island, N. Y., 17.
+
+ Loper, Jacobus, 61.
+
+ Lopez, Jacob, 309.
+
+ Lord, John, 58, 71.
+   William, 60.
+
+ Lovering, Captain, 206.
+
+ Low, Edward, 132, 134, 135, 138, 139, 141-242, 270, 277, 279, 286, 290,
+       293, 304, 322, 339, 359.
+   Elizabeth, 142.
+
+ Lowther, George, 132-140, 143-146, 213-216, 277, 281, 289, 290, 339,
+       359.
+
+ Lyde, Edward, 204.
+
+ Lyne, Philip, 287.
+
+
+ Machias, Me., 47.
+
+ MacKarty, Captain, 286.
+
+ Mackconachy, Alexander, 122, 124.
+
+ Mackdonald, Edward, 140.
+
+ Madagascar, 19, 40, 42, 86, 87, 92, 95, 346-352.
+
+ Madbury, John, 204.
+
+ Main, Paul, 69.
+
+ Maine coast, 20.
+
+ Mainwaring, Henry, 2-4.
+
+ Maise, ----, 42.
+
+ Manning, George, 46, 48.
+
+ Marble, Eliza, 141.
+
+ Marblehead, 99, 101, 103, 150, 270.
+
+ Marooning, 13, 356.
+
+ Marsh, William, 298-300.
+
+ Marshall, Joseph, 335.
+
+ Martel, John, 345.
+
+ Mason, ----, 93.
+
+ Masters, John, 317, 323.
+
+ Mather, Rev. Cotton, 9, 25, 66, 112, 115, 125, 131, 328, 336, 337.
+   Rev. Increase, 49.
+
+ Maverick, Samuel, 22.
+
+ May, George, 327.
+
+ Mayhew, Matthew, 63.
+
+ Maze, William, 74.
+
+ Meinzies, James, 108, 114.
+
+ Mercy, Captain, 301.
+
+ Merritt, Nicholas, 150, 155, 218, 219, 222, 224, 226, 229, 234,
+       270-276.
+
+ Meston, Charles, 359.
+
+ Miller, John, 102, 103, 110, 111, 376, 378.
+
+ Mills, William, 313.
+
+ Minott, William, 315, 324.
+
+ Mission, Captain, 86, 90, 91, 349.
+
+ Mitchell, Alexander, 329, 333.
+   George, 129.
+   Thomas, 50, 51.
+
+ Mixture, Sam, 69.
+
+ Montgomery, ----, 119.
+
+ Moore, Captain, 281, 317.
+   Walter, 139, 140.
+   William, 82, 83.
+
+ Morris, Thomas, 280.
+
+ Morgan, Henry, 14, 15.
+
+ Mortimer, Robert, 321.
+
+ Mosely, Samuel, 48, 50.
+
+ Mountjoy, George, 50, 51.
+
+ Mudd, John, 300, 303.
+
+ Mues, William, 346.
+
+ Mumford, Thomas (indian), 300, 302, 305.
+
+ Munday, Robert, 365.
+
+ Mundon, Stephen, 294.
+
+
+ Nantucket, 209.
+
+ Narramore, Richard, 29-31.
+
+ Nauset, Mass., 61.
+
+ Navigation Acts, 16.
+
+ Neff, William, 58, 71.
+
+ Nelley, James, 280.
+
+ Newfoundland, 2, 39, 150, 210, 315, 339, 361.
+
+ New London, Conn., 27.
+
+ Newport, R. I., 9, 17, 30, 87, 92, 94, 103, 148, 295-307, 346, 365.
+
+ New Providence, W. I., 344.
+
+ New York, N. Y., 349.
+
+ Nichols, William, 218, 219.
+
+ Norton, Benjamin, 204.
+   George, 102.
+
+ Noxon, Thomas, 135.
+
+ Nutt, John, 311, 312, 315, 324.
+
+
+ Oort, John, 79.
+
+ Orford, Earl of, 74.
+
+ Orleans, Mass., 124, 128.
+
+ Orne, ----, 225.
+
+ Otley, Colonel, 139.
+
+ Outerbridge, William, 84, 88.
+
+ Owen, Richard, 202.
+
+
+ Paige, Nicholas, 29, 99.
+
+ Pain, Thomas, 36.
+
+ Panama, 14.
+
+ Papillion, Peter, 148.
+
+ Pare, ----, 234.
+
+ Parrot, James, 102, 103, 108.
+
+ Parsons, John, 317.
+   Joseph, 327.
+
+ Patteshall, Richard, 28.
+
+ Pattison, James, 102.
+
+ Payne, ----, 145.
+   Henry, 323.
+
+ Pearce, Richard, 51.
+
+ Pease, James, 155.
+   Samuel, 63-66.
+
+ Peirse, George, 102.
+
+ Pemaquid, Me., 21, 22.
+
+ Penner, Major, 345.
+
+ Perkins, Benjamin, 102, 106.
+
+ Perrin, W. G., 367.
+
+ Perry, Matthew, 285.
+
+ Peterson, ----, 9.
+   Erasmus, 102, 110, 111, 113, 376, 378.
+
+ Phillips, Frederick, 42, 89, 350.
+   John, 310-324, 339, 379, 380.
+   Thomas, xvii.
+   William, 319, 320, 323.
+
+ Phips, Richard, 58, 66, 71.
+
+ Picket, John, 62.
+
+ Pier, ----, 270.
+
+ Pierson, Henry, 41.
+
+ Pike, Samuel, Jr., 279, 280.
+
+ Pimer, Matthew, 102, 103, 108, 109.
+
+ Piracy, executions for, 25, 33, 43, 67, 83, 112, 131, 140, 287, 307,
+       324, 337, 367, 376.
+   Laws against, 25, 100, 362.
+   Trials for, 25, 33, 43, 49, 66, 82, 107, 113, 130, 296, 322, 335,
+       365.
+
+ Pirate articles, 21, 122, 146, 314, 315, 320, 356.
+   Pirate flags, 59, 64, 116, 164, 208, 278, 288, 292, 308, 324, 359.
+
+ Pirate vessel, life on a, 157-199, 353-358.
+
+ Pitman, Captain, 207.
+   John, 102.
+
+ Plantain, ----, 349.
+
+ Ploughman, Daniel, 371-375.
+
+ Plowman, Daniel, 99, 101, 109.
+
+ Plymouth, Mass., 23, 209.
+
+ Port Mayo, 145.
+
+ Port Royal, Jamaica, 14, 15, 152.
+
+ Porto Bello, 11.
+
+ Portsmouth, N. H., 31.
+
+ Pound, Thomas, 33, 54-70.
+
+ Povey, Thomas, 102, 103, 107.
+
+ Powel, Thomas, 294.
+
+ Pownall, Thomas, 303-305.
+
+ Prentice, John, 27.
+
+ Prince, Isaac, 55.
+   Job, 211.
+   Lawrence, 118.
+
+ Privateering, 9, 18, 22, 23, 84.
+   Commission, 371.
+   Instructions, 373.
+
+ Pro, John, 351.
+
+ Puerto Velo, 14.
+
+
+ Quelch, John, 9, 18, 99-115.
+   John, Dying speech of, 376, 377.
+
+ Quintor, Hendrick, 130.
+
+ Quittance, John, 102.
+
+
+ Rackham, John, 354.
+
+ Randolph, Edward, 19, 31.
+
+ Ray, Caleb, 41, 42.
+
+ Rayner, William, 102.
+
+ Rea, Captain, 138.
+   Dr. Caleb, 113.
+
+ Read, Mary, xviii.
+   William, 294.
+
+ Red Sea, 17, 30, 34, 85, 89, 96, 346.
+
+ Reed, Captain, 317.
+
+ Reeve, Thomas, 295.
+
+ Rhoades, John, 365.
+
+ Rhode, John, 44-53, 271.
+
+ Rhode Island, 17, 19, 36, 37, 42, 92.
+
+ Rice, Owen, 294.
+
+ Rich, Richard, 359.
+   Robert, 146.
+
+ Richards, Captain, 117.
+   John, 68.
+
+ Richardson, Nicholas, 102.
+   William, 281.
+
+ Roach, Captain, 152.
+   Peter, 106, 110, 111, 376, 378.
+
+ Roatan, W. I., 220, 241, 280.
+
+ Roberts, Bart., 43.
+   Bartholomew, 314, 339, 340, 353, 360, 361.
+   George, 156-199.
+
+ Robinson, Captain, 211.
+   Abraham, 18.
+
+ Roderigo, Peter, 45-51.
+
+ Rogers, Woods, 344, 345, 347, 354.
+
+ Romney, Earl of, 74.
+
+ Roseway, N. S., 149, 218-220, 224-231.
+
+ Ross, Captain, 314.
+
+ Rush, James, 279.
+
+ Russell, Charles, 132.
+   John, 156, 163, 169-198, 225, 230.
+
+ Ruth, Richard, 331, 332.
+
+ Ryswick, Peace of, 10, 15.
+
+
+ Salem, Mass., 111.
+
+ Sallee, Morocco, 5.
+
+ Salter, John, 321.
+   Thomas, 218, 219.
+
+ Sample, R., 345.
+
+ Sandison, Captain, 205.
+
+ Sanford, Colonel, 34, 35.
+
+ Sargent, Epes, 313.
+
+ Scarlett, Captain, 49.
+
+ Scot, Andrew, 155, 157, 302.
+   Lewis, 14.
+
+ Scottow, Joshua, 50.
+
+ Scudamore, Christopher, 102, 109, 110, 376, 378.
+
+ Scudder, Thomas, 30.
+
+ Sebada, Kempo, 24.
+
+ Sergeant, Peter, 73, 76, 80.
+
+ Sewall, Samuel, 66, 67, 102-107, 112, 114, 335, 368.
+   Stephen, 104-107, 220.
+
+ Shapleigh, Major, 47.
+   Nicholas, 25.
+
+ Sharp, Bart., xviii.
+
+ Shaw, John, 140.
+
+ Sheehan, John, 130.
+
+ Shelley, ----, 38.
+
+ Shipton, Captain, 217, 283-287.
+
+ Shortrigs, William, 32.
+
+ Shrewsbury, Duke of, 74.
+
+ Shrimpton, Epaphras, 68.
+   Samuel, 67.
+
+ Shute, Gov. Samuel, 127, 130.
+
+ Shutfield, William, 294.
+
+ Siccadam, John, 66, 67, 70.
+
+ Silver oar, 367, 376.
+
+ Simons, Nicholas, 285, 286.
+
+ Simpkins, Captain, 155, 202.
+
+ Skiff, Nathan, 209.
+
+ Skillegorne, Captain, 276.
+
+ Slyfield, George, 138.
+
+ Smart, John, 58.
+
+ Smith, Edward, 298.
+   Henry, 144, 289.
+   John, 1, 4, 7, 25, 359.
+   William, 124.
+
+ Sole, John, 127.
+
+ Solgard, Peter, 207, 208, 212, 282, 292-309.
+
+ Somers, Lord, 74, 81.
+
+ Sound, Joseph, 294, 300, 302.
+
+ South, Thomas, 117, 130, 131.
+
+ Southack, Cyprian, 127-129.
+
+ Spafforth, Captain, 204.
+
+ Sparks, James, 312, 315, 324.
+
+ Spiller, Mary, 311.
+
+ Spriggs, Francis Farrington, 156, 184, 185, 189, 193, 201, 203, 206,
+       216, 217, 220, 238, 264, 277-287, 290, 339.
+
+ Sprinkly, James, 302.
+
+ Stamford, Conn., 17.
+
+ Stanbridge, Edward, 327.
+
+ Stanny, Richard, 137.
+
+ Staples, Captain, 155.
+
+ Start, Captain, 322.
+
+ Staunton, Daniel, 27.
+
+ Stephens, ----, 279.
+   Richard, 161.
+
+ Stephenson, Captain, 216.
+
+ Stone, Captain, 88.
+
+ Storey, Thomas, 33.
+
+ Storms, severe, 151, 234.
+
+ Streator, Thomas, 330, 334.
+
+ Sweating, 278.
+
+ Sweet, Dr. James, 129.
+
+ Sweetser, Joseph, 146, 294, 295, 303-305, 359.
+
+ Symonds, John, 265-268.
+
+
+ Taffery, Peter, 317, 324.
+
+ Tasker, George, 334.
+
+ Taylor, ----, 349.
+   William, 317, 319, 323, 324.
+
+ Teach, Captain, 316.
+   Edward, 345, 360.
+
+ Templeton, John, 102, 106.
+
+ Tew, Richard, 84.
+   Thomas, 17, 74, 84-98, 347.
+
+ Thaxter, Joseph, 59.
+
+ Thomas, James, 32.
+
+ Thomas, John, 50.
+
+ Thompson, ----, 5.
+   Captain, 152, 214.
+
+ Thorogood, Samuel, 287.
+
+ Thurbar, Richard, 102.
+
+ Tillinghast, Peter, 215.
+
+ Tomkins, John, 294.
+
+ Tortuga, 11-15.
+
+ Tosh, William, 129.
+
+ Tozer, Captain, 117.
+   Elias, 282.
+
+ Trefry, Thomas, 218-220.
+
+ Triangles, W. I., 200, 235.
+
+ Tricker, Israel, 313.
+
+ Trot, Nicholas, 282.
+
+ Tulford, Richard, 50.
+
+ Turner, Captain, 105, 107.
+
+
+ Umper, Tom (indian), 295.
+
+ Uran, Edward, 51.
+
+ Uring, Nathaniel, 342.
+
+
+ Valentine, John, 108, 296.
+
+ Van der Scure, Frederick, 202.
+
+ Van Vorst, Simon, 123, 130, 131.
+
+ Vane, Charles, 345, 354.
+
+ Veale, Captain, 27.
+
+ Vessels.
+   Abraham Fisher (privateer), 62.
+   Adventure (hakeboat), 40, 41.
+   Adventure (sloop), 39.
+   Adventure Galley (ship), 75.
+   Advice (man-of-war), 43, 80.
+   Albemarle (East Indiaman), 40.
+   America (ship), 38.
+   Amity (ship), 346.
+   Amity (sloop), 84, 87, 96, 97.
+   Amsterdam Merchant (ship), 207, 291, 296, 298.
+   Amy (ship), 136.
+   Antonio (ship), 25.
+   Batchelor’s Delight (ship), 283.
+   Bijoux (ship), 91.
+   Boneta (brigantine), 331.
+   Brothers Adventure (sloop), 62.
+   Carteret (ship), 207.
+   Charles (brigantine), 39, 99-102, 107, 134.
+   Childhood (sloop), 87.
+   Content (sloop), 317.
+   Crown (ship), 206.
+   Daniel (brigantine), 282.
+   Delight (ship), 216, 278.
+   Diamond (man-of-war), 215, 217, 268, 283, 284.
+   Dolphin (sloop), 379.
+   Dolphin (vessel), 346.
+   Dove (ship), 152.
+   Eagle (sloop), 139, 140.
+   Edward and Thomas (barque), 46.
+   Elinor (ketch), 32.
+   Elizabeth (shallop), 218.
+   Elizabeth (snow), 328.
+   Endeavor (sloop), 279.
+   Fame’s Revenge (snow), 330, 334.
+   Fancy (schooner), 203, 218, 220, 226, 277, 290.
+   Fanny (vessel), 346.
+   Farley (sloop), 210.
+   Feversham (man-of-war), 134.
+   Flying Horse (privateer), 44, 45.
+   Fortune (ship), 63.
+   Fortune (sloop), 206, 291.
+   Frederick (ship), 89.
+   Gambia Castle (ship), 132, 277.
+   Glasgow (sloop), 320, 323.
+   Good Fortune (ship), 314.
+   Good Speed (sloop), 58, 59.
+   Good-Will (schooner), 321.
+   Greyhound (man-of-war), 207, 208, 212, 292, 296, 308.
+   Greyhound (ship), 144, 145, 288, 289.
+   Guernsey (man-of-war), 115.
+   Happy Delivery (ship), 132, 135, 139, 140, 144.
+   Happy Delivery (sloop), 216, 289, 290.
+   Hopefull Betty (sloop), 207.
+   Irwin (ship), 314.
+   James (schooner), 333.
+   Jane (shallop), 218, 219, 270.
+   John and Betty (ship), 331, 335.
+   John and Elizabeth (brigantine), 137.
+   John and Hannah (sloop), 331.
+   Jolly Batchelor (vessel), 279.
+   King George (vessel), 206.
+   King Sagamore (ship), 155, 157.
+   King William (ship), 206.
+   Larramore Galley, 104, 106.
+   Liberty (sloop), 87.
+   Lincolnshire (sloop), 138.
+   Little Joseph (sloop), 136.
+   Liverpool Merchant (ship), 154, 301.
+   Margaret (sloop), 156-199.
+   Mary (brigantine), 317.
+   Mary (ketch), 56, 71.
+   Mary (schooner), 150, 218, 219.
+   Mary (sloop), 63.
+   Mary and John (ship), 285.
+   Mary Ann (pink), 122, 131.
+   Mary Ann (sloop), 116.
+   Mary Galley (ship), 135.
+   Mere de Dieu (ship), 152.
+   Mermaid (man-of-war), 202, 203, 238, 277.
+   Merriam (sloop), 281.
+   Merrimack (brigantine), 59.
+   Merry Christmas (ship), 213, 216, 217.
+   Milton (schooner), 218, 219, 224.
+   Mocha (frigate), 34.
+   Nathaniel (sloop), 127.
+   Nostra Dame (ship), 152.
+   Nostra Signiora de Victoria (ship), 201.
+   Pearl (vessel), 346.
+   Penobscot (shallop), 46.
+   Philip (shallop), 46.
+   Pompey (ship), 330.
+   Portsmouth Adventure (vessel), 346.
+   Postillion (sloop), 116.
+   Princess (vessel), 139.
+   Province Galley, 127.
+   Quidah Merchant (ship), 42.
+   Rachel (sloop), 333.
+   Ranger (sloop), 145, 206, 208, 226, 277, 278, 291, 300, 303, 308.
+   Rebecca (brigantine), 145, 148, 149, 218, 219, 277, 359.
+   Rebeckah (schooner), 218, 219.
+   Resolution (sloop), 59.
+   Revenge (schooner), 315-324.
+   Rose (frigate), 54, 68.
+   Rose (pink), 152-155, 200, 220, 233, 270.
+   St. Michael (ship), 117.
+   Sally Rose (frigate), 69.
+   Samuel (schooner), 218.
+   Samuel (ship), 361.
+   Sea Flower (sloop), 114.
+   Seafort (ship), 23.
+   Sea Horse (man-of-war), 212, 281.
+   Separation (ship), 23.
+   Solebay (man-of-war), 150, 151.
+   Sparrow (ketch), 29.
+   Squirrel (ship), 216.
+   Squirrel (sloop), 310-313.
+   Stanhope (pink), 202.
+   Sultana (ship), 117, 118.
+   Susannah (ship), 160.
+   Swallow frigott (barque), 24.
+   Swallow (man-of-war), xxii.
+   Swan (ship), 9, 31.
+   Swan (sloop), 129.
+   Swift (schooner), 137.
+   Sycamore (galley), 302, 303, 306.
+   Thomasine (ship), 287.
+   Trial (shallop), 104.
+   Unity (snow), 201, 203.
+   Victoire (ship), 90, 91.
+   Whidaw (galley), 117-130.
+   William (sloop), 205.
+   Wright (galley), 153.
+
+ Vyall, John, 28.
+
+
+ Wadham, Captain, 315.
+
+ Wainwright, Colonel, 104.
+
+ Wake, Captain, 96.
+   Thomas, 74.
+
+ Wakefield, Samuel, 104.
+
+ Waldron, Captain, 309.
+   Jacob, 210.
+   William, 46, 48.
+
+ Walker, Samuel, 331, 334.
+
+ Walking the plank, 361.
+
+ Wall, John, 149.
+
+ Walters, John, 295.
+
+ Want, Captain, 95, 96, 346.
+
+ Wappen, Rupert, 138.
+
+ Wapping, Eng., 5, 83.
+
+ Ward, ----, 5.
+
+ Warden, William, 320.
+
+ Warren, William, 66, 67, 70.
+
+ Waters, John, 300, 302.
+   Sampson, 28.
+
+ Watkins, John, 58, 71.
+
+ Watson, Harry, 137, 140.
+
+ Watts, Samuel, 71.
+
+ Way, John, 102.
+
+ Weaver, ----, 84.
+
+ Webb, Rev. ----, 326.
+
+ Weekham, Benjamin, 300.
+
+ Welch, John, 276.
+
+ Welland, John, 207, 291, 296, 298-300, 303.
+
+ Wellfleet, Mass., 125.
+
+ Wells, ----, 114.
+
+ West Indies, 10-15, 341, 342, 348.
+
+ West, Richard, 140.
+
+ Wetherley, Tee, 34, 42.
+
+ Wharton, ----, 19.
+
+ Wheeler, Benjamin, 282, 322.
+   John, 28.
+   Thomas, 50.
+
+ White, ----, 105.
+   Anthony, 84, 88.
+   Robert, 140.
+   William, 315, 320, 322-325, 379.
+
+ Whiting, William, 102, 103.
+
+ Wickstead, Captain, 139.
+
+ Wiggoner, ----, 69.
+
+ Wild, Elias, 213.
+
+ Wiles, William, 102, 103, 111.
+
+ Wilkinson, Thomas, 31.
+
+ Williams, James, 117, 131.
+   John, 45, 51.
+   Paul, 116, 117, 119, 121, 129, 345.
+   Paulsgrave, 116.
+
+ Williard, John, 207.
+
+ Willing, Captain, 205.
+
+ Willis, Joseph, 144, 289.
+   Robert, 140, 146, 359.
+
+ Wilson, Alexander, 25.
+   John, 294, 300, 305.
+
+ Winter, Christopher, 345.
+
+ Winthrop, Adam, 68.
+   John, 24.
+   Thomas, 329, 330.
+   Waitstill, 67, 68.
+
+ Wollery, William, 30.
+
+ Wood, James, 319.
+   William, 280.
+
+ Woodbury, John, 57.
+
+ Worley, Captain, 360.
+
+ Wyndham, James, 215, 283.
+
+
+ Yaw, David, 322.
+
+
+
+
+                      PUBLICATIONS OF THE
+                    MARINE RESEARCH SOCIETY
+
+                     SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS
+
+
+    I. THE SAILING SHIPS OF NEW ENGLAND, 1607-1907, by JOHN
+       ROBINSON and GEORGE FRANCIS DOW. Large 8vo. (7 x 10),
+       320 illustrations, 430 pages, blue buckram binding.
+
+          Sixty copies were printed on large paper.
+
+   II. THE PIRATES OF THE NEW ENGLAND COAST, 1630-1730, by
+       GEORGE FRANCIS DOW and JOHN HENRY EDMONDS, WITH AN
+       INTRODUCTION BY CAPT. ERNEST H. PENTECOST, R. N. R.
+       Large 8vo. (7 x 10), 47 illustrations, 416 pages, red
+       buckram binding.
+
+          Eighty-five copies were printed on large paper.
+
+  III. WRECKED AMONG CANNIBALS IN THE FIJIIS, by WILLIAM
+       ENDICOTT, WITH NOTES BY LAWRENCE WATERS JENKINS, 8vo.
+       (6¼ x 9½), 13 illustrations, 82 pages, Fabriano paper
+       boards, linen back.
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber’s Notes
+
+
+ • New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the
+   public domain.
+ • Images have been relocated close to related content.
+ • Endpaper map illustrations have been relocated to end of text,
+   before index.
+ • Footnotes have been renumbered consecutively and relocated at the end
+   of the related chapters.
+ • Perceived typographical errors have been silently corrected.
+ • Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved.
+ • Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75282 ***
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+<body>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75282 ***</div>
+
+
+
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp85" style="max-width: 150em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i000f' src='images/i000_frontis.jpg' alt=''>
+  <figcaption>VIEW OF THE HARBOR AND TOWN OF BOSTON IN 1723<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an engraving in the British Museum after a drawing by William Burgis</span></figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="front-matter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_i">[i]</span></p>
+
+
+
+
+<h1>THE<br>
+<span class='fs150 xls'>PIRATES</span><br>
+OF THE<br>
+<span class='fs150 xls'>NEW ENGLAND<br>
+COAST</span><br>
+<span class=''>1630&ndash;1730</span></h1>
+
+<p class="center mt1">By<br>
+GEORGE FRANCIS DOW</p>
+
+<p class="center fs70">Curator of the Society for the Preservation of<br>
+New England Antiquities</p>
+
+<p class="center mth">and</p>
+
+<p class="center mth">JOHN HENRY EDMONDS</p>
+<p class='center fs70'>Massachusetts State Archivist</p>
+
+<p class="center mt1"><span class="smcap fs70">Introduction by</span><br>
+CAPT. ERNEST H. PENTECOST, R.N.R.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp10" id="i000_title" style="max-width: 10em;">
+  <img class='w100' src="images/i000_title.jpg" alt="Publisher's Colophon">
+</figure>
+
+<p class="center mt1">MARINE RESEARCH SOCIETY<br>
+SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS</p>
+
+<p class="center">1923</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="front-matter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_ii">[ii]</span></p>
+<p class='center'>PUBLICATION NUMBER TWO<br>
+<span class='fs80'>OF THE</span><br>
+MARINE RESEARCH SOCIETY<br>
+SALEM, MASS.</p>
+
+<p class='center mt2'>COPYRIGHT, 1923, BY<br>
+THE MARINE RESEARCH SOCIETY</p>
+
+<p class='center mt4 fs90'>PRINTED IN<br>
+THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA<br>
+BY THE JORDAN &amp; MORE PRESS<br>
+BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<div class="front-matter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_iii">[iii]</span></p>
+<p class='center fs120'>
+THIS VOLUME<br>
+IS DEDICATED TO THE<br>
+MARINERS AND MERCHANTS OF<br>
+NEW ENGLAND WHO SUFFERED<br>
+LOSS OF LIFE OR PROPERTY<br>
+AT THE HANDS OF<br>
+PIRATES<br>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_v">[v]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="PREFACE">PREFACE</h2>
+
+
+<p>There is scarcely a sandy beach on New England’s
+long and deeply indented coastline that has not connected
+with it some traditionary tale of the landing of
+pirates or their buried treasure. Many of these half-forgotten
+tales may have had an origin in the operations of early smugglers
+or in the evasion of the British Navigation Acts, but it is
+undoubtedly true that pirates did frequent this coast, beginning
+with the early days of its settlement, and during their
+periodical appearances, robbed and destroyed shipping almost
+at will. In gathering material relating to this subject no
+attempt has been made to include the traditionary lore.
+The public records of the time supply an astonishing amount
+of detailed information, but the principal source for first-hand
+information on the operations of pirate vessels during the first
+twenty-five years of the eighteenth century, the period when
+piracy was most frequent and least controlled, is the “History
+of the Pirates” by Capt. Charles Johnson. It has been
+claimed that the author at one time sailed in a pirate ship and
+therefore wrote from a personal knowledge of many of the
+events described. It seems impossible that anyone could
+have obtained such a circumstantial narrative of illicit life on
+the open sea unless he had lived in intimate personal acquaintance
+with a number of those who took part in the stirring
+actions recounted. Some of his tales are so extraordinary
+that they seem improbable—impossible of belief. And yet,
+the portion of his history relating to the North Atlantic coast
+has been verified by original records and items of current
+news in the newspapers and found to be a truthful relation in
+all essential details. With so much corroborative evidence at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_vi">[Pg vi]</span>
+hand it is only fair to concede the probability that other
+portions of his “History,” not verified at this time, are also
+based upon fact.</p>
+
+<p>The account of piracy to be found in the following chapters
+is based upon original documents in the Massachusetts State
+Archives, in the records of the Vice-Admiralty Courts, the
+Courts of Assistants and the Quarterly Courts. Printed
+accounts of trials have supplied valuable information and
+many details that have greatly enriched the narrative have
+been gleaned from newspapers published at the time. Intermingled
+are personal anecdotes and details recorded by
+Captain Johnson, of captures, murders and injuries inflicted
+upon the officers and crews of plundered merchant vessels.</p>
+
+<p>Many friends have aided in the preparation of this volume.
+Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R., of Topsfield, has freely
+placed at our disposal his collection of voyages and books on
+piracy and related subjects. He also has critically examined
+the manuscript and given it the benefit of his technical
+knowledge of things nautical. Mr. John W. Farwell of Boston
+has generously permitted the reproduction of portions of
+several rare maps in his fine collection of early charts and
+maps. Mr. Julius H. Tuttle, Librarian of the Massachusetts
+Historical Society, and Mr. George Parker Winship, Librarian
+of the Harry Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College
+Library, have kindly allowed the reproduction of early engravings
+and title pages of rare books. Cordial thanks also are due
+to Mr. Howard M. Chapin, Librarian of the George L. Shepley
+Library, Providence; Mr. Charles H. Taylor, Mr. William W.
+Cordingley, the Bostonian Society and the Society for the
+Preservation of New England Antiquities, all of Boston; the
+Peabody Museum of Salem; and to all others who in any
+way have furthered the production of this volume.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_vii">[vii]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CONTENTS">CONTENTS</h2>
+
+
+<table class='toc'>
+<tr><td></td><td><a href='#PREFACE'><span class="smcap">Preface</span></a></td><td>v</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td><a href='#CONTENTS'><span class="smcap">Table of Contents</span></a></td><td>vii</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td><a href='#ILLUSTRATIONS'><span class="smcap">List of Illustrations</span></a></td><td>ix</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td><a href='#INTRODUCTION'><span class="smcap">Introduction by Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.</span></a></td><td>xvii</td></tr>
+<tr><td>I</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_I'><span class="smcap">The beginnings of English piracy</span></a></td>
+    <td>1</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>II</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_II'><span class="smcap">Dixey Bull, the first pirate in New England waters
+         and some others who followed him</span></a></td>
+    <td>20</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>III</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_III'><span class="smcap">John Rhodes, pilot of the Dutch pirates on the
+         coast of Maine</span></a></td>
+    <td>44</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>IV</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_IV'><span class="smcap">Thomas Pound, pilot of the King’s frigate, who
+         became a pirate and died a gentleman</span></a></td>
+    <td>54</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>V</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_V'><span class="smcap">William Kidd, privateersman and reputed pirate</span></a></td>
+    <td>73</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>VI</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_VI'><span class="smcap">Thomas Tew, who retired and lived at Newport</span></a></td>
+    <td>84</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>VII</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_VII'><span class="smcap">John Quelch and his crew, who were hanged at
+         Boston and their gold distributed</span></a></td>
+    <td>99</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>VIII</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_VIII'><span class="smcap">Samuel Bellamy, whose ship was wrecked at
+         Wellfleet and 142 drowned</span></a></td>
+    <td>116</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>IX</td>
+    <td><span class="pagenum" id="Page_viii">[viii]</span>
+
+        <a href='#CHAPTER_IX'><span class="smcap">George Lowther, who captured thirty-three
+         vessels in seventeen months</span></a></td>
+    <td>132</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>X</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_X'><span class="smcap">Ned Low of Boston and how he became a pirate
+         captain</span></a></td>
+    <td>141</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>XI</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_XI'><span class="smcap">Captain Roberts’ curious account of what happened
+         on Low’s ship</span></a></td>
+    <td>157</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>XII</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_XII'><span class="smcap">The brutal career and miserable end of Ned Low</span></a></td>
+    <td>200</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>XIII</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_XIII'><span class="smcap">The strange adventures of Philip Ashton</span></a></td>
+    <td>218</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>XIV</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_XIV'><span class="smcap">Nicholas Merritt’s account of his escape from
+         pirates</span></a></td>
+    <td>270</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>XV</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_XV'><span class="smcap">Francis Farrington Spriggs, the companion of
+         Ned Low</span></a></td>
+    <td>277</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>XVI</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_XVI'><span class="smcap">Charles Harris, who was hanged at Newport with
+         twenty-five of his crew</span></a></td>
+    <td>288</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>XVII</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_XVII'><span class="smcap">John Phillips, whose head was cut off and
+         pickled</span></a></td>
+    <td>310</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>XVIII</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_XVIII'><span class="smcap">William Fly, who was hanged in chains on
+         Nix’s Mate</span></a></td>
+    <td>328</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>XIX</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_XIX'><span class="smcap">Pirate haunts and cruising grounds</span></a></td>
+    <td>338</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td>XX</td>
+    <td><a href='#CHAPTER_XX'><span class="smcap">Pirate life and death</span></a></td>
+    <td>353</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td></td>
+    <td><a href='#APPENDIX'><span class="smcap">Appendix</span></a></td><td></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td></td>
+    <td style='padding-left: 2em;'>I &nbsp; <a href='#APPENDIX_I'><span class="smcap">Captain Ploughman’s Commission</span></a></td>
+    <td>371</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td>
+    <td style='padding-left: 1.6em;'>II &nbsp; <a href='#APPENDIX_II'><span class="smcap">Captain Ploughman’s Instructions</span></a></td>
+    <td>373</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td>
+    <td style='padding-left: 1.2em;'>III &nbsp; <a href='#APPENDIX_III'><span class="smcap">Dying Speech of Captain Quelch</span></a></td>
+    <td>376</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td>
+    <td style='padding-left: 1.3em;'>IV &nbsp; <a href='#APPENDIX_IV'><span class="smcap">John Fillmore’s Narrative</span></a></td>
+    <td>379</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td>
+    <td style='padding-left: 1.65em;'>V &nbsp; <a href='#APPENDIX_V'><span class="smcap">An “Act of Grace”</span></a></td>
+    <td>381</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td>
+    <td><a href='#INDEX'><span class="smcap">Index</span></a></td>
+    <td>383</td></tr>
+</table>
+
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_ix">[ix]</span>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="ILLUSTRATIONS">ILLUSTRATIONS</h2>
+</div>
+
+<div class='illus'>
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i000'>
+ <span class="smcap">Boston harbor from the survey in the “English
+   Pilot,”</span> Part IV. London, 1707</a>
+   <i>Front end-paper</i>
+</p>
+<p class='i2'>From an original in the Harvard College Library.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'>
+ <span class="smcap"><a href='#i000f'>View of the harbor and town of Boston in
+   1723</a></span>
+ <span class='ipn'><i>Frontispiece</i></span>
+</p>
+<p class='i2'>
+ From an engraving in the British Museum after a drawing
+   by William Burgis.
+</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i001'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of Capt. Charles
+   Johnson’s “History of the Pirates,”</span> London, 1724</a>
+ <span class='ipn'>1</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.
+</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i010'>
+ <span class="smcap">Map of the West Indies about 1720, showing “the tracts of the Spanish Gallions”</span></a>
+ <span class='ipn'>10</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From Herman Moll’s “Atlas Minor,” London, 1732, in the
+   Harvard College Library.
+</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i014'>
+ <span class="smcap">Capt. Henry Morgan, the buccaneer, before Panama</span></a>
+ <span class='ipn'>14</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen,
+   Murderers, Pyrates,” etc., London, 1734, in the Harry
+   Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library.
+</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i026'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of Rev. Cotton
+   Mather’s “Pillars of Salt, An History of Some
+   Criminals Executed in this Land,”</span> Boston, 1699</a>
+<span class='ipn'>26</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the Harvard College Library.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_x">[x]</span></p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i042'>
+ <span class="smcap">Richard Coote, Earl of Bellomont, Governor of
+   Massachusetts, 1699-1700</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>42</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From a rare engraving in the Harvard College Library.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i054'>
+ <span class="smcap">View of Castle William, Boston harbor, about
+   1729, and a man-of-war of the period</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>54</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From the only known copy of an engraving probably by
+   John Harris, after a drawing by William Burgis.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i062'>
+ <span class="smcap">An armed sloop near Boston lighthouse in 1729</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>62</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From the only known copy of a mezzotint by William Burgis,
+   published Aug. 11, 1729, and now in the possession of the
+   United States Lighthouse Board.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i066'>
+ <span class="smcap">Samuel Sewall, Chief Justice of the Superior
+   Court in Massachusetts, 1718-1728</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>66</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original painting in possession of the
+   Massachusetts Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i082'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of “A Full Account
+   of the Proceedings in Relation to Capt. Kidd,”</span>
+   London, 1701</a>
+<span class='ipn'>82</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i102'>
+ <span class="smcap">Joseph Dudley, Governor of Massachusetts, who
+   presided at the trial of Captain Quelch</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>102</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original painting in possession of the
+   Massachusetts Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i106'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of “The Trial of
+   Capt. John Quelch for Piracy,”</span> London, 1704</a>
+<span class='ipn'>106</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i112'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of Rev. Cotton
+   Mather’s “Faithful Warnings to Prevent Fearful
+   Judgments,”</span> Boston, 1704</a>
+<span class='ipn'>112</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xi">[xi]</span></p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i114'>
+ <span class="smcap">Rev. Cotton Mather, pastor of the Second (North)
+   Church,</span> Boston, 1685-1728</a>
+<span class='ipn'>114</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From a mezzotint by Peter Pelham after a portrait
+   painted in 1728.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i116'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of “The Trial of
+   Eight Persons Indited for Piracy,”</span> Boston, 1717</a>
+<span class='ipn'>116</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i126_1'>
+ <span class="smcap">Spanish doubloon</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>126</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From the original gold coin, found on the beach at
+   Wellfleet, Mass., where Bellamy’s pirate ship was wrecked
+   in 1717 and now in the possession of Charles H. Taylor.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i126_2'>
+ <span class="smcap">Spanish piece of eight</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>126</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From the original eight real piece in the cabinet of the
+   Massachusetts Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i130'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of Rev. Cotton
+   Mather’s “Instructions to the Living from the
+   Condition of the Dead,”</span> Boston, 1717</a>
+<span class='ipn'>130</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i138'>
+ <span class="smcap">Capt. George Lowther at Port Mayo</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>138</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen,
+   Murderers, Pyrates,” etc., London, 1734, in the Harry
+   Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i142'>
+ <span class="smcap">The Idle Apprentice sent to Sea</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>142</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving by William Hogarth in the “Industry
+   and Idleness” series, published in 1747. The young
+   reprobate is being rowed past Cuckold’s Point on the
+   Thames where may be seen a pirate hanging from a gibbet.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i146_1'>
+ <span class="smcap">A barque in the West Indies about 1720</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>146</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in Lobat’s “Nouveau Voyage,” Vol. II,
+   Paris, 1722, in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xii">[xii]</span></p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i146_2'>
+ <span class="smcap">A brigantine in the West Indies about 1720</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>146</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in Lobat’s “Nouveau Voyage,” Vol. II,
+   Paris, 1722, in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i152'>
+ <span class="smcap">Capt. Edward Low in a hurricane</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>152</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen,
+   Murderers, Pyrates,” etc., London, 1734, in the Harry
+   Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i204'>
+ <span class="smcap">One of Low’s crew killing a wounded Spaniard</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>204</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “Historie der Engelsche
+   Zee-roovers,” Amsterdam, 1725, in the Harvard College
+   Library.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i222'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of “Ashton’s Memorial:
+   The Strange Adventures of Philip Ashton,”</span>
+   Boston, 1725</a>
+<span class='ipn'>222</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i238'>
+<span class="smcap">Pirates boarding a Spanish vessel in the West Indies</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>238</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in “The History and Lives of the most
+   Notorious Pirates,” by an old Seaman, London, n.d., in
+   possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i242'>
+ <span class="smcap">Map of the Bay of Honduras showing Rattan
+   Island and Port Mayo</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>242</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From the map in “Voyages and Travels of Capt. Nathaniel
+   Uring,” London, 1726, in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i256'>
+ <span class="smcap">Map showing Ruatan Island in the Bay of Honduras
+  where Philip Ashton escaped from pirates</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>256</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From a map in the “American Atlas,” by Thomas Jefferys,
+   London, 1776, in the possession of John W. Farwell.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i278'>
+ <span class="smcap">“Sweating” on Captain Sprigg’s pirate vessel</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>278</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in “The History and Lives of the most
+   Notorious Pirates,” by an old Seaman, London, n.d., in
+   possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xiii">[xiii]</span></p>
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i284_1'>
+ <span class="smcap">Pirates killing a captured man</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>284</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in “The History and Lives of the Most
+   Notorious Pirates,” by an old Seaman, London, n.d., in
+   possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i284_2'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fight on a pirate ship</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>284</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in “The History and Lives of the Most
+   Notorious Pirates,” by an old Seaman, London, n.d., in
+   possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i296'>
+ <span class="smcap">William Dummer, Lieutenant-Governor of Massachusetts,
+   who presided at the trial of Capt.
+   Charles Harris for piracy</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>296</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From the portrait by Robert Feke in possession of the
+   Trustees of Dummer Academy.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i308'>
+ <span class="smcap">“View of Newport, R. I., in 1730,” showing, at the
+   left, Gravelly Point, on which the pirates were
+   hanged in 1723</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>308</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   The original painting really represents the town at a
+   somewhat later date. Reproduced from a lithograph copy
+   made in 1864, now in the George L. Shepley Library,
+   Providence, R. I.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i314'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fishing ship and station on the Newfoundland
+   coast about 1710</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>314</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an insert in Herman Moll’s “Map of North
+   America,” London [1710-1715], in the possession of
+   John W. Farwell.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i324'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of Rev. Cotton
+ Mather’s “The Converted Sinner ... a Sermon
+ Preached ... in the Hearing and at the Desire
+ of certain Pirates, a little before their Execution</span>,”
+ Boston, 1724</a>
+<span class='ipn'>324</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+ From an original in the library of the American Antiquarian
+ Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i328'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of “The Tryals of
+   Sixteen Persons for Piracy,”</span> Boston, 1726</a>
+<span class='ipn'>328</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xiv">[xiv]</span></p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i334'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of Rev. Benjamin
+   Colman’s “Sermon preached to some miserable
+   Pirates,”</span> Boston, 1726</a>
+<span class='ipn'>334</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i336'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of Rev. Cotton
+   Mather’s “Vial poured out upon the Sea,”</span>
+   Boston, 1726</a>
+<span class='ipn'>336</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i340'>
+ <span class="smcap">Capt. Bartholomew Roberts</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>340</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Pirates,” London, 1725, in the possession of George
+   Francis Dow.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i346'>
+ <span class="smcap">Capt. John Avery taking the Great Mogul’s ship</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>346</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen,
+   Murderers, Pyrates,” etc., London, 1734, in the Harry
+   Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i350'>
+ <span class="smcap">Capt. Edward Teach, commonly called “Black Beard”</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>350</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the
+   Lives and Adventures of the Most Famous Highwaymen,
+   Murderers, Pyrates,” etc., London, 1734, in the Harry
+   Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i354'>
+ <span class="smcap">Fac-simile of the title-page of “The Trials of
+   Five Persons for Piracy, Felony and Robbery,”</span>
+   Boston, 1726</a>
+<span class='ipn'>354</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an original in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i360'>
+ <span class="smcap">The pirate ships “Royal Fortune” and “Ranger”
+   in Whydah Road, Jan. 11, 1722</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>360</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of
+   the    Pirates,” London, 1725, in possession of George
+   Francis Dow.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xv">[xv]</span></p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i368_1'>
+ <span class="smcap">Nix’s Mate, Boston Harbor, in 1775, where Captain
+   Fly was gibbetted in 1726</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>368</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From an engraving in the “Atlantic Neptune,” Part III,
+   London, 1781, in the library of the Massachusetts
+   Historical Society.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i368_2'>
+ <span class="smcap">Monument on the shoal, formerly Nix’s Mate, in
+   1637 an island of more than ten acres</span></a>
+<span class='ipn'>368</span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From a photograph made about 1900.</p>
+
+<p class='i1'><a href='#i511_backendpaper'>
+ <span class="smcap">Map of Cape Cod in 1717, showing the location of
+   the pirate wreck</span></a>
+  <span class='ipn'><i>Back end-paper</i></span></p>
+<p class='i2'>
+   From a chart surveyed and published by Capt. Cyprian
+   Southack of Boston, now in possession of John W.
+   Farwell.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xvii">[xvii]</span>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="INTRODUCTION">INTRODUCTION</h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Why did men go a-pirating, or “on the account” as
+the pirates called it? The sailors said it was few ships
+and many men, hard work and small pay, long voyages,
+bad food and cruel commanders. “Hard ships make hard
+men.” “Many sailed but few returned.” “No kind words
+on deep water.” “No law off soundings.” “We live hard
+and die hard and go to Hell afterwards.” These are some of
+the sea sayings that have come down to us from long ago, and
+they go to prove that the narrow channel of sailor men was
+narrow indeed and full of rocks and shoals which could only
+be cleared by very careful steering.</p>
+
+<p>The sea was ever a hard calling, especially in the days of
+which this work treats. The men before the mast were little
+better than slaves: “Growl you may but go you must” was
+the saying. Small pay (which they “earned like horses and
+spent like asses”), scanty food and often stinking water with
+generally hard usage turned many an honest sailorman into a
+desperate pirate.</p>
+
+<p>Sea captains thought it good policy to keep their men as
+“busy as the Devil in a gale of wind” to prevent them doing
+a job o’ work for that Gentleman with the long tail, who, it was
+said, took especial interest in the doings of “those who go
+down to the sea in ships.” “Six days shalt thou labour as
+hard as thou art able, the seventh, holy-stone the main deck
+and chip the chain cable.” Capt. Thomas Phillips wrote in
+1693, that “nothing grates upon the seamen more than pinching
+their bellies, or treating them with cruel or reproachful
+words.”</p>
+
+<p>One can easily imagine a group of hard-bitten men sheltering<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xviii">[xviii]</span>
+under the lee of the long boat on a dirty night; wet, cold and
+tired; listening with hungry interest to the yarns of an “old
+stander” who had been “on the account,” telling of the time
+he sailed with Bart Sharp or “Long Ben” Avery; picturing
+with many a brave oath, that other channel, the broad one,
+straight, with smooth water, pieces-of-eight to port, dollars and
+doubloons to starboard, snug harbors in tropic isles, dusky
+maids, punch, tobacco and grub in plenty, laced coats and
+chains of gold.</p>
+
+<p>There is another side to the picture, not so pleasant, to be
+sure, but easily dimmed by a noggin of rum or a swig or two of
+flip. ’Tis naught, after all, but the yard-arm of a man-of-war
+with a man on the end of a tricing line with his flippers seized
+to his sides; and on a seashore, a wooden erection with a something
+hanging—something that looks uncommonly like a
+sailorman, watching, with wry face, the ebbing and flowing
+of the tide. But there’s nothing in the picture to make one of
+the right sort go about ship. Better a short choking sensation
+than a long starving in merchants’ employ or scurvy rotting
+for a pay ticket on board a king’s ship.</p>
+
+<p>Capt. Charles Johnson tells us in his book on pirates, that
+one “Mary Read, a female pirate, being asked by her captain,
+before he knew she was a woman, why she followed a life so
+full of danger and at last to the certainty of being hanged,
+replied: as to the hanging she thought it no great hardship,
+for were it not for that every cowardly fellow would turn pirate
+and so infest the seas that 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 dastardly rogues honest;
+that many of those who were now cheating the widows and
+orphans and oppressing their poor neighbors who had 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 merchant would
+venture out and the trade in a little time would not be worth
+following.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xix">[xix]</span></p>
+
+<p>There is an old saying that “Peace makes pirates.” The
+lawless scamps—“sweepings of Hell and Hackney”—who
+manned the privateers were especially prone to go a-pirateering
+in times of peace. They could not or would not settle down to
+steady work and small pay or be bound by laws and conventions.
+They loved roving and loot too well. Better to hang
+a sun-drying than to live with “a southerly wind in the shot
+locker.” It was but a step, after all, and that a short one, if
+half be true that has been written of privateers by men of
+regular navies. But perhaps they were a little prejudiced.
+Many rich prizes were taken by the private ships of war, often
+robbing the regulars of the chance of filling their pockets.
+Those who manned the King’s ships, like all others that used
+the seas, suffered from loot hunger and to satisfy the same
+would often sail very close to the wind, so close, in fact, that
+several of the King’s captains were caught flat aback and
+made a stern board towards the rocks. Some cleared by discharging
+their golden ballast, others, by the wind of influence.</p>
+
+<p>Coasters and fishermen were not so apt to turn pirates.
+Their work was hard and risky; but fresh food, “full and
+plenty,” and shore influence kept them steady. They were
+not as a rule of such an adventurous type as deep-water seamen.
+Occasionally, however, some lusty young fisherman or
+coaster would go a-roving. Perhaps some maid had been
+unkind or too kind.</p>
+
+<p>Some sailed under the “Jolly Roger” because they thought
+that he who dared, toiled and ventured, deserved as great a
+percentage of the profits as he who sat at home in personal
+safety and comfort and handled the pen. It was their only
+chance of getting even with the merchants and that chance a
+good one. Governments had little to spend on pirate chasing;
+besides, who could better stand a little cash-letting than the
+money-fat merchants. But well as they might have been
+able to stand it they roared so during the operation that
+governments were forced at last, Acts of Grace having failed,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xx">[xx]</span>
+to send men-of-war to cruise against “the gentlemen of fortune
+following the sea.” They effected little. After one
+pirate-hunting squadron had returned unsuccessful, sailors’
+yarns floated around that told of the commodore’s ship
+springing a leak out Madagascar way, and of great store of
+powder, shot and rum being landed to lighten her. The leak
+stopped as suddenly as it began and when the boats’ crews
+landed to bring off the powder, shot and rum, all had
+disappeared. The yarns went on to tell that when the
+commodore was taking a walk on shore, he found several small
+kegs stowed under a palm tree down by the water’s edge, and
+how heavy they were, and how carefully they were kept in the
+after cabin of the Commodore’s ship, and that the officers said
+they had nothing in ’em but honey; but Barney Brown, the
+boatswain’s mate, swore his Bible oath that he heard the clink
+of coin when a-rolling them along the deck.</p>
+
+<p>There’s no doubt that many were worthy, but only Kidd
+was hanged.</p>
+
+<p>The news of Captain Avery’s rich prize, the Mogul’s ship,
+with her cargo of wealth and beautiful women, including, it
+was said, one of the Great Mogul’s daughters, made many an
+old tarpaulin hitch up his breeches and turn his quid. The
+fame of the beauty of the fair captives was such that the
+mariners lost all their admiration for the Boston Kates and
+Wapping Pegs of the ports where sea-faring men mostly took
+their ease. “No! damme, no! Might as well ask a man to
+thirst for a sup of sour beer when good rum’s to be had.”
+So off they’d go a-pirating, hoping to capture something of the
+Miss Mogul sort with something to keep her on.</p>
+
+<p>The Peace of Ryswick forced hundreds of West India
+privateers or buccaneers who had preyed on the Spaniards, to
+seek for purchase under the black flag in all seas and from all
+nations.</p>
+
+<p>Spain’s jealous policy regarding trade with her over-sea
+subjects, and monopolies such as enjoyed by the East India<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xxi">[xxi]</span>
+Company, were resented by all free merchants. Ships were
+fitted out and loaded with suitable cargoes for the illegal trade.
+These interlopers were fast and well manned and armed to
+enable them to wrong the <i>guarda costas</i>.</p>
+
+<p>With a fair whack of luck great gains were made; but some
+failed to get their whack; found shore officials suffering from
+honesty, a very uncommon disorder among them in those days
+and easily cured by most anything of value. But some of the
+patients required such enormous doses, that rather than give
+the medicine and by so doing make a broken voyage, the interlopers
+would throw the bones with Davy Jones. They
+had the ship, they had the guns, and many a willing hand and
+if they lacked black bunting there was store of black tarpaulin
+with artists of sufficient skill to paint “the Skull and Bones.”
+Hurrah for the “Jolly Roger”! A “gold chain or a wooden
+leg”! We’ll take what we can’t make!</p>
+
+<p>When a prize was taken the pirate quartermaster would seek
+for recruits from among the prisoners. Every lad of them of
+spirit, impressed by the sight of such a bold swaggering crew
+rapping out their first-rate oaths and well ballasted with
+punch, with their bravery of laced hats, ribbons and pistols,
+was ready enough to square away for the broad channel.</p>
+
+<p>Although many were willing, few volunteered to sign the
+pirate articles. The many wanted the plea of force, to let go,
+in case of getting on a lee shore in a law storm. It was a very
+light anchor, more like to drag than hold, but “better a
+kedge than nothing at all.” Landsmen, the pirates despised,
+nor pricked they the halt, lame or feeble.</p>
+
+<p>The pirate wind was an ill wind, but it blew wonderful luck
+to those merchants who loaded ships to their scuppers with
+fiery Jamaica, red-hot brandy, gunpowder, small arms and
+cannon balls, and sent them off to trade with some negro
+king, ’twas said. On the voyage they would call at a
+lonely isle for wood and water and there they would meet
+other ships manned by the most open-fisted merchants ever<span class="pagenum" id="Page_xxii">[xxii]</span>
+known. No wrangling over a bale or two. Such bargains,
+the like of which never could have been made even with the
+most unsophisticated of dusky potentates. It was true, these
+merchants lacked the gravity of their kind; tossed the bowl
+about a good deal; and swore,—well, like pirates! And so
+home with a rich cargo.</p>
+
+<p>With such a reputation for reckless daring, why, it may be
+asked, were the pirates not more successful when engaging
+ships of war? John Atkins, surgeon on board the “Swallow,”
+man-of-war, that took three pirate ships on the Guinea coast
+in 1722, tells the reason. “Discipline,” says the Doctor, “is
+an excellent path to victory; and courage, like a trade, is
+gained by an apprenticeship, when strictly kept up to rules
+and exercise. The pirates though singly fellows of courage,
+yet wanting such a tie of order and some director to unite
+that force, were a contemptible enemy. They neither killed
+or wounded a man in the taking; which ever must be the fate
+of such rabble.”</p>
+
+<p>From whatever source the pirates sprang, they were, taking
+them by and large, brisk, courageous men, who were for making
+hasty estates at the expense of the public and ever athirst
+for the juice of the sunny isle, that magic fluid which helped
+them to forget that last pilot of many a good pirate,—the
+Man with the Silver Oar.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Ernest H. Pentecost.</span></span><br>
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_xxiv">[xxiv]</span></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" style="max-width: 100em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i001' src='images/i001.jpg' alt=''>
+
+<figcaption>
+<span class='c2'>
+A GENERAL<br>
+HISTORY<br>
+OF THE<br>
+<i>Robberies and Murders</i><br>
+Of the most notorious<br>
+PYRATES,<br>
+AND ALSO<br>
+Their <i>Policies</i>, <i>Discipline</i> and <i>Government</i>,<br>
+From their first <span class="smcap">Rise</span> and <span class="smcap">Settlement</span> in the Island<br>
+of <i>Providence</i>, in 1717, to the present Year 1724.<br>
+<br>
+WITH<br>
+The remarkable <span class="smcap">Actions</span> and <span class="smcap">Adventures</span> of the two Female<br>
+Pyrates, <i>Mary Read</i> and <i>Anne Bonny</i>.<br>
+<br>
+To which is prefix’d<br>
+An ACCOUNT of the famous Captain <i>Avery</i>, and his Companions;<br>
+with the Manner of his Death in <i>England</i>.<br>
+<br>
+The Whole digested into the following CHAPTERS;<br>
+Chap. I. Of Captain <i>Avery</i>.<br>
+II. The Rise of Pyrates.<br>
+III. Of Captain <i>Martel</i>.<br>
+IV. Of Captain <i>Bonnet</i>.<br>
+V. Of Captain <i>Thatch</i>.<br>
+VI. Of Captain <i>Vane</i>.<br>
+VII. Of Captain <i>Rackam</i>.<br>
+VIII. Of Captain <i>England</i>.<br>
+IX. Of Captain <i>Davis</i>.<br>
+X. Of Captain <i>Roberts</i>.<br>
+XI. Of Captain <i>Worley</i>.<br>
+XII. Of Captain <i>Lowther</i>.<br>
+XIII. Of Captain <i>Low</i>.<br>
+XIV. Of Captain <i>Evans</i>.<br>
+And their several Crews.<br>
+<br>
+To which is added,<br>
+A short <span class='xls'>ABSTRACT</span> of the Statute and Civil Law, in<br>
+Relation to <span class="smcap xls">Pyracy</span>.<br>
+<br>
+By Captain <span class="smcap xls">Charles Johnson</span>.<br>
+<br>
+<i>LONDON</i>, Printed for <i>Ch. Rivington</i> at the <i>Bible</i> and <i>Crown</i> in St.
+<i>Paul’s Church-Yard</i>, <i>J. Lacy</i> at the <i>Ship</i> near the <i>Temple-Gate</i>, and
+<i>J. Stone</i> next the <i>Crown</i> Coffee-house the back of <i>Greys-Inn</i>, 1724.
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[1]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_I">CHAPTER I<br>
+<span class="ch-title">The Beginnings of English Piracy</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p class='no-indent'>“As in all lands where there are many people, there are
+some theeves, so in all Seas much frequented, there
+are some Pyrats.” So wrote Capt. John Smith,
+the one-time Admiral of New England, when commenting in
+1630 on the “bad life, qualities and conditions of Pyrats,”<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>
+and this characterization remained true for many years after
+his day. Piracy was as old as the art of transportation by
+water and until suppressed by force in comparatively recent
+times it was a favorite trade among seamen when times were
+hard or temptations great.</p>
+
+<p>The reign of Queen Elizabeth (1558-1603) was characterized
+by a great development of the maritime power of England.
+This was the time when Drake and Hawkins and other great
+navigators fought with the ships of Spain and brought fame
+and fortune to English seamen. Much of the fighting at sea,
+however, was but little removed from freebooting and it is
+now difficult to judge what was legalized warfare and what
+was piratical capture. Notwithstanding the frequent opportunity
+for brave men to attack rich Spanish ships common
+piracy flourished and in 1563 there were over four hundred
+known pirates sailing the four seas.<a id="FNanchor_2" href="#Footnote_2" class="fnanchor">[2]</a></p>
+
+<p>When James I (1603-1625) came to the throne he resolved
+to live at peace with all nations and so found little employment
+for a navy. In the first year of his reign he recalled all “letters
+of marque,” and two years later, by proclamation, forbade
+English seamen to seek employment in foreign ships. In<span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[2]</span>
+consequence many poverty-stricken seamen became pirates,
+urged on by their necessities. “Some, because they became
+sleighted of those for whom they had got much wealth; some,
+for that they could not get their due; some, that had lived
+bravely, would not abase themselves to poverty; some vainly,
+only to get a name; others for revenge, covetousnesse, or as
+ill; and as they found themselves more and more oppressed,
+their passions increasing with discontent, made them turne
+Pirats.”<a id="FNanchor_3" href="#Footnote_3" class="fnanchor">[3]</a></p>
+
+<p>By 1618, there were ten times as many pirates as there had
+been during the whole reign of Queen Bess. About the only
+voyage open to an English seaman at that time was the fishing
+venture of Newfoundland, which was toilsome in the extreme
+and full of exposure and hardship. The dirty carrying trade
+to Newcastle, for coals, while a good school for seamen, was
+despised and thought beneath the ability of an active man, and
+the long voyage to the East Indies was tedious and dangerous.
+As for the navy—berths were few and the food poor, the pay
+was small and the service a kind of slavery. Ordinary seamen
+received only ten shillings a month, which was raised to fifteen
+shillings when Charles I (1625-1649) became king. But even
+this small wage was subject to a deduction of six pence for the
+Chatham Chest founded in 1590 for the relief of injured and
+disabled seamen.</p>
+
+<p>Peter Easton was one of the most notorious of the English
+pirates during the reign of James I. In 1611 he had forty
+vessels under his command. The next year he was on the
+Newfoundland coast with ten of his ships where he trimmed
+and repaired, appropriated provisions and munitions and took
+one hundred men to man his fleet.<a id="FNanchor_4" href="#Footnote_4" class="fnanchor">[4]</a> On June 4, 1614, Henry
+Mainwaring, was at Newfoundland, with eight vessels in his
+fleet. Mainwaring became even better known than Easton<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span>
+and a few years later was pardoned and placed in command of
+a squadron and sent to the Barbary coast in an unsuccessful
+attempt to drive out the pirates located there. While he was
+on the Newfoundland coast he plundered the fishing fleet of
+carpenters and marines and the provisions and stores that he
+needed. Of every six seamen he took one. From a Portuguese
+ship he looted a good store of wine and a French ship
+supplied him with 10,000 fish. Some of the fishermen deserted
+their vessels and voluntarily went with him. In all
+he took four hundred men, many of whom were “perforstmen,”<a id="FNanchor_5" href="#Footnote_5" class="fnanchor">[5]</a>
+and then sailed back across the Atlantic to continue
+his impartial plundering of the ships of Spain and other
+nations.</p>
+
+<p>It was an easy matter for the English pirates to obtain
+bread, wine, cider and fish and all the necessaries for shipping
+on the Newfoundland coast as the fishermen were unarmed
+and moreover did not stand together. Not many pirates
+went there, however, as the voyage across the Atlantic was long
+and the prevailing winds apt to be westerly or northwesterly
+during the summer months. Notwithstanding, the fishing
+fleets suffered so much from these attacks that by 1622, men-of-war
+were sent out to convoy and remain on the station
+during the fishing season. In 1636, three hundred English
+fishing vessels were in the fleet that sailed for home under
+convoy.</p>
+
+<p>The Irish coast was another favorite resort where pirates
+went to careen and obtain provisions from the country people.
+Broadhaven was a favorite rendezvous. The Irish coast not
+only was a good place to provision but also there “they had
+good store of English, Scottish and Irish wenches which
+resort unto them, and these are strong attractions to draw the
+common sort of them thither.”<a id="FNanchor_6" href="#Footnote_6" class="fnanchor">[6]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span></p>
+
+<p>Mainwaring in his account of English piracy at this period,
+supplies an interesting description of their methods of attack.</p>
+
+<p>“In their working they usually do thus: a little before day
+they take in all their sails, and lie a-hull, till they can make
+what ships are about them; and accordingly direct their
+course so as they may seem to such ships as they see to be
+Merchantmen bound upon their course. If they be a fleet,
+then they disperse themselves a little before day, some league
+or thereabouts asunder, and seeing no ships do most commonly
+clap close by a wind to seem as Plyers.<a id="FNanchor_7" href="#Footnote_7" class="fnanchor">[7]</a> If any ships stand in
+after them, they heave out all the sail they can make, and hang
+out drags to hinder their going, so that the other that stand
+with them might imagine they were afraid and that they shall
+fetch them up. They keep their tops continually manned,
+and have signs to each other when to chase, when to give over,
+where to meet, and how to know each other, if they see each
+other afar off.</p>
+
+<p>“In chase they seldom use any ordnance, but desire as soon
+as they can, to come a board and board; by which course he
+shall more dishearten the Merchant and spare his own Men.
+They commonly show such colours as are most proper to their
+ships, which are for the most part Flemish bottoms, if they can
+get them, in regard that generally they go well, are roomy
+ships, floaty<a id="FNanchor_8" href="#Footnote_8" class="fnanchor">[8]</a> and of small charge.”</p>
+
+<p>Mainwaring also comments on the ease with which successful
+pirates might obtain a pardon and of this he spoke with
+personal knowledge of how it was done, writing, “if they can
+get £1000 or two, they doubt not but to find friends to get
+their Pardons for them. They have also a conceit that there
+must needs be wars with Spain within a few years, and then
+they think they shall have a general Pardon.”</p>
+
+<p>Capt. John Smith in his “True Travels,” relates that the
+pirates prospered exceedingly and became a serious menace<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span>
+to trade so that “they grew hatefull to all Christian Princes.”
+Their increase in number finally induced them to establish a
+rendezvous on the Barbary coast in Northern Africa.<a id="FNanchor_9" href="#Footnote_9" class="fnanchor">[9]</a> Ward,
+Bishop and Easton, all Englishmen, were among the first to go
+there, and were soon joined by others,—Jennings, Harris
+and Thompson and some who were hanged, at last, at Wapping
+on the Thames. The Mediterranean was the center of a rich
+commerce and these outlawed seamen banded together in
+small fleets, plundered impartially the vessels of Genoa, Malta,
+England or Holland. Success brought on indolence and the
+riotous, debauched life they led after a time deprived them
+of leaders of spirit, so that the Moors began to dominate their
+operations.<a id="FNanchor_10" href="#Footnote_10" class="fnanchor">[10]</a> Some pirates were enslaved, others became
+renegades and accepted the Mohammedan faith and all, at
+last, became merged into the Barbary corsair and for nearly
+two centuries sailed out of ports in Algiers and Tunis and
+were the terror of mariners, not only about the Strait of
+Gibraltar but for some distance up and down the Atlantic
+coast,—robbing, enslaving or exacting tribute from all so
+unfortunate as to fall into their hands. Another group of
+rovers made their home port at Sallee harbor, on the west
+coast of Morocco. The “Salley rovers” were a great danger
+to vessels engaged in the Guinea trade.</p>
+
+<p>From this it will be seen that piracy in European waters, in
+the early years of the seventeenth century, had its origin in a
+lack of legitimate employment for seamen. This condition
+was brought about by a period of peace and aggravated by an
+imperfectly developed maritime commerce that could not be
+quickly increased in order to find occupation for idle men. “I
+could wish Merchants, Gentlemen, and all setters forth of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span>
+ships,” concludes Captain Smith, “not to bee sparing of a
+competent pay, nor true payment; for neither souldiers nor
+Sea-men can live without meanes, but necessity will force them
+to steale; and when they are once entered into that trade,
+they are hardly reclaimed.”</p>
+
+<p>Another contributing factor, that later helped to supply
+suitable material for piratical ventures, may be found in the
+character of the shifting population of the American colonies.
+In all frontier settlements, in all parts of the world and at all
+times, there exist irresponsible and lawless elements sloughed
+off by more perfectly controlled governments. This was true
+in the early days of the seaport towns along the Atlantic
+coast. Prisoners of war, poor debtors, criminals from the
+gaols and young men and boys kidnapped in the streets of
+English towns, were shipped across the Atlantic and sold to
+planters and tradesmen for a term of years under conditions
+closely approaching servitude. It became a trade to furnish
+the plantations with servile labor drawn from the off-scourings
+of the mother country. Even the English government took
+a hand and in 1661 “a committee was appointed to consider
+the best means of furnishing labor to the plantations by
+authorizing contractors to transport criminals, beggars, and
+vagrants. Runaway apprentices, faithless husbands and
+wives, fugitive thieves and murderers were thus enabled to
+escape beyond the reach of civil or criminal justice.”<a id="FNanchor_11" href="#Footnote_11" class="fnanchor">[11]</a> Once
+landed in the colonies and having tasted the hardships of
+forced labor, a roving disposition was soon awakened and runaway
+servants were almost as common as blackbirds. Numbers
+of these men joined marauding expeditions and eventually
+became pirates of the usual type.</p>
+
+<p>Undoubtedly privateering was the principal training school
+that taught adventurous men to accept a roving commission
+not only against Spaniards but against men of all nations.
+Like pirates, the privateersmen lived on spoil and while legally<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span>
+restricted in their attacks to the vessels of an enemy nation it
+was easy sometimes to overlook the color of a flag if an honest
+living was not at hand and one was far from home. In fact,
+it has been said that “privateers in time of war are a nursery
+for pirates against a peace.” A stirring description of an
+attack on a Spanish ship is given in the “Accidence for all
+Young Seamen,” published in London in 1626, and written
+by Capt. John Smith, the “Admiral of New England.” It
+may well serve as an account of what took place at that time
+on nearly every privately armed vessel attacking an enemy.</p>
+
+<p>“A sail, how stands she, to windward or leeward, set him by
+the Compass. He stands right a-head. Out with all your
+sails, a steady man at the helm, sit close to keep her steady.
+He holds his own. Ho, we gather on him. Out goeth his flag
+and pennants or streamers, also his Colours, his waist-cloths
+and top armings, he furls and slings his main sail, in goes his
+sprit sail and mizzen, he makes ready his close fights fore and
+after. Well, we shall reach him by and by.</p>
+
+<p>“Is all ready? Yea, yea. Every man to his charge.
+Dowse your top sail, salute him for the sea. Hail him!
+Whence your ship? Of Spain. Whence is yours? Of England.
+Are you Merchants or Men of War? We are of the
+Sea. He waves us to leeward for the King of Spain, and keeps
+his luff. Give him a chase piece, a broadside, and run a-head,
+make ready to tack about. Give him your stern pieces. Be
+yare at helm, hail him with a noise of Trumpets.</p>
+
+<p>“We are shot through and through, and between wind and
+water. Try the pump. Master, let us breathe and refresh a
+little. Sling a man overboard to stop the leak. Done, done.
+Is all ready again? Yea, yea. Bear up close with him. With
+all your great and small shot charge him. Board him on his
+weather quarter. Lash fast your grapplins and shear off, then
+run stem line the mid ships. Board and board, or thwart the
+hawse. We are foul on each other.</p>
+
+<p>“The ship’s on fire. Cut anything to get clear, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span>
+smother the fire with wet cloths. We are clear, and the fire is
+out. God be thanked!</p>
+
+<p>“The day is spent, let us consult. Surgeon look to the
+wounded. Wind up the slain, with each a piece or bullet at his
+head and feet. Give three pieces for their funeral.</p>
+
+<p>“Swabber make clean the ship. Purser record their names.
+Watch be vigilent to keep your berth to windward; and that
+we loose him not in the night. Gunners sponge your Ordnances.
+Carpenters about your leaks. Boatswain and the
+rest, repair the sails and shrouds. Cook see you observe your
+directions about the morning watch. Boy. Hulloa, Master,
+Hulloa. Is the kettle boiling. Yea, yea.</p>
+
+<p>“Boatswain call up the men to Breakfast; Boy fetch my cellar
+of Bottles. A health to you all fore and aft, courage my
+hearts for a fresh charge. Master lay him aboard luff for luff.
+Midshipmen see the tops and yards well manned with stones
+and brass balls, to enter them in the shrouds. Sound Drums
+and Trumpets, and St. George for England.</p>
+
+<p>“They hang out a flag of truce. Stand in with him, hail
+him amain, abaft or take in his flag. Strike their sails and
+come aboard, with the Captain, Purser, and Gunner, with your
+Commission, Cocket, or bills of loading.</p>
+
+<p>“Out goes their Boat. They are launched from the ship’s
+side. Entertain them with a general cry, God save the Captain,
+and all the Company, with the Trumpets sounding.
+Examine them in particular; and then conclude your conditions
+with feasting, freedom, or punishment as you find occasion.”</p>
+
+<p>During the middle years of the seventeenth century the
+West India waters were covered with privateers commissioned
+to prey upon Spanish commerce. Not only did the home
+government issue these commissions but every colonial
+governor as well, so that thousands of men were out of employment
+when a peace was declared. Merchants then took
+advantage of such conditions and poorly paid and poorly fed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span>
+their seamen and this bred discontent and made willing
+volunteers when the first pirate vessel was encountered.</p>
+
+<p>Not infrequently it was difficult to separate privateering
+from piracy. John Quelch, who was hanged in Boston for
+piracy, in 1704, preyed upon Portuguese commerce as he supposed
+in safety and not until he returned to Marblehead did he
+learn of the treaty of peace that made him a pirate. In 1653,
+Thomas Harding captured a rich prize sailing from Barbadoes
+and in consequence was tried in Boston for piracy, but saved
+his neck when he was able to prove that the vessel was Dutch
+and not Spanish. In 1692, the Governor and Council of
+Connecticut were informed that “a catch and 2 small sloops,
+with about 30 or 40 privateers or rather pirates,” were anchored
+off East Hampton, Long Island, and had sold a ketch
+to Mr. Hutchinson of Boston and bought a sloop of Captain
+Hubbard, also of Boston.</p>
+
+<p>Newport, R. I., sent out many privateers. In 1702 it was
+reported that nearly all of the able-bodied men on the Island
+were away privateering. The town also profited frequently
+from the visits of known pirates, as in 1688, when Peterson, in a
+“barkalonga” of ten guns and seventy men, refitted at Newport
+and no bill could be obtained against him from the grand
+jury as they were neighbors and friends of many of the men on
+board. Two Salem ketches also traded with him and a master
+of one brought into “Martin’s Vineyard,” a prize that Peterson
+“the pirate, had taken in the West Indies.”<a id="FNanchor_12" href="#Footnote_12" class="fnanchor">[12]</a> Andrew
+Belcher, a well-known Boston merchant and master of the
+ship “Swan,” paid Peterson £57, in money and provisions,
+for hides and elephants’ teeth taken from his plunder.</p>
+
+<p>The ill-defined connection between privateering and piracy
+was fully recognized in those days and characterized publicly
+by the clergy. In 1704 when Rev. Cotton Mather preached
+his “Brief Discourse occasioned by a Tragical Spectacle in a
+Number of Miserables under Sentence of Death for Piracy,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span>
+he remarked that “the Privateering Stroke so easily degenerates
+into the Piratical; and the Privateering Trade is usually
+carried on with an Unchristian Temper, and proves an Inlet
+unto so much Debauchery and Iniquity.”</p>
+
+<p>The Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, by which peace was made
+between England and Spain, was signed in 1668, but the
+colonial authorities were so little concerned by the depredations
+of the English privateers on Spanish commerce in the
+West Indies that their commissions were not revoked until
+1672 and even then, for a time, the doings of the adventurous,
+privately armed vessels were not scrutinized too closely.</p>
+
+<p>The Peace of Ryswick in 1697 put an end to most of the
+privateering in the West Indies and sixteen years later England’s
+wars with France, over the Spanish succession, lasting
+for nearly a half-century, ended with the treaty of peace signed
+at Utrecht. By its terms Great Britain received Newfoundland
+and Nova Scotia, and the right to send African slaves to
+America. While the notable battles of this war had been
+fought on land yet, in many respects, it had been a conflict
+between naval powers and the peace released a great many men
+who found themselves unable to obtain employment in the
+merchant shipping. This was particularly true in the West
+Indies where the colonial governors had commissioned a large
+number of privateers. When adventurous spirits have been
+privately employed under a commission to sail the seas and
+plunder the ships of another nation, it is but a step forward to
+continue that fine work without a commission after the war is
+over. To the mind of the needy seaman there was very little
+distinction between the lawfulness of one and the unlawfulness
+of the other.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp95" style="max-width: 150em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i010' src='images/i010.jpg' alt=''>
+  <figcaption>MAP OF THE WEST INDIES ABOUT 1720, SHOWING “THE TRACTS OF THE GALLIONS”<br>
+  <span class='c2'>From Herman Moll’s “Atlas Minor,” London, 1732, in the Harvard College Library</span></figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>Another training school for pirate ships also existed among
+the buccaneers who flourished in the West Indies during the
+last half of the seventeenth century. Spain at that time
+claimed sovereignty over all the lands lying in or about the
+Caribbean Sea, a territory which she looked upon as a great<span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span>
+preserve over which to exercise absolute control and from which
+to extract the wealth of the mines. Manufactures were
+forbidden and commerce with other nations was not permitted.
+Clothing and supplies of all kinds, wines, oil, and
+even some kinds of provisions must be purchased from merchants
+in distant Spain. No foreigner might land under pain
+of death and no foreign ship was permitted to anchor in any
+of their harbors. Twice each year a splendid fleet left Spain,
+bound for Mexico and the Isthmus of Panama, laden with all
+kinds of merchandise required by Spanish-America. On the
+arrival of the galleons a great fair was held where the traders
+met and for forty days Porto Bello, the city of the deadly
+climate, was thronged by the merchants of Peru, cargadores
+and sailors from the ships, negroes and native Indians.</p>
+
+<p>By the year 1630, small settlements had been established by
+the English on the islands of Bermuda, St. Christopher,
+Tortuga and the Barbadoes, and Frenchmen were on Hispaniola;
+but before many years St. Christopher and Tortuga
+were ravaged by Spanish fleets, the women and children murdered
+and all able-bodied men condemned to slavery in the
+mines. The limitations of English navigation laws at this
+time were crowding the home ports with unemployed seamen;
+some took to begging on the high roads, but the more adventurous
+found their way to the West Indies where twice each
+year journeyed the fleet of great ships laden with gold and
+silver from the mines of Mexico and Peru, pearls from Margarita
+and precious gems gathered from two continents. Here,
+too, came the scum of Europe and on the island of Tortuga a
+settlement grew that was frequented by lawless vagabonds
+coming from everywhere who lived variously by hunting,
+planting and piracy.</p>
+
+<p>The name “buccaneer,” afterwards applied to these rovers,
+was derived from the hunters who smoked the flesh of the
+wild cattle that they killed, over a “boucane” or wood fire.
+Two centuries and a half later, the French half-breeds canoeing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span>
+in the Canadian backlands spoke of “la boucane” when they
+lighted their camp fires. The hunters went to the mainland in
+large parties and killed the wild cattle for their hides. “After
+the hunt was over” writes Esquemeling,<a id="FNanchor_13" href="#Footnote_13" class="fnanchor">[13]</a> the historian of the
+buccaneers, “they commonly sail to Tortuga to provide
+themselves with guns, powder and shot, and necessaries for
+another expedition; the rest of their gains they spend prodigally,
+giving themselves to all manner of vice and debauchery,
+particularly to drunkenness, which they practiced mostly
+with brandy.” The tavern keepers and the hangers-on of
+both sexes, watched for the return of the buccaneers, “even
+as at Amsterdam, they do for the arrival of the East India
+fleet.”</p>
+
+<p>It was a Frenchman, known among his associates as “Peter
+the Great,” who first played the uproarious game of piracy on
+the Spanish fleet. With only twenty-eight men he cruised off
+the coast of Hispaniola in an open boat at the time of year
+when the galleons passed on their homeward voyage. On
+sighting the fleet he followed during the night and notwithstanding
+the fact that the Vice-Admiral had been told of the
+suspicious craft, so confident was he of the strength of his ship
+that she was allowed to straggle from the convoy. When the
+boatload of desperadoes ran alongside they scuttled their
+craft and boarded the Spaniard yelling like demons. They
+were dressed in their usual manner, in shirts soaked in the
+blood of wild cattle, leather breeches and moccasins of rawhide,
+and the Vice-Admiral, sitting in his cabin playing cards, may
+well have imagined, as in fact he cried out—“The ship is
+invaded by devils.”</p>
+
+<p>After the news of the rich capture reached Tortuga, many
+of the buccaneers turned to piracy and in a few years the
+Spanish seas were infested with small fleets of pirate vessels
+which obeyed fixed laws and were governed by a single chief.
+Desperate men in every European port came out to join them<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span>
+and in time many thousand men recognized the command of
+the great captains of the “Brethren of the Coast,” as they
+styled themselves. Before the end of the first year that
+followed the capture of the Spanish galleon, twenty large
+vessels had been taken, two great plate ships had been cut out
+of the harbor of Campeachy and a trade in looted merchandize
+had sprung up between Tortuga and Europe that soon made
+the piratical settlement one of the richest in America.</p>
+
+<p>The “Brethren of the Coast” established among themselves
+a code of laws the larger number of which related to captured
+booty. All offences against these laws were severely punished,
+the commonest penalty being “marooning” which consisted
+of landing the offender on an uninhabited key or island with
+only a small supply of food. The most desperate might well
+shrink from such an end. The invariable practice required
+that everything should be held in common and at the last be
+divided into shares according to a fixed ratio. The captain
+drew the largest number, of course, and the sailing master,
+carpenter and surgeon came next. There was also a tariff by
+which to indemnify those who were mutilated while fighting.
+For a right arm, six hundred Spanish pieces of eight were
+awarded or a corresponding value in slaves. The left arm was
+worth only five hundred pieces of eight, and a leg was of equal
+value. An eye was worth one hundred and a finger the same.
+The booty brought into the pirate rendezvous at Tortuga was
+enormous. Frequently pirates would land bringing in five or
+six thousand pieces of eight per man and a single vessel once
+brought in loot amounting to 260,000 pieces. Huge sums were
+gambled away in a single night and drunken buccaneers would
+sometimes buy pipes of wine and force every passer-by to
+drink or fight.</p>
+
+<p>The success of the buccaneers before long paralyzed Spanish
+commerce and fewer ships were sent to the American colonies
+so that the “Brethren,” then numbering several thousands,
+began to plan attacks upon land. The first Spanish settlement<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span>
+assaulted was Campeachy, on the coast of Yucatan.
+An Englishman named Lewis Scot led this attack which resulted
+in much loot and the almost entire destruction of the
+city. Another Englishman named Davis took Nicaragua and
+plundered the churches of vast quantities of plate and jewels.
+L’Olonnais, a Frenchman, with eight vessels filled with men,
+fell upon Maracaibo and after much hard fighting brought
+away 260,000 pieces of eight and a great amount of jewels and
+plate. “But,” writes Esquemeling, “in three weeks they had
+scarce any money left, having spent it all in things of little
+value, or lost it at play. The taverns and stews, according to
+the custom of the pirates, got the greatest part.”</p>
+
+<p>Capt. Henry Morgan, the leader of the expedition against
+Panama, achieved the greatest fame among all these lawless
+chieftains. Charles II knighted him and made him governor of
+Jamaica, where he turned upon his late companions and waged
+a bitter warfare. An early exploit of Morgan was the taking
+of Puerto Velo, one of the strongest fortresses in New Spain.
+Surprising the sentry at night he easily captured the outer
+defences. The prisoners were placed in a room with several
+barrels of gunpowder and as they were blown into the air the
+buccaneers assaulted the citadel. The cloisters had been
+seized and the priests and nuns were forced to climb the scaling
+ladders before the men, “the religious men and women ceasing
+not to cry to the governor and beg him to deliver the castle,
+and so save both his and their lives,” writes Esquemeling.
+The castle surrendered at last, though “with great loss of the
+said religious people.” The loot amounted to over 250,000
+pieces of eight and much other spoil which was soon squandered
+at Port Royal, a pirate town in Jamaica that supplied
+almost unlimited resources for debauchery.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" style="max-width: 100em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i014' src='images/i014.jpg' alt=''>
+  <figcaption>SIR HENRY MORGAN, THE BUCCANEER, BEFORE PANAMA<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the Lives and Adventures of the
+Most Famous Highwaymen, Murderers, Pyrates,” etc., London, 1734, in the Harry
+Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library]</span></figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>The capture of Panama took place in 1671. Morgan’s
+fleet sailed from Jamaica and with only twelve hundred men he
+crossed the Isthmus. The Spaniards learned of his coming
+and carried away or destroyed all food stuffs along the route<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span>
+so that when the buccaneers came in sight of the South Sea,
+after a nine days’ march, they were nearly famished and in
+desperate straits. A few days’ rest put them in condition
+again and with many revengeful oaths they fell upon the
+defences of the city with irresistible fury. No quarter was
+given on either side. Soon Panama was in flames. It was
+four weeks before the fires at last were extinguished and over
+two hundred great warehouses, seven thousand houses, huge
+stables that sheltered the horses and mules that transported the
+golden ingots of the King of Spain, and many other buildings
+were entirely destroyed. The plunder was immense. On the
+way back a dispute broke out and when Morgan reached the
+ships he scuttled all but one and set sail with only his chosen
+followers. Such treachery was unforgivable and he never
+afterward led the “Brethren of the Coast.”</p>
+
+<p>Morgan became governor of Jamaica with strict orders to
+enforce the treaty concluded between England and Spain and
+relentlessly persecuted those of his late associates who neglected
+to accept the royal pardon which provided grants of
+lands to all buccaneers who would abandon the sea and become
+planters. By proclamation all cruising against Spain was
+forbidden under severe penalties. Many of the English filibusters
+accepted the pardon while others became logwood
+cutters in the Bay of Honduras or raised a black flag and preyed
+upon the ships of every nation.</p>
+
+<p>The pirate commonwealth at Port Royal was abandoned
+and such Englishmen as continued to rove joined their French
+brethren who frequented the island of Tortuga, or crossed the
+Isthmus and preyed upon the Spanish towns in Peru and the
+shipping of the Great South Sea. They also captured immense
+booty at Acapulco where the Spanish ships landed the
+riches of the Philippines. The peace of Ryswick in 1697
+settled the disputes between France and Spain and also sounded
+the knell of the French filibusters. Before long the buccaneers
+were absorbed in the population of the various islands in the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span>
+West Indies and the Spanish galleons again sailed peacefully
+through the tropic seas.</p>
+
+<p>Another strong influence that led to insecurity on the high
+seas and eventually to outright piracy was the operation of
+the English Navigation Acts. European nations were in
+agreement that the possession of colonies meant the exclusive
+control of their trade and manufactures. Lord Chatham
+wrote, “The British Colonists in North America have no right
+to manufacture so much as a nail for a horse shoe,” and Lord
+Sheffield went further and said, “The only use of American
+Colonies, is the monopoly of their consumption, and the carriage
+of their produce.”<a id="FNanchor_14" href="#Footnote_14" class="fnanchor">[14]</a></p>
+
+<p>English merchants naturally wished to sell at high prices
+and to buy colonial raw materials as low as possible and as
+they were unable to supply a market for all that was produced,
+the colonies were at a disadvantage in both buying and selling.
+By the Acts of Navigation certain “enumerated articles”
+could be marketed only in England. Lumber, salt provisions,
+grain, rum and other non-enumerated articles might be sold
+within certain limits but must be transported in English or
+plantation built vessels of which the owners and three-fourths
+of the mariners were British subjects. Freight rates also
+advanced as other nations, notably the Dutch, had previously
+enjoyed a good share of the carrying trade.</p>
+
+<p>The first Navigation Act was passed in 1647. It was
+renewed and its provisions enlarged in 1651, 1660, 1663 and
+later. Before long it was found that these attempts to
+monopolize the colonial markets resulted in a natural resistance
+and smuggling began and also an extensive trade with
+privateers and pirates who brought into all the smaller ports
+of New England captured merchandise that was sold at prices
+below the usual market values. Matters went from bad to
+worse and servants of the Crown frequently combined with the
+colonists to evade the obnoxious laws. Even the royal<span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span>
+governors connived at what was going on. This was particularly
+true in the colonies south of New England. Colonel
+Fletcher, the governor of New York, commissioned numerous
+privateers and received a fee, the equivalent of one hundred
+dollars per man. These vessels when well away from local
+jurisdiction became pirates in earnest and ravaged the Red
+Sea and brought home rich cargoes of East India goods in
+which the members of the governor’s council obtained their
+share. Hore, a famous privateer and pirate, was very successful
+in this trade and Thomas Tew, another freebooter, divided
+his time between New York, Newport and the Madagascar
+coast. He was on the black list of the East India Company
+but Governor Fletcher entertained him at his table and when
+the Lords of Trade remonstrated, the artful governor replied
+that he wished to make Captain Tew a sober man and in
+particular “to reclaime him from a vile habit of swearing,”<a id="FNanchor_15" href="#Footnote_15" class="fnanchor">[15]</a>
+and as for coming to his table, that was but a common hospitality.</p>
+
+<p>In Rhode Island, the president and four assistants granted
+these commissions with the condition that the colony was to
+share in any captures. In 1649, Bluefield or Blauvelt, a
+Dutch privateersman, brought a prize into Newport, which the
+governor found was taken during a truce. But there was no
+man-of-war in the harbor to enforce the law and as the townsfolk
+wanted to buy the cargo and the sailors wanted the prize
+money, everybody was satisfied. At a later time Governor
+Bellomont of New York complained of the Admiralty Court
+at Newport as too “favourable” to piracies and in Queen
+Anne’s time, Connecticut and Rhode Island were both complained
+of because “Her Majesty’s and ye Lord High Admiral’s
+dues are sunk in condemning prizes.”<a id="FNanchor_16" href="#Footnote_16" class="fnanchor">[16]</a></p>
+
+<p>At Stamford, Conn., a prominent citizen had a warehouse
+“close to the Sound,” where he received illicit goods and
+afterwards shipped them to Boston and other ports. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span>
+shore of eastern Long Island was haunted by smugglers and
+pirates. Sometimes the wind lay in the other quarter and a
+privateersman was adjudged a pirate and hanged. This
+happened in Boston in 1704 to John Quelch who had captured
+Portuguese vessels. But contemporaries say that officialdom
+was after a goodly share of the gold dust that he had brought
+in. Usually, however, the enterprising rover lived out his
+days in the character of a “rich privateer” and died respected
+by friends and neighbors.</p>
+
+<p>There were pirates and pirates. Some were letters-of-marque
+and legitimate traders and enjoyed the protection of
+merchants and officials on shore, while others were outlaws.
+In 1690, Governor Bradstreet of the Massachusetts Colony
+was complaining of the great damage done to shipping by
+“French Privateers and Pirates,” and four years later, Frontenac,
+the governor of Canada, was asking for a frigate to cruise
+about the St. Lawrence against the New England “<i>corsaires
+et filibusters</i>.” There is no doubt these French privateers
+were a considerable menace to New England shipping and
+that there was need for privately armed vessels to protect the
+coast, a task not easy or desirable; so why should one scrutinize
+too closely semi-piratical captures made by so useful
+friends? In 1709, in mid-winter, a French privateer appeared
+off Cape Cod and Governor Dudley ordered Capt. Abraham
+Robinson of Gloucester, to man his sloop and sail in pursuit.
+It was not an inviting enterprise, especially at that season of
+the year, and when the drums went about the town beating
+up for volunteers, enlistments languished and the expedition
+was finally given up. The minister of the place afterwards
+wrote to the governor, making excuses saying “it made them
+quake to think of turning out of their warm beds and from good
+fires, and be thrust into a naked vessel, where they must
+lie on the cold, hard ballast, instead of beds, and without fire,
+excepting some few who might crowd into the cabin.”<a id="FNanchor_17" href="#Footnote_17" class="fnanchor">[17]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span></p>
+
+<p>The agents sent over by the Lords of Trade and Plantations
+were unable to make progress against the flagrant evasions
+of the Navigation Acts. Randolph, who arrived in Boston
+in 1679, was the most active of these agents, and when he
+seized several vessels for irregular trading, the courts decided
+against him and “damages were given against his Majesty.”<a id="FNanchor_18" href="#Footnote_18" class="fnanchor">[18]</a>
+He afterwards complained of those privateers that were fitting
+out for the Spanish West Indies and writes of Mr. Wharton of
+Boston, as “a great undertaker for pyratts and promoter of
+irregular trade.” “New England rogues and pitiful damned
+Scotch pedlars,” he termed those who opposed him. The
+pirates or privateers were supplied with provisions by vessels
+from the mainland and prize goods were taken in payment.
+Vessels were often fitted out at Rhode Island and manned in
+New York and Arabian gold was to be found in both colonies;
+“in fact, ’tis the most beneficiall trade, that to Madagascar with
+the pirates, that was ever heard of, and I believe there’s more
+got that way than by turning pirates and robbing.” So wrote
+the New York governor, and later, he again wrote to the
+Lords at Whitehall: “The temptation is soe great to the
+common seamen in that part of the world where the Moores
+have so many rich ships and the seamen have a humour more
+now than ever to turne pirates.”<a id="FNanchor_19" href="#Footnote_19" class="fnanchor">[19]</a></p>
+
+<p>The profits of piracy and the irregular trade practiced at
+that time were large, indeed, and twenty-nine hundred per
+cent profit in illicit trade was not unusual, so there is little
+wonder that adventurous men took chances and honest
+letters-of-marque sometimes seized upon whatever crossed
+their course. The pirate, the privateer and the armed merchantman
+often blended the one into the other.</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[1]</a> <i>True Travels, Adventures and Observations of Captain John Smith</i>,
+London, 1630.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_2" href="#FNanchor_2" class="label">[2]</a> Oppenheim, <i>The Administration of the Royal Navy</i>, p. 177.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_3" href="#FNanchor_3" class="label">[3]</a> <i>True Travels, Adventures and Observations of Captain John Smith</i>,
+London, 1630.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_4" href="#FNanchor_4" class="label">[4]</a> <i>Purchas, His Pilgrimage</i>, Vol. IV, p. 1882.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_5" href="#FNanchor_5" class="label">[5]</a> Perforst, <i>i.e.</i>, forced.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_6" href="#FNanchor_6" class="label">[6]</a> Mainwaring, <i>The Beginnings, Practices and Suppression of Pirates, ca.
+1717</i>. MS. in British Museum.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_7" href="#FNanchor_7" class="label">[7]</a> To ply: to beat up against a wind.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_8" href="#FNanchor_8" class="label">[8]</a> Floaty, <i>i.e.</i>, draw little water.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_9" href="#FNanchor_9" class="label">[9]</a> As early as 1613, English pirates were established at Mamora, at the
+mouth of the Sebu River on the Barbary Coast. That year about thirty
+sail were using the port.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_10" href="#FNanchor_10" class="label">[10]</a> By 1618 there were one hundred and fifty Turkish vessels to only
+twenty English at Algiers.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_11" href="#FNanchor_11" class="label">[11]</a> Doyle, <i>English Colonies in America</i>, Vol. I, p. 383.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_12" href="#FNanchor_12" class="label">[12]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. 35, folio 61.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_13" href="#FNanchor_13" class="label">[13]</a> John Esquemeling, <i>The Buccaneers of America</i>, London, 1684.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_14" href="#FNanchor_14" class="label">[14]</a> Viscount Bury, <i>Exodus of the Western Nations</i>, Vol. II, London, 1865.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_15" href="#FNanchor_15" class="label">[15]</a> <i>New York Colonial Documents</i>, Vol. IV, p. 447.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_16" href="#FNanchor_16" class="label">[16]</a> <i>New York Colonial Documents</i>, Vol. IV, p. 1116.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_17" href="#FNanchor_17" class="label">[17]</a> Babson, <i>History of Gloucester</i>, p. 138.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_18" href="#FNanchor_18" class="label">[18]</a> <i>Andros Tracts</i>, Vol. III, p. 5.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_19" href="#FNanchor_19" class="label">[19]</a> <i>New York Colonial Documents</i>, Vol. IV, p. 521.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span></p>
+
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_II">CHAPTER II<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Dixey Bull, the First Pirate in New England Waters
+and Some Others who Followed Him</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>The doubtful honor of having been the first pirate
+to plunder the small shipping of the New England
+colonists belongs to one Dixey Bull who was living in
+London in 1631 and who came over late that fall and for a short
+time was living at Boston. He probably was sent over by Sir
+Ferdinando Gorges and certainly was associated with him in
+a large grant of land lying east of Agamenticus, at York, on
+the coast of Maine. He came of a respectable family but was
+of an adventurous disposition and soon after reaching New
+England became a “trader for bever,” spending much of his
+time on the Maine coast bartering with the Indians and the
+scattered white settlers.</p>
+
+<p>In June, 1632, he was trading in Penobscot Bay when a
+roving company of Frenchmen in a pinnace came upon him
+and seized his shallop and stock of “coats, ruggs, blanketts,
+bisketts, etc.” These Frenchmen had previously rifled the
+trading post on the Penobscot maintained by the Pilgrim
+Colony at Plymouth, where “many French complements
+they used, and Congees they made.”<a id="FNanchor_20" href="#Footnote_20" class="fnanchor">[20]</a></p>
+
+<p>Having lost his slender stock of trading goods Bull seems to
+have become desperate and getting together a small company
+of wanderers, located here and there along the coast, he proposed
+a venture against the French. Governor Winthrop
+relates that Bull added to his own crew “fifteen more of the
+English who kept about the East,” and with these men he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span>
+sailed along the coast in the late summer hoping to fall in with
+some Frenchmen and so retrieve his losses. But the French
+kept out of sight and badly in need of supplies he took and
+plundered two or three small vessels owned by colonial traders
+and from them forced four or five men to join his company.</p>
+
+<p>The next venture was to sail into the harbor at Pemaquid
+and loot that trading station of goods to the value of over
+£500. He met with practically no resistance while the plundering
+was going on and the goods were safely got on board the
+shallop. But just as they were weighing anchor, a well-aimed
+musket shot from shore killed the second in command. This
+was the first blood that had been shed and as the entire company,
+so far as known, had had no previous piratical experience,
+the fatal outcome and the sight of human blood seems
+to have been somewhat of a shock. Capt. Anthony Dicks, a
+Salem skipper, fell into their hands not long after and some of
+them told him of what had happened at Pemaquid and
+expressed great fear and horror so “that they were afraid of
+the very Rattling of the Ropes.”<a id="FNanchor_21" href="#Footnote_21" class="fnanchor">[21]</a></p>
+
+<p>Bull tried to persuade Captain Dicks to pilot them to
+Virginia which may have been an excellent refuge at that time
+for a New England pirate, for a contemporaneous Puritan
+writer describes the Virginia colony as “a nest of rogues,
+whores, dissolute and rooking persons.” The Salem skipper,
+however, refused to serve Bull and his company and so the
+voyage to Virginia was abandoned for the time and it was
+decided to continue attacks on other trading posts. The
+company then adopted a body of articles to govern their acts
+and among them a law against excessive drinking. “At such
+times as other ships use to have prayer, they would assemble
+upon the deck, and one sing a song, or speak a few senseless
+sentences, etc. They also sent a writing, directed to all the
+governors, signifying their intent not to do harm to any more
+of their countrymen, but to go to the southward, and to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span>
+advise them not to send against them; for they were resolved
+to sink themselves rather than be taken: signed underneath,
+<i>Fortune le garde</i>, and no name to it.”<a id="FNanchor_22" href="#Footnote_22" class="fnanchor">[22]</a></p>
+
+<p>The threat of piratical attack on the trading posts was soon
+spread abroad by men returning from the Penobscot and then
+“perils did abound as thick as thought could make them.”
+Late in November the authorities in the Massachusetts Bay
+sent out a pinnace with twenty armed men to join with four
+small pinnaces and shallops and about forty men already sent
+out from Piscataqua and the united expedition in time reached
+Pemaquid where it lay windbound for nearly three weeks.
+This was the first hostile fleet fitted out in New England and
+the first naval demonstration made in the colonies. Samuel
+Maverick who lived on Noddle’s Island, now East Boston,
+was the “husband and merchant of the pinnace sent out to take
+Dixie Bull.”</p>
+
+<p>The pirate shallop was nowhere to be found and after two
+months of winter weather the hostile expedition returned home.
+Early in February, 1633, three men who had served under
+Bull and deserted, reached their homes. They claimed that
+he had sailed eastward and gone over to the French. Governor
+Winthrop, two years later, repeated this version of his disappearance,
+but Capt. Roger Clap of Dorchester, relates in his
+“Memoirs,” that Bull at last safely reached England. Whatever
+his fortune or fate he disappears from New England
+leaving behind him the badly earned fame of having been
+the first pirate captain in these waters.</p>
+
+<p>Dixey Bull’s captures do not seem to have been followed by
+any other piratical venture in New England for some years.
+Shipping sailing to and from England was obliged to run the
+gauntlet of the Dutch and French privateers and the so-called
+pirates sailing out of Flushing and Ostend made several captures
+that effected the fortunes of the Boston traders. Nov.
+12, 1644, the Great and General Court of Massachusetts<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span>
+granted a commission to Capt. Thomas Hawkins of Boston
+“to take any ship that shall assault him, or any other that hee
+shall have certeine knowledge to have taken either ship or
+ships of ours, or to take any ship that hath commission to
+make prize of any of ours.” Fourteen days later he sailed for
+Spain in the “Seafort,” of four hundred tons, a ship that he
+had just built and which was loaded with bolts, tobacco, etc.
+As he neared the Spanish coast very early one morning he
+thought he saw some Turkish vessels and preparing for attack
+stood towards them. Unhappily the ship soon went aground
+about two miles from the shore and nineteen were drowned.
+Captain Hawkins was a London shipbuilder who came to
+New England in 1632 and engaged in shipbuilding and commerce.
+It was his grandson Thomas, who was tried in Boston
+in 1690 for piracy as is told elsewhere in this volume.</p>
+
+<p>At the Nov. 12, 1644 session of the General Court, a commission
+was also granted to Capt. Thomas Bredcake for
+twelve months, to take Turkish pirates, thereby meaning the
+Algerines who were a constant danger to shipping trading with
+Spain. John Hull, the Boston mint-master, records in his
+diary in 1671 that William Foster, one of his neighbors, had
+been taken by the Turks as he was going to Bilboa with fish.
+He afterwards was redeemed and reached home safely in
+November, 1673.</p>
+
+<p>Capt. Thomas Cromwell of Boston, master of the ship
+“Separation,” obtained a commission in 1645 from the Earl
+of Warwick, the Lord Admiral of the Long Parliament, and
+after capturing several rich prizes in the West Indies, came
+into Massachusetts Bay and was forced by a strong northwest
+wind to take refuge in Plymouth Harbor where he remained
+for two weeks. There were about eighty men in his crew and
+they “did so distemper themselves with drink as they became
+like madd-men; ... they spente and scattered a great deale
+of money among the people, and yet more sine than money.”<a id="FNanchor_23" href="#Footnote_23" class="fnanchor">[23]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span></p>
+
+<p>From Plymouth, he sailed for Boston where he presented
+Governor Winthrop with a sedan that he had captured. It
+had been sent by the Viceroy of Mexico as a present to his
+sister and by capture reached Puritan hands. Captain Cromwell
+had formerly been known about Boston as a common
+sailor and on his appearance possessed of a great fortune, the
+Governor offered him for his use one of the best houses in the
+town. But the captain refused and took lodgings in “a poor
+thatched house” saying that in his former “mean estate
+that poor man entertained him, when others would not, and
+therefore he would not leave him now, when he might do him
+good.” Governor Winthrop says of Cromwell:—“He was
+ripped out of his mother’s belly, and never sucked, nor saw
+father nor mother, nor they him.”<a id="FNanchor_24" href="#Footnote_24" class="fnanchor">[24]</a> He died in Boston in
+1649, and by will gave to the town “my six bells.”</p>
+
+<p>Another Boston man who sailed under a commission from
+the Long Parliament was Capt. Edward Hull, the brother of
+John Hull, the mint-master who made the “pine tree shillings.”
+His vessel, the barque “Swallow frigott,” was owned
+by his father and brother and he had sent them word that he
+was engaged in a design for the good of the English nation
+and for the glory of God. He sailed from Boston in the spring
+of 1653, and captured several vessels from the French and the
+Dutch and while in Rhode Island waters sent some of his men
+to Block Island with orders to seize the trading stock in the
+house of Capt. Kempo Sebada, which afterwards was valued
+at nearly one hundred pounds. He then sold the bark and
+dividing the plunder went for England. Sebada afterwards
+brought suit for damages against the Hulls, the owners of the
+bark; but they claimed that the vessel was engaged in privateering
+wholly without their knowledge and consent and the
+court gave the verdict to them. It is interesting to note that
+Edward Hull is styled a “pirate” in the court records and
+that his father deposed that when he learned of his son’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span>
+exploits he did not protest for fear that he would never see
+him or the vessel again.</p>
+
+<p>Rev. Cotton Mather, the pastor of the North Church,
+Boston, in his “History of Some Criminals Executed in this
+Land,” relates the story of the seizure of the ship “Antonio,”
+in 1672, off the Spanish coast. She was owned in England
+and her crew quarrelled with the master and at last rose and
+turned him adrift in the ship’s longboat with a small quantity
+of provisions. With him went some of the officers of the
+ship. The mutineers, or pirates as they were characterized
+at the time, then set sail for New England and on their arrival
+in Boston they were sheltered and for a time concealed
+by Major Nicholas Shapleigh, a merchant in Charlestown.
+He also was accused of aiding them in their attempt to get
+away. Meanwhile, “by a surprizing providence of God, the
+Master, with his Afflicted Company, in the Long-boat, also arrived;
+all, Except one who Dyed of the Barbarous Usage.</p>
+
+<p>“The Countenance of the <i>Master</i>, was now become Terrible
+to the Rebellious <i>Men</i>, who, though they had <i>Escaped the Sea</i>,
+yet <i>Vengeance would not suffer them to Live a Shore</i>. At his
+Instance and Complaint, they were Apprehended; and the
+Ringleaders of this Murderous Pyracy, had sentence of Death
+Executed on them, in <i>Boston</i>.”</p>
+
+<p>The three men who were executed were William Forrest,
+Alexander Wilson and John Smith. As for Major Shapleigh;
+he was fined five hundred pounds which amount was afterwards
+abated to three hundred pounds because “his estate
+not being able to beare it.”</p>
+
+<p>The extraordinary circumstances of this case probably
+induced the General Court to draw up the law that was
+enacted on Oct. 15, 1673. By it piracy became punishable
+by death according to the local laws. Before then a kind of
+common law was in force in the colony based upon Biblical
+law as construed by the leading ministers. Of course the laws
+of England were theoretically respected, but Massachusetts,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span>
+in the wilderness, separated from England by three thousand
+miles of stormy water, in practice actually governed herself
+and made her own laws.</p>
+
+<p>“The Court observing the wicked and unrighteous practices
+of evill men to encrease, some piratically seizing of shipps,
+ketches, &amp;c. with their goods, and others by rising up against
+their commanders, officers, and imployers, seizing their vessells
+and goods at sea, exposing theire persons to hazard, &amp;c.
+for the prevention whereof, and that due witnes may be borne
+against such bold and notorious transgressions,—</p>
+
+<p>“This Court doeth order, &amp; be it hereby ordered &amp; enacted,
+that what person or persons soever shall piratically or ffelloniously
+seize any ship or other vessell, whither in the harbour
+or on the seas, or shall rise up in rebellion against the master,
+officers, merchant or owners of any such ship or other sea
+vessell and goods, and dispoyle or dispossess them thereof,
+and excluding the right owner or those betrusted therewith,
+every such offender, together with their complices, if found in
+this jurisdiction, shall be apprehended, and, being legally
+convicted thereof, shall be put to death; provided allwayes,
+that any such of the said company (who through feare or force
+have binn draune to comply in such wicked action), that
+shall, upon their first arrival in any of our ports or harbours,
+by the first opperturnity, repaire to some magistrate or others
+in authority, and make discovery of such a practise, shall not
+be liable to the aforesaid poenalty of death.”<a id="FNanchor_25" href="#Footnote_25" class="fnanchor">[25]</a></p>
+
+<p>In July, 1684, this order was revised and it became unlawful
+for any person to “enterteyne, harbour, counsel, trade, or
+hold any correspondence by letter or otherwise with any person
+or persons that shall be deemed or adjudged to be privateers,
+pyrates, or other offenders within the construction of this
+Act.” The highest commissioned officer in any town or
+harbor was also impowered to issue warrants for the seizure
+of suspected privateers and pirates and he could raise<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span>
+and levy armed men to inforce the apprehension of such
+persons.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" style="max-width: 100em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i026' src='images/i026.jpg' alt=''>
+<figcaption>
+<span class='c2'>
+Pillars of Salt.<br>
+<br>
+An <span class='xls'>HISTORY</span><br>
+OF SOME<br>
+CRIMINALS Executed in this Land<br>
+FOR<br>
+Capital Crimes.<br>
+With some of their Dying<br>
+Speeches;<br>
+Collected and Published,<br>
+For the WARNING of such as <i>Live</i> in<br>
+Destructive <i>Courses</i> of Ungodliness.<br>
+Whereto is added,<br>
+For the better Improvement of this History,<br>
+A Brief Discourse about the Dreadful<br>
+<i>Justice</i> of God, in Punishing of<br>
+<span class='xls'>SIN</span>, with <span class='xls'>SIN</span>.<br>
+<br>
+Deut. 19, 20.<br>
+<i>Those which remain shall hear &amp; fear, and shall henceforth<br>
+commit no more any such Evil among you.</i><br>
+<br>
+<i>BOSTON</i> &nbsp; in &nbsp; <i>New-England</i>.<br>
+Printed by <i>B. Green</i> and <i>J. Allen</i>, for <i>Samuel Phillips</i><br>
+at the Brick Shop near the Old Meeting House, 1699.<br>
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>On the evening of July 6, 1685, a small ketch hailing from
+New London, Conn., came to anchor before the town of
+Boston and the next morning the master, Capt. John Prentice,
+appeared before the General Court and gave information that
+he had been chased by a pirate until he had come in sight of
+the Brewster’s, at the mouth of the harbor. He deposed that
+while at New London, on July 1st, a sloop had put into that
+port commanded by one Captain Veale, and with him was one
+Harvey who was the merchant on board. Captain Veale
+asked Captain Prentice if he might “set his mast by the
+said Prentice’s Katches side,” which was done. A little later
+there came in a vessel from Pennsylvania commanded by
+Capt. Daniel Staunton who at once accused Veale and Harvey
+of piracy committed in Virginia. Staunton went before the
+local magistrate and repeated his charge and demanded that
+Veale and Harvey be arrested and tried as pirates. But the
+magistrate was a little uncertain of his authority and asked for
+security. While the matter was being discussed Harvey
+“went away from them in great hast, &amp; got on bord &amp; speedily
+sailed away in the said Sloop.”</p>
+
+<p>Not long after Captain Prentice set sail in his ketch and on
+clearing the mouth of the harbor he saw a shallop at anchor
+with Veale’s and Harvey’s sloop hove to near by. A boat
+passed from the shallop to the sloop and soon the sloop stood
+to seaward firing guns several times and catching sight of
+Captain Prentice’s ketch made after her, the chase continuing
+until darkness came on when the course of the ketch was
+changed and in the morning nothing was seen of the sloop.
+Three days later, however, early in the morning, the sloop was
+sighted ahead under easy sail and after a time she bore up
+toward the ketch. Captain Prentice then ordered guns to be
+fired and also “spread his antient” and braced to for the sloop
+to come up. But Captain Veale brought to as well and kept<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span>
+to the windward for about an hour all the while firing guns.
+A severe thunder storm then coming up the sloop fell to the
+leeward but continued in chase of the ketch until the Brewster’s,
+off Boston harbor, came in sight, when the sloop bore
+away towards Cape Ann and Captain Prentice came to an
+anchorage before the town without further molestation.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Prentice also reported that one Graham was in
+command of the shallop seen in company with Veale and that
+fourteen men were said to be on board. Captain Veale, while
+at New London, tried to buy of John Wheeler several small
+carriage guns offering three times their value. At the time he
+was well supplied with money. Nicholas Hallam, a sailor on
+board the ketch, testified before the magistrates that the men
+on board the suspected sloop had some silver plate with the
+letters and marks scratched out and also some fine clothing,
+including a plush cloak, a broadcloth petty-coat trimmed with
+broad gold lace and also “a pair of staies of cloth-of-Tishue.”<a id="FNanchor_26" href="#Footnote_26" class="fnanchor">[26]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Court at once ordered drums to be forthwith beat up
+for a convenient number of volunteers not exceeding forty to
+man Mr. Richard Patteshall’s brigantine. Soon the Court
+was informed that the men did not readily offer themselves to
+the service of the country in the expedition against Veale and
+Graham, whereupon it was ordered “for their Incouragemt
+that free plunder be offered to such as shall Voluntarily list
+themselves or that a sufficient number of men be forthwith
+Impressed to that service.” Those willing to serve were
+directed to report “with sufficient &amp; compleate Arms” to Mr.
+John Vyall at the ship Tavern “where Capt. Sampson Waters
+will enter their names &amp; direct them presently to goe on board
+the Brigantine whereof Mr. Richard Patteshall is master.”</p>
+
+<p>The directions given to Capt. Sampson Waters required
+him “in all difficulties to consult with Mr. Richard Pattishall
+endeavoring to maintain a good correspondence with
+him.” All goods seized were to be brought back for a legal<span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span>
+condemnation; prisoners were to be brought to Boston for
+trial and care was to be taken to “beware of killing any of the
+enemy unnecessarily or exposing your own company to any
+hazard without necessity.”<a id="FNanchor_27" href="#Footnote_27" class="fnanchor">[27]</a></p>
+
+<p>The expedition at last got away and after cruising about the
+Bay for several days returned empty-handed like many other
+similar expeditions that were sent out in following years.</p>
+
+<p>Piracy now began to be more common on the New England
+coast. Buccaneering in the West Indies was disappearing
+and some of these bold adventurers raised a black flag against
+all nations. Desperate sailors out of a berth also became
+rovers. The number of sporadic appearances of these men in
+northern waters can only be touched upon in these pages.
+They came upon the coast and then sailed away leaving little
+behind save a mention of their coming.</p>
+
+<p>In the summer of 1687 the ketch “Sparrow,” Richard
+Narramore, master, owned by Nicholas Paige of Boston,
+arrived in the harbor from the Barbadoes and the Isle of
+Eleuthera. She had sailed from Boston ten months before
+bound for Virginia with English goods. Captain Narramore
+loaded with provisions at Maryland and at Roanoke and then
+sailed for the Barbadoes where the lading was sold for plate
+and money. At the Isle of Eleuthera he loaded with dyeing
+wood and took on board eighteen passengers under an agreement
+that they should be landed at Newfoundland for forty
+pieces of eight, per man, passage money. One of these men,
+John Danson, shipped as mate and came to Boston in the
+ketch but the rest changed their minds as to their intended
+destination and asked to be landed at different points. Two
+men were put ashore at the easternmost end of Long Island;
+six landed at Gardiner’s Island; five at “Martin’s” Vineyard;
+one was taken to the “Sackadehock” on the Maine coast and
+two were left at “Damaras Cove” near there. Captain
+Narramore claimed that he had learned the names of none of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span>
+these men; but he admitted that they had brought on board
+two heavy chests which were taken off at Gardiner’s Island.</p>
+
+<p>Strange stories began to circulate about the wharves and
+Captain Narramore and his mate were soon sent for by the
+magistrates. A search of Danson’s chest discovered nine
+hundred pieces of eight—not a very large fortune for a successful
+pirate! Danson deposed that he had sailed from Boston
+four years before in a private man-of-war commanded by one
+Henley, “bound for the Rack,” and afterwards had gone into
+the Red Sea where they had plundered and taken what they
+could from the Malabars and the Arabs. He left Henley
+and took passage with one Wollery, a consort of Henley, for
+the Isle of Eleuthera where he shipped with Captain Narramore.
+He acknowledged that Henley was now considered a
+pirate. Thomas Scudder, one of the passengers who had come
+to Boston, had gone on board a ketch bound for Salem, where
+his family lived, and Christopher Goffe had gone ashore at
+Gardiner’s Island.<a id="FNanchor_28" href="#Footnote_28" class="fnanchor">[28]</a></p>
+
+<p>A warrant was issued for the arrest of Scudder and the
+seizure of any plate, money or goods in his possession. The
+sheriff in Essex County also arrested several other supposed
+pirates who were sent to Boston for examination.</p>
+
+<p>Christopher Goffe came into Newport, R. I., in a ship commanded
+by William Wollery who was supposed to have come
+from the Great South Sea. A shot was fired across their forefoot
+whereupon they came to anchor but the next day sailed
+for Andrews Island where the vessel was burnt and the men
+dispersed.<a id="FNanchor_29" href="#Footnote_29" class="fnanchor">[29]</a> In November, 1687, Goffe appeared in Boston
+and surrendered himself in pursuance of His Majesty’s “Proclamation
+for Calling in and Suppressing Pyrates and Privateers.”
+He was then very sick and weak and gave a bond, also
+signed by two Boston citizens, that as soon as he recovered he
+would go to England and receive the King’s pardon.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span></p>
+
+<p>Nothing seems to have come of the lengthy investigations
+made by the magistrates. The plate and money that had been
+seized was returned to Captain Narramore and John Danson
+and two of the suspected passengers who had been taken—Edward
+Calley and Thomas Dunston—were freed and
+their money, plate and “a parcel of stones” returned to
+them.</p>
+
+<p>About the same time a man named William Douglass
+applied to Edward Randolph, the English Agent, for relief.
+He had been a passenger on board a small vessel sailing between
+the Barbadoes and the Carolinas and had been taken by
+Henry Holloway, the pirate, from whom he had escaped as the
+pirate ship rode at anchor in Casco Bay, Maine.</p>
+
+<p>Christopher Goffe recovered from his sickness and in August,
+1691, was commissioned by Governor Bradstreet, to cruise with
+his ship “Swan” between Cape Cod and Cape Ann and off
+the Isles of Shoals for the safeguard of the coast. This came
+about as the result of the capture at Piscataqua, now Portsmouth,
+N. H., of a vessel commanded by Capt. Thomas
+Wilkinson, inward bound from Cadiz. She was taken by two
+privateers commanded respectively by Capt. Thomas Griffin
+and Captain Dew. Captain Griffin landed at Portsmouth
+and sent a letter to the Governor in which he claimed that he
+carried a privateering commission and that he had mistaken
+Captain Wilkinson for a French vessel said to be on the coast.
+But as he had found prohibited goods on board he had seized
+her after firing three great shot and a volley of small arms.
+Captain Griffin wrote that he feared if he brought the prize to
+Boston he “should be unkindly dealt with.” He also quite
+gratuitously accused the Bostonians of furnishing the French
+at Fort Royal with arms, ammunition and cloth in truck for
+beaver and other goods. Griffin and Dew first carried their
+prize into the Isle of Shoals and afterwards into the river at
+Portsmouth where part of the cargo was disposed of without
+trial or adjudication.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span></p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Captain Goffe was anchored near Portsmouth.
+On August 14th he wrote to the Governor:—“I shall obay
+your honors Comand in making Seasuer of Capt. Griffin and
+Capt. Dew If it lies in my power to meet with them ... one
+of them is now in site standing of and on between this place
+and the Isle of Sholes.... They sayle two foot to ower one....
+Ower Bread and beare is all most Expended.” A few
+days later he asked to be recalled to Nantasket to provide
+necessary supplies, “the Docters chest Espeshely,”<a id="FNanchor_30" href="#Footnote_30" class="fnanchor">[30]</a> and
+there the episode seems to have ended.</p>
+
+<p>The ketch “Elinor,” William Shortrigs, master, came to
+anchor at Nantasket road, near the mouth of Boston harbor,
+early in the afternoon of Nov. 20, 1689. She was inward
+bound from the island of Nevis, loaded with sugar and indigo,
+and the wind failing and the flood tide being almost spent, the
+captain was obliged to anchor as most of his men were sick
+or disabled with the cold. Leaving the vessel in charge of
+James Thomas, he took his mate and one other man and
+started for Boston in the ship’s boat to get help to bring the
+vessel into harbor. Provisions also were running short. The
+next day his owner, Mr. Thomas Cooper, was unable to secure
+a permit to bring her up because there had been smallpox on
+board but on the 22d he told the captain that she might be
+brought up as far as the Castle, so four men were sent down the
+harbor. The next morning they returned and astonished the
+captain with the news that the ketch had disappeared from
+her anchorage. Mr. Cooper at once sent out a “hue and cry”
+according to law and hired a sloop to go in search of the missing
+ketch which was found two days later run ashore within Cape
+Cod hook.</p>
+
+<p>About seven o’clock in the evening of the day on which
+Captain Shortrigs had started to row up to Boston, Thomas
+was between decks and had just called the boy to turn the glass
+and mind the pump, when he heard a noise on deck and going<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span>
+up to investigate found that four armed men and a boy had
+come aboard. One of the men at once gave Thomas a blow on
+the head with the butt of his musket and ordered him to keep
+quiet. Soon after he was forced under the half-deck and the
+scuttle was shut and a tarpaulin put over it. The leader of
+the party then came down into the cabin and asked how many
+were on board, finding four men, two boys and a woman,
+all sick save Thomas and one of the boys. The armed men
+then cut the cable, which was about half in, and two of them
+went aloft to cut the gaskets and loose the sails after which a
+course was taken for Cape Cod.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning was Friday and early in the day they
+came to anchor at Cape Cod and shot a musket to call a
+shallop. The leader asked Thomas if he would go to England
+with them when they were revictualled and when he refused
+they threatened his life. When the shallop came out to them
+an agreement was made for a supply of provisions which were
+brought out the next morning, but only a small supply—a
+gallon of rum, some biscuits and some cheese. The shallop-men
+said the ketch must be brought in nearer shore. About
+midnight, at full sea, they loosed the cable and let it run out
+and not long after the ketch went ashore. At low water the
+armed party went off and soon disappeared.</p>
+
+<p>Such was the homely tale of the appearance and disappearance
+of the ketch “Elinor.” The sequel was soon found
+in the new stone gaol in Boston where William Coward, Peleg
+Heath, Thomas Storey and Christopher Knight were to be
+seen confined and in irons. What became of the boy does not
+appear. Thomas Pound, Thomas Hawkins, Thomas Johnston
+and other more valorous pirates were also confined there
+at the same time. Justice moved swiftly that year and notwithstanding
+the claim made by Coward, the leader of the
+party that boarded the ketch, that his crime had been committed
+upon the high seas without the jurisdiction of the court,
+he was found guilty of piracy and sentenced to be hanged on<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span>
+January 27, 1690.<a id="FNanchor_31" href="#Footnote_31" class="fnanchor">[31]</a> His companions also were found guilty
+and sentenced to death but afterwards reprieved and eventually
+allowed to go free.</p>
+
+<p>The story of the capture of James Gillam, a notorious
+pirate in his time, is best told by the Earl of Bellomont,
+Governor of Massachusetts, in a letter written to the Council
+of Trade and Plantations on Nov. 29, 1699.</p>
+
+<p>“I gave you an account, Oct. 24, of my taking Joseph
+Bradish and Tee Wetherley, and writ that I hoped in a little
+time to be able to send news of my taking James Gillam, the
+Pirate that killed Capt. Edgecomb, commander of the Mocha
+frigate for the East India Co., and that with his own hand
+while the Captain was asleep. Gillam is supposed to be the
+man that encouraged the ship’s company to turn pirates, and
+the ship has been ever since robbing in the Red Sea and Seas
+of India. If I may believe the reports of men lately come
+from Madagascar, she has taken above £2,000,000 sterling.
+I have been so lucky as to take James Gillam and he is now in
+irons in the gaol of this town, and at the same time we seized
+one Francis Dole, in whose house he was harboured, who
+proves to be one of Hore’s crew, one of Col. Fletcher’s pirates,
+commissioned by him from N. York. Dole is also committed
+to gaol. My taking of Gillam was so very accidental, one
+would believe there was a strange fatality in that man’s stars.
+On Saturday, 11th inst., late in the evening, I had a letter
+from Col. Sanford, Judge of the Admiralty Court in Rhode
+Island, giving me an account that Gillam had been there, but
+was come towards Boston a fortnight before, in order to ship
+himself for some of the Islands, Jamaica or Barbadoes; that
+he was troubled he knew it not sooner and was afraid his
+intelligence would come too late to me; that the messenger he
+sent knew the mare Gillam rode on to this town. I was in
+despair of finding the man because Col. Sandford writ to me
+that he was come to this town so long a time as a fortnight<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span>
+before that. However, I sent for an honest constable I had
+made use of in apprehending Kidd and his men, and sent him
+with Col. Sandford’s messenger to search all the inns in town
+for the mare, and at the first inn they went to they found her
+tied up in the yard. The people of the inn reported that the
+man that brought her thither had lighted off her about a
+quarter of an hour before, had then tied her, but went away
+without saying anything. I gave orders to the master of the
+inn that if anybody came to look after the mare, he should be
+sure to seize him, but nobody came for her. Next morning,
+which was Sunday, I summoned a Council, and we published
+a proclamation wherein I promised a reward of 200 [pieces of
+eight] for the seizing and securing Gillam, whereupon there
+was the strictest search made all that day and the next that
+was ever made in this part of the world, but we had missed of
+him, if I had not been informed of one Capt. Knot as an old
+pirate, and therefore likely to know where Gillam was concealed.
+I sent for Knot and examined him, promising him,
+if he would make an ingenious confession, I would not molest
+him. He seemed much disturbed, but would not confess
+anything to purpose. I then sent for his wife and examined
+her on oath apart from her husband, and she confessed that
+one who went by the name of James Kelly had lodged several
+nights in her house, but for some nights past he lodged, as she
+believed, in Charlestown, cross the river. I knew he went by
+the name of Kelly. Then I examined Capt. Knot again, telling
+him his wife had been more free and ingenious than him, which
+made him believe she had told all, and then he told me of
+Francis Dole in Charlestown, and that he believed Gillam
+would be found there. I sent half a dozen men immediately
+over the water, to Charlestown and Knot with ’em; they
+beset the house and searched it, but found not the man, Dole
+affirming he was not there, neither knew he any such man.
+Two of the men went through a field behind Dole’s house and
+passing through a second field they met a man in the dark<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span>
+(for it was 10 o’clock at night) whom they seized at all adventures,
+and it happened as oddly as luckily to be Gillam; he
+had been treating two young women some few miles off in the
+country and was returning at night to his landlord Dole’s
+house. I examined him, but he denied everything, even that
+he came with Kidd from Madagascar, or ever saw him in his
+life; but Capt. Davies who came thence with Kidd, and all
+Kidd’s men, are positive he is the man and that he went by
+his true name Gillam all the while he was on the voyage with
+’em, and Mr. Campbell, Postmaster of this town, whom I sent
+to treat with Kidd, offers to swear this is the man he saw on
+board Kidd’s sloop under the name of James Gillam. He is
+the most inpudent, hardened villain I ever saw. That which
+led me to a search after this man was the information of
+William Cuthbert, which I sent your Lordships with my
+packet of July 26th, wherein he says that it was commonly
+reported that Gillam had killed Capt. Edgecomb with his own
+hands, that he had served the Mogul, turned Mohammedan
+and was circumcised. I had him searched by a surgeon and a
+Jew in this town: they have both declared on oath that he is
+circumcised. I recommend the perusal of the evidence I enclose
+as what will inform you of the strange countenance given to
+pirates by the Government and people of Rhode Island. In
+searching Capt. Knot’s house [a sma]ll trunk was found with
+some remnants of E. India goods and a letter from Kidd’s
+wife to Capt. Thomas Pain, an old pirate living on Canonicot
+Island in Rhode Island government. He made an affidavit
+to me when I was at Rhode Island that he had received
+nothing from Kidd’s sloop, when she lay at anchor there, yet
+by Knot’s deposition he was sent with Mrs. Kidd’s letter to
+Pain for 24 ounces of gold, which Knot accordingly brought,
+and Mrs. Kidd’s injunction to Pain to keep all the rest that
+was left with him till further order was a plain indication that
+there was a good deal of treasure still behind in Pain’s custody.
+Therefore I posted away a message to Gov. Cranston and Col.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span>
+Sanford to make a strict search of Pain’s house before he could
+have notice. It seems nothing was then found, but Pain has
+since produced 18 ounces and odd weight of gold, as appears by
+[Gov.] Cranston’s letter, Nov. 25, and pretends ’twas bestowed
+on him by Kidd, hoping that may [pass for] a salvo for the oath
+he made. I think ’tis plain he foreswore himself and I am of
+opinion he has a great deal more of Kidd’s goods still in his
+hands, [but] he is out of my power and being in that government
+I cannot compel him to deliver up the [rest]. Your
+Lordships will find in Capt. Coddington’s narrative, sent with
+my report Nov. 27, an inventory of gold and jewels in Gov.
+Cranston’s hands, which he took from a pirate. I see no
+reason why he should keep them, [but] so far from that, that
+he ought to be called to an account for conniving at the pirates
+making that Island their sanctuary, and suffering some to
+escape from justice. If there be an order sent to him to deliver
+all goods and treasure which he has at any time received from
+privateers or pirates into my hands for the use of his Majesty,
+and that upon oath, I will see the order executed and give a
+faithful account thereof. Four pounds weight of the gold
+brought from Gardiner’s Island, which I formerly acquainted
+your Lordships of, and all the jewels belonged to Gillam, as
+Mr. Gardiner’s letter to Mr. Dummer, a merchant in this
+town and one of the Committee appointed by me and the
+Council to receive all the treasure brought in Kidd’s sloop, will
+prove, and there is some proof of it in Capt. Coddington’s
+narrative and Capt. Knot’s deposition. I am told that as
+Vice [Admiral] of these provinces I am entitled to 1/3 part of
+Gillam’s gold and jewels; I know not wh [ether I] am or no,
+but if it be my right I hope you will represent to the King
+accordingly. ’Tis a great prejudice to the King’s [service]
+that here is no revenue or other fund to answer any occasion of
+His Majesty’s. I [have been] forced to disburse the 200 pieces
+of eight out of my own little stock, and also to defray my
+expenses in going to Rhode Island to execute the King’s Commission;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span>
+both accounts I now send and beg your Lordships’
+favour in promoting. Capt. Gullock tells me that 15 or 16 of
+the ship’s company that would not be concerned with Gillam
+went home in the <i>America</i> belonging to the E. I. company.
+I should think an advertisement in the <i>Gazette</i> requiring some
+of those men to appear before one of the Secretaries of State
+to give their evidence would be proper.</p>
+
+<p>“Your Lordships will meet with a pass among the other
+papers to Sion Arnold, one of the pirates brought from Madagascar
+by Shelley of N. York, signed by Governor Basse, which
+is a bold step in Basse after such positive orders as he received
+from Mr. Secretary Vernon, but I perceive plainly the meaning<del>-</del>
+of it, he took several pirates at Burlington in West Jerzey and
+a good store of money with them as ’tis said: and I dare say
+he would be glad they [?should] escape, for when they are gone
+who can witness what money he seized with ’em? I know the
+man so well that I verily believe that’s his plot. John Carr
+mentioned in some of the [?papers to] be in Rhode Island was
+one of Hore’s crew. There are abundance of other pirates in
+that island at this time, but they are out of my power. Mr.
+Brinley, Col. Sanford, and Capt. Coddington are honest men
+and of the best estates in the island, and because they are
+heartily weary of the maladministrations of that Government,
+and because I commissioned ’em, by virtue of H. M. Commission
+to me, to [make] enquiry into the irregularities of those
+people, they are become strangely odious to ’em and are often
+affronted by ’em; neither will they make ’em Justices of the
+Peace, so that when they would commit pirates to gaol, they
+are forced to go to the Governor, for his warrant, and very
+[comm]only the pirates get notice and avoid the warrant.
+Gardiner, the Dep. Collector, is accused to have been once a
+pirate, in one of the papers enclosed. I doubt he will forswear
+himself rather than part with Gillam’s gold which is in his
+hands. ’Tis impossible for me to transmit to the Lords of
+the Treasury these proofs against Gardiner, being so jaded<span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span>
+with writing, but I could wish they were made acquainted
+with his character and would send over honest, in[tellige]nt
+men to be Collectors of Rhode Island, Connecticut and N.
+Hampshire, and that they [would] hasten Mr. Brenton hither
+to his post or send some other Collector in his room. I could
+wish Mr. Weaver were ordered to hasten to N. York. Captain
+Knot in one of his depositions accuses Gillam to have pirated
+four years together in the South Sea against the Spaniards.
+We have advice that Burk, an Irishman and pirate, that committed
+sea-robberies on the coast of Newfoundland, is drowned
+with all his ship’s company, except 7 or 8, somewhere to the
+southward, in the hurricane about the end of July or the
+beginning of Aug. last. ’Tis good news, he was very strong
+and said to have had a good ship with 140 men and 24 guns.”<a id="FNanchor_32" href="#Footnote_32" class="fnanchor">[32]</a></p>
+
+<p>John Halsey was a Boston privateersman who heard of the
+good fortune of those who scoured the Red Sea and the Arabian
+coast and so abandoned cruising on the banks of Newfoundland
+and set a course for Madagascar. He was the son
+of James and Dinah Halsey and was born Mar. 1, 1670.
+As a boy he followed the sea and in time became master of
+small vessels trading with the Southern Colonies and the West
+Indies. In April, 1693, while master of the sloop “Adventure,”
+of Boston, he testified in court in relation to a seaman shipped
+by him the previous November on a voyage to Virginia. At
+that time he deposed that he was twenty-three years old.</p>
+
+<p>While Joseph Dudley was governor, he was given the
+command of the brigantine “Charles,” and sent out with a
+privateering commission to cruise against French vessels on
+the fishing banks. From there he went to the Canaries where
+he took a Spanish “barcalonga” which he plundered and
+sunk. Having determined on a free life in the Indian Ocean he
+wooded and watered at one of the Cape Verdes and then stood
+away for the Cape of Good Hope and Madagascar.</p>
+
+<p>For a time Captain Halsey was followed by ill-fortune.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span>
+He was nearly taken by a Dutchman of sixty guns and later
+was chased by the “Albemarle,” East Indiaman, and only
+got clear because he could show a better share of heels. In
+the Strait of Babelmandeb, a Moorish fleet of twenty-five sail
+came upon him and the brigantine was only saved from being
+taken when they fell to with their oars. Three days later their
+luck changed and two English ships fell into their hands after
+brisk fighting. The loot amounted to over £50,000 in money
+and also many bale goods, so they steered for Madagascar
+where they shared their booty. Here, Captain Halsey fell sick
+of a fever and died in 1716 and was buried with great ceremony.
+His sword and pistols were laid on his coffin, which
+was covered with a ship’s jack, and minute guns were fired.
+He was a brave man and died regretted by his men and the
+friends he had made in Madagascar. “His Grave was made in
+a Garden of Water Melons and fenced in with Pallisades to
+prevent his being rooted up by wild Hogs, of which there are
+Plenty in those Parts.”<a id="FNanchor_33" href="#Footnote_33" class="fnanchor">[33]</a></p>
+
+<p>Another Massachusetts pirate was Joseph Bradish of
+Cambridge, who was born there Nov. 28, 1672. In March,
+1698 he was in London, England, out of a berth and so shipped
+as boatswain’s mate on board “the ship or hakeboat Adventure,”
+Thomas Gulleck, commander, bound for the island of
+Borneo on an interloping trade. The ship was about 350 tons
+burthen and carried twenty-two guns. The following September,
+while at the island of Polonais for water, most of the
+officers and passengers being on shore, the rest of the ship’s
+company cut the cable and ran away with the ship. There
+were about twenty-five men aboard and Joseph Bradish was
+chosen their commander because of his skill in navigation.
+Sail was made for Mauritius where they refitted the ship and
+took on fresh provisions and then a course was set for New
+England.</p>
+
+<p>Not long after rounding the Cape of Good Hope a sharing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span>
+was made of the money found on board which was contained
+in nine chests stowed in the breadroom. Each man received
+over fifteen hundred Spanish dollars and the captain was
+assigned two and a half shares. Later there was a sharing of
+the broadcloths, serges and other goods in the lading of the
+ship.</p>
+
+<p>The “Adventure” arrived at the east end of Long Island
+on March 19, 1699 and Captain Bradish went on shore at
+Nassau Island taking with him most of his money and jewels.
+He sent a pilot on board to bring the ship around to Gardiner’s
+Island, but the wind not favoring, Block Island was
+made instead. Two men were then sent to Rhode Island to
+buy a sloop but the Governor, suspecting them to be pirates,
+ordered them seized. A day or two later several sloops sailing
+near the “Adventure” were hailed and after some bartering
+one of them was bought and another hired. The sloopmen
+were allowed to take what they pleased out of the ship and
+having transferred their money and some of the richer of the
+lading to the two sloops, the “Adventure” was sunk. Some
+of the crew were set ashore at different landings where they
+reached farmhouses and purchased horses and departed for
+parts unknown.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Bradish and others of his company ventured into
+Massachusetts early in April, but the news of their arrival at
+Long Island had preceded them and soon the captain and
+ten of his men were lodged in the stone gaol in Boston where
+Caleb Ray, his kinsman, was the gaol-keeper. Bradish and his
+men were examined by the authorities and several of them
+confessed. Money and goods to the value of about £3000,
+were seized and Bradish’s jewels, which had been left with Col.
+Henry Peirson at Nassau Island, were sent for and taken to
+New York to be inventoried. Ten or more of his crew were
+also captured on Rhode Island.</p>
+
+<p>Bradish lay in gaol for nearly two months and it does not
+appear that he was placed in irons which was the fate of Captain<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span>
+Kidd a few weeks later. Governor Bellomont ordered
+Kidd placed in irons weighing sixteen pounds and not content
+with that paid the gaoler forty shillings a week above his
+salary in the hope of keeping him honest. This all came about
+because Bradish was allowed to escape. Caleb Ray, the gaol-keeper,
+was a relative of Bradish, a fact unknown to the
+authorities, and doubtless not many days passed before family
+influences were exerted in his behalf.</p>
+
+<p>On the morning of June 25th, Ray found the prison door
+open and Bradish and Tee Wetherly, one of his company,
+who had but one eye, were missing. The Governor was angry
+and finding the Council slow to take action he became still
+more enraged. Learning that prisoners had mysteriously
+escaped at other times, Ray finally was dismissed and a prosecution
+ordered.</p>
+
+<p>Meantime, Bellomont had devoted much of his time to
+pirates and piracy. Kidd had been taken and his spoil sequestered.
+A ship had arrived at New York bringing sixty pirates
+from Madagascar and a vast deal of treasure. The New York
+owners were said to have cleared £30,000 by the voyage. He
+learned that about two hundred Madagascar pirates were
+intending to take passage for New York in Frederick Phillips’
+ships at £50 each. A great ship had been seen off the Massachusetts
+coast supposed to be commanded by Maise, the
+pirate, and laded with much wealth taken in the Red Sea.
+There was a sloop in at Rhode Island, undoubtedly a pirate
+as the crew went ashore daily and spent their gold freely.
+He also was occupied in manning out a ship to go in quest of
+the “Quidah Merchant,” Kidd’s ship, left by him in the West
+Indies. Long reports were sent to the Lords of Trade and
+Plantations by the busy Governor in one of which he mentions
+“having writ myself almost dead.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" style="max-width: 100em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i042' src='images/i042.jpg' alt=''>
+  <figcaption>RICHARD COOTE, EARL OF BELLOMONT, GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, 1699-1700<br>
+<span class='c2'>From a rare engraving in the Harvard College Library</span></figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>When Bradish and Wetherly stole out of gaol they made
+their way to the eastward and Governor Bellomont offered
+a reward of two hundred pieces of eight for the recapture of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span>
+Bradish and one hundred pieces for Wetherly. He also wrote
+to the Governors of Canada and St. Johns. There happened
+to be in Boston at the time, an Indian sachem, Essacambuit,
+who had come to make submission in behalf of the Kennebeck
+Indians and the reward sent him on the trail of the fleeing
+pirates with such success that they were taken and brought
+into the fort at Saco. On Oct. 24th, they were again in Boston
+gaol, this time well secured with irons. During the following
+months they made two unsuccessful attempts to escape.
+Once they broke through the floor, but that failing them a
+night or two later they filed off their fetters, whereupon they
+were manacled and chained to one another. “I believe this
+new gaoler I have got is honest; otherwise I should be very
+uneasy,” wrote the Governor.<a id="FNanchor_34" href="#Footnote_34" class="fnanchor">[34]</a></p>
+
+<p>On Feb. 3, 1700, the man-of-war “Advice” arrived in
+Boston harbor for the express purpose of conveying Kidd,
+Bradish and other pirates to London, for trial before an
+Admiralty Court and on April 8th they arrived there, still in
+irons.</p>
+
+<p>Justice was summarily meted out to Bradish and his men
+and their fate became well-known to sailormen and pirates in
+all seas. Twenty years later when Capt. Bart. Roberts
+captured a Boston-bound ship, the captain was told by some
+of the pirate crew that they never would “go to Hope-Point,
+to be hang’d up a Sun drying, as Kidd’s and Braddish’s Company
+were; but that if they should ever be overpower’d, they
+would set Fire to the Powder, with a Pistol, and go all merrily
+to Hell together.”</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_20" href="#FNanchor_20" class="label">[20]</a> Bradford, <i>History of Plymouth Plantation</i>, Boston, 1856, p. 293.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_21" href="#FNanchor_21" class="label">[21]</a> Capt. Roger Clap’s <i>Memoirs</i>, p. 35.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_22" href="#FNanchor_22" class="label">[22]</a> Winthrop’s <i>Journal</i>, New York, 1908, Vol. I, p. 96.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_23" href="#FNanchor_23" class="label">[23]</a> Bradford, <i>History of Plymouth Plantation</i>, p. 441.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_24" href="#FNanchor_24" class="label">[24]</a> Winthrop’s <i>Journal</i>, New York, 1908, Vol. II, p. 273.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_25" href="#FNanchor_25" class="label">[25]</a> <i>Records of the Massachusetts Bay Colony</i>, Vol. IV, Part II, p. 563.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_26" href="#FNanchor_26" class="label">[26]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. LXI, leaf 280.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_27" href="#FNanchor_27" class="label">[27]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. LXI, leaf 280.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_28" href="#FNanchor_28" class="label">[28]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. CXXVII, leaf 10.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_29" href="#FNanchor_29" class="label">[29]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. CXXVII, leaf 191.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_30" href="#FNanchor_30" class="label">[30]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. XXXVII, leaf 117.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_31" href="#FNanchor_31" class="label">[31]</a> See chapter on Capt. Thomas Pound.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_32" href="#FNanchor_32" class="label">[32]</a> <i>Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1699, pp. 551-554.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_33" href="#FNanchor_33" class="label">[33]</a> Johnson, <i>The History of the Pirates</i>, London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_34" href="#FNanchor_34" class="label">[34]</a> <i>Calendars of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1699, p. 1011.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_III">CHAPTER III<br>
+<span class="ch-title">John Rhoade, Pilot of the Dutch Pirates on the
+Coast of Maine</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>In the summer of 1674, while the Dutch were yet in control
+of New York, the privateer frigate “Flying Horse,”
+came sailing into the harbor. Her commander, Capt.
+Jurriaen Aernouts, had been commissioned by the governor of
+Curacao, “to take, plunder, spoil and possess any of the ships,
+persons or estates” of the enemies of the great States of
+Holland, which meant the English and the French at the time
+the commission was issued. But when the Dutch captain
+reached New York he was much surprised to learn of the
+treaty of peace, signed nearly six months before, which made
+it illegal for him to prey on English shipping. The war was
+still on with France, however, so he decided to sail northward
+for the fishing banks and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. While the
+“Flying Horse” was recruiting and preparing for sea, Captain
+Aernouts accidentally made the acquaintance of a coasting
+pilot from Boston, Capt. John Rhoade, an adventurous
+character who told the captain that he was well acquainted
+with the coast along the French colonies at the north; that
+their forts and defences were weak and if taken by surprise
+it would be easy conquest for him of a rich fur country. Rhoade
+said that he had recently been at Pentagoet (now Castine,
+Maine) and had exact information as to the strength of the
+French garrison there. The Dutch captain submitted the
+project to his officers and crew and it was unanimously
+favored. Captain Rhoade then enlisted, took the oath of
+allegiance to the Prince of Orange, and was made the chief
+pilot of the “Flying Horse.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span></p>
+
+<p>The Dutchmen landed at Pentagoet on Aug. 1, 1674, and
+as the fort was garrisoned by only thirty men it soon surrendered.
+The commander of the fort, M. de Chambly, was also
+the Governor of Acadie and for him a ransom of one thousand
+beavers was demanded, an amount he was unable to furnish.
+With the Governor on board, the “Flying Horse” sailed eastward
+and every French fort and trading post as far as the St.
+John river was captured. Captain Aernouts proclaimed
+all this territory a Dutch conquest, naming it New Holland,
+and at every point where he landed he buried a bottle containing
+a copy of his commission and a statement of his conquest.
+Laden with the plunder of Acadie, the “Flying Horse”
+reached Boston the last of September and the Dutch captain
+applied to Governor Leverett for leave to remain in the harbor
+in order to repair his ship and dispose of his plunder. This was
+granted and soon the frigate lay at anchor before the town.
+The Colony gladly purchased the cannon that had been taken
+from the French forts and the Boston traders bought the rest
+of the spoil.</p>
+
+<p>The Massachusetts fur traders now applied to Captain
+Aernouts for leave to trade in the newly conquered territory,
+a privilege they had always paid well for in the past. But they
+were disappointed, for the Dutch officers claimed that this
+conquest had been made by the sword and that the fur trade
+was of great value to the States of Holland, so all requests
+for leave or license were refused. The owners of two Boston
+vessels, however, disregarded the warnings of the Dutch
+officers and set sail, and probably others followed.</p>
+
+<p>When Captain Aernouts was ready to depart, which was
+about the first of November, he left in Boston two of his
+officers, Capt. Peter Roderigo, a “Flanderkin,” and Capt.
+Cornelius Andreson, a Dutchman, and also Captain Rhoade
+and a Cornishman, John Williams, and gave these men and
+their associates, authority to return to New Holland and
+there to trade and keep possession until further instructions<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span>
+were received. They induced four or five others to join them
+and before the month had gone they had purchased a small
+vessel, the “Edward and Thomas,” Thomas Mitchell of
+Malden, part-owner, who shipped with the company, which
+was commanded by Roderigo, and hired another, the “Penobscot
+Shallop,” commanded by Andreson, and after arming
+them as well as they could, they sailed down the harbor with
+the flag of the Prince of Orange at each topmast. At Pentagoet,
+they found that Englishmen from Pemaquid had recently
+been there and carried away iron and other materials
+found in the ruins of the fort. Farther eastward, Edward
+Hilliard of Salem was found in a small vessel, and when
+ordered to come on board he immediately submitted and said
+he was ignorant that he was trespassing on their authority
+and further complained of the bad voyage he had made thus
+far. He was dismissed with a warning and his vessel and peltry
+returned to him. Not long after they came upon a Boston
+vessel, commanded by William Waldron, who had been refused
+a permit to trade. He was recognized at once and his vessel
+made a prize but after a time returned to him. His peltry,
+however, was seized.</p>
+
+<p>Among the men who had applied for a permit to trade and
+been refused was George Manning, who commanded a shallop
+called the “Philip,” owned by John Feake, a Boston merchant.
+Nevertheless he had sailed and on December 4th Captain
+Roderigo came upon him at anchor in “Adowoke Bay to ye
+Estward of Mount deZart.” The shallop was boarded, the
+hatches opened and all the peltry taken away. Captain
+Manning had in his cabin a loaded pistol and planned to shoot
+Captain Roderigo but a boy on board warned him to look out
+for himself and drawing a cutlass the “Flanderkin” laid
+about him. There was some firing of guns but no one was
+killed. Manning was confined on board the Dutch boat and
+the next day it was proposed to burn his shallop and set him
+adrift in his boat. Rhoade told him he deserved to be turned<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span>
+ashore on an island and there be compelled to eat the roots of
+trees. Manning had received a flesh wound in one hand and
+was cut about the head. There is much confusion in the
+testimony bearing on the encounter and doubtless some lying,
+but it is plain that Manning continued in command of his
+shallop and accompanied the Dutchmen in their later operations.<a id="FNanchor_35" href="#Footnote_35" class="fnanchor">[35]</a></p>
+
+<p>A small barque owned by Major Shapleigh of Piscataqua
+in New Hampshire was taken shortly and found to have traded
+for peltry and also to have brought provisions from Port
+Royal to the French at Gamshake on the St. John river.
+The peltry and provisions were seized and the barque dismissed.
+The Dutchmen, when on trial in Boston, claimed that
+this barque had transported French from Port Royal to the
+St. John river and supplied them with ammunition so that
+when Captain Roderigo arrived that winter they were able to
+defend themselves and he was obliged to return to Machias
+in Maine, where he had established a trading post.</p>
+
+<p>The Dutch carried on a prosperous trade with the Indians
+that winter at Machias and there was always the hope that
+the tri-colored flag of the United Provinces might appear over
+a fleet coming to their assistance. On March 10th, 1675, a
+vessel flying an English flag appeared off shore. It was commanded
+by Thomas Cole of Nantasket. A boatload of men,
+well armed, came ashore and finding only four men at the trading
+post these were soon overpowered. The Dutch flag was
+pulled down, the men taken prisoners and the winter’s store of
+peltry and trading goods carried off. The Dutch afterwards
+testified in court that Cole ordered Randall Judson’s<a id="FNanchor_36" href="#Footnote_36" class="fnanchor">[36]</a> arms
+bound behind him and then put him ashore where he remained
+for four days and nights without shelter or food, and this was
+early in March on the eastern Maine coast.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span></p>
+
+<p>It was to be expected that sooner or later the news of the
+capture of the trading vessels would reach Boston. The
+shallop commanded by George Manning was owned by John
+Feake, a Boston merchant, and Feb. 15, 1675, he appeared
+before Governor Leverett and the Magistrates and made his
+complaint, that property had been piratically seized and his
+vessel detained. He named Captain Rhoade as the principal
+offender. William Waldron and others had already presented
+a protest. Mr. Feake proposed that Capt. Samuel Mosely,
+afterwards the famous Indian fighter, be instructed to organize
+an expedition to proceed to the eastern parts and seize Rhoade
+and his company, and the Council at once assented and ordered
+that no shipping in the harbor bound eastward should be
+permitted to sail until after Captain Mosely and his company
+had departed. Captain Mosely had recently been in command
+of an armed vessel that had cruised about the island of Nantucket
+to protect Boston interests against suspected attacks
+by the Dutch, and he was ready for any new adventure. He
+received his instructions on Feb. 15, 1675 and soon after sailed
+for the eastward. Before reaching the Dutchmen he fell in
+with a French vessel which he induced to join his enterprise.
+He provided her with men and ammunition and when these
+vessels bore down on Captain Roderigo’s little fleet, Manning,
+who had gone into the Dutch service at a wage of £7 per month,
+at once joined the new-comers and without taking the trouble
+to haul down the tri-colored flag flying from his topmast,
+opened fire on the Dutch vessels. Taken by surprise and
+attacked by three vessels carrying English, French and Dutch
+colors, resistance was soon over. The prisoners were closely
+confined, their vessels were plundered of the peltry obtained
+during the winter’s barter and their remaining trading stock
+was turned over to Boston men who had accompanied the
+expedition and these traders were left to continue the barter
+with the Indians while the victorious Captain Mosely sailed
+back to Boston where he arrived on April 2d. Again, had commercial<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span>
+greed brought about military attack. The Dutch, at
+war with France, had seized French territory which previously
+had been exploited by colonial traders, who, deprived of their
+rich opportunity for gain, now seized the Dutch outpost.</p>
+
+<p>The Court of Assistants met at Cambridge on April 7th and
+ordered the pirates, as the prisoners were styled, confined in
+the prison at Cambridge. The Dutch vessels and their fittings
+were appraised and left in the hands of John Feake who had
+made the complaint of the alleged piracy. At the examination
+of the prisoners, the day they reached Boston, they frankly
+declared what had been done by them and justified in writing
+their supposed authority. A special Court of Admiralty was
+then summoned to meet on May 17th, but before the day
+arrived John Feake, the complainant, was dead and buried.
+On May 4th, he had gone on board a ship in the harbor, just
+arrived from Virginia, and while in the great cabin with Captain
+Scarlett, one of the appraisers of the Dutch vessels, in
+conference with the supercargo of the ship and others, there
+was a great explosion resulting in the death of Feake, Scarlett
+and the supercargo, and the wounding of nine others. The
+great Increase Mather preached a sermon “Occasioned by
+this awful Providence.”</p>
+
+<p>The Court of Admiralty sat on the day appointed and
+shortly declared the Dutch vessels and their cargoes lawful
+prizes to be delivered to the heirs of Feake as satisfaction for
+the injury done to the shallop commanded by Manning. The
+Court then adjourned. A week later it reassembled and Peter
+Roderigo and Cornelius Andreson were placed on trial, charged
+with piratically seizing several small English vessels and making
+prize of their goods, etc.<a id="FNanchor_37" href="#Footnote_37" class="fnanchor">[37]</a> A verdict of guilty was declared
+against Roderigo and he was sentenced to be hanged. Not
+long after he petitioned the Great and General Court for his
+life and on May 12th “the Court judged it meete to grant the
+petitioner a full &amp; free pardon, according to his desire in his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span>
+petition.” Roderigo found his way again to the eastward and
+in June of the next year served in the company of Capt. Joshua
+Scottow in Indian fighting about Black Point, near Scarborough,
+Maine. On the other hand Andreson, who owned
+during his examination that he had taken two English vessels,
+Waldron’s and Hilliard’s, was not found guilty of piracy and
+the Court sent the jury out again with instruction to “find
+what they could against him.” The jury obediently brought
+in a verdict of guilty of “theft and robbery,” based on the
+seizure of the peltry. He, too, was sentenced but later pardoned.</p>
+
+<p>It is a curious circumstance that this Cornelius Andreson
+should shortly join the independent military company organized
+by Captain Mosely to fight Indians in King Philip’s War
+which broke out soon after the trials were concluded. Andreson
+also appears in Capt. Thomas Wheeler’s company and
+fought bravely and with renown in the attacks about Brookfield.
+At one time he was sent out as “Captain of a forlorne”
+hope<a id="FNanchor_38" href="#Footnote_38" class="fnanchor">[38]</a> and afterwards marched to Groton. On Oct. 13, 1675
+he was about leaving the country and nothing is known of his
+later history. Undoubtedly he was the “buccaneer,” mentioned
+by New England historians as going with Captain
+Mosely against Philip near the end of June. After the trial
+of Andreson, the Court again adjourned and on June 17th
+the other prisoners were brought to trial. Capt. John Rhoade,
+when asked why he fought against the King’s colors, replied
+that the attacking vessels had fought under French, Dutch and
+English colors and he thought that his company would be
+given no quarter, and therefore he fought. Richard Tulford
+acknowledged that he had acted in company with the others
+and had gone ashore at Casco Bay and brought off sheep said
+to belong to Mr. Mountjoy, and that Thomas Mitchell had
+sent him. The testimony of Peter Grant and Randall Judson
+was similar. John Thomas said that he had sailed from Boston<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span>
+with Captain Roderigo and was present at the taking of the
+vessels and when asked if he didn’t kill a Frenchman he denied
+but confessed “that hee did shoote at him, but knew not that
+hee hit him.”<a id="FNanchor_39" href="#Footnote_39" class="fnanchor">[39]</a> John Williams told under examination that he
+was a Cornishman and had sailed out of Jamaica with Captain
+Morrice, but was captured by the Dutch and taken into Curacao,
+where he had joined Captain Aernout’s privateering
+voyage and on reaching Boston had remained and gone to the
+eastward with Captain Roderigo. He had been ashore at
+Machias when the rest were captured. Thomas Mitchell
+testified that he lived near Malden, Massachusetts, and that
+he had come last from Pemaquid. He claimed that the English
+vessels had been taken against his will, but he had eaten
+of the stolen mutton and also had piloted his vessel from the
+St. John river to Twelve Penny harbor where they had
+plundered one Lantrimong and killed his cattle. Edward Uran
+of Boston, a former fisherman of the Isles of Shoals, had gone
+on the expedition in Mitchell’s shallop and offered similar
+testimony.</p>
+
+<p>The Court of Assistants presided over by Governor Leverett,
+found Rhoade, Fulford, Grant and Judson each guilty of
+piracy and sentence was pronounced directing that they be
+hanged “presently after the lecture.” Thomas and Williams
+were acquitted and discharged. Mitchell was ordered to pay
+treble satisfaction to Mr. George Mountjoy, i. e., £9.12.0 for
+the four stolen sheep, and Uran was to be “whipt with twenty
+stripes.”</p>
+
+<p>A week before the time set for the executions, King Philip
+went on the warpath and all else, for the time, was forgotten
+in the fearful danger of the emergency. The executions were
+postponed again and again. Fulford before long was released
+without conditions<a id="FNanchor_40" href="#Footnote_40" class="fnanchor">[40]</a> and Rhoade, Grant and Judson were<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span>
+banished from the Colony after paying prison charges and
+furnishing sureties, and there the affair ended so far as they
+were concerned. As for the conquest of French Acadia in
+behalf of the United Provinces, when the Amsterdam authorities
+learned of what had taken place they at once recognized
+the services of John Rhoade of Boston, the pilot of the Dutch
+cruiser, and authorized him to hold possession of Acadia and
+to carry on unlimited trade with the natives. This was on
+Sept. 11, 1676, and over a year after he had been sentenced
+to death for piracy while carrying out the very policy now laid
+down by the nation that had subjugated the territory. He had
+acted clearly within his rights and any exceptions that might
+have been taken were questions between the United Provinces
+and England, then at peace for some time, and so the
+matter was then regarded outside the Massachusetts Bay
+Colony.</p>
+
+<p>When the news of the trial and condemnation of the Dutch
+officers and their associates reached the States-General, their
+ambassador to England was immediately instructed to demand
+the release of the prisoners, the restoration of the territory
+and the punishment of the offending authorities, and after
+much procrastination the Council addressed an order to “The
+Bostoners in New England,”<a id="FNanchor_41" href="#Footnote_41" class="fnanchor">[41]</a> requiring a speedy answer to the
+complaint. Governor Leverett’s answer calmly recited what
+had been done by the Colony and stated that there had not
+been any violation of the peace between the two nations.
+Meanwhile, Captain Rhoade’s commission had reached him
+and he undertook to use the authority conferred upon him and
+got into trouble in consequence, for he sailed into the river
+St. George and undertook to trade there and was taken prisoner
+and with his vessel and goods sent to New York. The
+Dutch West India Company of course protested and demand
+was made for the release and indemnification of Captain
+Rhoade. This was on May 21, 1679. The complaint was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span>
+renewed and much correspondence followed but nothing
+very definite appears as a result. The main issue was lost in a
+maze of diplomatic correspondence and evasive reports, and
+so ended the conquest of Acadia by the Dutch and the charges
+and counter-charges of piracy on the Maine coast.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_35" href="#FNanchor_35" class="label">[35]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. LXI, leaves 117, 118.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_36" href="#FNanchor_36" class="label">[36]</a> He was one of the colonists who had joined Captain Roderigo in
+Boston.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_37" href="#FNanchor_37" class="label">[37]</a> <i>Records of the Court of Assistants</i>, Vol. I, p. 35.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_38" href="#FNanchor_38" class="label">[38]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. LXVIII, leaf 7.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_39" href="#FNanchor_39" class="label">[39]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. LXI, leaf 72.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_40" href="#FNanchor_40" class="label">[40]</a> He belonged in Muscongus, Maine, and had married a daughter of
+Richard Pearce.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_41" href="#FNanchor_41" class="label">[41]</a> <i>Massachusetts Historical Society Colls.</i> 4th Ser., Vol. II, p. 286.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IV">CHAPTER IV<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Thomas Pound, Pilot of the King’s Frigate, who
+became a Pirate and Died a Gentleman</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>In front of the South Station in Boston, there is an intersection
+of wide streets known as “Dewey Square.” It
+is very firm ground today, but in 1689, the year in which
+these events took place, this space was tidewater and into it
+projected Bull’s wharf. On shore, near the head of the wharf,
+was a tavern with a swinging sign in front displaying on either
+side a beefy looking animal that was labelled “The Bull.”
+At about eleven o’clock on the night of Thursday, August 8,
+1689, six men and a boy came down to the water’s edge not
+far from the tavern and went on board a two-masted, half-decked
+fishing boat, of the type known at that time as a
+Bermudas boat, and hoisting sails soon disappeared down
+the harbor in the direction of the Castle. The leader of the
+party was Thomas Pound, pilot of the frigate “Rose,” which
+had arrived at the Boston station three years before.</p>
+
+<p>One of the results of the recent insurrection against the
+authority of Governor Andros had been the seizure of Captain
+George, of the “Rose,” by the townspeople, who also struck
+the frigate’s topmasts and brought her sails ashore. On
+August 3d, Governor Andros had escaped from the Castle,
+but had been recaptured in Rhode Island two days later and
+by easy stages was being brought back to Boston at the time
+when Thomas Pound and his party planned their expedition
+here described.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp85" style="max-width: 150em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i054' src='images/i054.jpg' alt=''>
+  <figcaption>
+VIEW OF CASTLE WILLIAM, BOSTON HARBOR, ABOUT 1729, AND A MAN-OF-WAR OF THE PERIOD<br>
+<span class='c2'>From the only known copy of an engraving probably by John Harris, after a drawing by
+William Burgis</span>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span></p>
+
+<p>Thomas Hawkins, who owned the boat, had agreed with
+Pound to put his men ashore at Nantasket, the consideration
+being two shillings and six pence, but when the boat reached
+Long Island, about halfway to the agreed destination, Hawkins
+was ordered to anchor, and there they remained until early in
+the morning. Before daylight Pound told Hawkins that he
+had changed his mind about going to Nantasket and said that
+his party would like to go fishing. So the anchor was hauled
+aboard and soon the boat was sailing down the harbor. When
+near Lovell’s Island, the sounds of men launching a boat were
+heard and one of Pound’s men at once said, “There they are,”
+and soon after a small boat with five men in it, came alongside
+and boarded Hawkins’ boat. These men were armed and
+Pound and one of his men, Richard Griffin, a gunsmith, also
+had brought guns. Pound now took command and ordered
+the fish casks thrown overboard and then directed that an
+easterly course be made which soon carried the boat into deep
+water beyond the Brewster Islands at the entrance to the
+harbor. He told Hawkins that he and his men had agreed to
+take the first vessel they met and proceed in her to the West
+Indies, to prey on the French. Hawkins seems to have
+acquiesced willingly and thereafter to have been the sailing-master
+while Pound commanded the expedition.</p>
+
+<p>Isaac Prince of Hull, the master of a small deck-sloop, had
+been out in the Bay after mackerel and with a good catch
+was about four or five leagues off the Brewsters, bound in,
+when he was hailed from Thomas Hawkins’ boat bound out.
+Hawkins brought his boat to the windward of the sloop and
+asked Captain Prince if he had any mackerel and water to
+spare and then bought eight penny worth of fish and was
+given three or four gallons of water. The curiosity of the
+fishermen was aroused because Hawkins was careful not to
+bring his boat alongside the sloop but held her by the quarter
+of the fisherman. The crew on the sloop also noted through
+the cracks in the deck or covering of the Bermudas boat, some<span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span>
+ten or twelve men who seemed to be keeping out of sight, and
+abaft a man, whose body was out of sight, was seen to peer at
+the fishermen and then quickly draw back, so Captain Prince
+asked Hawkins where he was bound, and he replied to Billingsgate,<a id="FNanchor_42" href="#Footnote_42" class="fnanchor">[42]</a>
+and when asked how he came to be so far to the northward,
+Hawkins replied “It’s all one to me.” The two vessels
+then separated, but when the fishermen reached Boston, they
+went at once to the Governor and reported the suspicious
+conduct of Hawkins, whom they said “seemed very cheerful
+and Merry.”<a id="FNanchor_43" href="#Footnote_43" class="fnanchor">[43]</a></p>
+
+<p>When near Halfway Rock, only two or three hours after
+parting with the sloop, Hawkins came up with the fishing
+ketch “Mary,” Helling Chard,<a id="FNanchor_44" href="#Footnote_44" class="fnanchor">[44]</a> master, owned by Philip
+English, the great Salem merchant who was accused of witchcraft
+three years later. The ketch was coming in from sea
+with a full fare of fish when Captain Hawkins hailed and after
+a show of arms took the vessel. Captain Chard knew Hawkins
+and also recognized one of his men, “a Limping privateer
+called Johnson.” When he reached Salem on Monday,
+August 12th, Chard reported that when Hawkins came on
+board the ketch on Friday, he pushed him away from the helm
+and said the ketch was his prize. Later Hawkins told him that
+as soon as they could take a better vessel and supply themselves
+with provisions, they intended to go to the West Indies
+and plague the French, and they expected forty more men who
+had enlisted to join them shortly. Hawkins’ men were supplied
+with firearms but had only “two gallons of powder”
+aboard and so few bullets that as soon as the ketch had been
+taken they set to work at once melting up all the lead they
+could find to make bullets. Saturday night Captain Chard
+and two of his men were set free and sent away in the Bermudas
+boat and Hawkins and his crew, in the ketch, steered a course<span class="pagenum" id="Page_57">[57]</span>
+to the northeast, taking with them John Darby<a id="FNanchor_45" href="#Footnote_45" class="fnanchor">[45]</a> of Marblehead,
+who went voluntarily, and forcing a boy who could
+speak French, intending to use him as an interpreter. When
+Chard brought the news to Salem, information was sent at
+once to the Governor and Council and a vessel manned by the
+Salem and Marblehead militia was ordered out “to seeke
+after and surprise ye said Ketch,” but it returned to harbor
+without finding Pound and Hawkins.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Pound, meanwhile, had ordered a course for Falmouth,
+Maine, which was reached early Monday morning.
+The ketch came to anchor about four miles below the fort and
+sent ashore a long boat with three men in it, one of whom was
+John Darby, who was known to Silvanus Davis, the commander
+at Fort Loyal. While two of the men filled water
+casks, Darby reported to Commander Davis that the ketch had
+come from Cape Sable where it had been taken by a privateer
+brigantine that had robbed them of some lead and most of
+their bread and water. He also said that Captain Chard, the
+master of the ketch, had hurt his foot and needed a doctor.
+One was sent for and went out to the ketch immediately.
+It was all a part of a scheme to secure his services for the proposed
+expedition, but the doctor lost his courage and declined
+the post, but when he came back to Falmouth, he had a variety
+of tales about the ketch,—sometimes that there were few
+on board and that they were honest, and at other times that
+there were many on board.</p>
+
+<p>It was noticed that the doctor, after he came back from the
+ketch, was much in conversation with the soldiers belonging
+to the fort which aroused the suspicions of the commander
+so that at night, after all the soldiers were in their quarters, he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_58">[58]</span>
+charged the guard to keep a close watch on the water side of the
+fort. He little thought at the time that he was placing his
+trust in men who already had planned to desert.<a id="FNanchor_46" href="#Footnote_46" class="fnanchor">[46]</a> For so it
+turned out and as soon as the rest were asleep the guard and
+sentinels robbed the sleeping soldiers of everything “except
+what was on their backs,” took all the ammunition they could
+lay their hands on, including a brass gun and going down to a
+large boat, that was afloat just below the fort, went on board
+the ketch. Commander Davis was greatly upset over what
+had happened, and well he might be, for he lacked a sufficient
+number of men to properly garrison the fort from Indian attack
+and had no vessel to engage an enemy that might attack by
+sea. As it turned out, the fort was attacked by French and
+Indians the following May and forced to surrender when
+women and children and wounded men were mercilessly
+slaughtered.</p>
+
+<p>The morning after the soldiers deserted, there being little
+wind, Commander Davis sent two men in a canoe to demand
+of Captain Pound that the soldiers be sent back to the fort.
+He laughed at the request and not only refused to return any
+of the arms and clothing that had been stolen from the sleeping
+soldiers but threatened to go into the harbor and cut out a
+sloop at anchor belonging to George Hesh.</p>
+
+<p>After helping himself to a calf and three sheep feeding on
+an island in the bay, Pound set sail for Cape Cod, and early
+on the morning of the 16th came upon the sloop “Good
+Speed,” John Smart, master, owned by David Larkin of
+Piscataqua, lying at anchor under Race Point, at the tip of the
+Cape. A boatload of armed men took possession of the sloop
+and as she was a larger vessel than the ketch she was taken over
+by the pirates and Captain Smart and his men were given the
+ketch and set free. Pound told Captain Smart that when he
+<span class="pagenum" id="Page_59">[59]</span>reached Boston “to tell there that they knew ye Gov<sup>t</sup> Sloop
+lay ready but if she came out after them &amp; came up w<sup>th</sup> them
+they sh<sup>d</sup> find hott work for they w<sup>d</sup> die every man before
+they would be taken.”</p>
+
+<p>Smart reached Boston on the 19th with this audacious
+message. The Great and General Court was in session at the
+time and an order was immediately adopted to fit out the sloop
+“Resolution,” Joseph Thaxter, commander (which had been
+built during the Andros administration as a Province sloop,
+but in some way had got into private hands), with a crew of
+forty able seamen, to cruise along the coast and “strenuously
+to Endeavour the Suppressing and seizing of all Pirates,
+Especially one Thomas Hawkins, Pound and others confederated
+with them,” being “very careful to avoid the
+shedding of blood unless you be necessitated by resistance and
+opposition made against you.” And as for “those men who
+shall go forth in said Vessel ... It’s ordered that they be
+upon usual monthly wages, and upon any casualty befalling
+any of the said men by loss of Limb or otherwise be maimed
+that meet allowance and provision be made for such.”<a id="FNanchor_47" href="#Footnote_47" class="fnanchor">[47]</a> Captain
+Thaxter in the “Resolution,” was no more successful in
+his search for pirates than the vessel that had been sent out
+from Salem for the reason that the pirate sloop was constantly
+moving about and after another capture at Homes’ Hole had
+sailed through the Sound before a north-easterly gale and
+finally brought up in York river, Virginia.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after Pound took possession of the sloop “Good
+Speed,” he put in to Cape Cod and sent some of his crew
+ashore, in charge of Hawkins, to get fresh meat. They killed
+four shoats and after wooding and watering, the sloop sailed
+around the Cape to “Martyn’s Vineyard Sound,” and on
+August 27th, sighted a brigantine at anchor in Homes’ Hole.
+Pound ordered “a bloodie flagg” hoisted and running up to
+the brigantine ordered her master to come aboard the pirate
+sloop. The brigantine was the “Merrimack,” John Kent of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_60">[60]</span>
+Newbury, master, and he at once obeyed the command, and
+after reporting his destination and cargo, the vessel was
+plundered of twenty half-barrels of flour, and sugar, rum and
+tobacco. Captain Kent was then allowed to go.</p>
+
+<p>Sailing out into the Sound the sloop ran into a stiff northeaster
+and was forced away to Virginia where Pound found his
+way into York river. Easterly winds kept him at anchor
+here for over a week. This happened at a very fortunate time
+for the man-of-war ketch at York river had sunk shortly
+before and the ship on the station was being careened. The
+sloop made into the mouth of James river and there lay
+aground for a day before they could get her afloat again. While
+the men were at work on the sloop, Pound and Hawkins went
+ashore. There they met two sailors, John Giddings and
+Edward Browne, who were looking for adventures and at
+night these men came off to the sloop on a float bringing with
+them a negro they had kidnapped belonging to a Captain
+Dunbar. They also brought out some other spoil in the shape
+of an old sail, a piece of dowlas, and some galls and copperas.
+The next day the weather moderated and the sloop made sail
+to go out into the bay. She hadn’t been out very long before
+Hawkins noticed that they were being followed by another
+sloop so all sail was crowded on and the strange sloop began to
+fall behind and at length gave up the pursuit and went back
+into James river.</p>
+
+<p>From Virginia, Pound sailed directly for the Massachusetts
+coast and came to anchor in Tarpaulin Cove, on the southeast
+side of Nanshon Island in Vineyard Sound. Here they
+filled their water casks. A Salem bark,<a id="FNanchor_48" href="#Footnote_48" class="fnanchor">[48]</a> William Lord, master,
+homeward bound from Jamaica, was also at anchor in the
+Cove and as she was evidently more than they cared to tackle,
+Hawkins went on board and offered to trade sugar for an
+anchor. Captain Lord was ready to trade and he also purchased
+for £12, the negro that had been brought from Virginia,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_61">[61]</span>
+and gave a draft on Mr. Blaney of the Elizabeth Islands in
+payment.</p>
+
+<p>Not long after coming out of Tarpaulin Cove, Pound
+sighted a small ketch, commanded by one Alsop, who escaped
+into Martha’s Vineyard harbor when he found that he was
+being chased and even then the ketch might have been taken
+if the inhabitants hadn’t gathered and made a show of defending
+her.<a id="FNanchor_49" href="#Footnote_49" class="fnanchor">[49]</a> This happened on a Sunday. Pound and his company
+then went over the shoals about the same time that
+Captain Lord sailed for home. Near Race Point, at the end of
+Cape Cod, Hawkins went ashore with a boat’s crew and
+making some excuse went inland over the dunes and didn’t
+come back. After waiting a while the men returned to the
+sloop and reported his desertion. Hawkins afterward claimed
+that while at Tarpaulin Cove he had been recognized and told
+if ever he came back to Boston he would be hanged. Probably
+he thought he would try to save his skin if possible or at
+least drop out of sight for a time.</p>
+
+<p>After leaving the boat’s crew Hawkins walked south along
+the shore and finally fell in with some Nauset fishermen to
+whom he told his story of escaping from Pound and something
+of his adventures. He asked their protection in case Pound
+and his men should attempt to find him. The Nauset men,
+however, made short work with Hawkins and after fleecing
+him thoroughly turned him loose to shift for himself. Fortunately
+he met Capt. Jacobus Loper,<a id="FNanchor_50" href="#Footnote_50" class="fnanchor">[50]</a> the master of a small
+sloop, whom he had known in Boston and who was about
+setting sail for Boston and so was shipped for the voyage.
+On the way Hawkins talked freely about his doings. He was
+particularly bitter over his treatment by the Nauset fishermen
+and said they “ware a pasel of Roughes &amp; if he got Cleer
+at Boston from this troble that was now on him, as he did not<span class="pagenum" id="Page_62">[62]</span>
+question but he should, he would be Revenged on them for
+theire base dealing for they be wors pirats than Pounds &amp;
+Johnson.”<a id="FNanchor_51" href="#Footnote_51" class="fnanchor">[51]</a> He told Captain Loper that when he left Boston
+their company had intended to go privateering and expected
+to get a commission at St. Thomas. But when he was asked
+if he proposed to go all the way to the West Indies in the
+small Bermudas boat in which they left Boston, “he was upon
+this surprised &amp; wholly silent.” Loper told him “that it
+apeered by his words that he would first take a biger vessell
+as he before said &amp; did: &amp; that he was a foole &amp; would hang
+himself by his discorce then he answered, by God thay kant
+hang me for what has bin don for no blood has bin shed.”<a id="FNanchor_52" href="#Footnote_52" class="fnanchor">[52]</a>
+As he neared Boston his courage began to fail and soon he
+proposed to Captain Loper that for old acquaintance’ sake
+he conceal him on board and send the sloop to Salem with
+oysters and so allow him to escape to the Dutch man-of-war
+lying there at anchor. This was a privateer, the “Abraham
+Fisher, a Scotch Rotterdammer.” Loper, however, thought
+best to turn him over to the Boston authorities and soon
+Hawkins was shackled and safely lodged in the new stone
+gaol.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Pound, meanwhile, in no way distressed by Hawkins’
+desertion, was busily at work robbing vessels in the
+vicinity of the Cape. On Saturday evening, Sept. 28, 1689, he
+sighted a small sloop and gave chase and brought her to anchor
+under the Cape. She was from Pennsylvania. Not having
+any salt pork on board she was allowed to go and Pound sailed
+back over the shoals hoping for better luck in Vineyard Sound.
+At “Homes his Hole” he found the sloop “Brothers Adventure,”
+of New London, Conn., John Picket, master, just coming
+out, having been forced in by bad weather. She was bound
+for Boston and was loaded with the very provisions that Pound
+had been in search of and a boat’s crew of armed men soon<span class="pagenum" id="Page_63">[63]</span>
+induced Captain Picket to come to anchor beside the pirate
+sloop. The loot amounted to thirty-seven barrels of pork,
+three of beef and a good supply of pease, Indian corn, butter
+and cheese. Having at last obtained the provisions so necessary
+for a southern voyage, Captain Pound anchored in Tarpaulin
+Cove while the rigging was overhauled and everything
+made shipshape for the intended voyage to “Corazo”—Curacao,
+the Dutch colony near the South American coast.
+The Netherlands were then at peace with England and there
+Pound could refit before going out to prey upon French
+shipping out of Martinique. He lay in Tarpaulin Cove for two
+days and was nearly ready to set sail when a sloop appeared
+off the anchorage and steered directly for him. Pound at once
+came to sail and stood away with the sloop in hot pursuit.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp85" style="max-width: 150em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i062' src='images/i062.jpg' alt=''>
+  <figcaption>ARMED SLOOP NEAR BOSTON LIGHTHOUSE IN 1729<br>
+  <span class='c2'>From the only known copy of a mezzotint by William Burgis, published Aug. 11,
+1729, and now in the possession of the United States Lighthouse Board</span>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>It was now less than two weeks since that Sunday morning
+when Captain Pound had chased a small ketch into Martha’s
+Vineyard harbor. The island at that time was a part of the
+colony of New York and as soon as the pirate was gone, Matthew
+Mayhew, the local Governor, sent a messenger, riding
+post, to inform the Governor and Council at Boston of the
+presence of the pirate so that shipping bound westward might
+be warned of the danger. The Council did more than that for
+it commissioned Capt. Samuel Pease, late commander of the
+Duke of Courland’s ship “Fortune,” two hundred tons and
+twelve guns, to go to sea at once in the sloop “Mary,” with a
+crew of twenty able seamen in search of the pirate. Benjamin
+Gallop was commissioned lieutenant and the “Mary”
+was supplied with a barrel of powder, fifty pounds of small
+shot, and cartridge papers and match. Captain Pease was
+instructed to endeavor to take the pirates by surprise if possible
+and “to prevent ye sheding of blood as much as may bee.”<a id="FNanchor_53" href="#Footnote_53" class="fnanchor">[53]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Council meeting was held on Monday, Sept. 30th and
+the “Mary” sailed from Boston that evening every man on
+board being a volunteer. When Captain Pease reached Cape<span class="pagenum" id="Page_64">[64]</span>
+Cod he learned that Pound had gone westward so he sailed on,
+over the shoals, expecting to find him at Tarpaulin Cove.
+On Friday morning when off Woods Hole, a canoe came out
+with the information that the pirate was at Tarpaulin Cove:—</p>
+
+<p>“Upon which Wee presently gave a great shout, and the
+word was given to our men to make all ready which was
+accordingly done, the wind being SSE, and blew hard. Quickly
+after we were all ready we espied a Sloop ahead of us. We
+made what saile we could, and quickly came so neere that we
+put up our Kings Jack, and our Sloop sailing so very well we
+quickly came within Shot, and our Captain ordered a great
+Gun to be fired thwart her fore foot. On that a man of theirs
+presently carryed up a Red flagg to the top of their maine
+mast and made it fast. Our Captain then ordered a musket
+to be fired thwart his forefoot. He not striking we came up
+with him and our Captain commanded us to fire on them which
+accordingly we did, and also called them to strike to the King
+of England. Captain Pounds standing on the quarter deck
+with his naked sword in his hand flourishing, said, come
+aboard, you Doggs, and I will strike you presently or words
+to that purpose. His men standing by him with their Guns in
+their hands on the Deck, he taking up his Gun, they let fly a
+volley upon us, and we againe at him. At last wee came to
+Leeward of them, supposing it to be some Advantage to us
+because the wind blew so hard and so our weather side did us
+good. They perceiving this gave severall Shouts supposing
+(as we did apprehend) that we would yield to them. Wee still
+fired at them and they at us as fast as they could loade and
+fire and in a little space we saw Pounds was shot and gone off
+the deck. While we were thus in the fight two of our men met
+with a mischance by the blowing up of some gun powder
+which they perceiving by ye smoke (we being pretty near
+them) gave severall shouts and fired at us as fast as they could.
+Wee many times called to them, telling them if they would
+yield to us we would give them good quarter, they utterly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_65">[65]</span>
+refusing to have it, saying ‘Ai yee dogs, we will give you
+quarter by and by.’ We still continued our fight, having two
+more of our men wounded. At last our Captain was much
+wounded so that he went off the deck. The Lieutenant quickly
+after ordered us to get all ready to board them which was
+readily done. Wee layed them on bord presently and at our
+Entrance we found such of them that were not much wounded
+very resolute, but discharging our Guns at them, we forthwith
+went to club it with them and were forced to knock them
+downe with the but end of our muskets. At last we queld
+them, killing four and wounding twelve, two remaining pretty
+well. The weather coming on very bad and being desirous to
+get good Doctors or Surgeons for our wounded men, we shaped
+our Course for Rhode Island and the same night we secured our
+Prisoners and got in between Pocasset and Rhode Island.
+The next day being Saturday, the fifth of October we got a
+convenient house for our wounded men, got them on shore and
+sent away to Newport for Doctors who quickly came and
+dressed them. Our Captain being shot in the arm and in the
+side and in the thigh, lost much blood and continued weak and
+faint, and on Friday after, being the eleventh day of October,
+he being on board intending to come home, we set saile and
+were come but a little way before he was taken with bleeding
+afresh, so that we came to an anchor againe and got him on
+shore to another house on Rhode Island side, where he continued
+very weake. In the afternoon he was taken with
+bleeding again and with fits. He continued that night and
+losing so much blood, on Saturday morning, the twelfth of
+October, departed this life. We buried him at Newport, in
+Rhode Island, the Monday following. That Monday at night
+we set saile from Rhode Island and arrived at Boston on
+Saturday the 18th of October with fourteen Prisoners. The
+Bloody Flag was not put above Pounds his vessell before we
+fired at them.”<a id="FNanchor_54" href="#Footnote_54" class="fnanchor">[54]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_66">[66]</span></p>
+
+<p>The prisoners were duly lodged in Boston’s new stone gaol
+which had a dungeon in it, walls four feet thick, and all kinds
+of irons to keep them there. The “treasure,” including the
+sloop, was appraised at £209.4.6. As the owners of the sloop
+declined to pay the salvage ordered on her, she was condemned
+to her captors. Captain Pease left a widow and four orphans.
+In December they were “in a poor and low condition” and
+the General Court passed a bill providing for a “collection”
+in the several meeting houses for their relief. The wounded
+pirates were doctored by Thomas Larkin, whose bill for
+attendance amounted to £21.10.0. Pound had been shot in
+the side and arm “&amp; Severall bones Taken oute.” Thomas
+Johnson lost part of his jaw; Buck had seven holes in one of
+his arms; Griffin lost an eye and part of an ear; Siccadam
+was shot through both legs; and Browne, Giddings, Phips,
+Lander and Warren had various wounds.</p>
+
+<p>Pound and Hawkins and the rest of their company lay in
+prison until January 13, 1690, before they were brought to
+trial. Hawkins had been examined by the aged Governor
+Bradstreet and the Magistrates on October 4th and Pound had
+given his version of their doings the day after he had been
+placed in gaol. Hawkins was tried first,—on January 9th,
+and found guilty at one session of the Court. Pound and the
+rest of the indicted men were brought to trial on the 17th and
+found guilty of felony, piracy and murder and Deputy-Governor
+Thomas Danforth pronounced sentence of death,
+that they “be hanged by the neck until they be dead.” Pound,
+Hawkins, Johnson and Buck were ordered to be executed on
+January 27th.</p>
+
+<p>Samuel Sewall, the diarist, rode into Boston a little before
+twelve o’clock on the day of the trial having spent the night
+at Braintree. It had been a cold ride and a snowstorm was
+threatening. After dinner he went to the Town House where
+the Court was sitting and then in company with the Reverend
+Cotton Mather, went to the gaol to visit the condemned<span class="pagenum" id="Page_67">[67]</span>
+prisoners. Mr. Mather never failed to attend to this detail of
+his professional work and Pound and the others were thereupon
+counseled and prayed with. Mr. Waitstill Winthrop, one of
+the magistrates who had tried the pirates, was not satisfied
+with the verdict or sentence and immediately after the trial
+bestirred himself to obtain for them a reprieve. He went about
+obtaining the signatures of influential persons and finally
+headed a committee that went before the Governor and
+petitioned that reprieve be granted. Sewall records in his
+diary that he was one of those who called on the aged Governor
+and asked that Pound and Buck be respited, and he further
+relates that Mr. Winthrop, Col. Samuel Shrimpton, one of the
+magistrates, and Isaac Addington, the clerk of the court,
+followed him to his house with another petition asking that
+Hawkins be reprieved. Sewall signed it and the Governor
+granted the reprieve barely in time to save Hawkins’ neck
+for he was on the scaffold and ready to be turned off when the
+order reached the sheriff. “Which gave great disgust to the
+People; I fear it was ill done”—writes Sewall. “Some in
+the Council thought Hawkins, because he got out of the Combination
+before Pease was kill’d, might live; so I rashly sign’d,
+hoping so great an inconvenience would not have followed.
+Let not God impute Sin.”<a id="FNanchor_55" href="#Footnote_55" class="fnanchor">[55]</a> And so it happened that the only
+entertainment found by the crowd that had gathered to see the
+hanging was the turning off of Thomas Johnson, “the limping
+privateer.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" style="max-width: 100em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i066' src='images/i066.jpg' alt=''>
+  <figcaption>SAMUEL SEWALL, CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT IN MASSACHUSETTS, 1718-1728<br>
+  <span class='c2'>From an original painting in possession of the Massachusetts Historical Society]</span>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>On February 20th, on petition of Thomas Hawkins and
+others, the sentence of death was remitted on Hawkins, Warren,
+Watts, Lander, Griffin, Siccadam, Buck and Dunn on
+payment of twenty marks<a id="FNanchor_56" href="#Footnote_56" class="fnanchor">[56]</a> each in money, to reimburse the
+charges of the prosecution and imprisonment or else be sold
+into Virginia. Pound’s name was not included with the others
+but four days later, he was further reprieved from execution<span class="pagenum" id="Page_68">[68]</span>
+at the instance of Mr. Epaphras Shrimpton and sundry
+women of quality. Who these “women of quality” were is
+not known but Thomas Hawkins’s sisters had married the
+leading men of the Colony and may have joined in the petitions.
+One sister had been the second wife of Adam Winthrop,
+brother of Waitstill Winthrop, who worked so earnestly for
+the reprieves. At that time she was the wife of John Richards,
+one of the magistrates, who had tried the pirates. Another
+sister was the wife of Rev. James Allen of the First Church.
+Hannah Hawkins had married Elisha Hutchinson, another of
+the magistrates, and Abigail, married the Hon. John Foster,
+while Hawkins lay in prison. Certainly these were “women of
+quality,” and it seems strange, at this late day, that one so well
+connected should have surreptitiously “gone privateering,”
+or, in plainer language, have engaged in piracy.</p>
+
+<p>On April 20, 1690, the “Rose” frigate, John George,
+commander, lying before the town of Boston, whose sails had
+been returned by the King’s command, sailed from Nantasket
+for England, and carried Thomas Hawkins, the pirate, whose
+sentence had been remitted, and Thomas Pound, his captain,
+whose sentence had only been respited. The “Rose” went
+into Piscataqua where she lay for a month waiting for two mast
+ships to finish their lading and on May 19th sailed in convoy.
+On the 24th, off Cape Sable, they met a privateer, “or Pirot,”
+of thirty guns and well manned, from St. Malo, France. She
+came up under English colors and when hailed from the
+“Rose,” answered “Will tell you by and by.” Soon after
+she hoisted French colors and fired a broadside and not less
+than three hundred small arms. The “Rose” returned the
+fire to good purpose and the nearest mast-ship also engaged
+the Frenchman. The other mast-ship having only two guns
+stood off. At a distance of half a musket-shot the fight obstinately
+continued for nearly two hours.</p>
+
+<p>“The Rose had her Mizzon shott down, her Ensign, her
+sails and Rigging much torn, but so bored the French Man’s<span class="pagenum" id="Page_69">[69]</span>
+sides that his Ports were made Two or three into one. It was
+almost quite Calm, else we had Run Thwart him with out
+Head, and possibly might have sent him Low enough, but
+we had not winde enough, so we Lay on his Quarter which we
+fired so that he was necessitated to cutt down and Cast into
+the Sea, which was so much as to burn in our View half an
+hour as it floated in the Sea. We saw his Captain and Lieutenant
+fall &amp; believe we could not have killed less than a
+hundred of his men. His Tops were full of Grenadiers and
+Fuzes which we saw fall like Pidgeons, and Multitudes of his
+Men lay Slaughtered on his Decks. We would have taken
+him for Certain would our heavy Ship have workt, but he
+was a quick Sailor and so gott away. Captain George and
+Mr. Wiggoner were slaine with Musket shott, 5 Common men
+more were slain, and 7 desperately wounded. Mr. Maccarty’s
+man Michael lost his arm. Paul Main, Sam Mixture and
+Thomas Hawkins the Pirate, were amongst the slain.”<a id="FNanchor_57" href="#Footnote_57" class="fnanchor">[57]</a></p>
+
+<p>Such was the end of Hawkins. As for Captain Pound,—he
+reached England safely and on July 8th, after his arrival
+at Falmouth, wrote to Sir Edmund Andros, then in London,
+announcing his return and sending the latest news from New
+England together with a short account of the fight with the
+privateer. Pound published in London in 1691, “A New
+Mapp of New England,” of which only one copy is now
+known,<a id="FNanchor_58" href="#Footnote_58" class="fnanchor">[58]</a> and which served as a basis for other charts for
+nearly fifty years after. The charge of piracy seems to have
+been dismissed at once for on Aug. 5, 1690, he was appointed
+captain of the frigate “Sally Rose,” of the Royal Navy.
+In 1697 his ship was stationed at Virginia under his old patron
+Governor Andros. In 1699, he retired to private life and died
+in 1703, at Isleworth, county Middlesex, a “gentleman,” and
+respected by friends and neighbors.<a id="FNanchor_59" href="#Footnote_59" class="fnanchor">[59]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_70">[70]</span></p>
+
+
+<h3><span class="smcap">Captain Pound’s Company of Pirates</span></h3>
+
+<p><i>Captain Thomas Pound</i>, pilot and sailing master on the
+“Rose” frigate; embarked from Boston in Hawkins’ boat;
+wounded in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove, shot in the side and
+arm and several bones taken out; found guilty but reprieved;
+sent to England where the charge was dismissed; given command
+of a ship, and died in 1703 in England, honored and
+respected.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thomas Hawkins</i>, son of Capt. Thomas Hawkins, a Boston
+privateersman, and Mary his wife; found guilty but reprieved;
+sent to England but on the voyage was killed in an engagement
+with a French privateer off Cape Sable.</p>
+
+<p><i>Thomas Johnston</i>, of Boston, “the limping privateer”;
+embarked from Boston in Hawkins’ boat; wounded in the
+fight at Tarpaulin Cove; shot in the jaw and several bones
+taken out; found guilty and hanged in Boston, Jan. 27, 1690;
+the only one of the company who was executed.</p>
+
+<p><i>Eleazer Buck</i>, embarked from Boston in Hawkins’ boat;
+had seven holes shot through his arms in the fight at Tarpaulin
+Cove; found guilty but pardoned on payment of
+twenty marks.<a id="FNanchor_60" href="#Footnote_60" class="fnanchor">[60]</a></p>
+
+<p><i>John Siccadam</i>, embarked from Boston in Hawkins’ boat;
+shot through both legs in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove; found
+guilty but pardoned on payment of twenty marks.</p>
+
+<p><i>Richard Griffin</i>, of Boston, gunsmith, embarked from Boston
+in Hawkins’ boat; shot in the ear in the fight at Tarpaulin
+Cove, the bullet coming out through an eye which he
+lost; found guilty but pardoned on payment of twenty
+marks.</p>
+
+<p><i>Benjamin Blake</i>, a boy, who embarked from Boston in
+Hawkins’ boat.</p>
+
+<p><i>Daniel Lander</i>, came on board in a boat at Lovell’s Island,
+Boston harbor, and probably from the frigate “Rose”;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_71">[71]</span>
+shot through an arm in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove; found
+guilty but pardoned on payment of twenty marks.</p>
+
+<p><i>William Warren</i>, came on board in a boat at Lovell’s Island,
+Boston harbor, and probably from the frigate “Rose”;
+shot in the head in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove; found guilty
+but pardoned on payment of twenty marks.</p>
+
+<p><i>Samuel Watts</i>, came on board in a boat at Lovell’s Island,
+Boston harbor, and probably from the frigate “Rose”;
+found guilty but pardoned on payment of twenty marks.</p>
+
+<p><i>William Dunn</i>, came on board in a boat at Lovell’s Island,
+Boston harbor, and probably from the frigate “Rose”;
+found guilty but pardoned on payment of twenty marks.</p>
+
+<p><i>Henry Dipper</i>, a member of Governor Andros’ company of
+red coats, commanded by Francis Nicholson, the first English
+regulars to come to Massachusetts, brought over in 1686;
+came on board in a boat at Lovell’s Island, Boston harbor,
+probably from the frigate “Rose”; killed in the fight at
+Tarpaulin Cove or died of wounds soon after.</p>
+
+<p><i>John Darby</i>, a Marblehead fisherman, one of the crew of the
+ketch “Mary,” of Salem, captured by Pound; voluntarily
+joined the expedition and was killed in the fight at Tarpaulin
+Cove; left a widow and four children living at Marblehead.</p>
+
+<p><i>A Boy</i>, one of the crew of the ketch “Mary,” of Salem,
+captured by Pound; forced to join the expedition to serve as
+an interpreter as he could speak French.</p>
+
+<p><i>John Hill</i>, a member of Governor Andros’ company of red
+coats, commanded by Francis Nicholson, the first English
+regulars to come to Massachusetts, brought over in 1686;
+was stationed at Fort Loyal, Falmouth, Maine, where he held
+the rank of corporal; deserted and joined the expedition; killed
+in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove.</p>
+
+<p><i>John Watkins</i>, a soldier, one of the garrison at Fort Loyal,
+Falmouth, Maine; deserted and joined the expedition; killed
+in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove.</p>
+
+<p><i>John Lord</i>, a soldier, one of the garrison at Fort Loyal,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_72">[72]</span>
+Falmouth, Maine; deserted and joined the expedition; killed
+in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove.</p>
+
+<p><i>William Neff</i>, son of William and Mary Neff, born in 1667,
+in Haverhill, Mass.; his father, while in the military service
+against Indians, died in February, 1689, at Pemaquid, Maine;
+a soldier and one of the garrison at Fort Loyal, Falmouth,
+Maine; deserted and joined the expedition; was found not
+guilty of piracy as it was shown that he was “enticed and
+deluded away from the Garrison by his corporal,” John Hill;
+the Court discharged him he paying for a gun belonging to
+the country’s store.</p>
+
+<p><i>William Bennett</i>, a soldier, one of the garrison at Fort Loyal,
+Falmouth, Maine; deserted and joined the expedition; was
+in prison at Boston, where he may have died as he never was
+brought to trial.</p>
+
+<p><i>James Daniels</i>, a soldier, one of the garrison at Fort Loyal,
+Falmouth, Maine; deserted and joined the expedition; killed
+in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove.</p>
+
+<p><i>Richard Phips</i>, a soldier, one of the garrison at Fort Loyal,
+Falmouth, Maine; deserted and joined the expedition;
+wounded in the head in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove; was in
+prison in Boston where he may have died as he never was
+brought to trial.</p>
+
+<p><i>John Giddings</i>, joined the expedition at York River, Virginia,
+was wounded in the fight at Tarpaulin Cove and imprisoned
+in Boston, where he may have died as he never was brought
+to trial.</p>
+
+<p><i>Edward Browne</i>, joined the expedition at York River,
+Virginia, and was wounded in a hand in the fight at Tarpaulin
+Cove; at the trial was found not guilty.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_42" href="#FNanchor_42" class="label">[42]</a> Now the town of Wellfleet.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_43" href="#FNanchor_43" class="label">[43]</a> <i>Suffolk County Court Files</i>, No. 2539: 1.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_44" href="#FNanchor_44" class="label">[44]</a> Elsewhere written Allen Chard.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_45" href="#FNanchor_45" class="label">[45]</a> John Darby probably was one of the four pirates who were killed
+Oct. 4, <ins title='original: 1789'>1689</ins>, in the fight with the Colony sloop “Mary,” Captain Pease,
+at Tarpaulin Cove. He had a wife and four children living at Marblehead.
+His estate was inventoried on June 17, 1690, and his widow on
+July 2, 1690, married John Woodbury of Beverly.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_46" href="#FNanchor_46" class="label">[46]</a> These men were Corporal John Hill, John Watkins, John Lord, William
+Neff, William Bennett, James Daniels, and Richard Phips.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_47" href="#FNanchor_47" class="label">[47]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. CVII, leaves 277-279.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_48" href="#FNanchor_48" class="label">[48]</a> In Hawkins’ deposition called a <i>brigantine</i>.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_49" href="#FNanchor_49" class="label">[49]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. XXXV, leaf 10a.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_50" href="#FNanchor_50" class="label">[50]</a> Captain Loper was a Portuguese whaler and oysterman who had been
+on the Cape since 1665.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_51" href="#FNanchor_51" class="label">[51]</a> <i>Suffolk Court Files</i>, No. 2539: 13.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_52" href="#FNanchor_52" class="label">[52]</a> <i>Ibid.</i></p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_53" href="#FNanchor_53" class="label">[53]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. XXXV, leaf 31.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_54" href="#FNanchor_54" class="label">[54]</a> <i>Suffolk Court Files</i>, No. 2539: 9.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_55" href="#FNanchor_55" class="label">[55]</a> <i>Diary of Samuel Sewall</i>, Vol. I, p. 310.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_56" href="#FNanchor_56" class="label">[56]</a> £13.6.8.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_57" href="#FNanchor_57" class="label">[57]</a> <i>Gay Transcripts</i>, <i>Phips</i> (Mass. Hist. Society), Vol. I, leaf 31.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_58" href="#FNanchor_58" class="label">[58]</a> In the Library of Congress collection.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_59" href="#FNanchor_59" class="label">[59]</a> Charnock, <i>Biographia Navalis</i>, Vol. II, p. 401.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_60" href="#FNanchor_60" class="label">[60]</a> £13.6.8.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_73">[73]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_V">CHAPTER V<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Capt. William Kidd, Privateersman and Reputed
+Pirate</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Long after sunset in the evening of June 13, 1699, there
+came riding over Boston Neck, a weary horseman who
+inquired his way to the Blue Anchor Tavern, and after
+a hasty supper was directed to the fine brick house of Mr.
+Peter Sergeant where the Governor, the Earl of Bellomont,
+lately arrived from New York, was lodging. It was “late at
+night” when he reached the house but the Governor at once
+received him on learning that the stranger was Joseph Emmot,
+a New York lawyer with important news. In the Governor’s
+study the lawyer announced that he had come in behalf of
+Capt. William Kidd, the proscribed pirate, who had sailed
+from New York, Sept. 5, 1696, on a privateering venture
+against the pirates that went out from New England and New
+York and made captures about the island of Madagascar and
+on the Arabian coast.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Kidd’s appearance just at that time probably was
+not wholly unexpected by the Governor, as will be seen later,
+but his return unhappily called for an immediate decision as
+to what course should be pursued, for Governor Bellomont had
+a personal interest in the venture that had sent Kidd into the
+Eastern Seas. It was he who had obtained from the King the
+commission under which Captain Kidd sailed and he had also
+written the sailing orders by which Kidd was directed to
+“serve God in the best Manner you can” and after reaching
+“the Place and Station where you are to put the Powers you
+have in Execution: and having effected the same, you are
+according to Agreement, to sail directly to Boston in New<span class="pagenum" id="Page_74">[74]</span>
+England there to deliver unto me the whole of what Prizes,
+Treasure, Merchandizes, and other Things you shall have
+taken.... I pray God grant you a good success, and send
+us a good Meeting again,” concludes the noble Earl.</p>
+
+<p>The King’s commission to Captain Kidd was issued Jan.
+26, 1696, and directed him to apprehend Thomas Tew of
+Rhode Island, Thomas Wake and William Maze of New
+York, John Ireland and “all other Pirates, Free-booters, and
+Sea Rovers, of what Nature soever ... upon the Coasts of
+America or in any other Seas or Parts.” In substance it was
+a special commission for the capture of Captain Tew and other
+known pirates, added to the usual powers granted to the
+privateer.</p>
+
+<p>Associated with Bellomont in this venture were Lord
+Somers, the Lord Chancellor; the Earl of Orford, the First
+Lord of the Admiralty; the Earl of Romney and the Duke of
+Shrewsbury, Secretaries of State; Robert Livingston, Esq.
+of New York, and Captain Kidd;<a id="FNanchor_61" href="#Footnote_61" class="fnanchor">[61]</a> who had together subscribed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_75">[75]</span>
+£6000, with which to purchase and refit the ship
+“Adventure Galley,” 287 tons burthen, armed with thirty-four
+guns. Livingston and Kidd were to pay one-fifth of the
+cost and the remainder was to be met by the titled members
+of the Government in London.</p>
+
+<p>The Government undoubtedly was interested in the suppression
+of piracy along the American coast and elsewhere,
+but the particular interest of Bellomont and his associates
+seems to have been in the “Goods, Merchandizes, Treasure
+and other Things which shall be taken from the said Pirates,”
+one-fourth part of which, by agreement, was to go to the
+ship’s crew. The remainder was to be divided into five parts,
+“whereof the said Earl is to have to his own Use, Four full
+parts, and the other Fifth Part is to be equally divided between
+the said Robert Livingston and the said Wm. Kidd.”</p>
+
+<p>The agreement provided that Captain Kidd was to man the
+galley with a crew of one hundred men shipped under a “no
+purchase,<a id="FNanchor_62" href="#Footnote_62" class="fnanchor">[62]</a> no pay” contract, and in case prize goods to the
+value of £100,000 or more were brought to Boston in New
+England and delivered to the Earl of Bellomont, that then the
+galley should become the property of Captain Kidd as a
+“Gratification for his Good Service therein.” If the venture
+was unsuccessful, all charges were to be repaid to Bellomont
+by Mar. 25, 1697, “the Danger of the Seas, and of the Enemy,
+and Mortality of the said Captain Kidd, always excepted,”
+and then the galley and her fittings were to become the
+property of Livingston and Kidd.</p>
+
+<p>Nearly three years had passed since Captain Kidd had
+sailed from New York. In August, 1698, the East India Company
+had complained of piracies said to have been committed
+by him and four months later the Lords of Trade issued a
+letter urging the apprehension of “the obnoxious pirate
+Kidd.” In December, 1698, when a general pardon was
+extended to pirates who should surrender themselves, Kidd<span class="pagenum" id="Page_76">[76]</span>
+and “Long Ben” Avery, who was famous for his piracies
+on the Arabian coast, were excluded from the “Act of Grace.”</p>
+
+<p>On May 15, 1699, however, Bellomont wrote from New
+York to the Lords of Trade:</p>
+
+<p>“I am in hopes the several reports we have here of Captain
+Kidd’s being forced by his men against his will to plunder two
+Moorish ships may prove true, and ’tis said that neare one
+hundred of his men revolted from him at Madagascar and were
+about to kill him when he absolutely refused to turn pirate.”</p>
+
+<p>Richard Coote, the first Earl of Bellomont, had been
+appointed Governor of New England and New York in 1695.
+He made his headquarters in New York and it was not until
+May 26, 1699, that he visited Boston. On June 1, 1699,
+Captain Kidd reached Delaware Bay. Did Bellomont know
+that he was coming and go to Boston to meet him, in accordance
+with their mutual agreement and also because he was
+afraid of the consequences if he tried to arrest him in New
+York as instructed by the Lords of Trade? On Dec. 6, 1700,
+Bellomont wrote from New York to Secretary Vernon:</p>
+
+<p>“I own I wrote to Kidd to come to New York after I knew
+he had turned pirate. Menacing him would not bring him but
+rather wheedling and that way I took and after that manner
+got him to Boston and secured him. If I was faulty by the
+letter I wrote by Burgesse, I was no less so by that I sent by
+Cambel which brought him to Boston.”</p>
+
+<p>Whatever the circumstances or coincidence, Governor
+Bellomont came over the road from his New York government
+and arrived in Boston on Friday, May 26, 1699, where he
+lodged with Mr. Peter Sergeant in what was afterwards
+known as the “Province House”—the home of the provincial
+governors—and here he received “late at night” on the
+evening of June 13th, Mr. Joseph Emmot, the New York
+lawyer who specialized in admiralty cases.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor afterwards reported to the Council of Trade
+and Plantations that during that midnight conference he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_77">[77]</span>
+learned that Captain Kidd was on the coast in a sloop (Emmot
+would not say where) and had brought with him sixty pounds
+weight of gold, a hundred weight of silver and a number of
+bales of East India goods and that Kidd had left near the
+coast of Hispaniola, in a place where no one but himself could
+find, a great ship loaded with bale goods, saltpetre and other
+valuable commodities, to the value of at least £30,000. Emmot
+brought word that if the Governor would give Captain Kidd
+a pardon he would bring the sloop and treasure to Boston and
+afterwards go for the great ship. Emmot also delivered to
+Bellomont two French passes which Captain Kidd had taken
+on board two Moorish ships that he had captured in the seas
+of India, “or, as he alleges by his men against his will.”<a id="FNanchor_63" href="#Footnote_63" class="fnanchor">[63]</a>
+These two ship’s passes were evidence that the prizes taken
+were lawful spoil under his commission. It was the suppression
+of this evidence and Captain Kidd’s inability to produce them
+at the time of his trial that contributed largely to his conviction
+and execution.</p>
+
+<p>When Governor Bellomont learned of the great value of the
+booty brought back by Captain Kidd he probably experienced
+conflicting emotions. Here was plunder to the value of
+£40,000 or more in which he and his associates might have
+had a considerable interest and yet, it must slip through his
+fingers because it chanced that Kidd had been proscribed as a
+pirate on Nov. 23, 1698, at the instigation of an interfering
+East India Company. Bellomont’s instructions from London
+required that Kidd, his late associate and co-partner, should
+be arrested and as he had been sent to New York with a
+special mission to suppress piracy and unlawful trading and
+there seemed to be no way out by which he might now share
+in the loot, unless Kidd could be cleared of the charge of
+piracy, there was nothing for him to do but to secure Kidd and
+send him to London for trial in accordance with the English<span class="pagenum" id="Page_78">[78]</span>
+law. He therefore sent for Duncan Campbell, the postmaster
+in Boston, a bookseller, who like Captain Kidd, was a Scotchman
+and an old acquaintance of the captain and instructed
+him to go with Emmot and obtain from Kidd a statement of
+what had taken place during his voyage.</p>
+
+<p>Campbell and Emmot sailed from Boston in a small sloop
+on the morning of June 17th and about three leagues from
+Block Island met the sloop commanded by Captain Kidd who
+at that time had sixteen men on board. Seemingly both captain
+and crew felt reasonably sure of Bellomont’s protection,
+but Campbell brought back word to the Governor that they
+had heard in the West Indies of their having been proclaimed
+pirates and therefore the crew would not consent to come into
+any port without some assurance from Bellomont that they
+would not be imprisoned or molested. Captain Kidd had
+related in much detail the occurrences of his privateering
+voyage and had protested with much earnestness that he had
+done nothing contrary to his commission and orders aside
+from what he was forced to do when overpowered by his men
+who afterwards deserted. The crew on board the sloop also
+solemnly protested their innocence of piracy. Kidd sent word
+to Bellomont that if so directed he would navigate the sloop
+to England and there render an account of his proceedings.<a id="FNanchor_64" href="#Footnote_64" class="fnanchor">[64]</a></p>
+
+<p>Duncan Campbell returned to Boston on June 19 and
+reported to the Governor in writing and the same day a meeting
+of the Council was held at which Bellomont announced for
+the first time the return of Captain Kidd and presented the
+report just made by Postmaster Campbell. The Governor
+also exhibited a draft of a letter which he proposed to send to
+Captain Kidd and this was approved by the Council and given
+to Emmot with instructions to deliver it to Kidd. This letter
+was in substance a safe conduct and in part reads as follows:<a id="FNanchor_65" href="#Footnote_65" class="fnanchor">[65]</a></p>
+
+<p>“I have advised with His Majesty’s Council, and shewed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_79">[79]</span>
+them this letter, and they are of the opinion that if your
+case be so clear as you (or Mr. Emmot for you) have said, that
+you may safely come hither, and be equipped and fitted out
+to go and fetch the other ship, and I make no manner of doubt
+but to obtain the King’s pardon for you, and for those few
+men you have left, who I understand have been faithful to
+you, and refused as well to dishonour the Commission you
+have from England.</p>
+
+<p>“I assure you on my Word and Honour I will perform
+nicely what I have promised though this I declare beforehand
+that whatever goods and treasure you may bring hither, I
+will not meddle with the least bit of them; but they shall be
+left with such persons as the Council shall advise until I
+receive orders from England how they shall be disposed of.”</p>
+
+<p>Captain Kidd seems to have taken Bellomont’s assurances
+at face value, but nevertheless he decided to get rid of most of
+his valuable cargo before sailing for Boston; so he set a course
+for Gardiner’s Island at the eastern end of Long Island, where
+Emmot left him and returned to New York in a small boat.
+Kidd lay at anchor here for several days. Three or four small
+sloops appeared in which chests and bales of goods were transshipped
+and finally Kidd sent for John Gardiner, the owner of
+the island, and asked him to take charge of a chest and a box
+containing gold dust with several bales of goods, all of which
+he assured him were intended for Governor Bellomont.
+Gardiner consented and gave him a receipt. Meanwhile Mrs.
+Kidd<a id="FNanchor_66" href="#Footnote_66" class="fnanchor">[66]</a> and her children had come from New York, and taking
+on board Benjamin Bevins, a pilot, Kidd sailed around the
+Cape and reached Boston Harbor on Saturday, July 1st,
+where tide waiters were put on board the sloop and the captain
+and his wife found lodgings at the house of Postmaster
+Campbell.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor was sick with the gout when Kidd reached<span class="pagenum" id="Page_80">[80]</span>
+Boston, but on Monday, July 3d, he met with the Council and
+Captain Kidd was sent for and questioned. He asked leave
+to make a detailed report in writing. The next day he was
+present with five of his company and was questioned further
+and allowed more time in which to prepare his report. On
+Thursday morning at nine o’clock, he was sent for again and
+informed the Council that his report would be ready that
+evening. It was at this meeting that the Governor first informed
+the Council that he had instructions to arrest Kidd
+and his men and that afternoon the warrants were issued.
+It chanced that the constables looking for Captain Kidd came
+upon him near the Sergeant house where the Governor lodged
+and when Kidd found that he was in danger of arrest he ran
+into the house with the constables after him, in the hope of
+finding a refuge in the Governor’s study. It was a dramatic
+situation and Captain Kidd at once found that Bellomont’s
+fair assurances of protection were worthless.</p>
+
+<p>At first Kidd was confined in the house of the prison-keeper,
+but after a day or two he was ordered placed in the
+stone gaol and kept in irons. His lodgings were searched and
+in two sea beds were found gold dust and ingots to the
+value of about £1000 and a bag of silver containing money
+and pigs of silver. Even the household plate and clothing belonging
+to Mrs. Kidd were seized, though afterwards restored.</p>
+
+<p>On July 26th, Governor Bellomont wrote to the Lords of
+Trade and Plantations giving a full account of what had taken
+place and asked what should be done with Kidd and other
+pirates then in custody. At that time a pirate could not be
+convicted in the Province of Massachusetts and be punished
+by death. The English statute provided that pirates should
+be tried before a High Court of Admiralty sitting in London
+and this made it necessary to send Kidd to England.</p>
+
+<p>On Feb. 6, 1700, His Majesty’s ship “Advice” arrived in
+Boston harbor with orders to convey Kidd, Bradish and other
+pirates to England for trial. Ten days later they were safely<span class="pagenum" id="Page_81">[81]</span>
+on board and on April 8th Kidd was in England, arriving just
+as Parliament was proceeding in “An humble address to his
+Majesty to remove John, Lord Somers, Lord Chancellor of
+England, from his presence and counsels forever.” Lord
+Somers with other members of the existing Government had
+been associated with Bellomont in sending out Kidd and his return
+in irons just at that time, accused of piracy, supplied ammunition
+for the Opposition and made his case a political issue.</p>
+
+<p>Another powerful influence was working for Kidd’s destruction.
+He had been denounced as a pirate by the East India
+Company which enjoyed a monopoly of English trade in the
+Indian Seas and confiscated the ships and goods of private
+traders as it pleased. Kidd was accused of seizing two ships
+belonging to the Great Mogul with whom the East India
+Company desired to remain on friendly terms. His defense
+was that the two captured ships sailed under French passes
+issued by the French East India Company and therefore they
+automatically became enemy ships and lawful prizes, when
+taken by him. It was upon the existence of these two French
+passes that his life then depended. Even his enemies admitted
+that their introduction as evidence at his trial would go a long
+way to clear him of the charge of piracy. The original documents
+had been turned over by him in good faith to Bellomont
+and in turn had been sent to the Lords of Trade. They
+were before the House of Commons during the examination of
+Kidd, but when he was brought to trial before the Court of
+Admiralty, they had strangely disappeared and Kidd was
+deprived of the very cornerstone of his defense. Political
+exigencies demanded that he should become a scapegoat and
+the life-saving passes disappeared. Strangely enough, however,
+they were not destroyed at the time and have recently
+come to light<a id="FNanchor_67" href="#Footnote_67" class="fnanchor">[67]</a> in the Public Record Office, so that two centuries
+after Captain Kidd was ignominiously executed for piracy it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_82">[82]</span>
+becomes possible to reestablish his fame as a master mariner of
+good repute and a privateersman who attacked only the ships
+of the enemies of the King of England.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Kidd remained in gaol for over a year before he was
+brought to trial and then not for piracy, as he had expected,
+“but being moved and seduced by the instigations of the
+Devil ... he did make an assault in and upon William
+Moore upon the high seas ... with a certain wooden bucket,
+bound with iron hoops, of the value of eight pence, giving the
+said William Moore ... one mortal bruise of which the
+aforesaid William Moore did languish and die.” William
+Moore had been the gunner on the “Adventure Galley,”
+Captain Kidd’s vessel, and during an altercation, Kidd had
+struck him on the right side of the head with an iron-bound
+bucket. He died the next day in consequence. Kidd’s
+defense was that Moore was the leader of a mutinous crew; but
+it is evident from the minutes of the trial that there was no
+question as to what the verdict would be. At the most he
+should only have been convicted of manslaughter. The jury
+found him guilty of murder.</p>
+
+<p>Having made certain that Kidd would be hanged, the
+Court next ordered him brought to trial under an indictment
+for piracy. He asked postponement until his papers and
+particularly the two French passes could be obtained and
+submitted as evidence, but without avail. The Lord Chief
+Baron, in summing up the evidence even went so far as to
+suggest that they existed only in Kidd’s imagination. With
+the East India Company forcing a prosecution and the Lord
+Chancellor and other high officials in danger should he make
+damaging disclosures, it was only a question of time. Kidd
+hadn’t a ghost of a chance for his life.</p>
+
+<p>After sentence had been pronounced, Captain Kidd said:
+“My Lord, it is a very hard sentence. For my part I am
+innocentest of them all, only I have been sworn against
+by perjured persons.” And he told the truth.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" style="max-width: 100em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i082' src='images/i082.jpg' alt=''>
+<figcaption>
+A FULL<br>
+ACCOUNT<br>
+OF THE<br>
+PROCEEDINGS<br>
+In Relation to<br>
+Capt.<span class='xls'> KIDD</span>.<br>
+In two <span class='xls'>LETTERS</span>.<br>
+<br>
+Written by a Person of Quality to a Kinsman of the Earl of <i>Bellomont</i> in <i>Ireland</i>.<br>
+<br>
+<i>LONDON</i>,<br>
+<br>
+Printed and Sold by the Booksellers of <i>London</i> and <i>Westminster</i>. MDCCI.<br>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_83">[83]</span></p>
+
+<p>On May 23, 1721, he was hanged at Execution Dock, on the
+Thames water front at Wapping, after which his body was
+placed in chains and gibbetted on the shore near Tilbury
+Fort, in the lower reaches of the river.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Kidd as he is recalled today is a composite type.
+All the pirates who have frequented the New England coast
+have become blended into one and that one—Captain Kidd.
+A credulous public even denies him his own name and sings of
+Robert Kidd in the famous ballad:—</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">My name was Robert Kidd, when I sail’d, when I sail’d,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">My name was Robert Kidd, when I sail’d;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">My name was Robert Kidd, God’s law I did forbid,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">And so wickedly I did, when I sail’d.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">
+<hr class="tb"></div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d a Bible in my hand, when I sail’d, when I sail’d,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I’d a Bible in my hand, when I sail’d;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d a Bible in my hand, by my father’s great command,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">But I sunk it in the sand, when I sail’d.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">
+
+<hr class="tb"></div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I murder’d William Moore, as I sail’d, as I sail’d,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I murder’d William Moore, as I sail’d;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I murder’d William Moore, and left him in his gore,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Not many leagues from shore, as I sail’d.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">
+
+<hr class="tb"></div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d ninety bars of gold, as I sail’d, as I sail’d,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">I’d ninety bars of gold, as I sail’d;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I’d ninety bars of gold, and dollars manifold,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">With riches uncontroll’d, as I sail’d.</div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">
+
+<hr class="tb"></div>
+  </div>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">Come all ye young and old, see me die, see me die,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">Come all ye young and old, see me die;</div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Come all ye young and old, you’re welcome to my gold,</div>
+    <div class="verse indent2">For by it I’ve lost my soul, and must die.</div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_61" href="#FNanchor_61" class="label">[61]</a> Capt. William Kidd was born in Greenock, Scotland, about 1655 and
+probably was the son of Rev. John Kidd who suffered the torture of the
+boot. In August, 1689, he arrived at the island of Nevis, in the West Indies,
+in command of a privateer of sixteen guns that had been taken from the
+French at Basseterre by the English members of her crew. The next year
+his privateer took part in Hewetson’s expedition to Mariegalante; but in
+February, 1691, while he was on shore, his company deserted him and
+ran away with the vessel. Most of the crew were former pirates and
+liked their old trade better. A month later he reached New York where
+he obtained command of another privateer and before long brought in a
+French ship. The last of May, 1691, the Government sent him out in
+pursuit of a French privateer which he followed so leisurely that she escaped.
+Arriving at Boston, June 8th, he received proposals to go in
+search of the privateer which were not satisfactory to him and further
+negotiations were without result, so that complaint was made to the
+Governor of New York that Kidd neglected a fair opportunity to take her.
+In August, 1695, he was in London, in command of the brigantine “Antego,”
+and while there testified as to the irregularities existing in New
+York. Two months later, on October 10th, he signed articles with the
+Earl of Bellomont which sent him to the Indian ocean and later to Execution
+Dock on the Thames.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_62" href="#FNanchor_62" class="label">[62]</a> Prizes.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_63" href="#FNanchor_63" class="label">[63]</a> <i>Calendars of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1699, pp. 366-367.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_64" href="#FNanchor_64" class="label">[64]</a> <i>Calendars of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1699, p. 371.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_65" href="#FNanchor_65" class="label">[65]</a> The original letter is now preserved in the Boston Public Library.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_66" href="#FNanchor_66" class="label">[66]</a> Captain Kidd married in May, 1691, Sarah Oort, the widow of John
+Oort, merchant of New York.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_67" href="#FNanchor_67" class="label">[67]</a> See Paine, <i>The Book of Buried Treasure</i>, page 104, for a photographic
+reproduction.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_84">[84]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VI">CHAPTER VI<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Thomas Tew, who Retired and Lived at Newport</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Privateering was a thriving business during the
+last half of the seventeenth century, and commissions
+were issued in large numbers by all the colonial governors
+in America.</p>
+
+<p>In 1691, Thomas Tew, a young seaman hailing from Rhode
+Island in New England, came into Bermuda with gold in
+his pockets and after a time purchased a share in the sloop
+“Amity,” owned by merchants and officials living on the
+island, among whom were Thomas Hall, Richard Gilbert,
+John Dickenson, Col. Anthony White and William Outerbridge.
+The latter was a member of the Governor’s Council.
+Tew claimed to belong to a good Rhode Island family that
+had been living there since 1640,<a id="FNanchor_68" href="#Footnote_68" class="fnanchor">[68]</a> and having interested his
+part-owners in the “Amity,” a privateering commission
+was obtained from the governor and beating up a willing
+crew of volunteers, the sloop, with Tew in command, was
+shortly on her eastward passage.</p>
+
+<p>It was afterwards claimed by one Weaver, counselor for
+the King in the prosecution of Governor Fletcher of New
+York, that during Tew’s stay at Bermuda “it was a thing
+notoriously known to everyone that he had before then been
+a pirate”;<a id="FNanchor_69" href="#Footnote_69" class="fnanchor">[69]</a> and a sailor who had known him well testified
+that he “had been rambling.” When Tew sailed from Bermuda
+there went in company with him another privateer<span class="pagenum" id="Page_85">[85]</span>
+sloop commanded by Capt. George Drew, fitted out by the
+governor, and the commissions issued to these captains instructed
+them to take the French factory at Goree, on the
+river Gambia, on the west coast of Africa.</p>
+
+<p>On the voyage out a violent storm came up; Captain
+Drew’s sloop sprung her mast and the two vessels lost sight
+of each other. A morning or two after the gale had spent
+itself Captain Tew ordered all hands on deck and told them
+that they probably realized the proposed attack on the
+French factory would be of little value to the public and of
+no particular reward to them for their bravery. As for
+booty, there was not the least prospect of any. Speaking
+for himself, he had only agreed to take a commission for the
+sake of being employed and therefore he was of the opinion
+they should turn their thoughts to bettering their condition
+and if so inclined he would shape a course that would lead
+to ease and plenty for the rest of their days. The ship’s
+company undoubtedly were prepared for Captain Tew’s
+proposal for we are told that they unanimously cried out,
+“A gold chain or a wooden leg—we’ll stand by you.”<a id="FNanchor_70" href="#Footnote_70" class="fnanchor">[70]</a></p>
+
+<p>A quartermaster was then chosen to look out for the interests
+of the ship’s company and instead of continuing the
+voyage to Gambia, a course was made for the Cape of Good
+Hope and in time the Red Sea was reached. Just as they were
+entering the Strait of Babelmandeb, a large and richly laden
+Arabian vessel hove in sight carrying about three hundred
+soldiers and much gold. Tew told his men that this was
+their opportunity to strike for fortune and although it was
+apparent that the ship was full of men and mounted a great
+number of guns, the Arabs would be lacking in skill and
+courage; which proved true for she was taken without loss.
+Each man’s share in the gold and jewels amounted to over
+three thousand pounds sterling and the store of powder was
+so great that much was thrown overboard.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_86">[86]</span></p>
+
+<p>From the Strait they steered for Madagascar where the
+quartermaster and twenty-three others elected to leave the
+ship and settle there proposing to enjoy a life of ease in a
+delightful climate producing all the necessaries for existence.
+The rest of the company remained with Captain Tew who
+planned to return to America. The sloop sailed but before
+getting out of sight of land sighted a ship and Tew, thinking
+to return home somewhat richer, stood towards her and
+when within gunshot hoisted black colors and fired a gun
+to windward. The stranger hove to and fired a gun to leeward
+and hoisting out a boat Captain Tew soon learned
+that he had intercepted Captain Mission, a famous pirate
+in those parts who had come out from France with a privateering
+commission and some time before had established a
+settlement on Madagascar and named it Libertatia.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Tew was invited on board the “Victoire,” Captain
+Mission’s ship, and after being handsomely entertained
+was invited to visit the pirate colony that had been set up
+at Libertatia. On returning to the sloop and telling his men
+what he had learned, the company consented and Mission’s
+ship was followed until the harbor was reached which they
+were much surprised to see was well fortified. The first fort
+saluted them with nine guns and the company on shore received
+Captain Tew and his men with great civility. He
+was soon invited to take part in a council of officers to consider
+what should be done with the large number of prisoners
+brought in by Mission. Seventy-three of these men, English
+and Portuguese, took on and the rest were set at work on a
+dock in process of construction about half a mile above the
+mouth of the harbor.</p>
+
+<p>Tew and his men were charmed with the settlement and
+the new friends they had made and here they remained until
+Captain Mission, desiring to strengthen his colony, decided
+to send a ship to Guinea to seize slaving ships frequenting
+that coast. He offered the command of this expedition to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_87">[87]</span>
+Captain Tew and gave him a crew of two hundred men composed
+of thirty English and the rest French, Portuguese
+and negroes.</p>
+
+<p>Tew didn’t sight a vessel until in the Atlantic, north of
+the Cape of Good Hope, where he fell in with a Dutch East
+Indiaman of eighteen guns which he took with the loss of
+but one man and secured several chests filled with English
+crowns. Nine of the Dutchmen joined his company and the
+rest were set ashore in Soldinia Bay. On the coast of Angola
+he took an English vessel with two hundred and forty slaves
+aboard among whom the negroes in his crew found relatives.
+These men told the slaves of the happy life they lead in Madagascar
+where none lived in slavery and so prepared, their
+leg irons and handcuffs were taken off and a course was made
+for Libertatia where the captured slaves were set at work
+on the dock.</p>
+
+<p>After his return Captain Tew was given command of a
+sloop mounting eight guns and manned with one hundred
+men and with the schoolmaster in command of another sloop
+of about the same size, made a voyage around Madagascar
+charting the coast and discovering the shoals and depths
+of water. Tew’s sloop was called the “Liberty.” The
+schoolmaster commanded the “Childhood”; and the expedition
+was absent nearly four months.</p>
+
+<p>Not long after this Captain Tew proposed that he should
+return to America and arrange with merchants to send to
+Madagascar ship’s stores, clothing and a variety of luxuries
+needed for the safety and comfort of the pirate colony. Some
+of his men also wished to return to their families, and so the
+“Amity” was refitted and Tew set a course for the Cape
+and soon was in the South Atlantic bound for the island of
+Bermuda. Contrary winds prevented, however, and running
+into a brisk gale he sprung his mast and after beating
+about for a fortnight at last made his old home at
+Newport, R. I., where he was received with much respect<span class="pagenum" id="Page_88">[88]</span>
+when his prosperous “privateering” voyage became
+known.</p>
+
+<p>From here he dispatched an account to his part-owners
+in Bermuda and an order for them to send an agent to receive
+their share in the produce of the voyage and a few weeks
+later a sloop arrived, commanded by one Captain Stone, who,
+some years after testified that when he presented his order
+to Captain Tew from the Bermuda owners, he found that
+part of the money was buried in the ground at Newport and
+for the remainder he was obliged to go to Boston.<a id="FNanchor_71" href="#Footnote_71" class="fnanchor">[71]</a></p>
+
+<p>Outerbridge, the councillor, received £540 left by Tew
+in Boston and his entire share in the proceeds of the voyage
+amounted to over £3000, which reached him in the form of
+“Lyon dollars and Arabian gold.” The pieces of Arabian
+gold were then worth about two Spanish dollars and soon
+were common in Rhode Island and New York. Tew’s share
+in the proceeds amounted to about £8000.</p>
+
+<p>Some ten years later, when Kidd and Bradish had been
+hanged and the Council of Trade was busily engaged in stirring
+up matters supposedly overlooked or forgotten, an
+officious agent of the Council appeared at Bermuda and began
+to uncover the close relations existing between pirates
+and prominent merchants and officials in the islands. Some
+of the facts concerning Outerbridge, Colonel White and
+others then came out and were reported to London. The
+agent was George Larkin and he brought a commission as
+Judge of an Admiralty Court which very soon was ignored
+and when his true activities were recognized he was threatened
+and various complaints were made under oath and at last
+he was arrested “by the Marshall with a file of musqueteers
+and taken to the castle, a forlorne place, where there is but
+one room and the waves of the sea beat over the platform
+into it in stormy weather.... The Clerk of the Justices<span class="pagenum" id="Page_89">[89]</span>
+came to the Islands, a fidler in a Pyrate ship and the proceedings
+here against me differ in few circumstances from the Inquisition
+till they come to the Rack.”<a id="FNanchor_72" href="#Footnote_72" class="fnanchor">[72]</a></p>
+
+<p>Captain Tew when in Boston had applied to the governor
+for a new privateering commission and been refused but
+found no considerable objection in Rhode Island although
+it cost him £500. In New York, he found Frederick Phillips
+not averse to making profitable voyages to Madagascar
+and soon the ship “Frederick” was dispatched with a full
+cargo and seven years later the Rev. John Higginson of Salem,
+when writing to his son Nathaniel, in command of Fort
+George, at Madras, reported the current rumor that Phillips
+had attained an estate of £100,000, much of it gained in the
+pirate trade to Madagascar.</p>
+
+<p>Having completed his arrangements, Tew set sail with
+a commission authorizing him to seize the ships of France
+and the enemies of the Crown of England and in a few weeks
+had rounded the Cape and was at anchor in the harbor at
+Libertatia.</p>
+
+<p>Not long after his return he went out with Captain Mission
+on a cruise to the Red Sea, each in command of a ship manned
+by about two hundred and fifty men including many negroes.
+Off the coast of Arabia Felix they came upon a large ship
+belonging to the Great Mogul with more than a thousand
+pilgrims on board bound for Mecca. The ship carried one
+hundred and ten guns but made a poor defence and was
+boarded and taken without the loss of a single man. After
+a consultation it was decided to put the prisoners ashore near
+Aden, but as they wanted women, over one hundred unmarried
+girls, from twelve to eighteen years old, were kept
+notwithstanding their tears and the lamentations of their
+parents. With the large ship in company they made their
+way back to Libertatia where they found in her hold a vast<span class="pagenum" id="Page_90">[90]</span>
+quantity of diamonds, besides rich silks, spices, rugs and
+wrought and bar gold.</p>
+
+<p>The prize was a heavy sailer and of no use so she was taken
+to pieces and her guns mounted in two batteries near the
+mouth of the harbor. The settlement was now so strongly
+fortified that there was little danger of successful attack from
+shipping. By this time they had also cleared and cultivated
+a considerable area of land and had in pasturage over three
+hundred black cattle. The dock was finished and all were
+living comfortably and happily each supplied according to
+taste and nationality with several white, yellow or black
+wives.</p>
+
+<p>One morning a sloop that had been sent out to exercise
+the negroes, came back chased by five tall ships which proved
+to be fifty-gun ships flying the Portuguese flag. The alarm
+was given and all the forts and batteries manned. Tew
+commanded the English and Mission commanded the French
+and the negroes. The two forts at the entrance to the harbor
+didn’t stop the ships, though one was brought on the careen,
+but once inside, the forts, batteries, sloops and ships gave
+them so warm a reception that two of them sank and many
+men were drowned. Having entered just before the turn
+of the tide, the other ships, with the help of the ebb tide,
+made haste to escape; but they were followed by the ships and
+sloops in the harbor and in the bay, after a running fight,
+one was taken that greatly increased the store of powder and
+shot in the magazine. The other two escaped but in crippled
+condition. This was the engagement with the pirates that
+made so much noise in Europe and America.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Tew was now made admiral of their fleet and
+proposed building an arsenal, which was agreed upon. He
+also proposed going on a cruise, hoping to meet East India
+ships and bring in some volunteers, for he thought the colony
+at that time more in need of men than riches. The flagship
+“Victoire” was accordingly fitted out and manned with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_91">[91]</span>
+three hundred men and Tew put to sea intending to call
+first at the settlement made by his former quartermaster
+and men, where, coming to anchor, he went ashore. The
+governor, <i>alias</i> quartermaster, received him civilly but could
+not be persuaded to agree upon a change in his comfortable
+situation where his company enjoyed all the necessaries of
+life and were free and independent of all the world.</p>
+
+<p>Late that afternoon, while they were drinking a bowl of
+punch, a violent storm came up suddenly with so high a sea
+that Captain Tew could not go out to his ship. The storm
+increased and in less than two hours the “Victoire” parted
+her cables and was driven ashore on a steep point where
+everyone on board was drowned in sight of Tew who could
+give no assistance. Not knowing which way to turn he
+remained with his former men hoping that Captain Mission
+in time might come in search of him, which happened a few
+weeks later.</p>
+
+<p>One morning two sloops came to anchor off-shore and
+soon a canoe was hoisted out and brought Captain Mission
+ashore. He brought doleful news. At dead of night two
+great bodies of natives had come down on the pirate settlement
+and slaughtered men, women and children without
+mercy. The absence of the three hundred men on the “Victoire”
+and the sailing about the same time of another pirate
+ship, the “Bijoux,” had so weakened the settlement that
+the natives soon prevailed through sheer force of numbers
+and Captain Mission escaped with only forty-five men. He
+was able, however, to bring away with him a considerable
+weight of rough diamonds and bar gold.</p>
+
+<p>The two captains condoled with each other over their
+misfortunes and Tew at last proposed that they abandon
+further roving and return to America where, with the riches
+that remained to them, they could live in comfort and safety
+for the rest of their lives. Mission was a Frenchman and
+could not think of retiring from active life until he had visited<span class="pagenum" id="Page_92">[92]</span>
+his family, but he gave up one of the sloops to Tew and divided
+with him the diamonds and gold that had been saved.</p>
+
+<p>A week later the two captains sailed, Mission having fifteen
+Frenchmen and Portuguese in his sloop and Tew taking
+thirty-four English in the sloop commanded by him. They
+shaped a course for the Guinea Coast, but off Infantes, before
+reaching the Cape, they were overtaken by a storm in which
+the unhappy Mission’s sloop went down within a musket
+shot of Captain Tew who could give no assistance.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Tew continued his course for America and reached
+Newport safely where his men took their share of diamonds
+and gold and quietly dispersed as they thought best while
+Tew settled down among his former acquaintances to spend
+a tranquil life. He lived unquestioned and with his easy
+fortune might in time have married the daughter of some
+neighbor and spent the remainder of his days as a retired
+privateersman. One of his company, Thomas Jones, who
+had formerly sailed with “Long Ben” Avery, married Penelope
+Goulden and also settled down and lived in Rhode Island,
+but others, who continued to live there or elsewhere in the
+province, soon squandered their shares and began soliciting
+him to make another voyage. For a time he refused until
+at last a considerable number of resolute lads came in a body
+and so earnestly begged him to head them for one more voyage
+that he finally agreed.</p>
+
+<p>His frequent journeys to New York in connection with
+shipments to Madagascar and more recently for the purpose
+of disposing of some part of his store of diamonds, had given
+him an acquaintance with Governor Fletcher, so in October,
+1694, he presented himself at the Governor’s mansion for
+the purpose of obtaining a privateering commission. Governor
+Fletcher, like some other colonial governors, was always
+ready to turn “an honest penny” and on Nov. 8, 1694, Tew
+was in possession of the desired commission it having cost
+him exactly £300.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_93">[93]</span></p>
+
+<p>It was afterwards claimed by the Attorney General of New
+York in a report to the Earl of Bellomont, the succeeding
+governor, that it was well-known in New York that Captain
+Tew had been roving in the Red Sea and had made much
+money. “He had brought his spoil to Rhode Island and
+his crew dispersed in Boston where they shewed themselves
+publicly. In 1694 or 1695 Tew came to New York, where
+Governor Fletcher entertained him and drove him about
+in his coach, though Tew publicly declared that he would
+make another voyage to the Red Sea and make New York
+his port of return.... He fitted out his sloop in Rhode
+Island, whence he sailed to the Red Sea and there died or
+was killed. His crew picked up another ship at Madagascar.”<a id="FNanchor_73" href="#Footnote_73" class="fnanchor">[73]</a></p>
+
+<p>Governor Bellomont sent numerous dispatches to the Lords
+of Trade describing in much detail the relations of his predecessor
+in office with those who had sailed “on the account,”
+armed with privateering commissions issued by Fletcher.
+He wrote that many pirates in the Red Sea and elsewhere
+had been fitted out in New York or Rhode Island. The ships
+commanded by Mason, Tew, Glover and Hore were commissioned
+by Governor Fletcher. Everybody knew at the
+time they were bound for the Red Sea, “being openly declared
+by the captains so as to enable them to raise men and proceed
+on their voyage quickly.... Captain Tew, who had
+before been a notorious pirate, on his return from the East
+Indies with great riches visited New York, where, although
+a man of infamous character, he was received and caressed
+by Governor Fletcher, dined and supped often with him
+and appeared publicly in his coach. They also exchanged
+presents, such as gold watches, with each other.”<a id="FNanchor_74" href="#Footnote_74" class="fnanchor">[74]</a></p>
+
+<p>Governor Fletcher, on the other hand, protested that
+Captain Tew had produced a commission from the Governor<span class="pagenum" id="Page_94">[94]</span>
+of Bermuda and accordingly he had granted him another to
+make war against the French. “Captain Tew brought
+no ship into this port. He came as a stranger and came
+to my table like other strangers who visit this province. He
+told me he had a sloop well manned and gave bond to fight
+the French at the mouth of Canada river, whereupon I gave
+him a commission and instructions accordingly.... It
+may be my misfortune, but not my crime, if they turn pirates.
+I have heard of none yet that have done so.”</p>
+
+<p>“Tew appeared to me,” wrote the disingenuous governor,
+“not only a man of courage and activity, but of the greatest
+sense and remembrance of what he had seen of any seaman
+that I ever met with. He was also what is called a very
+pleasant man, so that some times after the day’s labour was
+done, it was divertisement as well as information to me to
+hear him talk. I wished in my mind to make him a sober
+man, and in particular to cure him of a vile habit of swearing.
+I gave him a book for that purpose, and to gain the
+more upon him I gave him a gun of some value. In return
+he made me a present which was a curiosity, though in value
+not much.”<a id="FNanchor_75" href="#Footnote_75" class="fnanchor">[75]</a></p>
+
+<p>Tew’s commission was signed by Gov. Benjamin Fletcher
+and countersigned by his private secretary, Daniel Honan,
+but his bond was signed by Edward Coates, a notorious
+pirate, so it was said, and by John Feny, “a Popist tailor of
+this city and a beggar.”<a id="FNanchor_76" href="#Footnote_76" class="fnanchor">[76]</a></p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, reasonably certain of securing his commission,
+Tew had been busily engaged in fitting out his sloop for the
+new venture. He made no bones about his intentions and
+such was his sense of security that he talked freely with
+neighbors and also strangers.</p>
+
+<p>A traveller passing through Newport in October, 1694,
+records that he then saw three vessels fitting out. One of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_95">[95]</span>
+them, a sloop, was commanded by Thomas Tew or Tue,
+whom he had known in Jamaica, twelve years before. “He
+was free in discourse with me and declared that he was last
+year in the Red Sea; that he had taken a rich ship belonging
+to the Mogul and had received for his owner’s dividend and
+his sloop’s twelve thousand odd hundred pounds, while his
+men had received upwards of a thousand pounds each. When
+I returned to Boston there was another barque of about thirty
+tons ready to sail and join Tew in the same account. I was
+likewise advised of another that had sailed from the Whore
+Kills in Pennsylvania, and that one or two were since gone
+on the same account. I understand that two of the four
+that I saw are returned with great booty.”<a id="FNanchor_77" href="#Footnote_77" class="fnanchor">[77]</a></p>
+
+<p>“Captain Tew had a commission from the Governor of
+New York to cruise against the French,” afterwards wrote
+Governor Bellomont. “He came out on pretence of loading
+negroes at Madagascar, but his design was always to go
+into the seas, having about seventy men on his sloop of sixty
+tons. He made a voyage three years ago in which his share
+was £8000. Want was then his mate. He then went to
+New England and the Governor would not receive him;
+then to New York where Governor Fletcher protected him.
+Colonel Fletcher told Tew he should not come there again
+unless he brought store of money, and it is said that Tew gave
+him £300 for his commission. He is gone to make a voyage
+in the Red Sea, and if he makes his voyage will be back about
+this time. This is the third time that Tew has gone out,
+breaking up for the first time in New England and the second
+time in New York. The place that receives them is chiefly
+Madagascar, where they must touch both going and coming.
+All the ships that are now out are from New England, except
+Tew from New York and Want from Carolina. They build
+their ships in New England, but come out under pretence of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_96">[96]</span>
+trading from island to island. The money they bring in is
+current there and the people know very well where they go.
+One Captain Gough who keeps a mercer’s shop at Boston got
+a good estate in this way. On first coming out they generally
+go first to the Isle of May for salt, then to Fernando for
+water, then round the Cape of Good Hope to Madagascar to
+victual and water and so for Batsky [<i>sic</i>] where they wait
+for the traders between Surat and Mecca and Tuda, who
+must come at a certain time because of the trade wind.
+When they come back they have no place to go to
+but Providence, Carolina, New York, New England and
+Rhode Island, where they all along have been kindly
+received.”<a id="FNanchor_78" href="#Footnote_78" class="fnanchor">[78]</a></p>
+
+<p>Captain Tew sailed from Newport in the sloop “Amity,”
+in November, 1694, and was joined by Captain Want in a
+brigantine and Captain Wake<a id="FNanchor_79" href="#Footnote_79" class="fnanchor">[79]</a> in another small vessel that
+had been fitted out at Boston. Want was Tew’s mate on
+the first voyage and returned with him and spent his share
+of the plunder in Rhode Island and Pennsylvania. On the
+present voyage, Thomas Jones of Newport was also associated
+with him. One Captain Glover, in a ship owned by
+New York merchants, is also said to have joined Tew’s fleet
+and to have remitted to his owners the value of the vessel.
+Probably Tew’s gold may have made the restitution possible.<a id="FNanchor_80" href="#Footnote_80" class="fnanchor">[80]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_97">[97]</span></p>
+
+<p>In June, 1695, Captain Tew was at Liparau island at the
+mouth of the Red Sea, where with other English vessels he
+joined the fleet commanded by Captain Avery. Tew at that
+time had a crew of about forty men. After lying there some
+time Avery sent a pinnace to Mocha and took two men who
+gave them information as to the ships <ins title='Original: comin'>coming</ins> down. They
+then stood out to sea and five or six days later the Moors’ ships,
+twenty-five in number, passed them in the night. Hearing of
+this from a captured junk they followed. The “Amity”
+was a bad sailer and fell astern and never came up. The
+rest of the fleet overtook one of the Moorish vessels and captured
+her after having fired three shots and found on board
+£60,000 in gold and silver. Soon another ship was taken
+after a fight of three hours. The loot of this vessel was so
+great that each of the one hundred and eighty men engaged
+received as his share over £1000. There was a great quantity
+of jewels and a saddle and bridle set with rubies designed
+as a present for the Great Mogul.<a id="FNanchor_81" href="#Footnote_81" class="fnanchor">[81]</a></p>
+
+<p>After this fight, mention of Captain Tew disappears from
+all contemporary sources of information save the passing
+allusions made by the Attorney General of New York in his
+report to the Earl of Bellomont (see page 93). It therefore
+is highly probable that there may be foundation for the
+statement by Captain Johnson in his “History of the Pirates,”
+that Captain Tew “attack’d a Ship belonging to the Great<span class="pagenum" id="Page_98">[98]</span>
+<i>Mogul</i>; in the Engagement, a Shot carried away the Rim
+of <i>Tew’s</i> Belly, who held his Bowels with his Hands some
+small Space; when he dropp’d it struck such a Terror in his
+men, that they suffered themselves to be taken, without
+making Resistance.”</p>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_68" href="#FNanchor_68" class="label">[68]</a> Richard Tew came from Maidford, co. Northampton, England, and
+settled at Newport, R. I., in 1640, where he was a prominent citizen. He
+served as deputy and assistant and was named in the charter granted in
+1663. Thomas Tew undoubtedly was his grandson. It was a well-known
+family in Rhode Island and highly respected.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_69" href="#FNanchor_69" class="label">[69]</a> <i>Calendar of State Papers, America and the West Indies</i>, 1699, p. 44.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_70" href="#FNanchor_70" class="label">[70]</a> Johnson, <i>History of the Pirates</i>, London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_71" href="#FNanchor_71" class="label">[71]</a> <i>Calendar of State Papers, America and the West Indies</i>, 1702-1703,
+p. 1014.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_72" href="#FNanchor_72" class="label">[72]</a> <i>Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1702-1703, p. 237.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_73" href="#FNanchor_73" class="label">[73]</a> <i>Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1697-1698, p. 860.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_74" href="#FNanchor_74" class="label">[74]</a> <i>Ibid.</i>, 1697-1698, p. 473.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_75" href="#FNanchor_75" class="label">[75]</a> <i>Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1697-1698, p. 587.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_76" href="#FNanchor_76" class="label">[76]</a> <i>Ibid.</i>, 1697-1698, p. 473.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_77" href="#FNanchor_77" class="label">[77]</a> John Graves, in a letter printed in the <i>Calendar of State Papers, America
+and West Indies</i>, 1696-1697, p. 744.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_78" href="#FNanchor_78" class="label">[78]</a> <i>Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1696-1697, pp. 259-260.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_79" href="#FNanchor_79" class="label">[79]</a> Captain Wake was an old pirate who had received a pardon in King
+James’ time.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_80" href="#FNanchor_80" class="label">[80]</a> Jeremiah Basse, writing to the Secretary of the Council of Trade in a
+letter that reached London on July 26, 1697, reported as follows:—“In
+all I am told that there are gone from Boston, New York, Pennsylvania
+and Carolina, from each one ship and from Rhode Island two.... The
+Nassau met one of these rovers at the Cape Bonne Esperance homeward
+bound from India. I was told by the mate of her that being fearful lest the
+Dutch should make prize of her they got leave to put some chests of money
+on board her, which chests were so heavy that six men at the tackles could
+hardly hoist them in. The chests were given back to the rovers at sea, who
+announced that they were bound to Madagascar. The persons expected
+to return are Tew’s company, and all those that sailed from New York and
+Rhode Island. It is expected that they will try to conceal themselves in
+the Jerseys or Pennsylvania being little inhabited about the harbour, they
+reckon themselves safe there. I am told that some persons have already
+been preparing for their reception there.”—<i>Calendar of State Papers,
+America and West Indies</i>, 1696-1697, p. 1203.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_81" href="#FNanchor_81" class="label">[81]</a> <i>Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1696-1697, pp. 260-262.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_99">[99]</span></p>
+<div class="chapter">
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VII">CHAPTER VII<br>
+<span class="ch-title">John Quelch and his Crew who were Hanged in Boston
+and their Gold Distributed</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>About the middle of May, 1704, there came to anchor
+in the harbor of Marblehead, the “Charles,” a brigantine
+of some eighty tons burden, commanded by one
+Capt. John Quelch. This newly-built vessel had been fitted
+out the previous summer by Charles Hobby, Col. Nicholas
+Paige, William Clarke, Benjamin Gallop and John Colman,
+leading citizens and merchants of Boston, as a privateer to
+prey upon French shipping off the coast of Acadia and Newfoundland.
+She was commissioned on July 13, 1703 by
+Governor Dudley in the usual manner and her commander,
+Capt. Daniel Plowman, was then given his instructions
+governing his conduct while in the pursuit of pirates and
+the Queen’s enemies.</p>
+
+<p>After receiving her equipment and while riding at anchor
+off Marblehead, Captain Plowman was taken sick and on
+Aug. 1, 1703 sent a letter to his owners informing them that
+he was unable to take her to sea on account of his severe
+illness. He may have realized at the time the character
+of the crew that he had shipped, for he wrote proposing that
+the owners of the “Charles” come to Marblehead at once
+and “take some speedy care in saving what we can. The
+Lieutenant the Bearer can give you a full Account.” One
+of the owners went to Marblehead the next day but found
+the captain too sick to see him. A survey of the situation
+resulted in a recommendation to his associates that the vessel
+be sent out as planned but under another captain. This
+intelligence reached Captain Plowman and he aroused sufficiently
+to send another letter urging that the vessel be sent<span class="pagenum" id="Page_100">[100]</span>
+to Boston and declaring that “it will not do with these people”
+(meaning his crew), to send the vessel out under a new commander
+and the sooner the guns and stores were landed on
+shore the better it would be for all concerned. However,
+before the owners could take effectual measures in relation
+to the vessel, she went to sea. It afterwards appeared that
+before sailing, the crew, under the lead of one of their number,
+had locked Captain Plowman in his cabin and John
+Quelch, the lieutenant-commander, had come on board and
+after a conference with the crew had taken command and
+steered a course to the southward. Sometime after Quelch
+assumed command the captain was thrown overboard, but
+whether alive or dead is not known.</p>
+
+<p>In November, 1703, the “Charles” was off the coast of
+Brazil and during the next three months Quelch made nine
+captures,—five brigantines (the largest being about forty
+tons), a small shallop, two fishing boats, and a ship of about
+two hundred tons loaded with hides and tallow and carrying
+twelve guns and about thirty-five men. These vessels were
+the property of subjects of the King of Portugal, an ally of
+the Queen of England, and from them Quelch secured rich
+booty including a hundred weight of gold dust, gold and
+silver coins to the value of over one thousand pounds, ammunition,
+small arms and a great quantity of fine fabrics, provisions
+and rum.</p>
+
+<p>When Quelch planned his descent on Portuguese shipping
+he may not have known of the treaty of amity and alliance
+between Great Britain and Portugal that was signed in Lisbon
+on May 16, 1703, and which contained the following
+section:—</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“XVIII. Piratical ships, of whatever nation, shall not
+only not be permitted or received into the ports which their
+Portugueze and Brittanic Majesties, and the States General
+of the United Provinces, possess in the East Indies, but shall<span class="pagenum" id="Page_101">[101]</span>
+be deemed the common enemies of the Portugueze, the English
+and the Dutch.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>However that may be, Quelch was well aware that few
+gold mines existed in the dominions of the French King,
+with whom England was at war, and that the loot of French
+ships promised less valuable spoil than might be found in
+the South Atlantic. His avarice led to his undoing.</p>
+
+<p>Not long after the “Charles” came to anchor in Marblehead
+harbor, on her return from pillaging Portuguese shipping,
+the crew began to disappear. Some of them went to Salem
+and from there found their way to Cape Ann, while others
+went to Rhode Island. The sudden departure of the vessel
+less than a year before was recalled and the fishing village
+became very skeptical of the story told by Captain Quelch
+of the recovery of great treasure from a wreck in the West
+Indies. The <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, the first newspaper published
+in the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, had begun
+publication only a short time before and the fifth number
+issued announced the arrival of the “Charles” in the following
+words:—</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“Arrived at <i>Marblehead</i>, Capt. <i>Quelch</i> in the Brigantine
+that Capt. <i>Plowman</i> went out in, are said to come from <i>New-Spain</i>
+&amp; have made a good Voyage.”—<i>Boston News-Letter</i>,
+May 15-22, 1704.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The owners of the vessel having previously learned nothing
+of the fortunes of their privateering venture became suspicious.
+Not long after her sudden departure they had concluded
+that she was bound for the West Indies and had written
+to various West India ports in the hope of obtaining some
+trace of the missing vessel and recovering their property,
+but without success. Colman and Clarke now filed a written
+“information” with the Secretary of the Province and the
+Attorney-General. This was on the twenty-third of May,
+the day following the publication of the news of the arrival<span class="pagenum" id="Page_102">[102]</span>
+of the “Charles,” and the Attorney-General, Paul Dudley,
+the son of the Governor, at once set out to capture Quelch
+and his crew. Judge Samuel Sewall, Acting Chief Justice
+of the Superior Court, who was returning from a visit to
+relatives in Newbury, records in his diary that he stopped
+that day to “Refresh at Lewis’s [in Lynn], where Mr. Paul
+Dudley is in egre pursuit of the Pirats. He had sent one to
+Boston.”</p>
+
+<p>The next day, May 24th, Lieutenant-Governor Povey,
+acting during the temporary absence of the Governor, issued
+a proclamation announcing:—</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“Whereas <i>John Quelch</i>, late Commander of the Briganteen
+<i>Charles</i> and Company to her belonging, <i>Viz.</i> <i>John Lambert</i>,
+<i>John Miller</i>, <i>John Clifford</i>, <i>John Dorothy</i>, <i>James Parrot</i>,
+<i>Charles James</i>, <i>William Whiting</i>, <i>John Pitman</i>, <i>John Templeton</i>,
+<i>Benjamin Perkins</i>, <i>William Wiles</i>, <i>Richard Lawrence</i>,
+<i>Erasmus Peterson</i>, <i>John King</i>, <i>Charles King</i>, <i>Isaac Johnson</i>,
+<i>Nicholas Lawson</i>, <i>Daniel Chevalle</i>, <i>John Way</i>, <i>Thomas Farrington</i>,
+<i>Matthew Primer</i>, <i>Anthony Holding</i>, <i>William Rayner</i>,
+<i>John Quittance</i>, <i>John Harwood</i>, <i>William Jones</i>, <i>Denis Carter</i>,
+<i>Nicholas Richardson</i>, <i>James Austin</i>, <i>James Pattison</i>, <i>Joseph
+Hutnot</i>, <i>George Peirse</i>, <i>George Norton</i>, <i>Gabriel Davis</i>, <i>John
+Breck</i>, <i>John Carter</i>, <i>Paul Giddins</i>, <i>Nicholas Dunbar</i>, <i>Richard
+Thurbar</i>, <i>Daniel Chuley</i> and others; Have lately Imported
+a considerable Quantity of Gold dust, and some Bar and
+coin’d Gold, which they are Violently Suspected to have
+gotten &amp; obtained by Felony and Piracy, from some of Her
+Majesties Friends and Allies, and have Imported and Shared
+the same among themselves, without any Adjudication or
+Condemnation thereof, to be lawful Prize. The said Commander
+and some others being apprehended and in Custody,
+the rest are absconded and fled from Justice.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>All officers, civil and military, were commanded to apprehend
+the said persons and secure their treasure.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" style="max-width: 100em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i102' src='images/i102.jpg' alt=''>
+  <figcaption>JOSEPH DUDLEY, GOVERNOR OF MASSACHUSETTS, WHO PRESIDED AT THE TRIAL OF CAPTAIN QUELCH<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an original painting in possession of the Massachusetts Historical Society</span>
+  </figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_103">[103]</span></p>
+
+<p>Within two days the assiduous Mr. Dudley had safely
+landed in Boston gaol Quelch, Lambert, Miller, Clifford,
+Dorothy, Parrot and Wiles. William Whiting lay on a sick
+bed at Marblehead and was likely to die. Two others were
+sick at Marblehead. James Austin was in gaol at Piscataqua
+(Portsmouth) and another pirate was in Salem gaol. On
+Friday, May 26, news from Newport, R. I., reached Boston
+that five of Quelch’s crew had bought a small decked boat
+and sailed the day before, it was supposed, for Long Island;
+but the news of the piracy arriving by an express from Boston
+about the time of their departure, one of the men had been
+seized and was being sent to Boston the constable of each
+intervening town delivering the prisoner to the constable of
+the next town and so on in like order.</p>
+
+<p>Gov. Joseph Dudley having returned to Boston and not
+content with the proclamation issued by the Honourable
+Mr. Povey, issued a new one over his own name in which he
+included the name of Christopher Scudamore among the
+suspected pirates and also stated definitely that their gold
+and treasure had been taken from the subjects of the Crown
+of Portugal, “on whom they have also acted divers Villanous
+Murders.” All sheriffs were required to publish immediately
+the proclamation in the principal towns and cause it to be
+posted up in all other towns. A proclamation was also issued
+by Governor Cranston in Rhode Island. Soon Scudamore,
+Lawrence and Pimer were in custody and several parcels of
+gold dust were in the possession of the authorities.</p>
+
+<p>The Governor was very keen to secure the gold dust brought
+in by Quelch and on the 6th of June he appointed a Commission
+of Inquiry consisting of Samuel Sewall, Acting Chief
+Justice of the Superior Court, Nathaniel Byfield, Judge of
+the Court of Admiralty, and Paul Dudley, Attorney-General,
+“to repair to Marblehead, &amp; to send for and examine all persons
+of whom they shall have Information or just ground of
+suspition, do conceal and detain” gold and treasure brought<span class="pagenum" id="Page_104">[104]</span>
+in by the pirates, “either at Marblehead or parts adjacent,
+and to take what they shall find into their hands; as also to
+secure any of the Pirates.” The next day the Commission
+rode to Salem arriving there about eight o’clock in the evening
+and were informed by Samuel Wakefield, the water bailey,<a id="FNanchor_82" href="#Footnote_82" class="fnanchor">[82]</a>
+of a rumor that Captain Larramore, in the “Larramore
+Galley” at Cape Ann, had turned rogue and several of
+Quelch’s company designed to go off in her. The Commission
+at once issued a warrant to Wakefield to go to Gloucester
+and investigate the matter and if true to seize the men. He
+got away from Salem about midnight. By this time about
+seventy ounces of gold and an equal weight of silver plate
+had been brought to the Council in Boston by different persons
+who had received it from Quelch or his men.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning, June 8th, in a heavy rain, the Commission
+rode over to Marblehead and held a court before an
+open fire at Captain Brown’s house and there they spent the
+night. About six o’clock the next morning, before they were
+out of bed, an express arrived from Cape Ann bringing information
+of “9 or 11 Pirats, double arm’d, seen in a Lone-house
+there.” Colonel Legg of Marblehead, the colonel of the
+Essex South Regiment, was sent for and directed to order
+out at once companies for service at Cape Ann and like orders
+were sent to Colonel Wainwright at Ipswich, the colonel of
+the Essex North Regiment. Judge Sewall records in his
+diary that he incorporated in his letter to Colonel Wainwright,
+as a gentle prod to that estimable gentleman, the information
+“we were moving thither our selves to be Witness of
+his forwardness for Her Majesties Service.”</p>
+
+<p>Judges Sewall and Byfield then rode over to Salem and
+Major Stephen Sewall, clerk of the Inferior Court, got a
+shallop, the “Trial,” and the pinnace belonging to Salem
+Fort and with about twenty men of his military company<span class="pagenum" id="Page_105">[105]</span>
+started for Cape Ann by water while Sewall and Byfield,
+escorted by a troop of horse, went overland. At Beverly,
+the local troop were starting and at Manchester the military
+company “was mustering upon the top of a Rock.” Excitement
+was rampant but there was no great anxiety to hunt
+pirates. Meanwhile Attorney-General Dudley and Colonel
+Legg had sailed for Gloucester direct from Marblehead and
+on arriving learned that Captain Larramore had already sailed
+and taken the pirates on board at the head of the Cape near
+Snake Island. Judge Sewall records what followed.</p>
+
+<p>“When we came to Capt. Davis’s we waited Brother’s
+arrival with his Shallop Trial, and Pinnace: When they were
+come and had Din’d, Resolv’d to send after Larramore.
+Abbot was first pitch’d on as Captain. But matters went
+on heavily, ’twas difficult to get Men. Capt. Herrick pleaded
+earnestly his Troopers might be excus’d. At last Brother
+offer’d to goe himself: then Capt. Turner offer’d to goe,
+Lieut. Brisco, and many good Men; so that quickly made
+up Fourty two; though we knew not the exact number till
+came home, the hurry was so great, and vessel so small for
+43. Men gave us three very handsom cheers; Row’d out
+of the Harbour after sun-set, for want of wind. Mr. Dudley
+return’d to Salem with Beverly Troop. Col. Byfield and I
+lodg’d at Cape Ann all night; Mr. White pray’d very well
+for the Expedition Evening and morning; as Mr. Chiever
+had done at Marblehead, whom we sent for to pray with us
+before we set out for Gloucester. We rose early, got to Salem
+quickly after Nine. Din’d with Sister, who was very thoughtfull
+what would become of her Husband. The Wickedness
+and despair of the company they pursued, their Great Guns
+and other war like Preparations, were a terror to her and to
+most of the Town; concluded they would not be taken without
+Blood. Comforted our selves and them as well as we
+could.”</p>
+
+<p>Major Stephen Sewall with his company of volunteers in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_106">[106]</span>
+the shallop and pinnace followed the course of the “Larramore
+Galley” and reached the Isles of Shoals about seven
+o’clock the next morning where they sighted the galley as
+they approached. The men were “rank’d with their Arms
+on both sides the shallop in covert; only the four fishermen
+were in view.” As the expedition drew near they saw the
+boat belonging to the galley go ashore with six hands including
+three of the pirates, “which was a singular good Providence
+of God” as Judge Sewall piously commented afterwards.
+When the shallop approached nearer Larramore’s men at
+last saw the large number of men on board and “began to
+run to and fro and pull off the aprons from the Guns, and draw
+out the Tamkins [tampions], but when Major Sewall ordered
+his men to stand and show themselves ready to fight Larramore
+quickly abandoned all signs of resistance. Seven of
+the pirates were seized and with them over forty-five ounces
+of gold dust. The officers of the galley were also taken and
+with the galley in tow the expedition triumphantly returned
+to Salem “without striking a stroke or firing a gun.” While
+passing Gloucester, there being little wind, the men from the
+Cape were sent ashore at Eastern Point with the information
+that two of the pirates William Jones and Peter Roach, had
+mistaken their way and were still on the Cape. Strict search
+was immediately made by the town’s people and “being
+Strangers and destitute of all Succors they surrendered themselves
+and were sent to Salem Prison.”</p>
+
+<p>Before the return of the expedition a warrant had been
+issued for the apprehension of Captain Larramore and the
+<i>News-Letter</i> of June 5-12 announces that two more of the
+pirates, Benjamin Perkins and John Templeton, were in
+custody and that “His Excellency intends to bring forward
+the Tryal of <i>Quelch</i> and Company now in Custody for Piracy
+within a few days.” This prompt decision was in keeping
+with the haste displayed thus far and boded ill for the looters
+of Portuguese treasure. Their ill-gotten spoil was reputed to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_107">[107]</span>
+be immense and much of it was likely to fall into the hands
+of the Court, in fact, a considerable weight of gold had already
+been secured making certain the distribution of handsome
+rewards and large fees to the informers and all officials concerned
+in their capture and prosecution. Twenty-five of
+the pirates were then in custody. The “Charles,” when she
+arrived at Marblehead had forty-three white men on board
+and of this number eighteen got away without capture.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp85" style="max-width: 150em;">
+<img class='w100' id='i106' src='images/i106.jpg' alt=''>
+<figcaption>
+THE<br>
+Arraignment, Tryal, and Condemnation,<br>
+OF<br>
+Capt. John Quelch,<br>
+And Others of his Company, <i>&amp;c.</i><br>
+<br>
+FOR<br>
+Sundry <i>Piracies</i>, <i>Robberies</i>, and <i>Murder</i>, Committed
+upon the Subjects of the King of
+<i>Portugal</i>; Her Majesty’s Allie, on the Coast
+of <i>Brasil</i>, &amp;c.<br>
+<br>
+WHO<br>
+Upon full Evidence, were found Guilty, at the <i>Court-House</i> in
+<i>Boston</i>, on the Thirteenth of <i>June, 1704</i>. By Virtue of
+a Commission, grounded upon the Act of the Eleventh
+and Twelfth Years of King <i>William</i>, <i>For the more effectual,
+Suppression of Piracy</i>. With the Arguments of the
+QUEEN’s Council, and Council for the Prisoners upon
+the said Act.<br>
+<br>
+PERUSED<br>
+By his Excellency <i>JOSEPH DUDLEY</i>, Esq; Captain-General and
+Commander in Chief in and over Her Majesty’s Province of the
+<i>Massachusetts-Bay</i>, in <i>New-England</i>, in <i>America</i>, &amp;c.
+<p class='center mt1'>To which are also added, some PAPERS that were produc’d
+at the Tryal abovesaid.<br></p>
+<br>
+WITH<br>
+An Account of the Ages of the several Prisoners, and the Places where they were Born.<br>
+<br>
+<i>LONDON</i>:<br>
+<br>
+Printed for <i>Ben. Bragg</i> in <i>Avemary-Lane</i>, 1705.<br>
+<br>
+( Price One Shilling. )<br>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>The Governor’s announced intention of a prompt trial
+resulted in the holding of a Court of Admiralty at the Town
+House in Boston. The building stood at the head of what
+is now State Street and on Tuesday June 13, 1704, Joseph
+Dudley, Esq., “Captain-General and Governor in Chief of
+the Provinces of the <i>Massachusetts-Bay</i> and <i>New-Hampshire</i>
+in <i>New-England</i> in <i>America</i>,” sat as President of the Court
+and with him were Lieutenant-Governor Thomas Povey;
+the Lieutenant-Governor of the Province of New-Hampshire,
+John Usher; Nathaniel Byfield, Judge of the Vice-Admiralty;
+Samuel Sewall, First Judge of the Province of the Massachusetts-Bay;
+Jahlael Brenton, Esq., Collector of Her Majesty’s
+Customs in New England; Her Majesty’s Council
+in the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, twelve in number;
+and Isaac Addington, Esq., the Secretary of the Province.
+That morning Major Sewall, attended by a strong guard,
+brought to Boston the pirates that had been confined in
+Salem and gave to His Excellency a full account of his adventures
+while in pursuit of Quelch’s men. The <i>News-Letter</i>
+states that “The service of Major <i>Sewall</i> and Company
+was very well Accepted and Rewarded by the Governor,”
+and this is borne out by an entry in the Council records showing
+that £132.5.0 was ordered “paid out of the Treasure
+imported by the said Pirates,” to Major Sewall, Captain
+Turner and other officers of his company. This amount
+included a “gratification” made to these gentlemen for
+special services rendered.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_108">[108]</span></p>
+
+<p>The Court of Admiralty having assembled and proclamation
+for silence having been made, the statute made during
+the reign of King William, “An Act for the more effectual
+Suppression of Piracy,” was read and John Valentine, a Notary
+Publick, was sworn by the Governor as Register of the Court.
+The President of the Court and his Associates were then
+sworn in turn and the Court was opened by three proclamations
+as a “Court of Admiralty for the Tryal of Pirates.”
+A warrant was sent to the keeper of the prison to bring Capt.
+John Quelch before the Court which then adjourned for
+dinner to reassemble at three o’clock in the afternoon. At
+that time “<i>Matthew Pymer</i>, <i>John Clifford</i>, and <i>James Parrot</i>
+(the first of whom had surrendered himself quickly after his
+Arrival to his Excellency the Governor) were brought to the
+Bar, and Arraigned upon several Articles of Piracy, Robberry,
+and Murder, drawn against Captain <i>Quelch</i>, and others his
+Accomplices.” These three men pleaded guilty and then
+were ordered to “stand within the Bar, and to be Sworn as
+Witnesses on Her Majesty’s behalf.” Quelch was next
+brought to the bar and on being arraigned pleaded not guilty
+and asked the Court if he “might not have Council allow’d
+him upon any Matter of Law that might happen upon his
+Tryal,” and also that time be granted to prepare for the same.
+The Court replied that the articles under which he had been
+arraigned were “plain Matters of Fact,” but it did assign
+as council for the prisoner, James Meinzies, a Scotchman
+living in Boston, an attorney-at-law of ability who afterwards
+became Register of the Court of Vice-Admiralty. He seems
+to have defended the accused with skill and learning and to
+have called the attention of the Court to important objections
+to its course of procedure; but his personal relations
+with the Court and the unpopularity of his side of the case
+may have been an influence indicating how impolitic it was
+to contend too persistently against the obvious opinions of
+the Court. Twenty other prisoners were arraigned and then<span class="pagenum" id="Page_109">[109]</span>
+the Court adjourned until the next Friday morning at nine
+o’clock when further time was prayed for and adjournment
+was made until the following Monday morning, the Court
+refusing Attorney Meinzies motion that meanwhile “the
+Queen’s witnesses might be kept asunder until the Prisoners
+came upon their Tryals.”</p>
+
+<p>On Monday, June 9, 1704, Quelch was brought for trial
+and his irons were taken off. The nine articles of his indictment
+accused him of piracy, robbery and murder. As “Lieutenant”
+of the brigantine “Charles” he had neglected the
+orders of the owners and refusing to set on shore Matthew
+Pymer and John Clifford (witnesses for the Queen), who
+“dreading your Pyratical Intention, earnestly desired the
+same,” had directed a course for Fernando Island off the
+coast of Brazil, and while thereabouts had piratically taken
+various vessels belonging to subjects of the King of Portugal,
+“Her Majesty’s good Allie,” among them a ship
+of about two hundred tons burden, killing the captain and
+wounding several of the crew and from the several vessels had
+secured a rich booty. The chase of the ship had lasted for
+nearly two days. One of the Queen’s witnesses testified that
+it was Scudamore, the cooper of the brigantine, who had
+killed the Portuguese captain with a petard, but there was
+some dispute among the men as to which of them it was who
+killed him. From the various testimonies it appeared that
+Captain Plowman’s cabin door had been fastened with a
+marlin spike which was done by order of Anthony Holding
+who planned with others to seize the vessel. When Quelch
+came on board he didn’t object to what had been done or
+what was planned. Holding, who was among those who
+had escaped, was really the ringleader but Quelch was made
+commander, perhaps because he understood navigation.</p>
+
+<p>There were three negroes in Quelch’s company—Cæsar-Pompey,
+Charles, and Mingo, who also were tried, for, as
+the Queen’s Advocate, Mr. Dudley, said in open court, “The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_110">[110]</span>
+Three Prisoners now at the Bar are of a different Complexion,
+’tis true, but it is well known that the First and most Famous
+Pirates that have been in the World, were of their Colour.”
+The two first were shown to be Mr. Hobby’s slaves and
+that they didn’t run away from their master but were forcibly
+carried away by Captain Quelch. They were not active
+during the voyage and only did as they were commanded.
+They were the cooks on the brigantine and also sounded the
+trumpet when ordered. The Court cleared them whereupon
+they were “ordered upon their knees.”</p>
+
+<p>Among the crew of one of the captured vessels was a Dutchman,
+originally from Jutland, who entered himself for the
+remainder of the voyage, but because the company voted
+that he should not have a full share in the loot he threatened
+to inform against them when he came on shore with the result
+that he was given a gun and some powder and shot and set
+ashore at once.</p>
+
+<p>Although by the civil law at that time the testimony of an
+accomplice was not admissible, yet the Court permitted the
+greatest latitude in the testimony of witnesses and also disregarded
+the prevailing rules of procedure in not excluding
+interested witnesses. At no time did it appear that Quelch
+had killed the Portuguese captain; in fact, the testimony
+showed that Scudamore probably was the man who did it.
+The prosecuting Attorney-General in his speech to the Court
+said that the accused</p>
+
+<p>“After obtaining a Commission to draw the Sword to fight
+the open and declared Enemies of Her Sacred Majesty, instead
+of drawing it against the French and Spaniards, they
+have sheathed it in the Bowels of some of the best Friends
+and Allies of the Crown at this bay ... instead of fighting
+for Honour with the French, or Money with the Spaniards,
+they must go and surprize a few honest and peaceable Men,
+and our good Friends.”</p>
+
+<p>And so it came about that Quelch, Lambert, Scudamore,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_111">[111]</span>
+Miller, Peterson, Roach and Francis King had sentence of
+death pronounced against them. Fifteen of the crew who
+had pleaded “not guilty,” withdrew their pleas and asked
+for the mercy of the Court. The sentence of death was
+passed upon them but only two of the fifteen were executed.
+The rest remained in prison until July 19th of the next year
+when “Her Majesty’s most gracious pardon” was communicated
+to the Council and in open Court their chains
+“were knocked off,” on condition that they enter the Queen’s
+service. At the time of the trial two of the men had been
+acquitted on paying the prison fees. Wilde broke out of prison
+in September, 1704, but was apprehended the following June
+and again committed to close prison.</p>
+
+<p>Quelch came from Old England as did most of his crew.
+He was born in London and was about thirty-eight years old.
+Scudamore had been apprenticed to a cooper in Bristol, England;
+Miller came from Yorkshire; Peterson was a Swede;
+Roach was an Irishman; and King was born in Scotland. Of
+the New England men, John Lambert may serve as an example
+typical of the rest. He was born in Salem and at the time of
+his execution was about forty-nine years old. His father and
+grandfather were fishermen and he, too, doubtless followed
+the sea although in deeds he is called a “ship wright.” At
+the time that he sailed with Quelch he was married and had
+children. In his testimony during the trial he claimed that
+he was sick in the gun room at the time the captain was confined
+in his cabin and that he was forced to go on the voyage
+to the south. However, during the voyage he was as active
+as the rest and accepted his share of the spoils, but claimed
+that if he had not accepted, the company might have killed
+him or set him ashore on some desolate island where he would
+have starved to death. However that may be he suffered
+death with the others. A broad-sheet issued at the time, giving
+an account of the “Behaviour and last Dying Speeches of
+the Six Pirates, that were Executed on Charles River, Boston<span class="pagenum" id="Page_112">[112]</span>
+Side, on Fryday, June 30, 1704,” states that on the gallows
+Lambert “appeared much hardened and pleaded much on his
+Innocency: He desired all men to beware of Bad Company;
+he seemed in a great Agony near his Execution.”</p>
+
+<p>Previous to the day of the execution “the Ministers of the
+Town had used more than ordinary Endeavours to Instruct
+the Prisoners, and bring them to Repentance. There were
+Sermons Preached in their hearing Every Day; And Prayers
+daily made with them, And they were Catechised; and they
+had many occasional Exhortations, And nothing was left that
+could be done for their Good,”—so says the broad-sheet. It
+must have been a harrowing ordeal for the victims. The
+Reverend Cotton Mather, who never failed to be present at
+public executions, preached a sermon which was printed under
+the title of “Faithful Warnings to prevent Fearful Judgments,”
+and he and another minister walked with the condemned
+in solemn procession on that Friday afternoon, from
+the prison to Scarlett’s wharf, when “the silver oar” was
+carried before them as they continued by water to the place
+where the gallows had been set up between high- and low-water
+mark off a point of land just below Copp’s hill “about
+midway between Hudson’s Point and Broughton’s warehouse.”<a id="FNanchor_83" href="#Footnote_83" class="fnanchor">[83]</a>
+The condemned were guarded by forty musketeers
+and the constables of the town and were preceded by the
+Provost Marshal and his officers. Great crowds gathered to
+see the execution. Judge Sewall in his diary comments on
+the great number of people on Broughton’s hill, as Copp’s hill
+was called at that time.</p>
+
+<p>“But when I came to see how the River was cover’d with
+People, I was amazed: Some say there were 100 Boats. 150
+Boats and Canoes, saith Cousin Moodey of York. Mr. Cotton
+Mather came with Capt. Quelch and six others for Execution
+from the Prison to Scarlet’s Wharf, and from thence in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_113">[113]</span>
+the Boat to the place of Execution about midway between
+Hanson’s [<i>sic</i>] point and Broughton’s Warehouse. When the
+scaffold was hoisted to a due height, the seven Malefactors
+went up: Mr. Mather pray’d for them standing upon the
+Boat. Ropes were all fasten’d to the Gallows (save King,
+who was Repriev’d). When the Scaffold was let to sink, there
+was such a Screech of the Women that my wife heard it sitting
+in our Entry next the Orchard, and was much surprised at it;
+yet the wind was sou-west. Our house is a full mile from the
+place.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i112" style="max-width: 100em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i112.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+
+<span class='c2'>
+<i>Faithful Warnings to prevent Fearful<br>
+Judgments.</i><br>
+<br>
+Uttered in a brief<br>
+DISCOURSE,<br>
+Occasioned, by a<br>
+Tragical Spectacle,<br>
+in a Number of<br>
+Miserables<br>
+Under a Sentence of Death for<br>
+PIRACY.<br>
+<br>
+At BOSTON in N. E. <i>Jun. 22. 1704</i><br>
+<br>
+Deut. XIII. 11.<br>
+<i>All Israel shall hear, and fear, and shall do no
+more any such wickedness as this is among you.</i><br>
+<br>
+Occultam culpam sequitur aperta percussio.<br>
+<span style="margin-left: 14.5em;"><i>Cassiodor.</i></span><br>
+<br>
+<i>Boston</i>, Printed &amp; Sold by <i>Timothy Green</i>, at the <i>North</i> End of the Town. 1704.<br>
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>According to the custom of the time the bodies remained
+hanging on a gibbet until by decay they gradually disappeared.<a id="FNanchor_84" href="#Footnote_84" class="fnanchor">[84]</a>
+There was an exception made, for some reason, in
+the case of Lambert for his body was turned over to his widow
+after his son and others had made petition to Judge Sewall.
+It was buried that night about midnight in the old burying
+ground “near some of his relatives.”</p>
+
+<p>In his speech on the gallows Quelch warned the people to
+“take care how they brought money into New England, to be
+Hanged for it” and he also asked “Gentlemen, I desire to be
+informed for what I am here. I am condemned only upon
+Circumstances.” Peterson also complained of the injustice
+done him; and said, “it is very hard for so many mens Lives
+to be taken away for a little Gold.”<a id="FNanchor_85" href="#Footnote_85" class="fnanchor">[85]</a></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_114">[114]</span></p>
+
+<p>While the trial was yet in progress, accounts of charges in
+connection with the seizure of Quelch and his company began
+to come in. Judge Sewall and his Commission of Inquiry
+were awarded £25.7.10 for their sitting at Marblehead and
+journey to Cape Ann. Paul Dudley, the Attorney-General,
+received £36 for his work, while Meinzies, who defended the
+prisoners, was given £20 and then only after petitioning the
+Council on Aug. 4th for the usual fee “according to Custome
+in the like Case.” Sheriff Dyer for his service was paid
+five pounds and Thomas Bernard “for erecting the gibbet”
+was awarded forty shillings additional “to be paid out of the
+treasure.” By the time all accounts had been adjusted the
+sum of £726.19.4 had been “paid out of the treasure.”</p>
+
+<p>By October, 1705, the officials of the Province were ready to
+turn over to the Crown what remained of the “Coyn’d, Bar
+and Dust Gold imported by Capt. John Quelch.” This was
+weighed by Jeremiah Dummer, the Boston goldsmith, and
+found to be 788 ounces and after being placed in five leather<span class="pagenum" id="Page_115">[115]</span>
+bags, properly marked and sealed, it was sent by H. M. Ship
+“Guernsey,” to the “Lord high Treasurer of England for her
+Majesty’s use,” and so ended what has been characterized as
+“one of the clearest cases of judicial murder in our American
+annals,”<a id="FNanchor_86" href="#Footnote_86" class="fnanchor">[86]</a> save that Governor Dudley’s personal interest in
+the case appeared on May 27, 1707 when there was awaiting
+his order in London, the “royal bounty” awarded to him as
+his share of the “pirate money.” Not long after the trial of
+the pirates the Rev. Cotton Mather quarrelled with the Governor
+and published in London in 1708—“The <i>Deplorable
+State</i> of New England, By Reason of a <i>Covetous</i> and <i>Treacherous</i>
+Governor,” in which appears the following paragraph indicating
+that acts of piracy at that time were not confined
+entirely to the high seas.</p>
+
+<p>“III There have been odd <i>Collusions</i> with the Pyrates of
+Quelch’s Company, of which one Instance is, That there was
+Extorted the Sum of about Thirty Pounds from some of the
+Crue, for Liberty to Walk at certain times in the <i>Prison</i> Yard;
+and this Liberty having been Allow’d for Two or Three Days
+unto them, they were again Confined to their former Wretched
+Circumstances.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp61" id="i114" style="max-width: 105.0625em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i114.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>REV. COTTON MATHER, PASTOR OF THE SECOND (NORTH) CHURCH, BOSTON, 1685-1728<br>
+<span class='c2'>From a mezzotint by Peter Pelham after a portrait painted in 1728.</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_82" href="#FNanchor_82" class="label">[82]</a> Water bailiff:—a custom house officer charged with the duty of searching
+ships.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_83" href="#FNanchor_83" class="label">[83]</a> The place of the execution was about where the North End Park bathing
+beach is today.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_84" href="#FNanchor_84" class="label">[84]</a> In the summer of 1755, two negro servants of Capt. John Codman of
+Charlestown, poisoned their master. Phillis, the woman servant and the
+principal in the murder, was burned at the stake at Cambridge and Mark,
+her accessory, was hanged and then gibbetted on Charlestown Neck.
+Three years later Dr. Caleb Rea of Wenham, while on his way to Ticonderoga,
+rode by and stopped to inspect the body of Mark. He recorded in
+his diary that “the skin was but little broken altho’ he had been hanging
+there near three or four years.”</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_85" href="#FNanchor_85" class="label">[85]</a> These pirates were tried under authority conferred by a commission
+sent over in accordance with an Act of the 11th and 12th year of William III,
+authorizing the trial of pirates by Courts of Admiralty, out of the realm.
+The commission sent to New England was dated Nov. 23, 1700. This
+commission required that all trials should be conducted “according to the
+civil law” of the Province, which at that time required two innocent witnesses
+against each defendant necessary for a conviction, and in no case was
+the testimony of an accomplice admissible. Moreover, by the Act under
+which the commission was issued, principals only were triable in the Admiralty
+Courts held in the Provinces; accessories were expressly required
+to be sent to England for trial. We learn from the <i>Boston News-Letter</i> of
+the third week in July, that Captain Larramore and Lieutenant Wells, of
+the “Larramore Galley,” had been sent for England in the express sloop
+“Sea Flower,” Captain Cary, for trial as “Accessaries in endeavouring to
+carry off the 7 Pirates.... He carries also with him three Evidences of
+their crime committed.” All the men on board the pirate brigantine could
+not be considered as principals. In fact, only six men were executed and
+the rest of those condemned to death at the same time were afterwards set
+free. Only such as could be shown were principals in committing acts of
+piracy or murder could be sentenced by the court. All others must clearly
+be sent to England to be tried by jury. Nothing in the somewhat detailed
+report of the trial that was printed in London at the time, shows that the
+accused were even given the benefit of a doubt either as to the law or the
+testimony. For an analytical summary of this trial, see <i>Acts and Resolves
+of the Province of Massachusetts Bay</i>, <i>Vol.</i> VIII, p. 397.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_86" href="#FNanchor_86" class="label">[86]</a> <i>Acts and Resolves of the Province of Massachusetts Bay</i>, Vol. VIII, p.
+397.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_116">[116]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_VIII">CHAPTER VIII<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Samuel Bellamy, whose Ship was Wrecked at Wellfleet
+and 144 Drowned</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Very little is known of the origin of this man save that
+he came from the west of England where families of
+the same name are living today. In company with
+one Paul Williams,<a id="FNanchor_87" href="#Footnote_87" class="fnanchor">[87]</a> he first appears in the West Indies where
+they tried to raise a Spanish wreck hoping to salve the bags
+of silver supposed to be in the hold. Meeting with no success
+and being at odds with honest merchants and shipmasters,
+they decided to turn pirates or “go on the account,” a term
+adopted by men of that profession, and not long after they fell
+in with Capt. Benjamin Hornygold, in the sloop “Mary
+Anne,” and Capt. Louis Lebous, in the sloop “Postillion,”
+and agreed to join forces. They set out in two large sloops
+each having about seventy men aboard.</p>
+
+<p>Before long several captures were made that increased their
+gains and also enlarged their crews, but Hornygold and some
+of the Englishmen on board his sloop refused to take and
+plunder English vessels, so his company divided and he went
+away in a prize sloop with twenty-six men leaving ninety men
+who elected Bellamy their new captain. Most of those on
+board were English and at that time it was not their habit to
+force men.</p>
+
+<p>Bellamy and Lebous sailed together and off the Virgin
+Islands took several small vessels and off St. Croix, a French
+ship from Quebec laden with fish and flour. Afterwards making
+Saba they sighted two ships which they chased and came
+up with, spreading a large black flag “with a Deaths Head and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_117">[117]</span>
+Bones a-cross.” The larger of the two was the ship “Sultana,”
+commanded by Captain Richards. The other was commanded
+by Captain Tozor. The “Sultana” was taken over by Bellamy
+and cut down and made into a galley and Paul Williams,
+his quartermaster, was given command of the sloop.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i116" style="max-width: 90.3125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i116.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+
+<span class='c2'>
+THE<br>
+TRIALS<br>
+Of Eight Persons<br>
+Indited for Piracy <i>&amp;c.</i><br>
+<br>
+Of whom Two were acquitted, and the rest found Guilty.<br>
+<br>
+At a Justiciary Court of Admiralty Assembled and Held in Boston
+within His Majesty’s Province of the Massachusetts-Bay
+in New-England, on the 18th of October 1717. 
+and by several Adjournments continued to the 30th. Pursuant
+to His Majesty’s Commission and Instructions, founded
+on the Act of Parliament. Made in the 11th. &amp; 12th of
+KING William IIId. Intituled, <i>An Act for the
+more effectual Suppression of Piracy</i>.<br>
+<br>
+With an APPENDIX,<br>
+<br>
+Containing the Substance of their Confessions
+given before His Excellency the Governour,
+when they were first brought to
+<i>Boston</i>, and committed to Goal.
+<br>
+<br>
+<i>Boston</i>:<br>
+<br>
+Printed by B. Green, for John Edwards, and Sold at his Shop in King’s Street. 1718.
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>On Dec. 19, 1716, about nine leagues to the leeward of the
+island of Blanco, they fell in with the ship “St. Michael,”
+James Williams, master, a Bristol ship that had sailed from
+Cork in September, bound for Jamaica with provisions. The
+ship was taken to the island of Blanco where they helped themselves
+to such provisions as they wanted and forced four men.
+Among the men who were forced was Thomas Davis, the ship’s
+carpenter, born in Carmarthenshire, Wales, who was the only
+white man to escape drowning when Bellamy was afterwards
+wrecked on Cape Cod. Thomas South of Boston, England,
+also was forced.</p>
+
+<p>When Davis was told he must join the pirate crew he cried
+out that he was undone and “one of the pirates hearing him
+lament his sad condition, said, ‘Damn him, He is a Presbyterian
+Dog, and should fight for King James.’” Captain
+Williams tried to say a good word for Davis and finally Bellamy
+promised that he might go free on the next vessel that
+was taken. On Jan. 9, 1717, with fourteen other forced men,
+he was put on board the “Sultana.” At that time there were
+on the three pirate vessels eighty men of the “old Company”
+and one hundred and thirty forced men. “When the Company
+was called together to consult, each Man to give his
+Vote, they would not allow the forced Men to have a vote.”<a id="FNanchor_88" href="#Footnote_88" class="fnanchor">[88]</a></p>
+
+<p>From Blanco, they sailed to a maroon island called Testegos
+where they refitted and then sailed for the Windward Passage,
+but the wind blowing hard they parted company with Captain
+Lebous and went into St. Croix, “where a French pirate was
+blown up.”</p>
+
+<p>About the end of February, 1717, the “Whidaw,” a fine<span class="pagenum" id="Page_118">[118]</span>
+London-built galley commanded by Capt. Lawrence Prince,
+was making her way under easy sail through the Windward
+Passage between Cuba and Porto Rico. She had lately cleared
+from Jamaica and was bound for London, with a rich cargo of
+elephants’ teeth, gold dust, sugar, indigo and Jesuit’s bark,
+having previously been on a slaving voyage to the Guinea
+coast. The galley was about three hundred tons burthen,
+mounted eighteen guns and carried a crew of fifty men. Early
+in the morning a ship and a sloop in company were sighted.
+They shortly altered their course and followed the “Whidaw”
+and after a three days’ chase took her with practically no resistance.
+In fact, Captain Prince was so lacking in spirit that
+only two chase guns were fired at the sloop and his flag was
+hauled down at the first demand to surrender.</p>
+
+<p>The pirate ship was commanded by Captain Bellamy who
+ordered a prize crew on board the “Whidaw” and all three
+vessels then made a course for Long Island, one of the Bahamas,
+where they came to anchor. This prize not only enriched
+but strengthened them for Bellamy immediately took her over
+and mounted additional guns, so that she carried twenty-eight.
+Captain Prince was rewarded for making an easy surrender
+by being given the ship “Sultana.” He also was permitted
+to load her with much of the best and finest of the cargo
+of the “Whidaw,” not wanted by the pirates, and after his
+crew had been picked over and the boatswain and two other
+men forced and seven had volunteered, he was allowed to go.
+Bellamy felt so well-disposed that he gave the captain £20 in
+silver and gold, “to bear his charges.”<a id="FNanchor_89" href="#Footnote_89" class="fnanchor">[89]</a></p>
+
+<p>When the “Whidaw” was taken over, Davis reminded
+Captain Bellamy of his promise and asked if he might go with
+Captain Prince. Bellamy said he might go if the company consented
+and called for a vote; but the pirates expressed themselves
+violently and voted no. He was a carpenter and needed
+on board. “Damn him,” said the company, “rather than<span class="pagenum" id="Page_119">[119]</span>
+let him go he should be shot or whipped to Death at the Mast.”
+All the new men were now sworn to be true and not cheat the
+company to the value of a piece of eight and it was agreed to
+treat forced men and volunteers alike. “When a prize was
+taken the Watch Bill was to be called over and Men put on
+board as they stood named in the Bill.”</p>
+
+<p>The money taken on the “Whidaw” was reported to
+amount to £20,000. It was counted over in the cabin and
+put up in bags, fifty pounds as every man’s share, there being
+one hundred and eighty men on board. “The money was
+kept in chests between decks without any Guard.”</p>
+
+<p>The next day Bellamy and Williams sailed and shaped a
+course for the Capes of Virginia on the way taking an English
+ship, hired by the French, laden with sugar and indigo, and
+after an inspection dismissing her. Off the Virginia coast
+three ships and a snow were taken, two of them hailing from
+Scotland, one from Bristol, and the last, a Scotch ship from the
+Barbadoes with a little rum and sugar aboard, in so leaky a
+condition that the crew refused to go farther in her and so the
+pirates sunk her and put the crew on board the snow which
+was commanded by a Captain Montgomery. This vessel was
+taken over and manned by men from the “Whidaw.” The
+two other ships were plundered and discharged.</p>
+
+<p>Just at this time a storm came up and Bellamy took in all
+his small sails and Williams double-reefed his main sail. It
+was a thunder-storm and the wind blew with such violence that
+the “Whidaw” was very nearly over-set. Fortunately it
+blew from the northwest and so drove them away from the
+coast with only the goose-wings of the foresails to scud with.
+Towards night the storm increased mightily “and not only
+put them by all Sail, but obliged the <i>Whidaw</i> to bring her
+Yards aportland, and all they could do with Tackles to the
+Goose Neck of the Tiler, four Men in the Gun Room, and two
+at the Wheel, was to keep her Head to the Sea, for had she once
+broach’d to, they must infallibly have founder’d. The Heavens,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_120">[120]</span>
+in the mean while, were cover’d with Sheets of Lightning,
+which the Sea by the Agitation of the saline Particles seem’d
+to imitate; the Darkness of the Night was such, as the Scripture
+says, as might be felt; the terrible hollow roaring of the
+Winds, cou’d be only equalled by the repeated, I may say, incessant
+Claps of Thunder, sufficient to strike a Dread of the
+supream Being, who commands the Sea and the Winds, one
+would imagine in every Heart; but among these Wretches,
+the Effect was different, for they endeavoured by their Blasphemies,
+Oaths, and horrid Imprecations, to drown the Uproar
+of jarring Elements. Bellamy swore he was sorry he
+could not run out his Guns to return the Salute, meaning the
+Thunder, that he fancied the Gods had got drunk over their
+Tipple, and were gone together by the Ears:</p>
+
+<p>“They continued scudding all that Night under their bare
+Poles. The next Morning the Main-Mast being sprung in
+the Step, they were forced to cut it away, and, at the same
+time, the Mizzen came by the Board. These Misfortunes
+made the Ship ring with Blasphemy, which was encreased,
+when, by trying the Pumps, they found the Ship made a great
+Deal of Water; tho’ by continually plying them, it kept it
+from gaining upon them: The Sloop as well as the Ship, was
+left to the Mercy of the Winds, tho’ the former, not having a
+Tant-Mast, did not lose it. The Wind shifting round the
+Compass, made so outrageous and short a Sea, that they had
+little Hopes of Safety; it broke upon the Poop, drove in the
+Taveril, and wash’d the two Men away from the Wheel, who
+were saved in the Netting. The Wind after four Days and
+three Nights abated of its Fury, and fixed in the North, North
+East Point, hourly decreasing, and the Weather clearing up,
+so that they spoke to the Sloop, and resolv’d for the Coast of
+Carolina; they continued this Course but a Day and a Night,
+when the Wind coming about to the Southward, they changed
+their Resolution to that of going to <i>Rhode Island</i>. All this
+while the <i>Whidaw’s</i> Leak continued, and it was as much as<span class="pagenum" id="Page_121">[121]</span>
+the Lee-Pump could do to keep the Water from gaining, tho’
+it was kept continually going. Jury-Masts were set up, and
+the Carpenter finding the Leak to be in the Bows, occasioned
+by the Oakam spewing out of a Seam, the Crew became very
+jovial again; the Sloop received no other Damage than the
+Loss of the Main-Sail, which the first Flurry tore away from
+the Boom.”<a id="FNanchor_90" href="#Footnote_90" class="fnanchor">[90]</a></p>
+
+<p>While on the voyage to Rhode Island they came upon a
+Boston-owned sloop commanded by Captain Beer, who was
+ordered on board the “Whidaw” while the sloop was being
+plundered. Both Bellamy and Williams were for giving
+Captain Beer his sloop again but for some reason the company
+would not agree to it and so the sloop was sunk and later Captain
+Beer was set ashore on Block Island. He reached his
+home in Newport, the first of May.</p>
+
+<p>After the vote to sink the sloop had been taken Bellamy
+announced the fact to the captain in a speech that has been
+preserved in the “History of the Pirates.”</p>
+
+<p>“D—— my Bl——d,” says he, “I am sorry they won’t
+let you have your Sloop again, for I scorn to do any one a Mischief,
+when it is not for my Advantage; damn the Sloop, we
+must sink her, and she might be of Use to you. Tho’, damn
+ye, you are a sneaking Puppy, and so are all those who will
+submit to be governed by Laws which rich Men have made
+for their own Security, for the cowardly Whelps have not the
+Courage otherwise to defend what they get by their Knavery;
+but damn ye altogether: Damn them for a Pack of crafty Rascals,
+and you, who serve them, for a Parcel of hen-hearted
+Numskuls. They villify us, the Scoundrels do, when there is
+only this Difference, they rob the Poor under the Cover of Law,
+forsooth, and we plunder the Rich under the Protection of
+our own Courage; had you not better make One of us, than
+sneak after the A——s of these Villains for Employment?
+Capt. Beer told him, that his Conscience would not allow him<span class="pagenum" id="Page_122">[122]</span>
+to break thro’ the Laws of God and Man. You are a devilish
+Conscience Rascal, d——n ye, replied Bellamy, I am a free
+Prince, and I have as much Authority to make War on the
+whole World, as he who has a hundred Sail of Ships at Sea, and
+an Army of 100,000 Men in the Field; and this my Conscience
+tells me; but there is no arguing with such sniveling Puppies,
+who allow Superiors to kick them about Deck at Pleasure; and
+pin their Faith upon a Pimp of a Parson: a Squab, who neither
+practices nor believes what he puts upon the chuckle-headed
+Fools he preaches to.”<a id="FNanchor_91" href="#Footnote_91" class="fnanchor">[91]</a></p>
+
+<p>On board the “Whidaw” was a man named Lambert, and
+John Julian, a Cape Cod Indian, both of whom knew the coast
+and who were to act as pilots. It was Bellamy’s intention to
+clean his ship at Green Island.</p>
+
+<p>On Friday, April 26, 1717, early in the morning, about a
+fortnight after setting Captain Beer ashore, when halfway
+between Nantucket shoals and St. George’s banks, the pirates
+came up with a pink, the “Mary Anne,” of Dublin, Capt.
+Andrew Crumpstey, with a cargo of wine from Madeira. She
+had touched at Boston and was bound for New York. The
+pirate vessels came up “with King’s Ensign and Pendant flying”
+and after the pink had struck her colors a boat was hoisted
+out from the “Whidaw” and seven men were sent on board
+“armed with Musquets, Pistols and Cutlasses.” Captain
+Crumpstey, with five of his hands, was ordered to go aboard
+the “Whidaw” with his ship’s papers. The mate, Thomas
+Fitzgerald, and two seamen, Alexander Mackconachy and
+James Dunavan, were left on board the “Mary Anne.”</p>
+
+<p>A little later, men from the “Whidaw” rowed over to get
+some wine from the cargo but finding it difficult to get at returned
+with only a small quantity, carrying back at the same
+time some clothing needed by the men from the pink. Soon
+after the boat was hoisted aboard, the ship hailed and ordered
+the pink to steer N. W. by N. and the little fleet followed this<span class="pagenum" id="Page_123">[123]</span>
+course until about four o’clock in the afternoon when it came
+up very thick, foggy weather and they lay to. Presently the
+snow came up under the ship’s stern and hailed Captain Bellamy
+and told him that they saw land. He then ordered the
+pink to steer north. A sloop from Virginia had also been taken
+that afternoon and as night came on all four vessels put out
+lights a-stern and made sail, keeping together. Soon Captain
+Bellamy hailed the pink, which was a slow sailer, and
+ordered them to make more haste, whereupon John Brown,
+one of the pirates, swore “that she should carry sail till she
+carryed her Masts away.”</p>
+
+<p>The pirates on board the pink drank plentifully of the wine
+on board and took turns at the helm. As she was leaky all
+hands were forced to pump hard and in consequence damned
+the vessel and wished they had never seen her. A pirate
+named Thomas Baker was in command of the company on
+the pink and told Fitzgerald, the mate, that Captain Bellamy
+held a commission from King George, and Simon van Vorst,
+one of his men, said, “Yes, and we will stretch it to the World’s
+end.”</p>
+
+<p>At this time there were about fifty forced men on board
+the pirate vessels “over whom they kept a watchful eye, and
+no Man was suffered to write a word, but what was nailed up
+to the Mast. The names of the forced men were put in the
+Watch Bill and fared as others. They might have had what
+money they wanted from the Quartermaster, who kept a Book
+for that purpose.”<a id="FNanchor_92" href="#Footnote_92" class="fnanchor">[92]</a> It was common report on board that
+they had with them about £20,000, in gold and silver.</p>
+
+<p>About ten o’clock in the evening it came on very thick
+weather. The wind blew from the east, it lightened and rained
+hard and the vessels soon lost sight of each other. Fitzgerald,
+the mate, was then at the helm and suddenly found that the
+pink was among the breakers. All hands tried to trim the
+head sail but before they could do it the vessel ran ashore<span class="pagenum" id="Page_124">[124]</span>
+opposite to Slutts-bush, at the back of Stage Harbor, on the
+south side of Cape Cod in what is now the town of Orleans.
+Baker, the pirate in command, at once ordered the foremast
+and mizzen mast cut down and the heavy sea soon drove the
+pink high on shore. Some of the prize crew, fearful of apprehension,
+then said “For God’s sake let us go down into the
+Hould and Die together” and later asked Fitzgerald to read
+to them out of the common prayer book which he did for about
+an hour. As the pink gave no signs of breaking up everybody
+remained on board until daybreak when they found it possible
+on the shore side to jump directly on land. It was a small
+island called Pochet Island, now a part of the mainland of
+Orleans. Here they breakfasted on sweetmeats found in a
+chest, washed down with wine from the cargo. At the time
+they could see at anchor beyond the bar, the snow and the
+small sloop, both having ridden out the storm safely. About
+the middle of the morning they worked off shore.</p>
+
+<p>At ten o’clock in the forenoon two men, John Cole and
+William Smith, came out to the island in a canoe and carried
+them all to the mainland where they went to Cole’s house and
+stayed for a short time, “looking very dejected.” Cole afterwards
+testified that they asked the way to Rhode Island and
+seemed in great haste to be off.</p>
+
+<p>News of the wreck traveled swiftly and soon reached the
+ears of Joseph Doane of Eastham, a justice of the peace and
+representative to the Great and General Court. Fitzgerald
+testified at the trial of the pirates that Mackconachy, the cook
+on the pink, had bravely denounced the seven pirates as soon
+as they reached the house of John Cole. At any rate,
+Justice Doane, with a deputy sheriff and posse of men, was
+soon in pursuit of the fleeing pirates who were overtaken
+and seized at Eastham tavern and taken to Barnstable gaol.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, the “Whidaw” drove ashore ten miles<a id="FNanchor_93" href="#Footnote_93" class="fnanchor">[93]</a> to the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_125">[125]</span>
+north with a great loss of life. Only two out of the ship’s
+company of one hundred and forty-six men reached the
+shore alive,—Thomas Davis, a young Welsh shipwright
+who had been forced the previous December, and John
+Julian, an Indian, born on Cape Cod,—these two men, by
+great endurance and good fortune, not only swam ashore
+from the bar on which the “Whidaw” was breaking up,
+but after reaching the shore successfully scaled “the
+Table Land” and escaped the smother of pounding rollers
+beneath.</p>
+
+<p>Davis told the judges of the Admiralty Court in Boston
+that when the thunder-storm broke, the “Whidaw” lost sight
+of her escorts and like the pink soon found breakers ahead.
+An anchor was let go but the violence of the sea was so great
+that the cable was cut and the attempt made to work off shore
+but she soon drove on the bar. A quarter of an hour after
+she struck, the mainmast went by the board and in the morning
+the fine new ship was a tangled mass of wreckage. About
+sixteen prisoners were drowned including Crumpstey, the master
+of the pink. “The riches on board were laid together in
+one head,” testified Davis.</p>
+
+<p>While the condemned pirates were awaiting execution they
+were taken to the North Meeting House, as an edifying spectacle,
+and there the Rev. Cotton Mather preached a sermon
+which was published under the title: “Instructions to the
+Living from the Condition of the Dead.” In this pamphlet
+he states that “when it appeared that the wrecked ship was
+breaking up the pirates murdered their prisoners on board
+lest they should escape and appear as witnesses. Wounds
+were afterwards found on their dead bodies washed up by the
+sea.” Nowhere in the testimony given at the trial is there an
+allusion to anything of the sort. Davis, the white survivor,
+testified in great detail and makes no mention of such horrible
+brutality. That dead bodies may have come ashore battered
+and mutilated is highly probable. Every great loss of life in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_126">[126]</span>
+a wrecked ship that has broken up and buffeted its victims
+has exhibited similar horrors.</p>
+
+<p>Another tale that has survived relates to the supposed heroism
+of the captain of the Irish pink. The “<i>Boston News-Letter</i>”
+of April 29-May 6, 1717, prints news of the wreck and
+states that “The Pyrates being free with the Liquor that the
+Captive had, got themselves Drunk and asleep, and the Captive
+master in the Night, thought it a fit opportunity to run
+her ashore on the back side of Eastham.” Nearly eighty
+years later a citizen of Wellfleet wrote a short history of the
+town with an account of the pirate wreck, in which he doubtless
+perpetuated the local traditions. He relates that Bellamy’s
+entire fleet was “cast on the shore of what is now Wellfleet,
+being led to the shore by the captain of a snow, which
+was made a prize on the day before: who had the promise of
+the snow as a present, if he would pilot the fleet into Cape Cod
+harbor; the captain, suspecting that the pirate would not
+keep his promise, and that instead of clearing his ship, as was
+his pretence, his intentions were to plunder the inhabitants of
+Provincetown. The night being dark, a lantern was hung in
+the shrouds of the snow, the captain of which, instead of piloting
+where he was ordered, approached so near the land, that
+the pirate’s large ship which followed him struck on the outer
+bar; the snow being less, struck much nearer the shore. The
+fleet was put in confusion; a violent storm arose; and the
+whole fleet was shipwrecked on the shore. Many in the
+smaller vessels got safe on shore. Those that were executed,
+were the pirates put on board a prize schooner before the
+storm.... At times to this day [1793], there are King William
+and Queen Mary coppers picked up, and pieces of silver,
+called cob money. The violence of the seas moves the sands
+upon the outer bar; so that at times the iron caboose of the
+ship, at low ebb, has been seen.”<a id="FNanchor_94" href="#Footnote_94" class="fnanchor">[94]</a></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i126_1" style="max-width: 66.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i126_1.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>SPANISH DOUBLOON<br>
+<span class='c2'>From the original coin found on the beach at Wellfleet, Mass., where Bellamy’s
+pirate ship was wrecked in 1717 and now in the possession of
+Charles A. Taylor.</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i126_2" style="max-width: 99.1875em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i126_2.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>A SPANISH “PIECE OF EIGHT”<br>
+<span class='c2'>From a coin in the cabinet of the Massachusetts Historical Society</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>No longer ago than the year 1900, Capt. Webster Eldridge<span class="pagenum" id="Page_127">[127]</span>
+of Chatham, secured two guns that undoubtedly came from
+the wreck of the wine ship. The guns of the “Whidaw”
+should be found where she first struck on the outer bar, as
+she turned bottom up before she broke up and came ashore.</p>
+
+<p>The “Whidaw” came ashore about twelve o’clock at night.
+As soon as it was light, Thomas Davis, one of the two survivors,
+found his way to the house of Samuel Harding, about
+two miles distant from the wreck, and after telling his story
+Harding took him on his horse and they went to the shore and
+began to salvage what had washed up from the ship. They
+made several trips between the shore and the house. By ten
+o’clock a dozen others were there busily at work. The next
+day was Sunday and when Mr. Justice Doane reached the
+beach that morning he found that everything of value had
+been carried away. Davis was apprehended by him and a few
+days later the nine men in Barnstable <ins title='original: goal'>gaol</ins> were placed on
+horseback and started for Boston under a strong guard and on
+May 4th they were placed in irons in the stone gaol that then
+was located where the City Hall Annex now stands.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Governor Shute saw visions of a great store of
+pirate gold and so issued a proclamation charging all of His
+Majesty’s officers and subjects within the Province to use all
+diligence to seize and apprehend not only escaped pirates but
+“money, bullion, treasure, goods and merchandizes” from the
+pirate ship. He also dispatched Capt. Cyprian Southack to
+the scene of the wreck. Captain Southack had been in command
+of the “Province Galley” for over nineteen years and
+afterwards published a chart of the New England coast on
+which he located the pirate wreck. He hired a small sloop,
+the “Nathaniel,” John Sole, master, and sailed from Boston
+on May 1st, at ten o’clock in the morning, only five days after
+the “Whidaw” had come ashore. The wind was at the south,
+“a frisking gale,” and he didn’t reach Cape Cod harbor until
+the afternoon of the next day. There he hired a whale boat
+and sent two men to Truro where they got horses and at seven<span class="pagenum" id="Page_128">[128]</span>
+o’clock in the evening reached the wreck where a watch was
+maintained all night.</p>
+
+<p>At four o’clock on the morning of May 3, 1717, the diligent
+captain started in a whale boat and crossed the Cape by means
+of the natural canal that existed at that time between Orleans
+and Eastham, sometimes called “Jeremy’s Drean.” At
+Truro, he was “much afronted by one Caleb Hopkins, Senr.
+of Freetown,” and nowhere on the Cape did he find a cordial
+spirit of coöperation, as may be surmised. He found the
+“Pepol very Stife and will not [give up] one thing of what
+they Gott on the Rack.” He wrote to the Governor that
+“Samuel Harding has a great many Riches that he saved out
+of the Rack being the first man there and says that the Englishman
+give him orders to Deliver nothing of the Riches they
+had saved, so I find the said Harding is as Gilty as the Pirates
+saved.”</p>
+
+<p>The day after he arrived at Eastham, he posted a notice on
+the doors of three nearby meeting-houses announcing that he
+had been authorized by the Governor to discover and take
+care of the wreck, with power to “go into any house, shop,
+cellar, warehouse, room or other place and in case of resistance
+to break open any door, chests, trunks and other packages”
+and seize any plunder belonging to the wreck. But His Majesty’s
+“loving subjects” refused to disgorge. “They are
+very wise and will not tell one nothing of what they got on the
+Rack,” wrote the complaining captain. The coroner and his
+jury had ordered the victims of the wreck to be buried and
+demanded £83, as their due for the cost of burying the sixty-two
+bodies. Captain Southack claimed that public money
+should not be wasted in burying outlawed pirates and so the
+thrifty coroner “putt a stop” on some of the goods from the
+wreck and secured payment, which “is very hard,” writes the
+captain.</p>
+
+<p>The fragments of the wrecked ship he found scattered along
+the shore for a distance of nearly four miles. The anchor of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_129">[129]</span>
+the “Whidaw” could be seen on the bar at low tide but the
+sea was so rough that it was impossible to go out in the whale
+boat that he had impressed until nearly a week had gone by
+and then nothing could be seen for the moving sand made the
+water thick and muddy. It also rained much of the time. Altogether,
+a disagreeable experience for the faithful captain!
+Eventually he was obliged to abandon his attempt to recover
+“the riches” believed to be buried in the sand on the bar and
+return to Boston. Fate also played him a scurvy trick by
+sending along a pirate vessel to capture the sloop “Swan,”
+Samuel Doggett, master, that had been ordered from Boston
+to bring back the goods saved from the wreck. After being
+plundered of stores to the value of £80 she was allowed to go.
+This happened on the voyage down to the Cape.</p>
+
+<p>Does the sandy bar off Wellfleet still conceal the pirate gold?
+Who can say? Certainly no large salvage has ever been made.
+Moreover, there is a possibility that a part of it was carried
+off by some of the crew who may have escaped from the
+stranded ship. Captain Williams, the escort of Bellamy, also
+put in a belated appearance two days after the “Whidaw”
+was wrecked and came to anchor off shore and sent in a boat.
+Some salvage may have been effected then.</p>
+
+<p>Williams had reached Block Island on April 28th, too late
+to join Bellamy, and while there had beguiled on board and
+forced three men, Dr. James Sweet, George Mitchell and
+Willaim Tosh.<a id="FNanchor_95" href="#Footnote_95" class="fnanchor">[95]</a> From Block Island, he steered easterly and
+the next day, April 29th, reached the scene of the wreck. From
+there he chased several fishing vessels and then stood out to sea.
+He was back again a month later and took a ship and a
+schooner and even came into Cape Cod harbor on May 24th
+and then sailed through Vineyard Sound the following Sunday.
+He was then in great want of provisions. On May
+25th, a man-of-war and an armed sloop, with ninety men, had
+sailed from Boston in pursuit. The news was sent to Rhode<span class="pagenum" id="Page_130">[130]</span>
+Island and Governor Cranston replied, “I hope it will please
+god to Bless Your Excellency’s Indevours by the Sirprize and
+Caption of those Inhumaine Monsters of pray so as our Navigation
+may be made more Safe and Secure.”</p>
+
+<p>As for the possible escape of men from the wrecked “Whidaw,”
+the only evidence that now appears is found in the
+deposition of Daniel Collins, the master of a Cape Ann fishing
+sloop, who was captured by a small pirate sloop on May 10th.
+He was forty leagues eastward of Cape Ann at the time. There
+were nineteen men on board the pirate and they told him that
+“they were the only men that escaped that belonged to the
+ship that run on shoar att Cape Cod and that they made their
+escape in the long boat.” Since then they had taken three
+shallops and three schooners that belonged to Marblehead.</p>
+
+<p>Pirates usually were brought to a speedy trial in Boston;
+but for some reason the men who escaped the perils of the sea
+on Cape Cod remained in <ins title='original: goal'>gaol</ins> until Friday, Oct. 18th before
+they were taken into Admiralty Court and made to taste the
+perils of the land. John Julian, the Cape Cod Indian, was
+brought to Boston with the others but never was tried. He
+disappears from the records and may have died. Thomas
+Davis, the twenty-two year old Welshman, was able to convince
+the Court that he was a forced man and when he was
+cleared “put himself on his knees and thanked the Court and
+was dismissed with a suitable admonition.”</p>
+
+<p>The remaining seven:—Simon Van Vorst, 24 years, born
+in New York; John Brown, 25 years, born in Jamaica;
+Thomas Baker, 29 years, born in Flushing, Holland; Hendrick
+Quintor, 25 years, born in Amsterdam; Peter Cornelius Hoof,
+34 years, born in Sweden; John Sheean, 24 years, born in
+Nantes; and Thomas South, 30 years, born in Boston, England;
+were brought to trial in the Court House standing at
+the head of what is now State Street. Governor Shute, the
+Captain-General of the Province, sat as President of the Court
+and beside him was Lieutenant-Governor Dummer. The<span class="pagenum" id="Page_131">[131]</span>
+prisoners were charged with piracy in taking the “free trading
+Vessel or Pink called the Mary Anne” and were tried
+under the statute made in the 11th and 12th year of the reign
+of William III. The evidence was conclusive. Thomas South,
+it appeared by the testimony, was a ship carpenter who had
+been forced by Bellamy the previous December, from a Bristol
+ship commanded by Capt. James Williams. He was cleared.
+The others were found guilty and sentenced to be hanged on
+Friday, Nov. 15, 1717, “at Charlestown Ferry within the
+flux and reflux of the Sea.”</p>
+
+<p>After the condemned pirates were removed from the courtroom
+the ministers of the town took them in hand and “bestowed
+all possible <i>Instructions</i> upon the Condemned Criminals;
+often <i>Pray’d</i> with them; often <i>Preached</i> to them; often <i>Examined</i>
+them; and <i>Exhorted</i> them; and presented them with
+Books of Piety.” At the place of execution Baker and Hoof
+appeared penitent and the latter joined with Van Vorst in
+singing a Dutch psalm. John Brown, on the contrary, broke
+out into furious expressions with many oaths and then fell to
+reading prayers, “not very pertinently chosen,” remarks
+the Rev. Cotton Mather. He then made a short speech, at
+which many in the assembled crowd trembled, in which he
+advised sailors to beware of wicked living and if they fell into
+the hands of pirates to have a care what countries they came
+into. Then the scaffold fell and six twitching bodies, outlined
+against the sky, ended the spectacle.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i130" style="max-width: 78.625em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i130.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+
+<span class='c2'>
+Instructions to the LIVING,<br>
+from the Condition of the<br>
+DEAD.<br>
+<br>
+A Brief Relation of REMARKABLES<br>
+in the Shipwreck of above<br>
+One Hundred<br>
+Pirates,<br>
+<br>
+Who were Cast away in the Ship
+<i>Whida</i>, on the Coast of <i>New-England</i>,
+<i>April 26. 1717</i>.<br>
+And in the Death of Six, who after
+a Fair Trial at <i>Boston</i>, were
+Convicted &amp; Condemned, <i>Octob.
+22.</i> And Executed, <i>Novemb. 15.
+1717</i>. With some Account of
+the Discourse had with them on
+the way to their Execution.<br>
+<br>
+And a SERMON Preached on their Occasion.<br>
+<br>
+<i>Boston</i>, Printed by <i>John Allen</i>, for
+<i>Nicholas Boone</i>, at the Sign of
+the Bible in <i>Cornhill</i>. 1717.<br>
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_87" href="#FNanchor_87" class="label">[87]</a> Paul Williams, sometimes styled Paulsgrave Williams, is said to have
+been born on Nantucket. Later he lived at Newport, Rhode Island.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_88" href="#FNanchor_88" class="label">[88]</a> <i>The Trials of Eight Persons Indited for Piracy</i>, Boston, 1717.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_89" href="#FNanchor_89" class="label">[89]</a> <i>The Trials of Eight Persons Indited for Piracy</i>, Boston, 1717.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_90" href="#FNanchor_90" class="label">[90]</a> Johnson, <i>History of the Pirates</i>, London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_91" href="#FNanchor_91" class="label">[91]</a> Johnson, <i>History of the Pirates</i>, London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_92" href="#FNanchor_92" class="label">[92]</a> <i>The Trials of Eight Persons Indited for Piracy</i>, Boston, 1717.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_93" href="#FNanchor_93" class="label">[93]</a> About two and one-half miles south of the present life-saving station
+at Wellfleet.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_94" href="#FNanchor_94" class="label">[94]</a> <i>Massachusetts Historical Society Collections</i>, Vol. III, p. 120.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_95" href="#FNanchor_95" class="label">[95]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. II, leaf 165.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_132">[132]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_IX">CHAPTER IX<br>
+<span class="ch-title">George Lowther who Captured Thirty-Three Vessels
+in Seventeen Months</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Most of the piracies perpetrated by this man took place
+away from the New England coast, but as he aided
+Capt. Ned Low to begin his piratical career and at
+various times was his consort, it seems proper to include here
+some relation of the villainies that he committed. Lowther
+was an Englishman and an honest man when he sailed from
+London in March, 1721, as second mate of the ship “Gambia
+Castle,” owned by the Royal African Company and commanded
+by Capt. Charles Russell. The ship was carrying
+stores and a company of soldiers to the river Gambia, on the
+African coast, to garrison a fort some time before captured
+and destroyed by Capt. Howel Davis, the pirate. She came
+to anchor at Gambia in May and before long disputes arose
+between Lowther and Captain Russell in which many of the
+crew sided with the second mate. These disputes eventually
+led to a conspiracy whereby the ship was seized during the
+absence of the captain on shore, and with Lowther in command
+the ship sailed down the river.</p>
+
+<p>When safely at sea Lowther called the entire company together
+and made a speech in which he pointed out the folly of
+returning to England, for, by seizing the ship they had been
+guilty of an offence, the penalty of which was hanging, and for
+one he didn’t propose to chance such a fate. Continuing, he
+said if the company didn’t accept his proposal he only asked
+to be set ashore in some safe place. His proposal was that
+they should seek their fortunes on the seas as other brave men<span class="pagenum" id="Page_133">[133]</span>
+had done before them. The sailors and soldiers on board
+proved to be a crowd of good fellows not suited for the gallows
+or damp prison cells and so fell in with his suggestions. The
+cabins were knocked down, the ship made flush fore and aft
+and renamed the “Happy Delivery,” and the following “Articles”
+were drawn up, signed and, strangely enough, sworn to
+upon a Bible, viz:—</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“1. The Captain is to have two full Shares; the Master
+is to have one Share and a half; the Doctor, Mate, Gunner,
+and Boatswain, one Share and a quarter.</p>
+
+<p>“2. He that shall be found guilty of taking up any unlawful
+Weapon on Board the Privateer, or any Prize, by us taken,
+so as to strike or abuse one another, in any regard, shall suffer
+what Punishment the Captain and Majority of the Company
+shall think fit.</p>
+
+<p>“3. He that shall be found Guilty of Cowardice, in the
+Time of Engagement, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain
+and Majority shall think fit.</p>
+
+<p>“4. If any Gold, Jewels, Silver, &amp;c. be found on Board of
+any Prize or Prizes, to the Value of a Piece of Eight, and the
+Finder do not deliver it to the Quarter-Master, in the Space
+of 24 Hours, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and
+Majority shall think fit.</p>
+
+<p>“5. He that is found Guilty of Gaming, or Defrauding
+another to the Value of a Shilling, shall suffer what Punishment
+the Captain and Majority of the Company shall think fit.</p>
+
+<p>“6. He that shall have the Misfortune to lose a Limb, in
+Time of Engagement, shall have the Sum of one hundred and
+fifty Pounds Sterling, and remain with the Company as long
+as he shall think fit.</p>
+
+<p>“7. Good Quarters to be given when call’d for.</p>
+
+<p>“8. He that sees a Sail first, shall have the best Pistol, or
+Small-Arm, on Board her.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>This occurred on June 13, 1721. Seven days later, near<span class="pagenum" id="Page_134">[134]</span>
+Barbadoes, they came in sight of the brigantine “Charles,”
+James Douglass, master, owned in Boston in the Massachusetts
+Bay, which fell into their hands without any resistance
+and was plundered in the usual piratical manner. No one on
+board was injured and the vessel was let go without damage.
+Several other captures were made near Hispaniola including
+a Spanish pirate that recently had taken a Bristol ship, then
+in company. The Spaniards being engaged in the same trade
+expected some consideration at the hands of Lowther, but he
+rifled and then burned both ships, permitting the Spaniards
+to go away unharmed in their launch and adding all the English
+sailors to his own pirate crew. Meanwhile the news of
+his venture on the high seas had reached England and in
+September, H. M. Ship “Feversham,” stationed at Barbadoes,
+was reported to have taken Lowther, so Captain Russell
+set out from Plymouth for Barbadoes to take possession of his
+ship and give evidence against Lowther and his crew.<a id="FNanchor_96" href="#Footnote_96" class="fnanchor">[96]</a> Unfortunately
+for him, on his arrival at Barbadoes he learned
+that the capture had not been made. About that time Lowther
+took a small sloop owned at St. Christopher’s which he
+manned from his enlarged crew and together they made for a
+small island where the vessels were careened and their bottoms
+cleaned and here the company spent some time drinking
+and carousing with some Indian women they had seized.</p>
+
+<p>About Christmas time, 1721, they went aboard their vessels
+and took a course across the Caribbean for the Bay of Honduras,
+but running short of water made for the Grand Caimane
+islands to fill up the water butts. While here a small vessel
+came into the same harbor with only thirteen men aboard and
+with a man named Edward Low in command. It turned out
+that this company had recently come away from a Boston
+sloop in the Bay of Honduras and had turned pirates like
+themselves. Lowther accordingly proposed to Captain
+Low that they should join forces and shortly an agreement<span class="pagenum" id="Page_135">[135]</span>
+was reached and all went aboard the “Happy Delivery.”
+The joint adventures of these kindred spirits are related at
+length in the chapter on Captain Edward Low, until Low’s
+ambition led to a rupture between them. They separated at
+night on May 28, 1722, in the latitude of 38°, and Captain
+Lowther set a course for the mainland and took three or four
+fishing vessels off New York.</p>
+
+<p>On June 2d, the ship “Mary Galley,” Peter King, master,
+was overhauled, in latitude 35°. She was bound homeward
+to Boston from the Barbadoes and from her Lowther took
+thirteen hogsheads and a barrel of rum, a sufficient supply to
+wet thirsty throats for some days it would seem. He also
+secured five barrels of sugar and several cases of loaf sugar
+and pepper, a box of English goods and six negroes. The
+passengers were examined and robbed of all their money and
+plate and at eleven o’clock the next morning the ship was
+allowed to proceed. She reached Boston on the 14th and soon
+the intelligence was published in the newspapers. At the
+time of this capture Lowther was reported as commanding a
+sloop mounting four guns. About the same time sloops from
+the West Indies arriving at New York, brought news of the
+capture of a New York sloop, Thomas Noxon, master, on the
+voyage to Jamaica, loaded with provisions. The captain and
+crew had been marooned but taken off by a passing vessel
+bound for Bermuda. This may have been an earlier capture
+of Lowther. He next appeared near the Capes of the Chesapeake
+and cruised on and off for nearly three weeks, the wind
+being southerly and blowing an easy gale. Many persons
+harvesting on plantations near the shore reported the strange
+vessels, for Lowther and Harris were than in company. Several
+times they sailed up the bay for ten or twelve leagues and
+on July 8th brought down with them a large sloop taken high
+up in the bay. That night the vessels anchored at no great
+distance from shore and the excited neighborhood heard drums
+beating “all night,” so says the report, and could see a large<span class="pagenum" id="Page_136">[136]</span>
+number of men on board. Trade between the Capes was entirely
+stopped, no vessels daring to venture out. Franklin’s
+newspaper, the “New England Courant,” when publishing
+this information just arrived from Philadelphia, makes the
+satirical comment that for some time no man-of-war had been
+seen in the vicinity, “who, by dear experience, we know, love
+Trading better than Fighting.” One vessel did enter safely
+through the Capes, the sloop “Little Joseph,” commanded
+by Captain Hargrave, “who sailed from hence about two
+months ago for the Island of St. Christophers, but was taken
+by the Pyrates three Times and rifled of most of her Cargo, so
+that she was obliged to return back.”<a id="FNanchor_97" href="#Footnote_97" class="fnanchor">[97]</a></p>
+
+<p>From the Capes of the Chesapeake, Captain Lowther directed
+a course southerly and near the South Carolina coast
+met a ship just out of port bound for England,—the “Amy,”
+Captain Gwatkins. Lowther hoisted his piratical colors and
+fired a gun. Captain Gwatkins did not lose courage at sight
+of the black flag and replied with a broadside which caused
+Lowther to sheer off and the ship getting the pirate between
+her and the shore stood boldly after him. Finding that at
+last he had “caught a Tartar,” Lowther ran in towards shore
+and at length went aground and landed all his men with their
+arms. Captain Gwatkins hove to as near in-shore as he dared
+and filling one of his boats with armed men rowed toward the
+stranded sloop with the intention of setting it on fire. Most
+unfortunately, just before reaching the vessel, a volley from
+Lowther’s men on shore picked off Captain Gwatkins, wounding
+him fatally, after which the mate turned about and made
+for the ship without attempting farther to reach the sloop.
+When the “Amy” had left them, Lowther soon got his vessel
+afloat but found her in shattered condition. During the engagement
+he had a good many men killed and wounded and
+all in all it seemed best to pull into one of the many inlets on
+the North Carolina coast and refit and allow his wounded to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_137">[137]</span>
+recover. This required more time than he had anticipated
+and soon winter was at hand and at their chosen anchorage
+they finally remained until the next spring. Much of the
+time during the winter months was spent in hunting black
+cattle, hogs, etc., to supply fresh meat. The crew was divided
+up into small parties and sent out to ravage the back country,
+at last coming back to their huts and tents near the sloop where
+they lodged during the winter and only went on board when
+the weather grew very cold.</p>
+
+<p>Spring came at last and leaving their winter quarters they
+went to sea steering a course for the fishing banks off Newfoundland.
+On June 18th, 1723, the schooner “Swift” of
+Boston, John Hood, master, fell into their hands and supplied
+them with forty barrels of salt beef, very much needed at the
+time. Other miscellaneous stores were taken and three men—Andrew
+Hunter, Henry Hunter and Jonathan Deloe—were
+forced to join the pirate crew. Lowther’s sloop at that
+time had ten guns mounted.<a id="FNanchor_98" href="#Footnote_98" class="fnanchor">[98]</a></p>
+
+<p>Several other captures were made on the banks or in harbors
+along shore but none supplied much plunder. On July
+5th, being then about a hundred leagues eastward of the banks
+of Newfoundland, Lowther overhauled the brigantine “John
+and Elizabeth,” owned in Boston, Richard Stanny, master,
+bound home from Holland having called at Dover. Captain
+Stanny afterward reported that Lowther at that time had with
+him about twenty men and the sloop mounted only seven guns.
+The pirates broke open the hatches and helped themselves to
+a variety of merchandise and stores and forced two men,—Ralph
+Kendale of Sunderland, county Durham, and Henry
+Watson of Dover. These men struggled against being forced
+on board the sloop and before this was accomplished were
+badly whipped and beaten.<a id="FNanchor_99" href="#Footnote_99" class="fnanchor">[99]</a> At the time this capture was
+made Lowther was headed for warmer waters and early in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_138">[138]</span>
+September, in company with Capt. Ned Low, reached Fayal
+in the Western Islands, as is related elsewhere.</p>
+
+<p>The depredations of Low and Lowther that spring and summer
+aroused the fears of every shipmaster along the New England
+coast and every unrecognized vessel was imagined to be
+a rogue. Capt. James Codin on his passage from New York
+to Newport, R. I., sighted a sloop at anchor near Fisher’s
+Island which immediately made sail and chased him all day
+so that he concluded the sloop to be a pirate, more especially
+as he was followed when he altered his course. Captain Codin
+made for Stonington which he reached safely during the evening.
+The next morning the strange sloop was not in sight.
+She afterwards proved to be a New York sloop commanded
+by one Captain Heed, homeward bound from Jamaica. Not
+long after a sloop with a white bottom and eight gun-ports
+came to anchor near Block Island and sent a boat ashore for
+fresh provisions and a pilot. At Captain Rea’s some sheep
+were bought and payment was made in silver money. “It
+is conjectured to be Lowther the Pirate.”<a id="FNanchor_100" href="#Footnote_100" class="fnanchor">[100]</a> Two weeks later
+the Boston newspapers published a new batch of information
+according to which the sloop at Block Island proved to be a
+Londoner, owned by the Royal Assiento Company, and commanded
+by Capt. Rupert Wappen. She mounted eight guns
+and carried a crew of thirty-nine men, and on board were ten
+or twelve chests of silver money, a fact which her captain seems
+to have been at no pains to conceal. She was said to have
+come from Laver de Cruz and South Carolina and to be bound
+for Jamaica and was waiting at Block Island for a pilot.</p>
+
+<p>About the same time Capt. George Slyfield arrived at Philadelphia
+from South Carolina, in the sloop “Lincolnshire,”
+with the news that Lowther had gone to Cape Fear, to careen
+and Governor Nickolson had sent an Indian to learn the truth
+of the report and was also fitting out a man-of-war to go in
+search. And so the rumors flew about.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i138" style="max-width: 110.6875em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i138.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>CAPT. GEORGE LOWTHER AT PORT MAYO<br>
+ <span class='c2'>From a rare engraving in the Harry Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College
+Library</span></figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_139">[139]</span></p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, Lowther, in the sloop “Happy Delivery,”
+cruised about the Western Islands with Low and then made
+for the Guinea coast and the West Indies where he seems to
+have left Low, for he was alone when he had the good luck to
+capture a Martinico vessel that gave him greatly needed provisions.
+Not long after, a Guinea-man, the “Princess,” Captain
+Wickstead, surrendered to him. The bottom of the
+“Happy Delivery” having become foul, Lowther began to
+look about for a suitable inlet in which to careen and finally
+hit upon the island of Blanco which lies between the islands of
+Margarita and Rocas and is not far from Tortuga. It is a
+low-lying island, about two leagues in circumference and uninhabited.
+It is well wooded and there is a heavy scrub growth
+everywhere. Besides being frequented by large sea turtles
+it supports great numbers of iguanas, a kind of lizard that
+grows to a length of about five feet and is very good to eat;
+in fact, the pirates used to go there to catch them, as was well-known
+at the time. On the northwest end of the island there
+is a small cove or sandy bay and here Lowther, about the first
+of October, 1723, unrigged his sloop, sent the guns, sails, etc.,
+ashore and began to careen his vessel. Just at this time, most
+unfortunately for him, there appeared off the cove, the armed
+sloop “Eagle,” Walter Moore, commander, owned by Colonel
+Otley of the island of St. Christopher. She was bound for
+Comena, in Spanish territory, and passing near this well-known
+resort for pirates and catching sight of the sloop on
+the careen and so unprepared, Captain Moore decided to
+grasp the advantage and attack the rogues. So he fired a gun
+to oblige them to show their colors and they hoisted the St.
+George’s flag to their topmast head. But Captain Moore felt
+sure that she was no trader and so came in close. When
+Lowther found that the strange sloop was determined to engage
+him he opened fire from the shore, but was at so great a
+disadvantage that shortly his men called for quarter and began
+to run for the woods behind them. All resistance was soon<span class="pagenum" id="Page_140">[140]</span>
+over and Captain Moore got the “Happy Delivery” off,
+secured her, and then went ashore with twenty-five men in
+search of Lowther and his crew, and after five days of beating
+about the bushes succeeded in taking sixteen of the pirates
+including the sloop’s surgeon and seven others who surrendered
+themselves as forced men. Lowther they were unable to discover.
+At last abandoning further search Captain Moore
+continued his voyage to Comena, with the captured sloop in
+company, and on his arrival the Spanish Governor condemned
+the sloop a prize to the Englishman and also sent a sloop with
+twenty-three armed men to make further search for pirates
+at the island of Blanco. This search resulted in the capture
+of four more men whom the Spanish Governor tried and condemned
+to slavery for life. Captain Lowther and three of his
+men were able to conceal themselves in some dense undergrowth
+and so escaped capture, but not long after another
+party visited the island and came upon his dead body with
+a pistol beside it and it was supposed that in desperation he
+at last committed suicide.</p>
+
+<p>The sloop “Eagle,” having brought Captain Moore’s prisoners
+to St. Christopher’s, a Court of Vice-Admiralty was held
+on Mar. 11, 1724 when the following men were tried for piracy,
+viz: John Churchill, Edward Mackdonald, Nicholas Lewis,
+Richard West, Samuel Levercott, Robert White, John Shaw,
+Andrew Hunter, Jonathan Deloe, Matthew Freeborn, Henry
+Watson, Roger Granger, Ralph Candor and Robert Willis.
+The last three were acquitted, and the others found guilty,
+two of them, however, being recommended to mercy, were
+afterwards pardoned. Eleven of Lowther’s piratical crew
+accordingly were hanged by the neck until dead on Mar. 20,
+1724, on a gallows erected between high- and low-water mark
+at St. Christopher’s in the West Indies.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_96" href="#FNanchor_96" class="label">[96]</a> <i>American Weekly Mercury</i>, Feb. 6, 1722.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_97" href="#FNanchor_97" class="label">[97]</a> <i>New England Courant</i>, Aug. 6, 1722.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_98" href="#FNanchor_98" class="label">[98]</a> <i>Boston Gazette</i>, Sept. 9, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_99" href="#FNanchor_99" class="label">[99]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Aug. 8, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_100" href="#FNanchor_100" class="label">[100]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Aug. 22, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_141">[141]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_X">CHAPTER X<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Ned Low of Boston and how he became a Pirate
+Captain</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>There was living in Boston in the year 1719, a young
+man who went by the name of Ned Low. He was a
+ship-rigger by trade and as shipbuilding in Boston was
+brisk about that time, Low’s services were in demand. He
+was born in Westminster, England, and such meagre biographical
+information as is now available shows that he could neither
+read nor write and that as a boy he ran wild in the streets of
+his native parish. He seems to have begun his career early
+as a petty thief and gamester among the boys of his neighborhood
+and later to have spent much time among the hangers-on
+about the House of Commons which was near his home.
+Strong and fearless, he was always ready to attack any one
+who might catch him cheating or attempt to relieve him of his
+ill-gotten gains. It is said that one of his brothers, at the age
+of seven, was carried about in a basket on the back of a porter,
+in crowded streets, where he would snatch off hats and wigs
+and conceal them in his basket,—a profitable occupation for
+his family, it seems; and as he grew too large for the basket
+trick, he became a pickpocket and petty thief and in time, a
+housebreaker. According to the “Newgate Calendar,” he
+ended his days on a scaffold at Tyburn in company with
+others of his stripe.</p>
+
+<p>Ned Low was more fortunate for when old enough he went
+to sea with a brother and during the next three or four years
+visited many of the larger seaports, at last reaching Boston,
+in New England, where his fancy was caught by the pretty
+face of Eliza Marble, a girl of a good family, and after a time<span class="pagenum" id="Page_142">[142]</span>
+they were married,<a id="FNanchor_101" href="#Footnote_101" class="fnanchor">[101]</a> Ned meanwhile having found regular
+work as a ship-rigger. His wife became a member of the
+Second Church in 1718 and a son and daughter were baptized
+there.</p>
+
+<p>The couple had a daughter Elizabeth, born in the winter
+of 1719, and shortly after the young mother died, no doubt
+to the great sorrow of Low, for in after life probably the only
+redeeming traits in his character, were a love for his young
+daughter (the son having died in infancy) and his refusal to
+force married men to join his pirate crew. In lucid intervals
+between revelling and fighting Low is said to have frequently
+expressed great affection for the young child<a id="FNanchor_102" href="#Footnote_102" class="fnanchor">[102]</a> he had left in
+Boston, and mere mention of her would often bring tears to
+his eyes. Philip Ashton, a Marblehead fisherman whom Low
+captured and forced and who afterwards escaped after many
+adventures, has preserved in his “Narrative,” much curious
+information concerning Low, including instances of this vein
+of sentiment so strangely associated in a brutal nature.</p>
+
+<p>Low was of a rather cock-sure disposition and frequently
+engaged in disputes and quarrels. Not long after the death
+of his wife he was discharged by his employer for some cause
+and soon decided to leave Boston. He shipped on board a
+sloop bound for the Bay of Honduras for a cargo of logwood
+and proving himself to be no ordinary type of seaman, as soon
+as the sloop reached the Bay he was appointed to command
+the boat’s crew that was sent ashore to get the logwood and
+bring it out to the vessel. As Honduras was Spanish territory
+and the logwood was cut without permission, in fact, was being
+stolen from the Spaniards, the boat’s crew of twelve men always
+went on shore fully armed.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i142" style="max-width: 139.3125em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i142.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>THE IDLE APPRENTICE SENT TO SEA<br>
+ <span class='c2'>From an engraving by William Hogarth in the “Industry and Idleness” series, published in 1747. The young
+reprobate is being rowed past Cuckold’s Point on the Thames on which can be seen
+a pirate hanging from a gibbet</span></figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>One day it happened that the loaded boat came out to the
+sloop just before dinner was ready and as the men were tired<span class="pagenum" id="Page_143">[143]</span>
+and hungry, Low proposed that they stay and eat before
+going ashore again; but the captain was in a hurry to complete
+the loading of his vessel and sending for a bottle of rum
+he ordered them to take another trip at once so that no time
+should be lost. This angered the men and particularly Low
+who seized a musket and fired at the captain and missed him
+but shot through the head a sailor who happened to be standing
+behind him. Low then leaped into the boat and with its
+crew of twelve men made off from the sloop.</p>
+
+<p>It is more than likely that some such action had already
+been discussed by Low and his intimates among the crew.
+At any rate, they now decided to make a black flag and prey
+upon the vessels in the Bay. Luck was with them and the
+next day they came upon a small vessel which they captured.</p>
+
+<p>Low was now embarked on his bloody and cruel career as a
+pirate and if ever a man sailing the seas deserved to be hanged
+and gibbeted in chains, it was Low. If one half of the tales
+that have been told of him are true he must at times have been
+little short of a maniac. Time and again part of his crew deserted
+him because of his cruelty. No evil or cruel action
+was beyond his doing so that it is quite remarkable that he
+did not die a violent death within the knowledge of his men.
+In point of fact, however, it is not known exactly how or when
+he died.</p>
+
+<p>After the capture of the small vessel, Low, who had been
+elected captain, ordered a course made for the Grand Caimanes—islands
+lying about halfway between Yucatan and the island
+of Jamaica—intending to refit their vessel for piratical forays.</p>
+
+<p>The Grand Caimanes or Caymans, as they are known today,
+were much resorted to by gentlemen of the kidney of Captain
+Low and soon after arriving at the islands he fell in with Capt.
+George Lowther, another pirate, who was short of men and
+who, after becoming somewhat acquainted with Low, proposed
+that they join forces. As Low’s company was small in number
+and ill-fitted, an agreement was soon arrived at whereby<span class="pagenum" id="Page_144">[144]</span>
+Lowther remained in command with Low as his lieutenant.
+The small vessel brought in by Low was sunk and the united
+company made off together in the “Happy Delivery,” the
+name of Lowther’s ship.</p>
+
+<p>On the 10th of January, 1722, they came into the Bay of
+Honduras and sighted the ship “Greyhound,” Benjamin
+Edwards, commander, of about two hundred tons burden and
+owned in Boston. Lowther hoisted his piratical colors and
+fired a gun for the “Greyhound” to bring to, and she refusing,
+he gave her a broadside which was bravely returned. The
+engagement lasted for about an hour when Captain Edwards
+ordered his ensign struck fearing the consequences of too
+great a resistance. The pirate’s boat soon came aboard and
+the ship was thoroughly looted. The crew were cruelly
+whipped, beaten and cut, and five of them, Christopher Atwell,
+Charles Harris, Henry Smith, Joseph Willis and David Lindsay,
+were forced and the ship was burned.<a id="FNanchor_103" href="#Footnote_103" class="fnanchor">[103]</a></p>
+
+<p>Lowther also captured and burned seven other vessels belonging
+to Boston, and all their logwood, “because they were
+New-England men,” it was reported. About the same time
+a sloop belonging to Connecticut, Captain Ayres, was taken
+and burned and also a sloop from Jamaica, Captain Hamilton,
+which was taken for their own use and the command given to
+Charles Harris, who had been second mate of the “Greyhound”
+and who joined the pirates, it would seem, willingly.
+A sloop from Virginia, they took and then unloaded and generously
+gave back to her master who owned her. A sloop of
+about one hundred tons, belonging to Newport, Rhode Island,
+also was captured and as it was a new hull and a good sailer
+she was made a part of the pirate fleet and fitted with eight
+carriage and ten swivel guns and the command given to Ned
+Low.</p>
+
+<p>The pirate fleet was then composed of the “Happy Delivery,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_145">[145]</span>
+commanded by Admiral Lowther; the Rhode Island
+sloop, commanded by Captain Low; Hamilton’s sloop, commanded
+by Captain Harris, formerly of the “Greyhound”;
+and with a small sloop for a tender, the fleet set sail from the
+Bay and made for Port Mayo in the gulf of Matique where
+they intended to careen and clean the foul bottoms of their
+vessels. There they carried ashore all their sails and made
+tents in which they placed their plunder and stores and then
+began heaving down their ship. This turned out to be a very
+unfortunate move for just as they were in the midst of scrubbing
+and tallowing the bottom of the ship and wholly unprepared
+for any attack, a considerable number of the natives
+appeared from among the trees nearby and attacking the
+pirates forced them to go aboard their sloops which had not
+yet been careened. The natives carried off or destroyed all
+the stores and plunder, which was of considerable value, and
+also set fire to the ship.</p>
+
+<p>Lowther then took command of the largest sloop, which he
+called the “Ranger.” It was armed with ten guns and eight
+swivels and was the best sailer, so the entire company went
+aboard and abandoned at sea the other sloops. Provisions,
+however, were very short and empty stomachs and thinking
+of the loot that had been lost soon put them all in a vile temper
+and there was much fighting and blaming each other for their
+misfortune.</p>
+
+<p>About the beginning of May, 1722, they came near the
+island of Discade, in the West Indies, and while there took a
+brigantine, one Payne, master, which supplied what they
+needed most and put them in better temper. The brigantine,
+after it was well plundered, was sent to the bottom. After
+watering at the island, the sloop stood for the Florida coast
+where Lowther proposed to ravage the shipping in the vicinity
+of the Bahamas. On May 28th, in the latitude of thirty-eight
+degrees north, they overtook the brigantine “Rebecca,”
+of Charlestown in the Massachusetts Bay, James Flucker,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_146">[146]</span>
+commander, bound for Boston from St. Christophers. She
+fell into their hands at once as her crew were too few in number
+to contend with Lowther and his hundred pirates. There
+were twenty-three persons on board including five women, all
+of whom were treated decently and in due time reached Boston.
+The master of the brigantine they held promising him his vessel
+again when they had taken a better one.</p>
+
+<p>For some time Lowther had found Low an unruly officer,
+always aspiring and never satisfied with his proposals so that
+Lowther thought this a good opportunity to rid himself of a
+source of trouble and annoyance. Whereupon he proposed
+to Low that he take command of the brigantine and together
+with forty men, who elected to sail with him, Low made
+off by himself. Of the crew of the brigantine, three men were
+forced,—Joseph Sweetser of Charlestown and Robert Rich of
+London, Old England, who were compelled to go with Low,
+and Robert Willis, also of London, who, having broken his
+arm by a fall from the mast, begged that his condition be considered.
+But he was a vigorous and intelligent fellow and
+Lowther refused his plea and forced him away with him.<a id="FNanchor_104" href="#Footnote_104" class="fnanchor">[104]</a>
+These two commanders accordingly parted company, Low
+with forty-four men going off in the brigantine and Lowther
+with the same number remaining in the sloop. This happened
+in the afternoon of the 28th of May, 1722. Low took
+with him in the brigantine, two guns, four swivels, six quarter-casks
+of powder, provisions and some stores.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i146_1" style="max-width: 69.4375em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i146_1.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>A BARQUE IN THE WEST INDIES ABOUT 1720</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp98" id="i146_2" style="max-width: 107.25em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i146_2.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>A BRIGANTINE IN THE WEST INDIES ABOUT 1720</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p><span class="smcap">“Here follow the Articles of Capt. Edward Low
+the Pirate with his Company</span></p>
+
+<p>“1. The Captain is to have two full Shares; the Master
+is to have one Share and one Half; The Doctor, Mate, Gunner
+and Boatswain, one Share and one Quarter.</p>
+
+<p>“2. He that shall be found guilty of taking up any Unlawfull
+Weapon on Board the Privateer or any other prize<span class="pagenum" id="Page_147">[147]</span>
+by us taken, so as to Strike or Abuse one another in any regard,
+shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and Majority of
+the Company shall see fit.</p>
+
+<p>“3. He that shall be found Guilty of Cowardice in the
+time of Ingagements, shall suffer what Punishment the Captain
+and Majority of the Company shall think fit.</p>
+
+<p>“4. If any Gold, Jewels, Silver, &amp;c. be found on Board of
+any Prize or Prizes to the value of a Piece of Eight, &amp; the
+finder do not deliver it to the Quarter Master in the space of
+24 hours he shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and
+Majority of the Company shall think fit.</p>
+
+<p>“5. He that is found Guilty of Gaming, or Defrauding one
+another to the Value of a Ryal of Plate, shall suffer what
+Punishment the Captain and Majority of the Company shall
+think fit.</p>
+
+<p>“6. He that shall have the Misfortune to loose a Limb
+in time of Engagement, shall have the Sum of Six hundred
+pieces of Eight, and remain aboard as long as he shall think
+fit.</p>
+
+<p>“7. Good Quarters to be given when Craved.</p>
+
+<p>“8. He that sees a Sail first, shall have the best Pistol or
+Small Arm aboard of her.</p>
+
+<p>“9. He that shall be guilty of Drunkenness in time of
+Engagement shall suffer what Punishment the Captain and
+Majority of the Company shall think fit.</p>
+
+<p>“10. No Snaping of Guns in the Hould.”<a id="FNanchor_105" href="#Footnote_105" class="fnanchor">[105]</a></p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">—<i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Aug. 8, 1723.</span><br>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Low’s first adventure in the brigantine took place on the
+following Sunday when a sloop belonging to Amboy, in New
+Jersey, fell into his hands. This vessel he rifled of provisions
+and then let go. This happened off Block Island near the
+Rhode Island coast. The same day he captured and plundered
+a sloop belonging to Newport, commanded by James Cahoon,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_148">[148]</span>
+and took away his mainsail and provisions and water. His
+bowsprit was cut away and all his rigging and thrown overboard
+intending thereby to prevent his getting in to give the
+alarm. Cahoon himself was badly cut in the arm during the
+scrimmage. Low then stood away to the south-eastward, with
+all the sail that could be made, there being then but little
+wind at the time.</p>
+
+<p>He judged well in making haste to get away from the coast
+for notwithstanding the disabled condition of Cahoon’s sloop
+she reached Block Island about midnight and a whale boat
+was sent out at once with the news which reached Newport
+about seven the next morning. The Governor immediately
+ordered the drums to be beaten about the town for volunteers
+to go in search of the pirates and two of the best sloops in the
+harbor were armed and fitted out. One of these sloops, commanded
+by Capt. John Headland, mounted ten guns and
+carried eighty men. The other sloop, which was commanded
+by Capt. John Brown, jun., was armed with six guns and
+plenty of small arms and carried sixty men. These sloops
+were both under sail before sunset, each commander carrying
+a ten days’ commission from the Governor. At about
+the same time the pirate vessel could be seen from Block
+Island. But good fortune favored Low and the sloops returned
+to Newport several days afterwards without so much
+as catching sight of the brigantine.</p>
+
+<p>Proclamation also was made in Boston, by beat of drum,
+for the encouragement of volunteers to engage against the
+pirates and over a hundred men enlisted under Capt. Peter
+Papillion who fitted out a ship and sailed shortly; but he, too,
+returned to harbor without finding Low, but bringing in the
+brigantine “Rebecca” which Low had turned over to Captain
+Flucker at Port Roseway, near the southern end of Acadia
+(Nova Scotia), to carry home the Marblehead fishermen taken
+by him, he having shipped his arms and stores on board a
+recently built schooner belonging to Marblehead.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_149">[149]</span></p>
+
+<p>By the <i>Boston News-Letter</i> of July 9, 1722, we learn that
+sundry goods left by the pirates on board the brigantine
+“Rebecca” were to be sold at publick vendue at the house of
+Captain Long in Charlestown. These consisted of “1 Turtle
+Net, 1 Scarlet Jacket, 1 small Still, 2 pair Steel yards, 1 Jack
+and Pendant, 2 doz. Plates, 2 papers of Pins, 5 Horn books,
+2 pieces of cantaloons, 1 main-sail, Boom and small Cable
+belonging to a Scooner, a small Boat and 20 yards of old Canvas.”
+There was also found cast ashore on the back side of
+Martha’s Vineyard, a sloop supposed to have been taken and
+set adrift by Low, on board of which were a few shillings in
+silver money and some strips of paper on which were found
+written the names of Dan Hide, Nath. Hall and John Wall.
+This Dan Hide was one of Low’s crew and about a year later
+he was hanged at Newport, as will be told at length in another
+place.</p>
+
+<p>After his escape from the attacking expeditions sent out
+from Newport and Boston, Captain Low went among the
+islands at the mouth of Buzzard’s Bay, in search of enough
+fresh water to make the run to the Bahamas. He remained
+here for some days while his boat crews stole sheep at No
+Man’s Land and rifled whale boats out of Nantucket. Changing
+his mind about the course towards the Bahamas, he then
+sailed northerly towards Marblehead and on the afternoon of
+Friday, June 15th, put into the harbor of Roseway which is
+located near the arm of the sea that makes up to what is now
+Shelburne, Nova Scotia.</p>
+
+<p>At that time it was the habit of the banks fishermen to come
+into Port Roseway for a Sunday’s rest and when Low sailed
+into the harbor he found thirteen vessels at anchor. They
+supposed him to be inward bound from the West Indies and
+his arrival gave no concern. But soon a boat from the brigantine,
+with four men, came alongside the fishing vessels, one
+after another, the men coming aboard as though to make a
+friendly visit to inquire for news. When on deck the four<span class="pagenum" id="Page_150">[150]</span>
+men drew cutlasses and pistols from under their clothes and
+cursing and swearing demanded instant surrender. Taken
+by surprise the fishermen of course submitted and by this
+means all the vessels in the harbor were captured and afterwards
+plundered.</p>
+
+<p>Among them was a newly-built schooner, the “Mary,” of
+eighty tons, owned by Joseph Dolliber of Marblehead, clean
+and a good sailer. Low liked her lines and decided to appropriate
+her for his own use, so he renamed her the “Fancy” and
+the guns, stores and men were transferred from the brigantine.
+The fishermen from the different vessels were then put on
+board the brigantine and Captain Flucker was ordered to
+make sail for Boston. Meanwhile, Low forced a number of
+likely men from among the fishermen including Philip Ashton,
+Nicholas Merritt, Joseph Libbie, Lawrence Fabens and two
+others from Marblehead and four men belonging to the Isle
+of Shoals.</p>
+
+<p>On Tuesday afternoon, June 19th, 1722, Low and his company
+sailed from Port Roseway bound for the Newfoundland
+coast and arrived at the mouth of St. John’s harbor in a fog
+which lifted somewhat disclosing a ship riding at anchor within
+the harbor. She looked to Low like a fish-trader and he
+determined to attempt her capture by a stratagem. All of his
+men were ordered below, save six or seven, to make a show of
+being a fisherman, and so he sailed boldly into the harbor intending
+to run alongside the ship and bring her off. Before
+having gone far, however, a small fishing boat was met coming
+out which hailed them asking from what port they had
+come. Low answered, “from Barbadoes, loaded with rum
+and sugar”; and then asked the fisherman what large ship
+that was in the harbor. Imagine his chagrin when they replied
+that it was the “Solebay,” man-of-war. He immediately
+put about and escaped before the suspicious fishermen could
+alarm the town. This happened on July 2d.</p>
+
+<p>At Carbonear, a small harbor about fifteen leagues farther<span class="pagenum" id="Page_151">[151]</span>
+to the north, Low was more successful, for going on shore and
+meeting little opposition, he plundered the place and burned
+all the houses. The next day he sailed for the Grand Banks
+where he took seven or eight vessels including a French banker,
+a ship of nearly four hundred tons armed with two guns. Considerable
+rigging and ammunition was secured and a number
+of fishermen were forced. Late in the month he had an encounter
+with two sloops from Canso bound for Annapolis-Royal
+loaded with provisions for the garrison and having
+soldiers on board. Low’s schooner was the better sailer and
+coming up began the attack. The red coats at once replied
+and gave him so warm a reception that Low sheered off and a
+fog coming on they escaped into Annapolis after having been
+chased by Low for two days and a night.<a id="FNanchor_106" href="#Footnote_106" class="fnanchor">[106]</a> About the time
+the French banker was taken, the news came that the “Solebay”
+was cruising about in search of him so Low decided to
+steer for the Leeward Islands taking with him the French ship.
+While on the voyage down they ran into a hurricane that
+nearly ended matters. The sea ran mountains high and all
+hands were employed both day and night keeping the pump
+constantly going besides bailing with buckets and yet finding
+themselves unable to keep the vessel free. The schooner
+made somewhat the better weather of it but on board the ship
+they began to hoist out their heavy goods and provisions and
+throw them overboard together with six guns in order to lighten
+the vessel. They even debated cutting away the masts, but
+the ship making less water, so that they could at last keep it
+under with the pump, instead of cutting away the masts they
+were made more secure by means of preventer-shrouds and by
+laying-to on the larboard tack, the hurricane was safely ridden
+out. The schooner split her mainsail, sprung her bowsprit
+and both of her anchors had to be cut away.</p>
+
+<p>After the storm, Low went to a small island, one of the
+westernmost of the Caribbees, and there refitted his vessels<span class="pagenum" id="Page_152">[152]</span>
+so far as possible with the supplies at hand and traded goods
+with the natives for provisions. As soon as the ship was
+ready he then decided to make a short cruise in her leaving
+the schooner at anchor until their return. They hadn’t been
+out many days before they came upon a ship that had lost
+all her masts in the storm. She was a rich find for they plundered
+her of money and goods amounting to over a thousand
+pounds in value. This ship was bound home from Barbadoes
+and was then slowly making her way under jury-rig to Antigua
+to refit, where she afterwards safely arrived but minus the
+best of her cargo.</p>
+
+<p>This hurricane, it afterwards appeared, did great damage
+throughout the West Indies and was particularly violent at
+the island of Jamaica where there happened a tidal wave that
+overflowed the town of Port Royal and destroyed about half
+of it. Immense quantities of rocks and sand were thrown
+over the wall of the town and the next morning the streets
+were about five feet deep in water. The cannon of Fort
+Charles were dismounted and some washed into the sea and
+about four hundred lives were lost. Scores of houses were
+ruined and forty vessels at anchor in the harbor were cast
+away.</p>
+
+<p>When Low returned to the island where the schooner had
+been left, future plans were discussed by the company and
+after having been put to vote it was decided to make for the
+Azores or Western Islands. This was largely due to the
+presence near the Leeward Islands of several men-of-war
+cruising about their stations in search of piratical gentry. So
+both vessels made sail to the eastward and on August 3d came
+into St. Michael’s road, off which they took seven sail including
+a French ship of 34 guns; the “Nostra Dame”; the
+“Mere de Dieu,” Captain Roach; the “Dove,” Captain Cox;
+the “Rose” pink, formerly a man-of-war, Captain Thompson;
+another English ship, Captain Chandler; and three other
+vessels. Low threatened with instant death all who resisted<span class="pagenum" id="Page_153">[153]</span>
+and at that time there was such a deadly fear of the excesses
+committed by pirates that these vessels struck without firing
+a gun or offering any resistance. The “Rose” pink, was a
+large Portuguese vessel, loaded with wheat. She struck to
+the schooner, fearing the ship which was coming down on her,
+although she was much the stronger and was more than a
+match for Low and his company had she made a good resistance.
+The pink proved to be a better sailer than the French
+banker, so most of the cargo of wheat was thrown overboard
+and guns from the French ship were mounted on board the
+pink and after stores were transferred the banker was burned.
+The French ship also was burned, the crew having been transferred
+to a large Portuguese launch except the cook who Low
+declared was a greasy fellow and would fry well in a fire, so he
+was bound to the mainmast and burnt alive with the ship.
+The command of the “Rose” pink, mounting fourteen guns,
+was taken over by Low and Harris was given command of the
+schooner.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" id="i152" style="max-width: 115.5em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i152.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>CAPTAIN EDWARD LOW IN A HURRICANE<br>
+<span class='c2'>From a rare engraving in the Harry Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>As water and fresh provisions were needed, Low then sent
+word to the Governor at St. Michaels, that if furnished with
+supplies he would release the vessels that had been taken,
+otherwise they would be burned. The Governor was a prudent
+man and thought best not to debate the matter, so fresh
+provisions soon made their appearance and the six vessels
+were released, as Low had promised, that is, after he had
+plundered them. While the schooner was lying at anchor in
+the fairway between St. Michael’s and St. Mary’s, about
+August 20th, Captain Carter in the “Wright” galley came
+sailing by and fell into Harris’ hands after a short but ill-judged
+resistance. Those on board were cut and mangled in
+a barbarous manner and especially some Portuguese passengers,
+two of whom were Roman Catholic friars. These unfortunate
+men Harris had triced up at each arm of the foreyard,
+but before they were quite dead he let them down again
+and after having recovered somewhat they were sent up again,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_154">[154]</span>
+a sport much enjoyed by these Puritan pirates. Another
+Portuguese passenger who was much terrified by what was
+going on, was attacked by one of the pirate crew who gave
+him a slashing cut across the belly with his cutlass that opened
+his bowels and soon caused death. The fellow said that he did
+it because “he didn’t like the looks” of the Portuguese. Captain
+Low happened to be on board at the time this capture
+was made and while the cutting and slashing was going on
+among the unfortunate passengers he accidentally received a
+blow on his under jaw intended for a Portuguese, that laid
+open his teeth. The surgeon was called and the wound
+stitched up, but Low found fault with the way the work was
+done and the surgeon becoming incensed struck him on the
+jaw with his fist so that the stitches were pulled away, at the
+same time telling Low to go to Hell and sew up his own chops.
+After the drunken crew were tired of their slashing and had
+thoroughly plundered the ship, it was proposed that she be
+burned as they had done with the Frenchman, but at last it
+was decided to cut her sails and rigging in pieces and turn her
+adrift.</p>
+
+<p>Low in the pink and Harris in the schooner now steered for
+the island of Madeira where, needing a supply of water, they
+came upon a fishing boat having in her two old men and a boy.
+They detained one of the old men on board and sent the other
+ashore with a demand to the governor for a boatload of water,
+under penalty of hanging the old man at the yard-arm in case
+their demand was not complied with. When the water was
+received the old man was released and he and his companions
+were given a supply of handsome clothing that had been
+plundered from some captured vessel as an evidence of the
+“generous treatment” sometimes shown by the pirates.
+From here they sailed for the Cape Verde islands and near
+Bonavista captured an English ship called the “Liverpool
+Merchant,” Captain Goulding, from which they stole a
+quantity of provisions and dry goods, three hundred gallons<span class="pagenum" id="Page_155">[155]</span>
+of fine brandy, a mast and hawsers and forced six of his men.
+They also captured among these islands a ship owned in London,
+the “King Sagamore,” Captain Andrew Scot, homeward
+bound from Barbadoes by way of Cape Verde islands. The
+captain was wounded and set ashore on the island of Bonavista
+absolutely naked and the ship burned. Several of the
+crew joined the pirates.<a id="FNanchor_107" href="#Footnote_107" class="fnanchor">[107]</a> Two Portuguese sloops bound for
+Brazil also fell into their hands and three sloops from St.
+Thomas bound for Curacao, commanded by Captains Lilly,
+Staples and Simpkins, all of which were plundered and then
+set free. A small trading sloop, owned in England and commanded
+by Capt. James Pease, they detained to use as a tender;
+but a majority of the men placed on board of her chanced
+to be forced men, who for some time had been looking for an
+opportunity to escape, and the sloop having been sent in search
+of two small galleys, expected at the Western Islands about
+that time, the New England men in the crew rose against the
+others and took possession of the sloop and set a course for
+England. This happened on the fifth of September. Their
+provisions and water soon began to run low and the course was
+changed for St. Michael’s in the Azores where they sent two
+men ashore to give information who they were and to obtain
+the needed provisions. The Portuguese officials, however,
+were skeptical and seized and jailed the entire crew and kept
+them in close quarters for several months. Some of the men
+in time escaped as is shown in the narrative of Nicholas Merritt,
+a Marblehead fisherman,<a id="FNanchor_108" href="#Footnote_108" class="fnanchor">[108]</a> but most of them are supposed
+to have rotted in the castle until they died.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile Captain Low had gone to the island of Bonavista
+to careen his vessels. The schooner was hove down first
+and then the pink, which, it will be recalled, was ballasted
+with wheat. Low now gave this wheat to the Portuguese
+living nearby and took on other ballast. After cleaning and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_156">[156]</span>
+refitting he steered for the island of St. Nicholas to fill his water
+butts. At this time Francis Farrington Spriggs was in command
+of a ship that was escort to Low and with them was a
+schooner commanded by the quartermaster of the fleet, one
+John Russell, who in reality was a Portuguese instead of the
+North Country Englishman that he pretended to be. At
+Curisal Road, on the southeast end of St. Nicholas, they captured
+a sloop, the “Margaret,” from Barbadoes, Capt. George
+Roberts, commander, that had recently arrived and the
+events that immediately followed are related in the next
+chapter.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_101" href="#FNanchor_101" class="label">[101]</a> Edward Low and Eliza Marble were married by Rev. Benjamin Wadsworth
+of the First Church, Boston, on Aug. 12, 1714.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_102" href="#FNanchor_102" class="label">[102]</a> Elizabeth Low married James Burt, Dec. 7, 1739, in Boston.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_103" href="#FNanchor_103" class="label">[103]</a> A full account of this outrage was afterwards printed in the <i>Boston
+News-Letter</i> of April 30, 1722.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_104" href="#FNanchor_104" class="label">[104]</a> <i>New England Courant</i>, June 18, 1722.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_105" href="#FNanchor_105" class="label">[105]</a> These Articles are similar to Captain Lowther’s with some additions.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_106" href="#FNanchor_106" class="label">[106]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Sept 17, 1722.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_107" href="#FNanchor_107" class="label">[107]</a> <i>American Weekly Mercury</i>, May 9, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_108" href="#FNanchor_108" class="label">[108]</a> See Chapter XIV.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_157">[157]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XI">CHAPTER XI<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Captain Roberts’ Account of what Happened
+on Low’s Ship</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Captain George Roberts sailed from London in
+September, 1721, mate of the ship “King Sagamore,”
+twenty-two guns, Capt. Andrew Scott, commander,
+bound for the Barbadoes and Virginia where he was to take
+command of a sloop and buy a cargo to slave with on the
+coast of Guinea. After various delays he reached the Cape
+Verde islands in the sloop “Margaret,” “sixty ton of cask,”
+and at Curisal Road, on the island of St. Nicholas, was taken
+by the pirate fleet of which Capt. Ned Low was commodore.
+Captain Roberts afterwards recounted his adventures in a
+volume published<a id="FNanchor_109" href="#Footnote_109" class="fnanchor">[109]</a> in London, from which the following
+account is taken.</p>
+
+<p>“When I came on board the <i>Rose Pink</i>, the Company welcomed
+me on board, and said, <i>They were sorry for my Loss;
+but told me, I must go to pay my Respects to the Captain, who was
+in the Cabbin, and waited for me</i>. I was ushered in by an
+Officer, who, I think, was their Gunner, and who, by his
+Deportment, acted as though he had been Master of the
+Ceremonies; tho’ I do not remember to have heard of such an
+Officer or Office mentioned among them, neither do I know
+whether they are always so formal on Board their Commodore,
+at the first Reception of their captivated Masters of Vessels.
+When I came into the Cabbin, the Officer who conducted me
+thither, after paying his Respects to the Commodore, told
+him, <i>That I was the Master of the Sloop which they had taken the
+Day before</i>, and then withdrew out of the Cabbin, leaving us
+two alone.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_158">[158]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Captain <i>Loe</i>, with the usual Compliment, welcomed me on
+board, and told me, <i>He was very sorry for my Loss, and that it
+was not his Desire to meet with any of his Country-men, but rather
+with Foreigners, excepting some few that he wanted to chastise for
+their Rogueishness</i>, as he call’d it: <i>But however</i>, says he, <i>since
+Fortune has ordered it so, that you have fallen into our Hands, I
+would have you to be of good Cheer, and not to be cast down</i>. I
+told him, <i>That I also was very sorry, that it was my Chance to
+fall into their Way; but still encouraged myself in the Hopes, that
+I was in the Hands of Gentlemen of Honour and Generosity;
+it being still in their Power whether to make this their Capture of
+me, a Misfortune or not</i>. He said, <i>It did not lie in his particular
+Power; for he was but one Man, and all Business of this Nature,
+must be done in Publick, and by a Majority of Votes by the whole
+Company; and though neither he, nor, he believed, any of the
+Company, desired to meet with any of their own Nation (except
+some few Persons for the Reasons before-mention’d) yet when
+they did, it could not well be avoided, but that they must take as
+their own what Providence sent them: And as they were Gentlemen,
+who entirely depended upon Fortune, they durst not be so
+ungrateful to her, as to refuse any Thing which she put into their
+Way; for if they should despise any of her Favours, tho’ never so
+mean, they might offend her, and thereby cause her to withdraw
+her Hand from them; and so, perhaps, they might perish for
+want of those Things, which in their rash Folly they slighted</i>.
+He then, in a very obliging Tone, desired me to sit down, he
+himself all this Time not once moving from his Seat, which was
+one of the great Guns, though there were Chairs enough in
+the Cabbin; but I suppose, he thought he should not appear
+so martial, or Hero-like, if he sat on a Chair, as he did on a
+great Gun.</p>
+
+<p>“After I had sat down, he asked me, <i>What I would drink?</i>
+I thank’d him, and told him, <i>I did not much Care for drinking;
+but out of a Sense of the Honour he did me in asking, I would
+drink any Thing with him which he pleased to drink</i>. He told<span class="pagenum" id="Page_159">[159]</span>
+me, <i>It would not avail me any Thing to be cast down: It was
+Fortune of War, and grieving or vexing myself, might be of no
+good Consequence in respect to my Health; besides, it would be
+more taking</i>, he said, <i>with the Company, to appear brisk, lively,
+and with as little Concern as I could. And come</i>, says he, <i>you
+may, and I hope you will, have better Fortune hereafter</i>. So
+ringing the Cabbin-bell, and one of his <i>Valet de Chambres</i>, or
+rather <i>Valet de Cabins</i>, appearing, he commanded him to make
+a Bowl of Punch, in the great Bowl, which was a rich silver
+one, and held, I believe, about two Gallons; which being done,
+he ordered likewise some Wine to be set on the Table, and
+accordingly two Bottles of Claret were brought; and then he
+took the Bowl and drank to me in Punch; but bid me pledge
+him in which I liked best; which I did in Wine. He told me,
+<i>That what he could favour me in, he would, and wished that it had
+been my Fortune to have been taken by them ten Days or a Fortnight
+sooner; for then</i>, he said, <i>they had abundance of good
+Commodities, which they took in</i> 2 Portugueze <i>outward-bound</i>
+Brasile <i>Men, viz. Cloth, as well Linens as Woollens, both fine
+and coarse, Hats of all sorts, Silk, Iron, and other rich Goods
+in abundance, and believed, he could have prevailed with the
+Company even to have loaded my Sloop. But now they had no
+Goods at all, he believed, having disposed of them all, either by giving
+them to other Prizes, &amp;c. or heaving the rest into</i> David
+Jones’s Locker (i.e. the Sea); <i>but did not know, but it might be
+his Lot, perhaps, to meet with me again, when it might lie in his
+Way to make me a Retaliation for my present Loss; and he did
+assure me, that when such an Occasion, as he was but now a
+speaking of, offered, I might depend he would not be wanting to
+serve me in any Thing that might turn to my Advantage, as far as
+his Power or Interest could reach</i>. I could do no less, in common
+Civility, and the Truth is, I dared do no less, than thank
+him....</p>
+
+<p>“I was order’d to remain on Board the Commodore till by a
+general Vote of the Company it should be determin’d how I and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_160">[160]</span>
+the Sloop were to be dispos’d of; and Captain <i>Loe</i> ordered a
+Hammock and Bedding to be fix’d for me, and told me, <i>That
+he would not oblige me to sit up later than I thought fit, nor drink
+more than suited my own Inclination; and that he lik’d my
+Company no longer than his was agreeable to me</i>; adding, <i>That
+there should be no Confinement or Obligation as to drinking, or
+sitting up, but I might drink, and go to sleep, when I pleas’d,
+without any Exceptions being taken, ordering me to want for
+nothing that was on Board; for I was very welcome to anything
+that was there, as to Eatables and Drinkables</i>. I thank’d him,
+and told him, <i>I would, with all due Gratefulness, make Use
+of that Freedom which he was so generous to offer me, &amp;c.</i> About
+Eight a-Clock at Night I took my Leave of him, and went to
+my Hammock, where I continued all Night, with Thoughts
+roving and perplex’d enough, not being able, as yet, to guess
+what they design’d to do with me, whether they intended to
+give me the Sloop again, or to burn her, as I heard it toss’d
+about by some, or to keep me as a Prisoner on Board, or put
+me ashoar.</p>
+
+<p>“My two Boys and Mate remained still on Board the Sloop,
+but all the rest they took on Board of them, not once so much
+as asking them whether they would Enter with them, only
+demanding their Names, which the Steward writ down in their
+Roll-Book.</p>
+
+<p>“About eight a-Clock in the Morning I turn’d out, and went
+upon Deck, and as I was walking backwards and forwards,
+as is usual amongst us Sailors, there came up one of the Company
+to me, and bid me Good-Morrow, and told me, <i>He was
+very sorry for my Misfortune</i>. I answer’d, <i>So was I</i>: He look’d
+at me, and said, <i>He believ’d I did not know him</i>. I replied, <i>It
+was true, I did not know him; neither, at present, could I call
+to mind that ever I had seen him before in the whole Course of my
+Life</i>. He smil’d, and said, <i>He once belong’d to me, and sail’d
+with me when I was Commander of the</i> Susannah <i>in the Year
+1718</i> (At that Time I was Master of a Ship call’d the <i>Susannah</i>,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_161">[161]</span>
+about the Burthen of 300 Tons, whereof was sole Owner
+Mr. <i>Richard Stephens</i>, Merchant, living at this present writing
+in <i>Shad-Thames</i>, <i>Southwark</i> Side, near <i>London</i>——) In
+the <i>Interim</i> came up two more, who told me they all belong’d
+to me in the <i>Susannah</i>, at one Time. By this time I had
+recollected my Memory so far as just to call them to Mind, and
+that was all; and then I told them I did remember them.
+They said, they were truly very sorry for my Misfortune, and
+would do all that lay in their Power to serve me, and told me,
+they had among them the Quantity of about 40 or 50 Pieces of
+white Linnen Cloth, and 6 or 8 Pieces of Silk, besides some
+other Things; and they would also, they said, make what
+Interest they could for me with their Consorts and Intimates,
+and with them would make a Gathering for me of what Things
+they could, and would put it on Board for me as soon as the
+Company had determined that I should have my Sloop again.
+They then look’d about them as tho’ they had something to
+say that they were not willing any body should hear; but as it
+happen’d, there was no body nigh us, which was an Opportunity
+very rare in these Sort of Ships, of speaking without
+Interruption: But we lying too all Night, no body had any
+thing to do, but the Lookers-out, at the Topmast-head; the
+Mate of the Watch, Quarter-master of the Watch, Helmsman,
+<i>&amp;c.</i> being gone down to drink a Dram, I suppose, or to smoak
+a Pipe of Tobacco, or the like. However it was, we had the
+Quarter Deck intire to our selves, and they seeing the Coast
+clear, told me, with much seeming Concern, That if I did not
+take abundance of Care, they would force me to stay with
+them, for my Mate had inform’d them, that I was very well
+acquainted on the Coast of <i>Brasile</i>, and they were bound down
+along the Coast of <i>Guinea</i>, and afterwards design’d to stretch
+over to the Coast of <i>Brasile</i>: That there was not one Man of
+all the Company that had ever been upon any Part of that
+Coast; and that there was but one Way for me to escape being
+forced; but I must be very close, and not discover what they<span class="pagenum" id="Page_162">[162]</span>
+were going to tell me; for if it was known that they had
+divulg’d it, notwithstanding they were enter’d Men, and as
+much of the Company as any of them, yet they were sure it
+would cost them no smaller a Price for it than their Lives.
+I told them, I was very much obliged to them for their Goodwill,
+and did not wish them to have any Occasion for my Service;
+but if ever it should be so, they might depend it should be
+to the utmost of my Power; and as for my betraying any thing
+that they should tell me of, they could not fear that, because
+my own Interest would be a sufficient Tye upon me to the
+contrary; and were it not so, and that I was sure to get Mountains
+of Gold by divulging it to their Prejudice, I would
+sooner suffer my Tongue to be pluck’d out.</p>
+
+<p>“They said, they did not much fear my revealing it, because
+the disclosing it would rather be a Prejudice to me than an
+Advantage, and therefore out of pure Respect to me they would
+tell me; which was thus: <i>You must know</i>, said they, <i>that we
+have an Article which we are sworn to, which is, not to force any
+married Man, against his Will, to serve us: Now we have been at
+a close Consultation whether we should oblige you to go with us,
+not as one of the Company, but as a forc’d Prisoner, in order to
+be our Pilot on the Coast of</i> Brasile, <i>where we are designed to
+Cruise, and hope to make our Voyage; and your Mate</i>, continued
+they, <i>has offer’d to Enter with us, but desires to defer it till
+we have determined your Case</i>. <i>Now your Mate, as yet, is
+ignorant of our Articles, we never exposing them to any till they
+are going to sign them. He was ask’d, Whether you was married
+or not? and he said, he could not tell for certain, but believed you
+was not: Upon which we spoke, and said, we had known you
+several Years, and had sail’d with you in a Frigat-built Ship of
+300 Tons, or more: That you was an extraordinary good Man to
+your Men, both for Usage and Payment; and that, to our Knowledge,
+you was married, and had four Children then: However,
+there is one Man who would fain have the Company break through
+their Oath on that Article, and tells them, they may, and ought<span class="pagenum" id="Page_163">[163]</span>
+to do it, because it is a Case of Necessity, they having no Possibility
+of getting a Pilot at present for that Coast, except they take you:
+And in their Run along the Coast of</i> Guinea, <i>if they should light
+of any body that was acquainted with the Coast of</i> Brasile, <i>and no
+way exempted from serving them by the Articles, then they might
+take him, and turn you ashore, but ’till such offer’d, he did not see
+but the Oath might be dispens’d with; but</i>, continued they, <i>Captain</i>
+Loe <i>is very much against it, and told them, That it would be
+an ill Precedent, and of bad Consequence; for if we once take the
+Liberty of breaking our Articles and Oath, then there is none of
+us can be sure of any thing: If</i>, said Captain <i>Loe, you can perswade
+the Man upon any Terms to stay with us as a Prisoner,
+or otherwise, well and good; if not, do not let us break the Laws
+that we have made our selves, and sworn to</i>. They went on, and
+told me, <i>That most of the Company seem’d to agree with Captain</i>
+Loe’s <i>Opinion, but</i> Russel, said they, <i>seem’d to be sadly nettled
+at it, that his Advice was not to be taken; and</i>, continued they,
+<i>you will be ask’d the Question, we reckon, by and by, when</i> Russel
+<i>comes on Board, and all the Heads meet again; but you must
+be sure to say you are married, and have five or six Children; for
+it is only that, that will prevent your being forced; tho’, you may
+depend upon it</i>, Russel <i>will do what he can to perswade the Company
+to break the Article, which we hope they will not, nor shall
+they ever have our Consent; and, indeed, there are very few of the
+Company but what are against it, but</i> Russel <i>bears a great Sway
+in the Company, and can almost draw them any Way. However,
+we have put you in the best Method that we can, and hope it
+will do: But, for fear Notice should be taken of our being so long
+together, we have told you as much as we can, and leave you to
+manage it; and so God bless you.</i></p>
+
+<p>“Upon this, away they went, and by-and-by Captain <i>Loe</i>
+turns out, and comes upon Deck, and bidding me Good-morrow,
+ask’d me, <i>How I did? and how I lik’d my Bed?</i> I
+thank’d him, and told him, <i>I was very well, at his Service, and
+lik’d my Bed very well, and was very much obliged to him for the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_164">[164]</span>
+Care he had taken of me</i>. After which, he order’d a Consultation
+Signal to be made, which was their <i>Green Trumpeter</i>, as
+they call’d him, hoisted at the Mizen-Peek: It was a green
+silk Flag, with a yellow Figure of a Man blowing a Trumpet on
+it. The Signal being made, away came the Boats flocking
+on Board the Commodore, and when they were all come on
+Board, Captain <i>Loe</i> told them, He only wanted them to
+Breakfast with him; so down they went into the Cabbin, as
+many as it would well hold, and the rest in the Steerage, and
+where they could.</p>
+
+<p>“After Breakfast, Captain <i>Loe ask’d</i> me, <i>If I was married?
+and how many Children I had?</i> I told him, <i>I had been married
+about ten Years, and had five Children when I came from Home,
+and did not know but I might have six now, one being on the
+Stocks when I came from Home</i>. He asked me, <i>Whether I
+had left my Wife well provided for, when I came from Home?</i>
+I told him, <i>I had left her in but very indifferent Circumstances:
+That having met with former Misfortunes, I was so low reduc’d,
+that the greatest Part of my Substance was in this Sloop and Cargo;
+and that, if I was put by this Trip, I did not know but my Family
+might want Bread before I could supply them</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Loe</i> then turning to <i>Russel</i>, said, <i>It will not do</i>, Russel. <i>What
+will not do</i>, said <i>Russel</i>? <i>Loe</i> answer’d, <i>You know who I mean;
+we must not, and it shall not be, by G—d. It must, and shall, by
+G—d</i>, reply’d <i>Russel; Self-Preservation is the first Law of
+Nature, and Necessity, according to the old Proverb, has no Law.
+Well</i>, says <i>Loe, It shall never be with my Consent</i>. Hereupon
+most of the Company said, <i>It was a Pity, and ought to be taken
+into Consideration, and seriously weighed amongst them, and then
+put to the Vote</i>. At which <i>Loe</i> said, <i>So it ought, and there is
+nothing like the Time present to decide the Controversy, and to
+determine the Matter</i>. They all answered, <i>Ay, it was best to
+end it now</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Then <i>Loe</i> ordered them all to go upon Deck, and bid me stay
+in the Cabbin; so up they went all hands, and I sat still and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_165">[165]</span>
+smoak’d a Pipe of Tobacco, Wine and Punch being left on the
+Table: And tho’ I was very impatient to know the Determination,
+sometimes hoping it would be in my Favour, and sometimes
+fearing the contrary; yet I durst not go out of the Cabbin
+to hear what they said, nor make any Enquiry about it.</p>
+
+<p>“After they had been upon Deck about two Hours, they came
+down again, and <i>Loe</i> ask’d me, <i>How I did? and how I lik’d my
+Company since they went upon Deck?</i> I thank’d him, and said,
+<i>I was very well, at his Service; and as for my Company, I lik’d it
+very well, and it was Company that few would dislike. Why</i>, said
+he, <i>I thought you had been all alone ever since we went upon Deck</i>.
+I answer’d, <i>How could you think, Sir, that I was alone, when you
+left me three such boon, jolly Companions to keep me Company?</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>Z—ds</i>, says <i>Loe</i>, and seem’d a little angry, <i>I left no-body, and
+ordered no-body but the Boy</i> Jack, <i>and him I bid stay at the Cabbin-Door,
+with-out-side, and not go in, nor stir from the Door, ’till
+I bid him. But</i>, I said, <i>Sir, my three Companions were not humane
+Bodies, but those which you left on the Table, to wit, a Pipe
+of Tobacco, a Bottle of</i> French <i>Claret, and a Bowl of Punch</i>; at
+which they all laugh’d, and <i>Loe</i> said, <i>I was right</i>: So after some
+Discourses had pass’d by way of Diversion, <i>Russel</i> said to me.
+<i>Master, your Sloop is very Leaky</i>; I said, <i>Yes, she made Water.
+Water!</i> says he, <i>I do not know what you could do with her, suppose
+we were to give her to you. Besides, you have no Hands, for all your
+Hands now belong to us.</i> I said, <i>Sirs, if you please to give her
+to me, I do not fear, with God’s Blessing, but to manage her well
+enough, if you let me have only those which are on Board, which I
+hope you will: namely, my Mate and the two Boys. Well</i>, says
+he, <i>and suppose we did, you have no Cargo, for we have taken, to
+replenish our Stores, all the Rum, Sugar, Tobacco, Rice, Flower,
+and, in short, all your Cargo and Provisions</i>. I told him, <i>I
+would do as well as I could, and if the worst came to the worst, I
+could load the Sloop with Salt, and carry it to the</i> Canaries,
+<i>where, I knew, they were in great Want of Salt at present, and
+therefore was sure it would come to a good Market there: Ay, but</i>,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_166">[166]</span>
+says he, <i>how will you do to make your Cargo of Salt, having no
+Hands, and having nothing wherewith to hire the Natives to help
+you to make it, or to pay for their bringing it down on their Asses;
+for you must believe</i>, said he, <i>I understand Trade</i>. I told him,
+<i>If it did come to that Extremity, I had so good Interest both at the
+Island of</i> Bona Vist, <i>as likewise at the Isle of</i> May, <i>that I was
+sure the Inhabitants would assist me all that they could, and trust
+me for their Pay till I return’d again; especially when they came
+to know the Occasion that oblig’d me to it; and that, upon the
+Whole, I did not fear, with God’s Blessing, to get a Cargo of Salt
+on Board, if they would be so generous as to give me the Sloop
+again. Well but</i>, says Russel, <i>suppose we should let you have
+the Sloop, and that you could do as you say, what would you do
+for Provisions? for we shall leave you none; and I suppose I need
+not tell you, for, without doubt, you know it already, that all these
+Islands to Windward are in great Scarcity of Victuals, and
+especially the two Islands that produce the Salt, which have been
+oppress’d for many Years with a sore Famine</i>. I told him, <i>I
+was very sensible that all he said last was true, but hop’d, if they
+gave me the Sloop, they would also be so generous as to give me
+some Provisions, a small quantity of which would serve my little
+Company; but if not, I could go down to the Leeward Islands,
+where, likewise, I had some small Interest, and I did not doubt
+but I could have a small Matter of such Provisions as the Islands
+afforded, namely, Maiz, Pompions, Feshunes, &amp;c. with which, by
+God’s Assistance, we would endeavour to make shift, ’till it pleased
+God we could get better. Ay but</i>, says he, <i>perhaps your Mate
+and Boys will not be willing to run that Hazard with you, nor
+care to endure such Hardship</i>. I told him, <i>As for my Boys, I
+did not fear their Compliance, and hop’d my Mate would also
+do the same, seeing I requir’d him to undergo no other Hardship
+but what I partook of myself. Ay, but</i>, says Russel, <i>Your Mate
+has not the same Reasons as you have, to induce him to bear with
+all those Hardships, which you must certainly be exposed to in
+doing what you propose; and therefore you cannot expect him to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_167">[167]</span>
+be very forward in accepting such hard Terms with you; (tho’
+I cannot conceive it to be so easie to go through with, in the Manner
+you propose, as you seem to make it)</i>. I answer’d, <i>As for the
+Mate’s Inclinations, I was not able positively to judge in this
+Affair, but I believed him to be an honest, as well as a conscientious
+Man, and as I had been very civil to him in several Respects,
+in my Prosperity, so I did not doubt, if I had the Liberty to talk
+with him a little on this Affair, but he would be very willing to
+undergo as much Hardship to extricate me out of this my Adversity,
+as he could well bear, or I in Reason require of him,
+which would be no more than I should bear myself; and when it
+pleased God to turn the Scales, I would endeavour to make him
+Satisfaction to the full of what, in reason, he could expect, or, at
+least, as far as I was able</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Come, come</i>, says Captain <i>Loe, let us drink about. Boy!
+how does the Dinner go forward?</i> The Boy answer’d, <i>Very
+well, Sir</i>. Says Loe, <i>Gentlemen, you must all Dine with me to
+Day.</i> They unanimously answer’d, <i>Ay: Come then</i>, says Loe,
+<i>toss the Bowl about, and let us have a fresh One, and call a fresh
+Cause</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“They all agreed to this, and then began to talk of their past
+Transactions at <i>Newfoundland</i>, the <i>Western Islands</i>, <i>Canary
+Islands</i>, &amp;c. What Ships they had taken, and how they
+serv’d them when in their Possession; and how they oblig’d
+the Governor of the Island of St. <i>Michael</i> to send them off
+two Boat-Loads of fresh Meat, Greens, Wine, Fowls, &amp;c. or
+otherwise, threatened to damnifie the Island, by burning some
+of the small Vilages: Of their Landing on the Island of <i>Teneriff</i>,
+to the Northward of <i>Oratavo</i>, in hopes of meeting with a Booty,
+but got nothing but their Skins full of Wine; and how they
+had like to have been surpriz’d by the Country, which was
+raised upon that Occasion, but got all off safe, and without
+any Harm, except one Man, who receiv’d a Shot in his Thigh
+after they were got into their Boats; but, they said, they
+caused several of the <i>Spaniards</i> to drop; and, That they<span class="pagenum" id="Page_168">[168]</span>
+should have been certainly lost, if they had tarried but half a
+quarter of an Hour longer in the House where they were drinking,
+and where they expected to get the Booty, which they
+Landed in quest of, according to the Information given them
+by one of the Inhabitants of the Island, who was taken by
+them in a Fishing-Boat, and told them, that, that Gentleman
+had an incredible Quantity of Money, as well as Plate, in his
+House: And on this Occasion they threatened the poor Fisherman
+how severely they would punish him for giving them a
+false Information, if ever they should light of him again; but,
+I suppose, the Fellow kept close ashore after they let him go,
+all the Time they lay lurking about the Island: They also
+boasted how many <i>French</i> Ships they had taken upon the
+Banks of <i>Newfoundland</i>, and what a vast Quantity of Wine,
+especially <i>French</i> Claret, they took from them; with abundance
+of such like Stuff; which, as it did not immediately concern
+me, so I shall not trouble myself with particularizing:
+And, indeed, my Attention was so wholly taken up with the
+Uncertainty of my own Affairs, that I gave no great Heed to
+those Subjects that were foreign to me; and which, for that
+Reason, made but a slight Impression on my Memory.</p>
+
+<p>“In this Manner they pass’d the Time away, drinking and
+carousing merrily, both before and after Dinner, which they
+eat in a very disorderly Manner, more like a Kennel of Hounds,
+than like Men, snatching and catching the Victuals from one
+another; which, tho’ it was very odious to me, it seem’d one of
+their chief Diversions, and, they said, look’d Martial-like.</p>
+
+<p>“Before it was quite dark, every one repaired on Board their
+respective Vessels, and about Eight a-Clock at Night I went
+to my Hammock, without observing, as I remember, any
+thing worth remarking, save, that Captain <i>Loe</i>, and I, and
+three or four more, drank a couple of Bottles of Wine after
+the Company were gone, before we went to Sleep, in which
+time we had abundance of Discourse concerning <i>Church</i> and
+<i>State</i>, as also about <i>Trade</i>, which would be tedious to relate in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_169">[169]</span>
+that confused Manner we talked of these Subjects, besides the
+Reason I just now mentioned.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Loe</i> stay’d up after me, and when I was in my Hammock,
+I heard him give the necessary Orders for the Night, which
+were, that they were to lie too with their Head to the <i>North
+Westward</i>, as, indeed, we had ever since I had been on Board of
+him; to mind the Top-light, and for the Watch, to be sure,
+above all things, to keep a good Look-out; and to call him if
+they saw any thing, or if the other Ships made any Signals.</p>
+
+<p>“I passed this Night as the former, ruminating on my present
+unhappy Condition, not yet being able to dive into, or fathom
+their Designs, or what they intended to do with me, and often
+thinking on what the three Men told me, as also on what the
+Company said, but in a more particular manner, of what
+<i>Russel</i> told me concerning my Mate, ’till Sleep overpowered
+my Senses, and gave me a short Recess from my Troubles.</p>
+
+<p>“In the Morning, about five a-Clock, I turned out, and a
+little after, one of the three Men who spoke to me the Morning
+before, came to me, and bid me Good-morrow, and ask’d me
+very courteously how I did? and told me, that they would all
+three, as before, have come and spoke to me, but were afraid
+the Company, especially <i>Russel’s</i> Friends, would think they
+held a secret Correspondence with me, which was against one
+of their Articles, it being punishable by Death, to hold any
+secret Correspondence with a Prisoner; but they hop’d all
+would be well, and that they believ’d I should have my Sloop
+again; <i>Russel</i> being the only Man who endeavour’d to hinder
+it, and he only, on the Account of having me to go with them
+on the Coast of <i>Brasile</i>; but that most of the Company was
+against it, except the meer Creatures of <i>Russel</i>. He said, I
+might thank my Mate for it all, who, he much fear’d, would
+prove a Rogue to me, and Enter with them; and then, if they
+should give me my Sloop, I should be sadly put to it to manage
+her myself, with one Boy, and the little Child. He also said,
+That he, and the other two, heartily wish’d they could go with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_170">[170]</span>
+me in her, but that it was impossible to expect it, it being
+Death even to motion it, by another of their Articles, which
+says, <i>That if any of the Company shall advise, or speak any
+thing tending to the separating or breaking of the Company, or
+shall by any Means offer or endeavour to desert or quit the Company,
+that Person shall be shot to Death by the Quarter-Master’s
+Order, without the Sentence of a Court-Martial</i>. He added,
+That ’till my Mate had given <i>Russel</i> an Account of my being
+acquainted on the Coast of <i>Brasile</i>, he seem’d to be my best
+Friend, and would certainly have prov’d so, and would have
+prevail’d with the Company to have made a Gathering for me,
+which, perhaps, might not have come much short in Value of
+what they had taken from me; for there was but few in the
+Company but had several Pieces of Linnen Cloth, Pieces of
+Silk, spare Hats, Shoes, Stockings, gold Lace, and abundance
+of other Goods, besides the publick Store, which, if <i>Russel</i>
+had continued my Friend, for one Word speaking, there was
+not one of them but would have contributed to make up my
+Loss; it being usual for them to reserve such Things for no
+other Use but to give to any whom they should take, or that
+formerly was of their Acquaintance, or that they took a present
+Liking to: He said farther, That he believ’d Captain <i>Loe</i>
+would be my Friend, and do what he could for me; but that,
+in Opposition to <i>Russel</i>, he could do but little, <i>Russel</i> bearing
+twice the Sway with the Company, that Captain <i>Loe</i> did; and
+that <i>Russel</i> was always more considerate to those they took,
+than <i>Loe</i>; but now I must expect no Favour from him, he was
+so exasperated by the Opposition that the Company, and
+especially Captain <i>Loe</i>, made to my being forc’d to go with
+them on the Coast of <i>Brasile</i>: He, however, bid me have a
+good Heart, and wish’d it lay in his Power to serve me more
+than it did, and bid me not to take very much Notice, or shew
+much Freedom with them, but rather a seeming Indifference:
+Adding, That he and his two Consorts wish’d me as well as
+Heart could wish, and whatever Service they could do me,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_171">[171]</span>
+while among them, I might assure myself it should not be
+wanting; desiring me to excuse him, and not take amiss his
+withdrawing from me; concluding, with Tears in his Eyes,
+that he did not know whether he should have another Opportunity
+of private Discourse with me; neither would it be
+for the Advantage of either of us, except some new Matter
+offer’d them Occasion to forewarn, or precaution me, which,
+if it did, one of them would not fail to acquaint me with it:
+And so he left me.</p>
+
+<p>“Some time after, Captain <i>Loe</i> turn’d out, and after the usual
+Compliments pass’d, we took a Dram of Rum, and enter’d
+into Discourse with one or another, on different Subjects;
+for as a Tavern or Alehouse-keeper endeavours to promote his
+Trade, by conforming to the Humours of every Customer, so
+was I forc’d to be pleasant with every one, and bear a Bob with
+them in almost all their Sorts of Discourse, tho’ never so contrary
+and disagreeable to my own Inclinations; otherwise I
+should have fallen under an <i>Odium</i> with them, and when once
+that happens to be the Case with any poor Man, the Lord
+have Mercy upon him; for then every rascally Fellow will let
+loose his Brutal Fancy upon him, and either abuse him with
+his Tongue (which is the least hurtful) or kick or cuff him, or
+otherways abuse him, as they are more or less cruel, or artificially
+raised by Drinking, Passion, <i>&amp;c.</i></p>
+
+<p>“Captain <i>Russel</i>, with some more, came on Board about ten
+or eleven a-Clock in the Forenoon, and seem’d to be very
+pleasant to me, asking me how I did? telling me, that he had
+been considering of what I said Yesterday, and could not see,
+how I should be able to go through with it: That it would be
+very difficult, if not wholly impossible, and I should run a very
+great Hazard in what I propos’d. He believed, he said, that
+I was a Man, and a Man of Understanding, but in this Case I
+rather seem’d to be directed by an obstinate Desperation, than
+by Reason; and for his Part, since I was so careless of myself
+as to determine to throw myself away, he did not think it<span class="pagenum" id="Page_172">[172]</span>
+would stand with the Credit or Reputation of the Company,
+to put it into my Power. He wish’d me well, he said, and did
+assure me, that the Thoughts of me had taken him up the
+greatest Part of the Night; and he had hit on a Way which, he
+was sure, would be much more to my Advantage, and not
+expose me to so much Hazard and Danger, and yet would be
+more profitable, than I could expect by having the Sloop, tho’
+every thing was to fall out to exceed my Expectation; and did
+not doubt of the Company’s agreeing to it: <i>And this</i>, says he,
+<i>is, to take and sink or burn your Sloop, and keep you with us no
+otherwise than as you are now</i>, viz. <i>a Prisoner; and I promise
+you, and will engage to get the Company to sign and agree to it,
+the first Prize we take, if you like her; and if not, you shall stay
+with us till we take a Prize that you like, and you shall have her
+with all her Cargo, to dispose of how and where you please, for your
+own proper Use</i>. He added, <i>that this, perhaps, might be the
+making of me, and put me in a Capacity of leaving off the Sea,
+and living ashore, if I was so inclin’d</i>; protesting, <i>that he did
+all this purely out of Respect to me, because he saw I was a
+Man of Sense</i>, as he said, <i>and was willing to take Care and
+Pains to get a Living for myself and Family</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“I thank’d him, and told him, <i>I was sorry I could not accept of
+his kind Offer; and hoped he would excuse me, and not impute it
+to an obstinate Temper; because</i>, I said, <i>I did not perceive it
+would be of any Advantage to me, but rather the Reverse; for I
+could not see how I should be able to dispose of the Ship, or any
+Part of her Cargo; because no Body would buy, except I had a
+lawful Power to sell; and they all certainly knew, they had no
+farther Right to any Ship or Goods that they took, than so long as
+such Ship or Goods was within the Verge of their Power; which,
+they were sensible, could not extend so far, as to reach any Place
+where such Sale could be made: Besides</i>, I said, <i>if the Owners of
+any such Ship or Goods should ever come to hear of it, then
+should I be liable to make them Restitution, to the full Value of
+such Ship and Cargo, or be oblig’d to lie in a Prison the remaining<span class="pagenum" id="Page_173">[173]</span>
+Part of my Days; or, perhaps, by a more rigid Prosecution of the
+Law against my Person, run a Hazard of my Life</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Russel</i> said, <i>These were but needless and groundless Scruples,
+and might easily be evaded: As for my having a Right to make
+Sale of the Ship and Cargo, which they would give me, they could
+easily make me a Bill of Sale of the Ship, and such other necessary
+Powers in Writing, as were sufficient to justify my Title to it
+beyond all Possibility of Suspicion; so that I should not have any
+Reason to fear my being detected in the Sale: And as for my
+Apprehension of being discover’d to the Owners, that might as
+easily be prevented; for they should always know, by Examination
+of the Master, &amp;c. and also by the Writings taken on board such
+Ship (which they always took Care to seize upon) who were the
+Owners and Merchants concern’d in both Ship and Cargo, as also
+their Places of Abode; by which I might be able to shun a Possibility
+of their discovering me</i>: Adding, <i>That I might have the
+Powers and Writings made in another Name, which I might go by
+’till I had finish’d the Business, and then could assume my own;
+which Method would certainly secure me from all Possibility of
+Discovery</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“I told him, <i>I must confess, there was not only a Probability,
+but a seeming Certainty, in what he said, and that it argued
+abundance of Wit in the Contrivance; but</i>, I assur’d him, <i>that
+were I positively certain, which I could not be, that ’till the Hour
+of my Death it would not be discover’d, yet there was still a strong
+Motive to deter me from accepting it; which, tho’ it might seem,
+perhaps, to them to be of no Weight, and but a meer Chimera,
+yet it had greater Force with me than all the Reasons I had hitherto
+mention’d; and that was my Conscience; which would be a continual
+Witness against me, and a constant Sting, even when,
+perhaps, no Body would accuse me: And as there could be no
+hearty and unfeigned Repentance, without making a full Restitution,
+as far as I was able, to the injur’d Person</i>; I ask’d them,
+<i>What Benefit would it be to me, if I got Thousands of Pounds,
+and could not be at Peace with my Conscience, ’till I had restor’d<span class="pagenum" id="Page_174">[174]</span>
+every Thing to the proper Owners, and after all, remain as I was
+before?</i> A great deal more, I told them, I could say upon this
+Head; but doubted that Discourses of this Nature were not
+very taking with some of them, and might seem of very little
+Account; <i>Yet I hope</i>, said I, <i>and God forbid that there should
+not be some of you, who have a Thought of a great and powerful
+God, and a Consciousness of his impartial Justice to punish, as
+well as of his unfathomable Mercy to pardon Offenders upon their
+unfeigned Repentance, which would not so far extend as to
+encourage us to run on in sinning, thereby presuming to impose
+on his Mercy</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Some of them said, <i>I should do well to preach a Sermon, and
+would make them a good Chaplain</i>. Others said, <i>No, they
+wanted no Godliness to be preach’d there: That Pirates had no
+God but their</i> Money, <i>nor</i> Saviour <i>but their</i> Arms. Others said,
+<i>That I had said nothing but what was very good, true, and rational,
+and they wish’d that Godliness, or, at least, some Humanity, were
+in more Practice among them; which they believ’d, would be more
+to their Reputation, and cause a greater Esteem to be had for them,
+both from God and Man</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“After this, a Silence follow’d; which Capt. <i>Russel</i> broke,
+saying to me again, <i>Master, as to your Fear that you wrong your
+Neighbour in taking a Ship from us, which we first took from him;
+in my Judgment, it is groundless and without Cause; nor is it a
+Breach of the Laws of God or Man, as far as I am able to apprehend;
+for you do not take their Goods from them, nor usurp their
+Property: That we have done without your Advice, Concurrence,
+or Assistance; and therefore whatever Sin or Guilt follows that
+Action, it is intirely</i> Ours, <i>and, in my Opinion, cannot extend to
+make any unconcern’d Person guilty with us. It is plain, beyond
+disputing</i>, continu’d he, <i>that you can be no Way Partaker with us
+in any Capture, while you are only a constrain’d Prisoner,
+neither giving your Advice or Consent, or any Ways assisting;
+and therefore it may be most certainly concluded, that it is We
+only that have invaded the Right, and usurp’d the Property of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_175">[175]</span>
+another; and that you must be innocent, and cannot be Partaker
+of the Crime, unless concern’d in that Action that made it a Crime.
+But you seem to allow, that we have a Property, while we are in
+Possession; but</i>, added he, <i>I suppose you think, that all the
+Claim we have to the Ships and Goods that we take, is by an Act
+of Violence, and therefore unjust, and of no longer Force than
+while we are capable to maintain them by the same superior
+Strength by which we obtain’d them</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“I told him, <i>I could not express my Conceptions of it better or
+fuller, I thought, than he had done; but hoped, neither he, nor
+Capt.</i> Loe, <i>nor any of the Gentlemen present, would be offended at
+my taking so much Liberty; which was rather to acquaint them
+with my Reasons for not being able to accept of their kind Offer,
+than to give any Gentleman Offence</i>; adding, <i>That I had so much
+Confidence in their Favours, that, if I could have accepted them, I
+verily believ’d, they would all have concurred with Capt.</i> Russel
+<i>in what he so kindly and friendly design’d me</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“At which Words they all cry’d, <i>Ay, Ay, by G—</i>, and that
+<i>I was deserving of that and more</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“I told them, <i>I heartily thank’d them all in general, and did not
+wish any of them so unfortunate, as to stand in Need of my
+Service; yet, if ever they did, they should find, that the uttermost of
+my Ability should not be wanting in Retaliation of all the Civilities
+they had shewn me, ever since it was my Lot to fall into their
+Hands; but, in a more especial Manner, for this their now
+offer’d Kindness, tho’ I could not accept it with a safe and clear
+Conscience, which I valued above any Thing to be enjoy’d in this
+World</i>. I said, <i>I could add farther Reasons to those I had already
+urg’d; but I would not trouble them longer, fearing I had already
+been too tedious or offensive to some of them; which, if I had, I
+heartily begg’d their Pardon; assuring them once more, that if it
+was so, it was neither my Design nor Intent, but the Reverse</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Hereupon they all said, <i>They liked to hear us talk, and thought
+we were very well match’d</i>: Adding, <i>That Capt.</i> Russel <i>could
+seldom meet with a Man that could stand him: But, as for their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_176">[176]</span>
+Parts, they were pleas’d with our Discourse, and were very sure</i>
+Loe <i>and</i> Russel <i>were so too</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Capt. <i>Loe</i> than said, He liked it very well; but told me, I
+had not return’d Capt. <i>Russel</i> an Answer to what he last said,
+which he thought deserv’d one.</p>
+
+<p>“I answer’d, That since the Gentlemen were so good-natur’d,
+as not only to take in good Part what I had hitherto said, but
+also to give me free Liberty to pursue my Discourse, I should
+make Use of their Indulgence, and answer what Capt. <i>Russel</i>
+had said last to me, in as brief and inoffensive a Manner as I
+was capable of.</p>
+
+<p>“Then turning to <i>Russel</i>, I said, <i>Sir, Your Opinion of my
+Notion of the Right you have to any Ship or Goods you may take,
+is exactly true; and I think your Right cannot extend farther than
+your Power to maintain that Right; and therefore it must follow,
+you can transfer no other Right to any one than what you have
+your selves, which will render any Person who receiv’d them, as
+guilty for detaining them from the proper Owners, as you for the
+taking them</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“He said, <i>Be it so; we will suppose</i> (and seemed a little angry)
+<i>for Argument Sake, we have taken a Ship, and are resolv’d to sink
+or burn her, unless you will accept of her: Now, pray, where is the
+Owner’s Property, when the Ship is sunk, or burned? I think
+the Impossibility of his having her again, cuts off his Property to
+all Intents and Purposes, and our Power was the same, notwithstanding
+our giving her to you, if we had thought fit to make use
+of it.</i></p>
+
+<p>“I was loth to argue any farther, seeing him begin to be
+peevish; and knowing, by the Information afore given me by
+the three Men, that all his pretended Kindness and Arguments
+were only in order to detain me, without the Imputation of
+having broken their Articles; which he found the major Part
+of the Company very averse to; wherefore, to cut all short, I
+told him, I was very sensible of the Favours design’d me; and
+should always retain a grateful Sense of them: That I knew I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_177">[177]</span>
+was absolutely in their Power, and they might dispose of me as
+they pleas’d; but that having been hitherto treated so generously
+by them, I could not doubt of their future Goodness to
+me. And that if they would be pleas’d to give me my Sloop
+again, it was all I requested at their Hands; and I doubted
+not, but that, by the Blessing of God on my honest Endeavours,
+I should soon be able to retrieve my present Loss; at
+least, I said, I should have nothing to reproach myself with,
+whatever should befal me, as I should have, if I were to
+comply with the Favour they had so kindly intended for me.</p>
+
+<p>“Upon which, Capt. <i>Loe</i> said, <i>Gentlemen, the Master, I must
+needs say, has spoke nothing but what is very reasonable, and I
+think he ought to have his Sloop. What do you say Gentlemen?</i></p>
+
+<p>“The greatest Part of them answered aloud, <i>Ay, Ay, by G—,
+let the poor Man have his Sloop again, and go in God’s Name,
+and seek a Living in her for his Family. Ay</i>, said some of
+them, <i>and we ought to make something of a Gathering for the poor
+Man, since we have taken every Thing that he had on Board his
+Vessel</i>. This put an End to the Dispute; and every Body
+talked according to their Inclinations, the Punch, Wine, and
+Tobacco being moving Commodities all this Time: And every
+one who had an Opportunity of speaking to me, wish’d me
+much Joy with, and success in, my newly obtain’d Sloop.</p>
+
+<p>“Towards Night, <i>Russel</i> told Capt. <i>Loe</i>, that as the Company
+had agreed to give me the Sloop again, it was to be hoped they
+would discharge me, and let me go about my Business in a
+short Time; and therefore, with his Leave, he would take me
+on Board the Scooner with him, to treat me with a Sneaker of
+Punch before parting. Accordingly, I accompany’d him on
+Board his Vessel, tho’ I had rather stay’d with <i>Loe</i>, and he
+welcomed me there, and made abundance of Protestations of
+his Kindness and Respect to me; but still argued, that he
+thought I was very much overseen in not accepting what he
+had so kindly, and out of pure Respect, offer’d to me, and
+which, he said, would really have been the making of me. I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_178">[178]</span>
+told him, I thank’d him for his Favour and Good-will; but
+was very well satisfy’d with the Company’s Generosity in
+agreeing to give me the Sloop again, which, I said, was more
+satisfactory to me, than the richest Prize that they could take.</p>
+
+<p>“Well, says he, I wish it may prove according to your Expectation.
+I thank’d him; so down we went into the Cabbin, and,
+with the Officers only, diverted ourselves in talking ’till
+Supper was laid on the Table.</p>
+
+<p>“After Supper, a Bowl of Punch, and half a Dozen of Claret,
+being set on the Table, Capt. <i>Russel</i> took a Bumper, and drank
+<i>Success to their Undertaking</i>; which went round, I not daring
+to refuse it. Next Health was <i>Prosperity to Trade</i>, meaning
+their own Trade. The third Health was, <i>The King of France</i>:
+After which, <i>Russel</i> began the <i>King of</i> England<i>’s Health</i>;
+so they all drank round, some saying, <i>The King of</i> England’s
+<i>Health</i>, others only <i>The aforesaid Health</i>, ’till it came round to
+me; and Capt. <i>Russel</i> having empty’d two Bottles of Claret
+into the Bowl, as a Recruit, and there being no Liquor that I
+have a greater Aversion to, than red Wine in Punch, I heartily
+begg’d the Captain and the Company would excuse my drinking
+any more of that Bowl, and give me leave to pledge the
+Health in a Bumper of Claret.</p>
+
+<p>“Hereupon <i>Russel</i> said, <i>Damn you, you shall drink in your
+Turn a full Bumper of that Sort of Liquor that the Company does.
+Well, Gentlemen</i>, said I, <i>rather than have any Words about it, I
+will drink it, tho’ it is in a Manner Poyson to me; because I
+never drank any of this Liquor, to the best of my Remembrance,
+but it made me sick two or three Days at least after it.</i> <i>And
+d—n you</i>, says <i>Russel, if it be in a Manner, or out of a Manner,
+or really, rank Poyson, you shall drink as much, and as often,
+as any one here, unless you fall down dead, dead</i>!</p>
+
+<p>“So I took the Glass, which was one of your <i>Hollands</i> Glasses,
+made in the Form of a Beaker, without a Foot, holding about
+three Quarters of a Pint, and filling it to the Brim, said, <i>Gentlemen,
+here is the aforesaid Health. What Health is that</i>, said<span class="pagenum" id="Page_179">[179]</span>
+<i>Russel? Why</i>, says I, <i>the same Health you all have drank, The
+King of</i> England’s <i>Health. Why</i>, says <i>Russel, who is King of</i>
+England? I answer’d, <i>In my Opinion, he that wears the Crown,
+is certainly King while he keeps it. Well</i>, says he, <i>and pray who
+is that? Why</i>, says I, <i>King</i> George <i>at present wears it</i>. Hereupon
+he broke out in the most outrageous Fury, damning me,
+and calling me Rascally Son of a B—; and abusing his Majesty
+in such a virulent Manner, as is not fit to be repeated,
+asserting, with bitter Curses, that we had no King.</p>
+
+<p>“I said, <i>I admir’d that he would begin and drink a Health to a
+Person who was not in being</i>. Upon which, he whipp’d one of
+his Pistols from his Sash, and I really believe would have shot
+me dead, if the Gunner of the Scooner had not snatch’d it out
+of his Hand.</p>
+
+<p>“This rather more exasperated <i>Russel</i>, who continu’d swearing
+and cursing his Majesty in the most outrageous Terms, and
+asserting the Pretender to be the lawful King of <i>England, &amp;c.</i>
+He added, That ’twas a Sin to suffer such a false traiterous Dog
+as I was to live; and with that whipp’d out another Pistol
+from his Sash, and cock’d it, and swore he would shoot me
+through the Head, and was sure he should do God and his
+Country good Service, by ridding the World of such a traiterous
+Villain. But the Master of the Scooner prevented him, by
+striking the Pistol out of his Hand.</p>
+
+<p>“Whether it was with the Fall, or his Finger being on the
+Trigger, I cannot tell, but the Pistol went off without doing
+any Damage: At which the Master, and all present, blamed
+<i>Russel</i> for being so rash and hasty; and the Gunner said, I
+was not to blame; for that I drank the Health as it was first
+propos’d, and there being no Names mention’d, and King
+<i>George</i> being possess’d of the Crown, and establish’d by
+Authority of Parliament, he did not see but his Title was the
+best. <i>But what have we to do</i>, continued he, <i>with the Rights of
+Kings or Princes? Our Business here, is to chuse a King for
+our own Commonwealth; to make such Laws as we think most<span class="pagenum" id="Page_180">[180]</span>
+conducive to the Ends we design; and to keep ourselves from being
+overcome, and subjected to the Penalty of those Laws which are
+made against us.</i> He then intimated to <i>Russel</i>, That he must
+speak his Sentiments freely, and imputed his Quarrel with me,
+to his being hinder’d from breaking thro’ their Articles:
+Urging, that he would appear no better than an Infringer of
+their Laws, if the Matter were narrowly look’d into: And
+that it was impossible ever to have any Order or Rule observ’d,
+if their Statutes were once broken thro’. He put him in Mind
+of the Penalty, which was Death, to any one who should infringe
+their Laws; and urg’d, That if it were once admitted
+that a Man, thro’ Passion, or the like, should be excused
+breaking in upon them, there would be an End to their Society:
+And concluded with telling him, that it was an extraordinary
+Indulgence in the Company, not to remind him of the Penalty
+he had incurr’d.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Russel</i>, still continuing his Passion, answer’d, That if he had
+transgress’d, it was not for the Sake of his own private Interest,
+but for the general Good of the Company; and therefore did
+not fear, neither in Justice could he expect, any Severity from
+the Company for what he had done; and for that Reason,
+whatever he (the Gunner) or those of his Sentiments, thought
+of it, he was resolv’d, whatever came of it, to pursue his
+present Humour.</p>
+
+<p>“Then says the Gunner to the rest, <i>Well, Gentlemen, if you
+have a Mind to maintain those Laws made, establish’d, and
+sworn to by you all, as I think we are all obligated by the strongest
+Tyes of Reason and Self-Interest to do, I assure you, my Opinion
+is, that we ought to secure</i> John Russel, <i>so as to prevent his
+breaking our Laws and Constitutions, and thereby do ourselves,
+and him too, good Service: Ourselves, by not suffering such an
+Action of Cruelty in cold Blood, as he more than once attempted
+to commit, as you are Eye-witnesses of, and, I believe, most on
+Board have been Ear-witnesses to the Pistol’s going off; and all
+this for no other Reason in the World, but through a proud and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_181">[181]</span>
+ambitious Humour, conceiting he is the Man that is not to be contradicted,
+and that his Words, though tending to our Ruin, must
+yet be receiv’d as an Oracle, without any Opposition</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“At which they all said, It was a pity the Master should
+suffer, neither would they permit it; and speaking to <i>Russel</i>,
+they said, they would not allow him to be so barbarous: That
+they had always valued themselves upon this very Thing of
+being civil to their Prisoners, and not abusing their Persons:
+That, ’till now, he himself had been always the greatest
+Perswader to Clemency, and even to the forgiving Provocations,
+and permitting them to go from ’em with as little Loss
+as could be, after they had taken what they had Occasion for:
+<i>But now</i>, said they, <i>you are quite the Reverse, to this poor Man,
+and for no other Reason, that we know of, but, as the Gunner said
+just now, because we would not yield a greater Power to you alone,
+then you with the whole Company have when conjoin’d; that is,
+that you at any Time, to gratify your own Humour, shall have
+Liberty, not only to dispense with our Laws, but to act against
+the Sentiments of the whole Company</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Russel</i> answer’d, That he never did oppose the Company
+before; neither could he believe any present could charge him
+with any Cruelty in cold Blood, ever since he belong’d to the
+Company; but that he had a Reason for what he did, or would
+have done, if he had not been prevented. Hereupon the
+Master interrupting him, said, <i>Capt.</i> Russel, <i>we know of no
+Reason for your passionate Design, but what we have told you;
+and, as you have been told before, it reflects a Revenge against the
+Company; but not being able to effect that, you turn it on that poor
+Man the Master of the Sloop, and, as it were, in despite of the
+Company, because they have decreed him his Sloop again, that
+he may provide a Living for his Family, you would barbarously,
+nay brutishly, as well as to the Company contemptuously, murder
+that poor Man, who has given you no Occasion to induce you to
+such an Action that we know of; and if he has given you any
+sufficient Cause to be so offended at him, we promise you this<span class="pagenum" id="Page_182">[182]</span>
+Instant, to deliver him up to you, to suffer Death, or what other
+Punishment you think fit to inflict on him</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Russel</i> told them, That he had been in the Company almost
+from the first, and he challeng’d any one to charge him with
+Singularity, or Opposition to the Company, or of Cruelty to
+any one Prisoner before that Rascal, as he call’d me, and that
+therefore they might be assur’d, he should not have taken up
+such Resentments against me, if he had not a sufficient Reason
+to provoke him to it, which he did not think proper at that
+Time to divulge.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Then</i>, says the Gunner, <i>neither do we think proper that you
+shall take any Man’s Life away in cold Blood, ’till you think fit
+to acquaint the Company with the Reasons for it; and I think it
+was your Place to satisfy the Company, before you took the
+Liberty to attempt the Life of any Man under the Company’s
+Protection, as I think all Prisoners are: And, to say the Truth,
+I do verily believe, you have no other Reasons to give than those
+hinted by the Master and me; and therefore, I think it but Reason,
+to use such Methods as may prevent your passionate Design, and
+secure the Prisoner ’till Morning, and then send him on Board the
+Commodore, who, with the Advice of the Majority, may order the
+Matter as he thinks best</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“This was consented to by all, and so <i>Russel</i>, having his
+Arms taken from him, was order’d not to offer the least Disturbance
+again, nor concern himself with or about me, ’till after
+I was on Board the Commodore, on Pain of the Crew’s Displeasure,
+and also of being prosecuted as a Mutineer; and the
+Gunner, Master, Boatswain, <i>&amp;c.</i> bid me not be discourag’d;
+assuring me, that there should no Harm come to me while I
+was on Board of them; and that they would send me away now,
+but that there is, said they, an express Order among us, to receive
+no Boats on Board after eight at Night, or nine a-Clock at
+farthest; but they would put me on Board Capt. <i>Loe</i> in the
+Morning, where they were sure I should be protected and
+secur’d from the revengeful Hand of Capt. <i>Russel</i>; for they<span class="pagenum" id="Page_183">[183]</span>
+said, they were sure that Capt. <i>Loe</i> had a great Respect for me,
+and would be a Means to counter-ballance <i>Russel</i>; and they
+said they would sit up with me all Night for my greater Security:
+Which they did, smoaking and drinking and talking, every
+one according to his Inclination, and so we pass’d the Time
+away ’till Day.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Russel</i> went to sleep about two a-Clock in the Morning in his
+Cabbin; however, the Master, the Gunner, and five or six
+more, did not go to Bed all that Night, but would have had
+me gone to sleep, telling me, I need not fear, for they would
+take Care that <i>Russel</i> should not hurt me.</p>
+
+<p>“About eight a-Clock in the Morning, I was carry’d on Board
+Capt. <i>Loe</i>, the Gunner and Steward going with me, who told
+him all that had pass’d; and acquainted him, that they still
+believ’d <i>Russel</i> to be so implacable against me, that he would
+murder me in cold Blood before I got clear of them, if he did
+not interpose to protect me from his Violence. Capt. <i>Loe</i>
+said, He very well knew, and he believ’d so did they all, what
+was the Reason that made <i>Russel</i> so inveterate and implacable
+to me: He added, That <i>Russel</i> did not do well; and that I had
+behav’d myself so inoffensively, that there could be no Reason
+to induce the most savage Monster to be such an irreconcilable
+Enemy to me; but that ’twas an easy Matter to dive into the
+Cause of it, to wit, his being thwarted by the Company in his
+Humour; and because they would not break thro’ the Articles
+which cemented them together, and which were sign’d and
+swore to by them all, as the standing Rule of their Duty, by
+which only they could decide and settle Controversies and
+Differences among themselves; the least Breach of which,
+would be a Precedent for the like Infractions, whenever <i>Russel</i>,
+or any other, thought fit to give Way either to Revenge or
+Ambition, and that then all their Counsels would be fluctuating;
+and Fancy, and not Reason, would be the Rule of their Conduct;
+and their Resolutions would be render’d more unconstant
+than the Weathercock. He added, That he hoped the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_184">[184]</span>
+Company would inviolably adhere to their establish’d Laws,
+which, he said, were very good; and were they not, yet, as
+they were made by the unanimous Consent of the whole Company,
+so they ought not to be alter’d without the same unanimous
+Consent; concluding, that, for his Part, he would rather
+chuse to be out of the Company than in it, if they did not
+resolve to be determin’d by their Articles. Hereupon they
+answer’d, That what he had said was very good, and they were
+resolv’d to adhere to his Advice.</p>
+
+<p>“After this they drank a Dram, and then return’d with their
+Boat on Board the Scooner; and Capt. <i>Loe</i> told me, he was
+sorry for Capt. <i>Russel’s</i> Disgust against me, because he believ’d
+it would be a disadvantage to me; but, however, there
+was no Remedy but Patience; assuring me, That <i>Russel</i>
+should neither kill me, nor abuse my Person, and I should have
+my Sloop again, and be discharg’d in as short a while as possible,
+that I might be clear of <i>Russel</i>, who, he was afraid, would
+always continue my Foe.</p>
+
+<p>“All the Officers and Men likewise spoke very friendly to me,
+and bid me not be daunted; so we pass’d the Time away in
+several Kinds of Discourse ’till Dinner; after which, <i>Loe</i>
+order’d a Bowl of Punch to be made, and said he wish’d I was
+well clear of them.</p>
+
+<p>“About four a-Clock in the Afternoon Capt. <i>Russel</i> came on
+Board, as did also <i>Francis Spriggs</i>, who commanded the other
+Ship, and after a little while, says <i>Russel</i> to Capt. <i>Loe</i>, <i>The
+Mate of the Sloop is willing to enter with us as a Volunteer</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Loe</i> made Answer, and said, <i>How must we do in that Case?
+For then the Master of the Sloop will have no Body to help him,
+but one Boy; for</i>, says he, <i>the little Child is no Help at all</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Russel</i> said, <i>He could not help that. But</i>, said Loe, <i>we must
+not take all the Hands from the poor Man, if we design to give him
+his Sloop again</i>; adding, <i>That he thought in Reason there could
+not be less than two Boys and the Mate</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Z—ds</i>, says <i>Russel, his Mate is a lusty young brisk Man, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_185">[185]</span>
+has been upon the Account before, and told me but even now</i> (<i>for</i>,
+said he, <i>I was on Board the Sloop but just before I came here, and</i>
+Frank Spriggs <i>was along with me, and heard him say</i>), <i>That he
+was fully resolv’d to go with us, and would not go any more in the
+Sloop, unless forced; and when he came out of</i> Barbadoes, <i>he
+said, his Design was to enter himself on Board the first Pyrate that
+he met with; And will you refuse such a Man, contrary to your
+Articles, which you all so much profess to follow; and which
+enjoin you by all Means, not repugnant to them, to encrease and
+fill your Company? Besides</i>, continued he, <i>he spoke to me the
+first Day, that he was resolv’d to enter with us</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Loe</i> reply’d, That to give the Man his Sloop, and no Hands
+with him to assist him, was but putting him to a lingering
+Death, and they had as good almost knock him on the Head,
+as do it.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Russel</i> answer’d, As to that, they might do as they pleas’d;
+what he spoke now was for the Good of the whole Company,
+and agreeable to the Articles, and he would fain see or hear that
+Man that should oppose him in it. He said, He was Quarter-Master
+of the whole Company, and, by the Authority of his
+Place, he would enter the Mate directly, and had a Pistol
+ready for the Man that should oppose him in it.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Loe</i> said, As for what was the Law and Custom among them
+(as what he now pleaded, was) he would neither oppose, nor
+argue against; but, if they thought fit to take the Man’s Mate
+from him, then they might let him have one of his own Men
+with him.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Russel</i> said, No; for all the Sloop’s Men were already enroll’d
+in their Books, and therefore none of them should go in
+her again. <i>Gentlemen</i>, continu’d he, <i>you must consider I am
+now arguing, as well for the Good of the Company, as for the
+due Maintenance and Execution of the Laws and Articles; and
+as I am the proper Officer substituted and intrusted by this Company
+with Authority to execute the same, so</i> (<i>as I told you before</i>)
+<i>I have a Pistol and a Brace of Balls ready for any one, who dare<span class="pagenum" id="Page_186">[186]</span>
+oppose me herein</i>; and turning to me, said, <i>Master, the Company
+has decreed you your Sloop, and you shall have her; you
+shall have your two Boys, and that is all: You shall have neither
+Provisions, nor any Thing else, more than as she now is. And,
+I hear, there are some of the Company design to make a Gathering
+for you; but that also I forbid, by the Authority of my Place,
+because we are not certain but we may have Occasion ourselves
+for those very Things before we get more; and for that Reason I
+prohibit a Gathering; and I swear by all that is Great and Good,
+that if I know any Thing whatsoever carry’d, or left on Board the
+Sloop against my Order, or without my Knowledge, that very
+Instant I will set her on Fire, and you in her.</i></p>
+
+<p>“Upon which I said, that since it was their Pleasure to order
+it thus, I begged that they would not put me on Board the
+Sloop in such a Condition; but rather begg’d, if they so pleas’d,
+to do what they would with the Sloop, and put me, and my two
+Boys, ashore on one of the Islands.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Russel</i> said, No; for they were to Leeward of all the Islands,
+and should hardly come near any of them this Season again.</p>
+
+<p>“I said, I should rather be put ashore any where else, either
+on the Coast of <i>Guinea</i>, or on whatever Coast they came at
+first, than be put as a Victim on Board the Sloop; where I
+should have no Possibility of any Thing but perishing, except
+by an extraordinary Miracle.</p>
+
+<p>“He told me, My Fate was already decreed by the Company,
+and he, by his Place, was to see all their Orders put in Execution;
+and he would accordingly see me safely put on Board the
+Sloop, in the exact Condition as he had but now mention’d.</p>
+
+<p>“I was going to make him a Reply, but casting my Eye on
+Capt. <i>Loe</i>, he wink’d at me to be silent; and taking a Bumper,
+drank Success to their Proceedings. The Health went round,
+and <i>Loe</i> order’d the great Bowl to be fill’d with Punch, and
+Bottles of Wine to be set on the Table in the Cabbin, to which
+we all resorted, and spent the remaining Part of the Evening in
+Discourses on different Subjects: Only <i>Frank Spriggs</i> offer’d<span class="pagenum" id="Page_187">[187]</span>
+to perswade me to accept of what was first offer’d me, which
+<i>Russel</i> swore I should not now have, I having not once,
+but several Times already refus’d it. Capt. <i>Loe</i> not being
+then willing to have any more of that Kind of Discourse,
+broke it off by singing a Song, and enjoining every one present
+to do the same, except me, whom he said he would excuse
+’till Times grew better with me: And thus they diverted themselves,
+and pass’d the Evening away ’till towards eight a-Clock,
+and then every one repair’d on Board their respective Ships;
+and, after they were gone, <i>Loe</i> and I, and two or three of his
+Confidents, smoak’d a Pipe, and drank a Bottle or two of
+Wine; in which Time he told me, He was very sorry that <i>Jack
+Russel</i> was so set against me. I said, So was I, and wonder’d
+what should be the Reason of it, having given him no Cause,
+unless by drinking that Health the preceding Night: I said, I
+had imputed to Liquor, the Fury he was then in, and was in
+Hopes, that after that had work’d off, his Resentments also
+would have cooled, and was not a little concern’d to find it
+otherwise. <i>Loe</i> said, The Health was not the Cause, but
+rather the Effect of his Anger, and a meer Pretence to cloak his
+Resentment for other Disappointments: Adding, That I did
+right to take his Hint given me by winking, to answer no more;
+<i>For</i>, says he, <i>I knew that every Thing which you could speak to
+him, would be taken Edge-ways; and the more you said to excuse
+yourself, the more it would add Fuel to his Anger, which he turn’d
+against you who could not resist him, because he could not have
+his Will of us; but we will endeavour to draw him off by Degrees;
+and for that Reason will not discharge you, but I will keep you on
+Board with me, where he shall not hurt nor abuse you, except
+with his Tongue, which you must bear, ’till we see if we can alter
+his Temper, so as to deal with you a little more favourable than
+at present he designs</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“I thank’d him, and all of them present, for their Favours
+and Good-will, and it being near Midnight, we parted, and
+every one retired to his Rest, and I to my Hammock; and being<span class="pagenum" id="Page_188">[188]</span>
+pretty much fatigued the Night before, as well as the preceding
+Day, soon fell asleep; and about Day-dawning, I got up, and
+came upon Deck, and walking upon the Quarter Deck very
+solitary, one of the three Men, mention’d before, pass’d by
+me, and ask’d me how I did, and said he was very sorry for the
+Unkindness already shew’d me, and like to be shew’d; but it
+was what they expected, as they had before hinted to me, and
+that still there was like to be a tough Struggle about me: That
+<i>Russel</i> did design to be very barbarous to me, and that <i>Loe</i>,
+and a great Part of the Company, intended to oppose him in
+it; that there were a great many who were <i>Russel’s</i> Gang or
+Clan, and design’d to stand by him in it, and had threaten’d,
+that if there were much Disturbance about it, they would
+shoot me, and so put an End to the Controversy: That there
+were some, on the other Hand, that threaten’d hard if they did,
+to revenge my Death by some of theirs; so that it was likely
+to be an untoward Touch, and he wish’d it might not prove to
+my Disadvantage in the End; but would have me still to keep
+a good Heart, and trust in God, and hope for the best, and by
+no means to speak one Word, or concern myself either Way,
+but patiently wait the Issue, which he hoped would be better
+for me than some of them intended; and so heartily wishing
+me well, walk’d his Way.</p>
+
+<p>“Now you must believe these Accounts were not a little
+shocking to me; but I had no Friend that I could really rely
+on, but God, to whom I made my Petitions, and whose
+Assistance I humbly besought, to extricate me, in his own good
+Time, out of these Difficulties and Snares which were laid for
+me on every Side, and, in the mean Time, patiently so to bear
+them, as not to murmur and repine at his fatherly Chastisements,
+nor, by their Extremity, through Desperation, wound
+my Conscience; but that in all Things I might, through the
+Guidance of the holy Spirit, be directed so as to submit myself
+entirely to his Will, who infinitely knew what was better for
+me than I knew myself.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_189">[189]</span></p>
+
+<p>“After some Time pass’d, Capt. <i>Loe</i> came upon Deck, who
+ask’d me how I had rested the preceding Night? I told him,
+Very well, considering my present Case; but, next under
+God, had grounded my Hopes upon him, to rid me of my
+present Fears, by dispatching me away as soon as possible he
+could with Conveniency. He told me, He would do every
+Thing in his Power to further my Desires, and hoped that what
+he had already done on my Account, would sufficiently convince
+me of his Desire to serve me; but that Things hitherto
+had fallen out very unluckily and cross, as I myself was able
+to judge by what was already pass’d.</p>
+
+<p>“I told him, I had very good Reasons to return him my hearty
+Thanks, and own’d myself bound to him in the strictest Ties
+of Gratitude; and that if it ever should be in my Power to
+serve him, I would not content myself with bare Acknowledgments
+of his Favour.</p>
+
+<p>“He said, His Will was at present more extensive than his
+Power; but that he still hoped to prevail with <i>Russel</i>, and
+those who were of his Side, to be more compassionate to me
+before I parted with them, than at present they seem’d to
+intend, and as soon as he had brought them to a better Temper,
+he then would procure my Discharge; but if <i>Russel</i> still continu’d
+inexorable, which he should be very sorry for, then you
+must endeavour, says he, to keep up a good Heart, and
+patiently wait ’till Providence brings you out of your present
+Calamities, which I hope he will.</p>
+
+<p>“I thank’d him, and told him, I would endeavour to follow his
+Advice, tho’, I said, ’twas with some Impatience that I waited
+to have my Doom determin’d in a Discharge from them. He
+bid me be easy, it should be shortly.</p>
+
+<p>“By this Time there were several join’d with us, so we broke
+off that Discourse, and fell into other Talk.</p>
+
+<p>“About two or three a-Clock in the Afternoon, Capt. <i>Russel</i>,
+Capt. <i>Spriggs</i>, and some of their Officers, came on Board, and
+held a Consultation, which I was not allow’d to be a Hearer<span class="pagenum" id="Page_190">[190]</span>
+of; but understood afterwards, ’twas chiefly about their
+own Affairs, in Relation to the further Prosecution of their
+intended Voyage; and by the little mention that was made
+of me, it appear’d, that <i>Russel</i> continu’d still inflexible,
+bitterly swearing, that he would, if he had a thousand
+Lives, lose them all, rather than miscarry in this his fix’d
+Resolution.</p>
+
+<p>“In this difficult Situation I stood, not daring to speak freely
+for fear of offending, nor be silent, lest I should be thought
+contemptuous; not knowing how to avoid their Resentments,
+and every Resentment menacing, and often bringing Death.
+And thus I tediously, as well as dangerously, pass’d my Time
+among them, until it pleas’d God to put it into their Hearts to
+discharge me; tho’, if seriously weigh’d, this my Discharge
+seem’d like sentencing me to a lingering and miserable Death;
+yet I must needs confess, considering the whole Matter, that
+I was in a Manner miraculously befriended and supported,
+even in spite of Malice, Rage, and Revenge, for which I shall
+always pay my humble Acknowledgements to the Divine
+Providence.</p>
+
+<p>“After several Efforts made by Capt. <i>Loe</i>, and others, and
+abundance of Arguments used to bring <i>Russel</i> to better Temper
+relating to me; and finding it all to no Purpose, and that
+some of his Clan had bound themselves by Oath to stand by
+him, even to my Destruction, if the Dispute continu’d much
+longer; Capt. <i>Loe</i>, and Capt. <i>Spriggs</i>, and others, who were
+my Friends, resolv’d on sending me away as soon as possible;
+and for that Purpose <i>Loe</i>, the 10th Day after I was taken,
+made a Signal for a general Consultation on Board of him;
+and as soon as the Officers and leading Men of the other two
+Ships, were assembled, he made a Speech to them, to let them
+know the Reason of his calling them to a Consultation, telling
+them, <i>That he thought it was Time to discharge me, as they had
+before agreed, as also to prosecute their intended Voyage, they
+having lain a long Time driving; and that, altogether out of their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_191">[191]</span>
+Way, by Reason they could not expect, either here, or in this Drift,
+to meet with any Ships</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“To this they all agreeing, Capt. <i>Loe</i> told them, <i>He thought
+it would be best to discharge me first, for several Reasons, among
+which, my being cumbersome to them, as well as unserviceable,
+they being forc’d to sail the Sloop themselves; besides, he said it
+was not proper that I should be made acquainted with the Design
+of their Voyage</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“They ask’d, <i>Why he did not turn me away?</i> Saying, <i>They
+did not know for what Reason I had been kept so long, the Company
+having settled that Matter so long since</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Capt. <i>Loe</i> said, <i>Gentlemen, you all know what Arguments we
+have had already about this Matter, and how Capt.</i> Russel, <i>and
+some more, were angry with the Master of the Sloop, and, I verily
+believe, without any Cause by him given to any of you designedly;
+and therefore, I hope you have consider’d better of it since, and
+laid aside your Resentments against the poor Man; neither</i>,
+said he, <i>let us do any Thing now in Passion, for I do not design
+(nor would I, if I could) to inforce any of you to comply to any
+Thing against your Will; nor would I have you think, Gentlemen,
+that I shall ever shew so much Respect to any Prisoner, as, on his
+Account, to cause a Difference or Wrangling among our selves;
+but yet, Gentlemen, give me Leave to say, That tho’ we are Pirates,
+yet we are Men, and tho’ we are deem’d by some People dishonest,
+yet let us not wholly divest ourselves of Humanity, and make
+ourselves more Savage than Brutes. If we send this poor Man
+away from us, without Provisions or Hands to assist him, Pray
+what greater Cruelty can there be? I think the more lingering
+any Death is made, the more barbarous ’tis accounted by all Men;
+and therefore, Gentlemen, I leave it to your own Consideration.</i></p>
+
+<p>“To this, <i>Russel</i> made answer, <i>That he, in the Company’s
+Name, had made the Master of the Sloop very good and generous
+Offers, in the Hearing of all the Company; but that I had, in his
+Opinion, after a very slighting Manner, refus’d them: That
+’twas my Choice to be sent thus on Board the Sloop, rather than<span class="pagenum" id="Page_192">[192]</span>
+the Compulsion of the Company; and that, notwithstanding he
+told me what I must trust to by insisting on the Sloop, and how
+favourable they were design’d to be to me, if I would have but a
+little Patience ’till they could provide for me, yet that I had refus’d
+their Favours, notwithstanding the Pains he took to perswade me</i>;
+adding an egregious Falshood, (but I durst not tell him so)
+<i>That I had petition’d and begg’d of the Company, rather to be put
+in the Sloop in the Condition he now propos’d for me, and that
+therefore, according to my Desire, it should be so; and he hoped it
+could never be reckon’d Cruelty in them to give a Person his free
+Choice. And, Gentlemen</i>, says he, <i>we have had a great many
+more Words about this Matter already, than ever we had in the
+like Case before; but I hope you all have so much Value and
+Respect for one another, and for the general Peace, as that we
+shall have no more Debate on this Head, but determine at once
+the Time when he is to be discharg’d, the Manner of it being
+already settled by the major Part, and I as your Quarter-master,
+as my Office requires, will see it executed, and, perhaps, in a more
+favourable Manner than at first I design’d, or he really deserves at
+mine or your Hands either; but let that rest there</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Then Capt. <i>Loe</i> said, <i>Mr.</i> Russel <i>hath spoke to you, Gentlemen,
+his Sentiments, which, in the main, are reasonable and true,
+and I am glad he is reconcil’d to the Master of the Sloop before
+their parting; and, I cannot say, but I always believ’d</i> Jack
+Russel <i>to be a Man of so much Sense, as well as Good-nature,
+that he would scorn to take Revenge on one whose Condition
+render’d him uncapable of helping himself. And I think,
+Gentlemen, we may discharge him as soon as you please, and this
+Afternoon, if you are all agreed to it.</i> They all said <i>Ay</i>. Upon
+which <i>Russel</i> told them, it should be done that Afternoon;
+telling <i>Loe</i>, <i>That after Dinner he would take me on Board the
+Scooner with him, and, from thence, send me on Board the Sloop,
+and see what could be done for me</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Some of <i>Loe’s</i> Company said, <i>They would look out some
+Things, and give me along with me when I was going away</i>;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_193">[193]</span>
+but <i>Russel</i> told them, <i>they should not, for he would toss them all
+into</i> Davy Jones’s Locker <i>if they did; for I was the Scooner’s
+Prize, and she had all my Cargo and Plunder on Board of her,
+and therefore what was given to me should be given to me out of her</i>:
+And turning to me said, <i>Well, Master, I will this Evening put
+you on Board your own Sloop, and will be a better Friend to you,
+perhaps, than them that pretended a great deal more; but I am
+above being led by Passion</i>, &amp;c. They all din’d on Board of
+<i>Loe</i>, who, after Dinner, order’d a Bowl of Punch to be made in
+the great Silver Bowl, and set a Dozen of Claret on the Table,
+and that they said was for me to take my Leave of them, and
+part Sailor-like. I thank’d them; so they drank round to my
+good Success, and then to their own fortunate Proceedings
+and good Success; and <i>Loe</i> told me, <i>He wish’d me very well, and
+hoped to meet with me again, at some Time when they had a good
+Prize of rich Goods, and he would not fail to make me a Retaliation
+with good Advantage for my present Loss</i>. And they all
+present said, <i>I need not fear meeting with a Friend, whenever
+I met with them again</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“About duskish, they began to prepare to go on Board their
+Ships, and I took my Leave of Capt. <i>Loe</i>, and all his Ship’s
+Company, and in particular of the three Men, who, I believe,
+were my hearty Friends, and return’d them all Thanks for
+their Kindness, as well as good Humour, shew’d to me since
+my first coming on Board of them. I also took my Leave of
+Capt. <i>Spriggs</i>, and those of his Company who were present,
+wish’d me well, but not one of them, I believe, dar’d to give me
+any Lumber with me, nor durst I have accepted of it had they
+offer’d it, for Fear of angering my but newly and seemingly
+reconcil’d Enemy, who, in all Likelihood, would have taken
+from me whatever they would have given me: And for that
+Reason I believe it was, that none of them offer’d to give me a
+Farthing, notwithstanding all their Professions of Kindness to
+me; tho’ this Generosity is very usual with them, to People
+that they profess much less Favour for, than they did to me.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_194">[194]</span></p>
+
+<p>“<i>Russel</i> being ready, I was order’d to go in his Boat, which I
+did; and, as soon as we were come on Board the Scooner, he
+order’d a Supper to be got ready, and, in the mean Time, there
+was a Bowl of Punch made, and some Wine set on the Table.
+<i>Russel</i> invited me down into the Cabbin, as also all his Officers,
+and we drank and smoak’d ’till Supper was brought, and then
+he told me I was very welcome, and bid me eat and drink
+heartily; <i>For</i>, he said, <i>I had as tedious a Voyage to go through, as</i>
+Elijah’s <i>forty Days Journey was to Mount</i> Horeb, <i>and, as far
+as he knew, without a Miracle, it must only be by the Strength of
+what I eat now; for I should have neither Eatables nor Drinkables
+with me in the Sloop</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“I told him, <i>I hoped not so</i>: He rapt out a great Oath, <i>That
+I should find it certainly true</i>. I told him, <i>That rather than be
+put on Board the Sloop, in that Manner, where there was no
+Possibility to escape perishing, without a Miracle, I would submit
+to tarry on Board, ’till an Opportunity offer’d to put me ashore
+where they pleas’d; or would yield to any Thing else they should
+think fit to do with me, excepting to enter into their Service</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“He said, <i>It was once in my Power to have been my own Friend;
+but my slighting their proffer’d Favours, and my own chusing
+what I now must certainly accept, had render’d me uncapable of
+any other Choice; and that therefore all Apologies were but in
+vain; and he thought he shew’d himself more my Friend than I
+could well expect, or than I had deserv’d at his Hands, having
+caused him to have a great deal of Difference with the Company
+more than ever he had in his Life before, or ever should have again,
+he hoped</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“I told him, <i>I was very sorry that I was so unfortunate as to be
+the unhappy Occasion of it; but could from my Heart aver, that
+it was not only undesign’d, but also sorely against my Inclinations</i>;
+and begg’d of him, and all the Gentlemen then present,
+<i>to consider me as an Object rather of their Pity, than of their
+Revenge</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“He told me, <i>All my Arguments and Perswasions now were in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_195">[195]</span>
+vain, it being too late: I had not only refus’d their Commiseration
+when I was offer’d it, but ungratefully despis’d it: Therefore</i>,
+says he, <i>as I told you before, it’s in vain for you to plead any more:
+Your Lot is cast, and you have nothing now to do, but to go through
+with your Chance as well as you can, and fill your Belly with good
+Victuals and good Drink, to strengthen you to hold it as long as you
+can: It may be, and is very probable to be, the last Meal that ever
+you may eat in this World: However, perhaps, such a Conscientious
+Man as you would fain seem, or it may be are, may
+have a supernatural, or, at least, a natural Means wrought by a
+supernatural Power, in a miraculous Manner, to deliver you.
+However, I cannot say but I pity the two Boys, and have a great
+Mind to take them on Board, and let the miraculous Deliverance
+be wrought on you alone</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“The Master and Gunner said, <i>They heard the Boys say, they
+were willing to take their Chance with their Master, let it be what
+it would. Nay, then</i>, says <i>Russel</i>, <i>it’s fit they should. I suppose
+their Master has made them as religious and as conscientious as
+himself. However, Master</i>, says <i>Russel</i>, (speaking to me) <i>I
+would have you eat and drink heartily, and talk no more about
+changing your allotted Chance; because, as I told you before, it is
+all in vain; besides, it may be a Means of Provocation to serve you
+worse</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Gentlemen</i>, says I, <i>I have done: I will say no more; you can do
+no more than God is pleas’d to permit you; and I own, for that
+Reason, I ought to take it patiently</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Well, well</i>, says <i>Russel</i>, <i>if it be done by God’s Permission, you
+need not fear that he will permit any Thing hurtful to befall so
+good a Man as you are</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“About ten a-Clock at Night, he order’d to call the Sloop’s
+Boat, which was brought by some of the Pirates of his own
+Clan, who were station’d on Board of her, and ask’d them, <i>If
+they had done as he had order’d them</i>, viz. <i>to clear the Sloop of
+every Thing</i>? And they said <i>Yes</i>, raping out a great Oath or
+two, adding, <i>She had nothing on Board except Ballast and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_196">[196]</span>
+Water. Z—ds</i>, said <i>Russel</i>, <i>did not I bid you have all the Casks
+that had Water in them on Board? So we did</i>, said they; <i>but
+the Water that we spoke of was Salt-water, leak’d in by the Vessel,
+and is now above the Ballast; for we have not pump’d her we do
+not know when</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“Said <i>Russel</i>, <i>Have you brought away the Sails I told you of?</i>
+They said, <i>All but the Mainsail that was bent, for the other old
+Mainsail that he had order’d to be left, was good for nothing but
+to cut up for Parceling, and hardly for that, it was so rotten;
+besides, it was so torn, that it could not be brought too, and was
+past mending, and for that Reason they let it lie, and would not
+unbend the other Mainsail</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Z—ds</i>, says <i>Russel</i>, <i>we must have it, for I want it to make us a
+Mainsail. D—n it</i>, said the Men, <i>then you must turn the Man
+adrift in the Sloop without a Mainsail</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Pish</i>, said <i>Russel</i>, <i>the same miraculous Power that is to bring
+him Provisions, can also bring him a Sail</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>What a Devil, is he a Conjurer?</i> said one of them.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>No, no</i>, says <i>Russel</i>, <i>but he expects Miracles to be wrought for
+him, or he never would have chosen what he hath</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Nay, nay</i>, said they, <i>if he be such a one, he will do well enough;
+but I doubt</i>, says one of them, <i>he will fall short of his Expectation;
+for if he be such a mighty Conjurer, how the Devil was it that
+he did not conjure himself clear of us?</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>Pish</i>, said another, <i>it may be his conjuring Books were shut
+up. Ay, but</i>, said another, <i>now we have hove all his Conjuration
+Books over Board, I doubt he will be hard put to it to find them
+again</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Come, come</i>, says the Gunner, <i>Gentlemen, the poor Man is like
+to go through Hardship enough, and very probably may perish;
+yet it is not impossible but he may meet with some Ship, or other
+timely Succour, to prevent his perishing, and I heartily wish he
+may; but however, you ought not to add Affliction to the Afflicted;
+You have sentenc’d him to a very dangerous Chance, which I
+think is sufficient to stop your Mouths from making a Droll and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_197">[197]</span>
+Game of him. I would have you consider</i>, added he, <i>if any of you
+were at</i> Tyburn, <i>or any other Place to be executed, as many better
+and stouter Men than some of you, have been, and the Spectators,
+or</i> Jack Catch <i>should make a Droll and May-game of you, you
+would think them a very hard-hearted, as well as an inconsiderate
+Sort of People: And pray, Gentlemen, consider the Sentence which
+you are now going to execute on this poor Man, will be as bad, or
+rather worse, than one of our Cases would be there; because,
+unless Providence stand his Friend in an extraordinary Manner,
+his Death must as certainly ensue or be the Consequence of this
+your Sentence, as it would there be to any of us by the Sentence of
+a Judge, and so much the more miserable, by how much it is more
+lingering</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Damn it</i>, said <i>Russel</i>, <i>we have had enough, and too much of this
+already</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>Ay</i>, said the Gunner, <i>and take Care</i>, Russel, <i>you have not this
+to answer for one Day, when perhaps you will then, but too late,
+wish you had never done it. But you have got the Company’s
+Assent in this, I cannot tell how, and therefore I shall say no
+more, only that I, as I believe most of the Company, came here
+to get Money, but not to kill, except in Fight, and not in cold
+Blood, or for private Revenge. And I tell you</i>, John Russel, <i>if
+ever such Cases as these be any more practis’d, my Endeavour
+shall be to leave this Company as soon as I possibly can</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“To which <i>Russel</i> said nothing in Answer; but bid the Men
+that came on Board in the Boat, to leave the Sloop’s Boat on
+Board the Scooner, and take the Scooner’s Boat with them on
+Board the Sloop; and, as soon as they saw the Lights upon
+Deck on Board the Scooner, to come away from the Sloop with
+the Scooner’s Boat, and bring the Master of the Sloop’s
+biggest Boy with them; and to take their Hands out of the
+Sloop’s Boat, and put the Master’s Boy on Board of the
+Sloop’s Boat with his Master, and let them go on Board themselves
+with their Boat, and to be sure to bring the Sloop’s
+Mainsail with them, and also the Mate of the Sloop. All<span class="pagenum" id="Page_198">[198]</span>
+which they said they would do; so away they went; and then
+<i>Russel</i> told me, <i>He would give me something with me to remember
+him</i>; which was an old Musket, and a Cartridge of Powder,
+but for what Reason he made me that Present, I cannot tell;
+and then order’d the Candles to be lighted in the Lanthorns
+and carry’d upon Deck, and order’d two Hands to step into
+the Sloop’s Boat to carry me away, and to execute his former
+Orders; and then shaking Hands with me, he wish’d me a good
+Voyage. I told him I hoped I should. The Gunner, Master,
+and several of the Crew, shook Hands with me also, and heartily
+wish’d me Success, and hoped I should meet with a speedy
+and safe Deliverance. I thank’d them for their good Wishes;
+and told them I was now forc’d into a Necessity of going
+through it, whether I would or not; but thank’d God I was
+very easy at present, not doubting in God’s Mercy to me, tho’
+I was not deserving of it: And that if I was permitted to
+perish, I knew the worst; and doubted not but he would
+graciously pardon my Sins, and receive me to his Everlasting
+Rest; and, in this Respect, what they had intended for my
+Misfortune, would be the Beginning of my Happiness; and
+that in the mean Time, I had nothing to do but to resign
+myself to his blessed Will and Protection, and bear my Lot
+with Patience. And so bidding them farewell, I went over the
+Side into the Boat, which was directly put off; and about
+half Way between the Scooner and Sloop, we met the Scooner’s
+Boat, and, according to their Orders from <i>Russel</i>, they put my
+Boy on Board of me, and so put away again to get on Board
+their own Vessel.</p>
+
+<p>“After their Boat put away from us, I thought I heard the
+Voice of my Mate, but was not certain, because he spoke so low,
+his Conscience checking him, I suppose, for his leaving me so
+basely. I call’d to him, and said Arthur, <i>what are you going
+to leave me?</i> He answer’d, <i>Ay</i>. <i>What</i>, said I, <i>do you do it
+voluntary, or are you forc’d?</i> He answer’d faintly, <i>I am forc’d,
+I think</i>. I said, <i>It was very well</i>. He call’d to me again, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_199">[199]</span>
+said, <i>He would desire me to write to his Brother, and give him an
+Account where he was, if ever I should have an Opportunity</i>.
+I told him, <i>I did not know where his Brother liv’d</i>. He called
+and said, <i>He liv’d in</i> Carlingford. I told him, <i>I did not know
+where that was</i>. He said, <i>It was in</i> Ireland. <i>Why</i>, said I,
+<i>you told me in</i> Barbadoes that you was a Scotchman, <i>and that
+all your Friends liv’d in</i> Scotland. But he made me no further
+Answer; but away they row’d towards their Vessel, and I
+towards the Sloop, and it being a very dark, as well as a close
+Night, it was as much as ever I could do to see her; this being
+the last Time that I spoke to, or saw any of them, nor do I
+ever more desire to see them, except at some Place of Execution.”</p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_109" href="#FNanchor_109" class="label">[109]</a> <i>The Four Voyages of Capt. George Roberts ... written by Himself</i>,
+London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_200">[200]</span></p>
+<div class="chapter">
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XII">CHAPTER XII<br>
+<span class="ch-title">The Brutal Career and Miserable End of Ned Low</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>The day after parting with Captain Roberts the pirate
+fleet put to sea bound for the coast of Brazil hoping for
+some rich Portuguese prizes. They made land on the
+northern part of the coast, meanwhile sighting only one sail,
+a ship they could not come up with, and fell in with much
+dangerous shoal water. The trade-winds were very strong
+just at that time and the pirate vessels narrowly escaped
+foundering. Good fortune not seeming to lie in that direction,
+Captain Low bore away for the West Indies and soon reached
+the Triangles, three islands lying off the mainland about forty
+leagues eastward of Surinam, where they went in to careen the
+vessels in order to remove the foul growth that had accumulated
+during the passage up from the equator. They began with
+the pink and ill fortune continued, for Low ordered too many
+men into the shrouds and yards so that the vessel heeled over
+too far and the water came rapidly into the ports, which had
+been left open, so that she soon overset. Low was in the cabin
+at the time and barely escaped by climbing out at one of the
+stern ports. Where the pink turned turtle there was about six
+fathoms of water, just enough for the masts to strike into the
+mud and keep the hull above water, so that the men could hold
+on until picked up by the boats. Nevertheless two men were
+drowned.</p>
+
+<p>Having found it impossible to right the pink, Low went to
+sea in the schooner and for lack of water, which could not be
+obtained at the Triangles, they soon were in bad shape. For
+sixteen days only half a pint of water a day was allowed each<span class="pagenum" id="Page_201">[201]</span>
+man. They tried to reach Tobago but the winds were light
+and the current strong and at last they stood away for the
+French island of Grand Grenada. When the port officers
+came on board they saw only men enough to man the ship.
+The rest were hidden below. Low told the Frenchmen that
+he was from Barbadoes and that his water casks had sprung
+aleak so he was obliged to put in for a supply. The story
+was swallowed and Low was permitted to send men ashore but
+after a time the Frenchmen became suspicious and the next
+day fitted out a large Rhode Island-built sloop and with thirty
+men aboard they sailed out into the harbor and had nearly
+come alongside the schooner before Low understood their
+intention. He at once called up his men on deck, some
+ninety in all, and with his eight guns to the Frenchman’s four,
+the sloop soon fell an easy prey.</p>
+
+<p>Low now took over the sloop and gave the command of the
+schooner to Francis Farrington Spriggs, who had been his
+quartermaster, and they cruised together for some time, capturing
+seven or eight sloops and a rich Portuguese ship called
+“Nostra Signiora de Victoria.” Low tortured several of her
+men to compel them to disclose where the money was concealed
+on board and soon learned that during the chase of the
+ship the Portuguese captain had hung out of a cabin window, a
+canvas bag containing about eleven thousand gold moidores,
+the equivalent of nearly fifteen thousand English pounds, and
+when the ship was captured the captain cut the rope and let
+the bag drop into the sea. Low raved like a fury when he
+discovered what he had lost and ordered the unfortunate
+captain to be tied to the mast, when he slashed off the poor
+man’s lips with his cutlass and had them broiled before the
+galley fire and then compelled the Portuguese mate to eat
+them while hot from the fire. Captain and crew were then
+murdered, thirty-two persons in all.</p>
+
+<p>Among the vessels captured about this time was the snow
+“Unity” from New York bound for Curacao, Robert Leonard,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_202">[202]</span>
+master, which was taken within sight of her destination.
+A man on board, who once belonged to a man-of-war, they
+whipped unmercifully and two of the crew were forced, viz.:
+Richard Owen and Frederick Van der Scure, both living in
+New York. The snow was taken on Jan. 25, 1723. Low also
+captured a snow bound from London for Jamaica, part of the
+cargo being wines shipped at Madeira, of which a generous
+stock was taken on board the sloop and the schooner.<a id="FNanchor_110" href="#Footnote_110" class="fnanchor">[110]</a> Other
+captures were Captain Craig, in a sloop from the Bay of
+Honduras bound for New York, whom Low afterwards
+released so that he reached New York on April 27th. Captain
+Simpkins of New York on a sloop bound for Curacao, was
+taken in sight of the island and shortly released. The pink
+“Stanhope,” Andrew Delbridge, master, for Boston from
+Jamaica, was less fortunate and was burnt because of Low’s
+hatred for New England men.</p>
+
+<p>After a time Low came to anchor off the island of Santa Cruz
+and while laying there took it into his head that he wanted a
+new doctor’s chest. Shortly before he had captured two
+French sloops which were then at anchor near him. So putting
+four Frenchmen in one of the sloops and handing them some
+money, he ordered them to make all haste to buy a doctor’s
+chest at St. Thomas, about twelve leagues distant, swearing
+that if they didn’t bring back the chest the other sloop should
+be burnt and the rest of the Frenchmen killed. To his great
+amusement within twenty-four hours they returned with the
+chest and according to promise the sloops and Frenchmen were
+then allowed to go.</p>
+
+<p>From Santa Cruz, Low sailed for Curacao, meeting on the
+passage two sloops which outsailed him and got away. He
+then ranged the coast of New Spain and in the Gulf of Darien,
+about half-way between Carthagena and Porto Bello, sighted
+two ships which afterwards turned out to be the “Mermaid,”
+British man-of-war, and a large Guinea-man. Low was in the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_203">[203]</span>
+Rhode Island sloop that he had taken at Grand Grenada and
+Spriggs was in command of the Marblehead schooner “Fancy,”
+captured at Port Roseway the previous year. With them was
+the snow “Unity,” Captain Leonard, late commander, a
+recent capture. For some time Low made sail after the two
+ships until he came so near that he discovered his mistake
+and then there was nothing for him to do but to turn tail and
+run. The man-of-war of course gave chase and slowly overhauled
+Low’s fleet which was rapidly making towards the
+shoal water near the coast. Deciding to rid himself of the
+snow, the more unreliable of the forced men were put aboard
+and she was abandoned and Low and Spriggs took separate
+courses. As the sloop was the larger and carried more men,
+the “Mermaid” stood after her and was within gun-shot
+when she ran aground on a shoal. This happened because
+one of the men with Low knew of this uncharted shoal and
+telling him what course to steer the whole company thereby
+escaped hanging.<a id="FNanchor_111" href="#Footnote_111" class="fnanchor">[111]</a> Spriggs, meanwhile, got safely into Pickaroon
+Bay, about eighteen leagues from Carthagena, and
+afterwards made sail for the Bay of Honduras and came to
+anchor near a small island called Utilla, about seven or eight
+leagues from the large island of Roatan and here the schooner
+was hove down and cleaned.</p>
+
+<p>Five weeks had passed since Spriggs parted from Low and
+the day that he was ready to sail out of Utilla a large sloop
+was discovered bearing down on them. At first sight Spriggs
+thought her to be a Spanish privateer full of men and being
+much weaker in both guns and men he made sail and tried to
+get away. Low, who was in the sloop, had recognized the
+schooner at once and when she tried to escape imagined that
+she had been captured from Spriggs, so he fired a shot that
+struck the schooner in the bow. Spriggs, still failing to recognize
+the sloop, continued on his course and Low then hoisted
+his pirate colors and discovered who he was, to the uproarious<span class="pagenum" id="Page_204">[204]</span>
+joy of them all. The next day the two vessels went into
+Roatan harbor where Low careened and cleaned the bottom
+of the sloop, the crews meanwhile living on shore in booths
+which they built for shelter. There was much drinking and
+carousing. By Saturday, the 9th of March, all was in readiness
+for another foray and the long-boat brought off the last
+of the casks from the watering place. It was here that Philip
+Ashton, a Marblehead fisherman who had been forced at Port
+Roseway, the previous year, made his escape into the forest
+growth, where he lived a solitary existence for nine months,
+as will be told in another chapter.</p>
+
+<p>By the Boston newspapers of May, 1723, it appears that
+Low and Spriggs were not the only pirates ranging the Bay of
+Honduras at that time. On the 10th of March, 1723, quite
+a fleet of New England vessels were there busily engaged in
+loading logwood. Three sloops hailing from Newport, Rhode
+Island, commanded by Captains Benjamin Norton, John
+Madbury and Jeremiah Clark, were nearly ready to sail.
+In addition there was a Boston sloop commanded by Capt.
+Edward Lyde, and a brigantine from the same port; a ship
+and a snow; and two or three other sloops that hailed from
+New York, one commanded by Captain Spafforth and another
+by Captain Craig. That morning a Spanish privateer of six
+guns and about sixty men came upon the small fleet that lay
+there at anchor. One of the Boston captains, Lyde, immediately
+cut his cables and made sail and although chased by the
+privateer succeeded in getting away safely. He lacked fresh
+water for the homeward passage, however, and so stood in for
+a small creek farther up the coast and while there learned
+from some Bay men that the Spaniard had taken all the other
+vessels. But this victory was short-lived for only four hours
+later Captains Low and Spriggs came sailing in to the anchorage
+flying Spanish colors which were hauled down as they
+came near the privateer and the black flag hoisted. Low fired
+a broadside and boarded at once. The Spaniards were greatly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_205">[205]</span>
+outnumbered and made no resistance, so Low’s men fell to
+plundering the vessel, soon finding the New England captains
+confined in the hold. When Low learned of the captures made
+by the Spaniards it was decided after a short discussion to kill
+the entire company, so they fell to with their cutlasses, pollaxes
+and pistols and soon wiped out nearly all of them. Some
+who jumped overboard were knocked in the head by men who
+manned the canoe belonging to the sloop. Seven of the
+younger and more active men did succeed in reaching the
+shore and escaped into the forest growth in more or less
+wounded condition. In one account of this affair it is related
+that while Low’s men were on shore carousing, one of the
+unfortunate Spaniards who reached shore, in his extremity
+came crawling out to them begging for God’s sake they would
+give him quarter. One of the crew took hold of him and
+said, “G— d— you, I will give you good quarters presently,”
+and forcing the unfortunate Spaniard to his knees, pushed the
+muzzle of his fusil into his mouth and fired down his throat.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i204" style="max-width: 104.1875em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i204.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>ONE OF LOW’S CREW KILLING A WOUNDED SPANIARD<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an engraving in Johnson’s “Historie der Engelsche Zee-roovers,”
+Amsterdam, 1725, in the Harvard College Library</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>The captains who had been confined in the hold of the
+privateer Low ordered released and restored to their vessels,
+but made them solemnly promise not to steer for Jamaica
+for fear that a man-of-war should learn of his whereabouts.
+He threatened them with instant death in case they met again,
+should they violate their promise. The carpenter of the snow
+he forced and after burning the privateer sloop, the pirate
+sailed boisterously away steering for the Leeward Islands.</p>
+
+<p>Three months later a sloop arrived at Perth Amboy, New
+Jersey, with the following account of Low’s adventures on
+this cruise:—</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“Perth-Amboy, June 6, 1723. The Sloop <i>William</i>, William
+Fraser, Master, arrived here from Jamaica. They sailed the
+last day of April in company with a Snow bound for Liverpool,
+whose Commander’s name was Sandison; also 3 Ships, viz.
+Capt. Willing, Capt. Burlington, and Capt. Eastwick, and a
+Scooner, all belonging to New England, and a Sloop, Capt.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_206">[206]</span>
+Ellicot, for Hampton in Virginia. In sailing round the West
+end of Cuba, off of Cape San Antonia, the aforesaid Vessels
+were taken by Pyrates and only Fraser escaped by running
+close under the Land and coming to an Anchor within the
+breakers, then weighing and standing to the Southward past
+them in the Night and so got clear of them. But entering the
+Gulf the Pyrates waiting there for them, took them and
+Plundered them. They cut and whiped some and others they
+burnt with Matches between their Fingers to the bone to make
+them confess where their Money was. They took to the value
+of a Thousand Pistoles from Passengers and others. They
+them let them go. But coming on the Coast off of the Capes of
+Virginia, they were again chased by the same Pyrates who
+first took them. They did not trouble them again but wished
+them well Home. They saw at the same time his Consort, a
+Sloop of eight Guns, with a Ship and a Sloop which were supposed
+to be his Prizes. They are commanded by one Edward
+Low. The Pyrates gave us an account of his taking the Bay of
+Hondoras from the Spaniards, which had surprized the English,
+and taking them and putting all the Spaniards to the
+Sword Excepting two Boys; as also burning the <i>King George</i>
+and a Snow belonging to New York, and sunk one of the New
+England Ships, and cut off one of the Masters Ears and slit
+his Nose; all this they confessed themselves. They are now
+supposed to be cruising off of Sandy Hook or thereabouts.”—<i>American
+Weekly Mercury</i>, June 13, 1723.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>On the 27th of May, 1723, Captain Low appeared off the
+coast of South Carolina in the sloop “Fortune.” Capt.
+Charles Harris was then in command of the sloop “Ranger”
+lately commanded by Spriggs. Nothing has been learned of
+the whereabouts of Harris during the preceding five months.
+No mention of him is made in any account of Low’s doings
+until he reached the Carolina coast in May. There these
+two commanders, after a long chase, took three ships, the
+“Crown,” Captain Lovering, the “King William,” and the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_207">[207]</span>
+“Carteret,” and a brigantine that came out of port only two
+days before. A few days before they had taken the ship
+“Amsterdam Merchant,” Capt. John Welland [Williard?]
+from Jamaica, but owned in New England. As Low seldom
+allowed a New Englander to go free without carrying away
+some mark of his hatred, Captain Welland in consequence,
+lost one of his ears, had his nose slit up and was cut in several
+places about his body. After the ship was plundered it was
+sunk and the next day Captain Estwick of Piscataqua was
+taken, plundered and set free and in his ship Captain Welland
+and his crew later reached Portsmouth, N. H.<a id="FNanchor_112" href="#Footnote_112" class="fnanchor">[112]</a></p>
+
+<p>Early in June, Low overhauled the sloop “Hopefull Betty,”
+Captain Greenman, off the Capes of the Delaware and took
+away all his water and his sails and sheet anchor. The captain
+was badly cut about his body but was able to reach Philadelphia
+ten days later. He brought the news of the capture of
+Captain Pitman in a pink bound from Virginia to London and
+said that the pirates claimed they had recently taken sixteen
+sail of vessels but seemed to be in a great hurry to be gone,
+probably because of the intelligence that men-of-war from
+Virginia, New York and Boston were cruising in search of
+them. Low was reported to have on board about £80,000 in
+gold and silver. The man-of-war on the New York station
+was the ship “Greyhound,” Peter Solgard, commander, of
+twenty guns and one hundred and twenty men, and from one
+of the unfortunate vessels plundered by Low he learned of the
+whereabouts of the pirate vessels and steering as directed, at
+half-past four in the morning of June 10th came in sight of the
+rovers. He then tacked and stood to the southward and the
+pirates, always on the lookout for prey, gave chase which
+lasted for nearly two hours while Captain Solgard cleared his
+ship for action. At half-past seven he was ready for them.
+The sloop and the schooner were then about a gunshot off.
+Suddenly the ship tacked again and stood for them and both<span class="pagenum" id="Page_208">[208]</span>
+of the pirate vessels at once hoisted a black flag and fired on the
+“Greyhound.” A little later when about three-quarters of a
+mile distant the black flags came down and were replaced by
+red ones. The “Greyhound” passed to the windward and
+received their fire several times and when abreast made such
+good return with round- and grape-shot, that the sloop and
+the schooner began to edge away under the “Greyhound’s”
+stern and she after them. They made a running fight for
+nearly two hours when the pirates got out their oars and soon
+began to draw away from the ship. On discovering this, Captain
+Solgard ordered firing to cease and turned all hands to
+rowing and at about half-past two in the afternoon came up
+with them. The pirates hauled into the wind and the fight
+was warmly renewed. After a time, the “Greyhound” fell
+in between the pirate vessels and soon the main-yard of the
+schooner was shot down. Low now showed the real stuff that
+he was made of and bore away leaving Harris, in the “Ranger,”
+to his fate, and he, seeing the treachery of his commodore,
+lost courage and called for quarter. This happened at about
+four o’clock and an hour later the rogues were safely on board
+the “Greyhound.” There were then thirty-seven whites and
+six blacks in Harris’ crew, and ten or twelve of his men had
+been killed or wounded. Captain Low heretofore had borne so
+high a reputation for courage and boldness that in the minds of
+even his own men he had become a terror. But his behavior
+in the action with the “Greyhound” shows him to have been
+at heart a treacherous scoundrel. When the prisoners were
+safely in irons Captain Solgard followed the course of Captain
+Low toward the northwest, but he had too great a start and
+after a time drew out of sight in the growing darkness.<a id="FNanchor_113" href="#Footnote_113" class="fnanchor">[113]</a></p>
+
+<p>After this narrow escape Low’s chagrin and rage knew no
+bounds and swearing many oaths, he vowed vengeance on the
+unfortunates that next fell into his hands. This happened
+only two days later, when he came upon a sloop out of Nantucket<span class="pagenum" id="Page_209">[209]</span>
+that was whale fishing about eighty miles off shore.
+She had two whale-boats and one of them fortunately was out
+and at some considerable distance from the sloop at the time
+she was taken. The men in this boat seeing what had happened
+got safely to another whaling sloop some distance away
+and all escaped. The captain of the captured sloop was
+Nathan Skiff, a young unmarried man living at Nantucket.
+Low first ordered him stripped and then cruelly whipped him
+about the deck. His ears were then slashed off. After a time
+they grew tired of beating the unfortunate man and telling
+him that because he had been a good captain he should have
+an easy death, at last they shot him through the head and sunk
+the sloop. Low forced a boy and two Indian men and allowed
+three others of the crew to go away in the whale-boat in which,
+fortunately, there was a little water and a few biscuits, and with
+good weather these men at last safely reached Nantucket—“beyond
+all Expectation,” ends the account in the <i>Boston
+News-Letter</i>.</p>
+
+<p>Low’s insane rage was unabated two days later when a
+fishing boat was taken off Block Island. The master was
+dragged on board the pirate sloop and Low with furious oaths
+at once attacked him with a cutlass and hacked off his head.
+He gave the boat to two Indians who sailed with the murdered
+man and sent them away with the information that he intended
+to kill the master of every New England vessel he captured.
+On the afternoon of the same day two whaling sloops out of
+Plymouth were taken near the Rhode Island shore. The
+master of one vessel he ripped open alive and taking out the
+poor man’s heart ordered it roasted and then compelled the
+mate to eat it. The master of the other vessel he slashed and
+mauled about the deck and then cut off his ears and had them
+roasted and after sprinkling them with salt and pepper, made
+the unfortunate men eat them. The man’s wounds were so
+severe that he afterwards died.<a id="FNanchor_114" href="#Footnote_114" class="fnanchor">[114]</a> Low proposed to murder<span class="pagenum" id="Page_210">[210]</span>
+some of the hands on these whaling sloops but the pirate crew
+had had enough blood about the deck for one day and swore
+the rest of the men should go free so Low was obliged to submit.
+These men brought home the information that the
+pirate master and crew claimed to have on board nearly
+£150,000 value in gold and silver coin and plate.<a id="FNanchor_115" href="#Footnote_115" class="fnanchor">[115]</a></p>
+
+<p>On the 5th of June, 1723, the sloop “Farley,” Thomas
+Calder, master, a “Pock-fretten” Scotchman, sailed from
+Piscataqua, N. H., bound for Maryland. On the 14th, when
+off Nantucket, she sighted a sloop with sails fluttering and
+rigging badly cut to pieces. The boat’s crew who boarded the
+sloop found that an attempt had been made to sink her. Not
+a soul was found on board. A pipe of wine was on the deck
+with the head knocked in and standing about were several
+buckets half-full of wine. From ship’s papers it was learned
+that the sloop belonged to William Clark of Boston.<a id="FNanchor_116" href="#Footnote_116" class="fnanchor">[116]</a> Undoubtedly
+this sloop had been captured by Low but no record
+has been found giving any information regarding the fate of
+her master or crew. Capt. Jacob Waldron brought the derelict
+into Boston and libelled her for salvage. In the order
+of the Vice-Admiralty Court published in the <i>Boston Gazette</i>
+of July 15, 1723, the sloop is described as “Flotsom,
+taken up on the high Seas,” and so ended another
+chapter in the lives of those who “go down to the
+sea in ships.”</p>
+
+<p>From the waters off Cape Cod, Low sailed north for the
+banks off Newfoundland and near Cape Breton took twenty-three
+French fishing vessels. One of the larger of them, a ship
+of twenty-two guns, he refitted and manned from his own
+crew and the two vessels then scoured the harbors and banks
+off Newfoundland and took eighteen more ships and smaller
+vessels some of which were sunk. While near Canso, two
+French shallops were taken by a small company of the pirates<span class="pagenum" id="Page_211">[211]</span>
+in a periagua that was serving as a tender. The Frenchmen
+were abused, noses were slit and faces slashed with cutlasses
+before they were allowed to go. A letter received by a Boston
+merchant not long after, gives some interesting details of the
+depredations committed by Low and his crew. It was printed
+in the <i>Boston News-Letter</i> for Sept. 19, 1723.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 4em;">“Canso, August 1, 1723.</span><br>
+</p>
+
+<p>“In my last Letter to you, I inform’d you of the mischief the
+Pirates had done on the French at Whitehead, 6 Leagues
+Westward of this Harbour; and now I proceed to say, that they
+went to the Eastward and took a Sloop belonging to this
+Harbour, but treated them very kindly, and dismiss’d them
+without harm. The next News we heard of them was that
+they had taken another Vessel, Capt. Job Prince, Commander;
+they order’d them on Board, but Capt. Prince had no Boat,
+wherefore they only detain’d him about an hour and dismiss’d
+him without doing him any Damage. The next Vessel they
+took was Capt. Robinson’s whom they divested of their
+Arms, Ammunition and Silver Buckles, and then dismiss’d
+them. They had then in their Custody four French Ships,
+which they Plundered, used the men very Barbarously, and
+sent them in a Vessel belonging to Canso, to Cape
+Briton. They took Mr. Hood belonging to Boston, in a large
+Fishing Scooner,<a id="FNanchor_117" href="#Footnote_117" class="fnanchor">[117]</a> when they first came on the Banks from
+Boston; but that was another Pirate, who also forced away
+three of his Men. The latter Sloop, which is known to be
+Low, uses the English very Kindly; but the French find little
+Mercy, at his hand; they cutt off some of their Ears and Noses,
+and treated them with all the Barbarity imaginable. One of
+the French Commanders desired him only to give him a Line
+from under his hand, that he had taken away some Casks of his
+Wine and Brandy, that his Owners might not suspect he had
+Dishonestly Sold them; upon which Low told him he would<span class="pagenum" id="Page_212">[212]</span>
+fetch him one, and accordingly brought up two Pistols, presenting
+one at Bowels, he told him there was one for his Wine,
+and Discharg’d it; and there, says he (presenting the other
+at his Head in the same manner) is one for your Brandy;
+which said, he discharg’d that also. We hear they have since
+Taken near 40 French Fishing Vessels, and are gone towards
+Newfoundland. This is all that is Remarkable concerning
+these Enemies to Mankind in General.”</p>
+
+<p>Two men-of-war were cruising at that time near the Cape
+Breton coast. Captain Solgard in the “Greyhound,” after
+landing his captured pirates at Newport, R. I., had sailed to
+the eastward and searched all the principal harbors for Low,
+but without success. On the 16th of June he met His Majesty’s
+ship “Sea Horse,” Captain Durell, from the Boston
+station, and they kept company for several days while cruising
+about the coast and fishing banks. All sorts of wild rumors
+were flying about the Province and the current newspapers
+reported several times that Low had been taken. One circumstantial
+story had it that the “Sea Horse” had surprised
+Low near Cape Sables, where he had gone to careen, and after
+a smart engagement had captured him killing eight of his
+pirate crew. From Salem it was reported that Low had been
+taken near Canso by a French man-of-war and another
+report had it that Low had died of his wounds three days after
+an engagement with H. M. ship “Greyhound.” A sloop
+arriving at New York on Sept. 19th, from Placentia in Newfoundland,
+after a month’s passage, brought news of the
+depredation of the pirates and reported that “it’s believed Low
+is dead for he was a little man and the new Capt. of those
+Pyrates is a lusty Man.” Undoubtedly Lowther had been
+confused with Low in this report. The sloop also brought
+news that the day before it sailed, Captain Harris, in a sloop
+from Boston, had reached Placentia and reported sighting
+“on the banks about eighteen or twenty Vessels together,
+which he imagined were all taken by the Pyrates and kept<span class="pagenum" id="Page_213">[213]</span>
+together by them.”<a id="FNanchor_118" href="#Footnote_118" class="fnanchor">[118]</a> The <i>Boston News-Letter</i> also published
+earlier intelligence from Canso, that one of their bank sloops
+had met a pirate sloop with one hundred and fifty men aboard,
+who had “ask’d them some Questions, who was at Canso.
+Inquired after most of the Notedest Men and left them without
+abuse; they did not Know the Master’s Name, but say
+most of them are West Country-men.”<a id="FNanchor_119" href="#Footnote_119" class="fnanchor">[119]</a></p>
+
+<p>Towards the end of July, 1723, Low captured a large ship
+from Virginia, called the “Merry Christmas,” and opening
+several new ports mounted her with thirty-four guns and
+refitting went on board and made her his principal ship. He
+assumed the title of Admiral and hoisted at the main-topmast
+head a new black flag—having on it a skeleton in red. As
+the fishing banks had been pretty thoroughly cleared of
+vessels and it was supposed that men-of-war were cruising on
+several of them,<a id="FNanchor_120" href="#Footnote_120" class="fnanchor">[120]</a> it was thought best by Low and Lowther
+to make a course for the Western Islands where they arrived
+about the first of September. Soon after reaching Fayal,
+they took an English brigantine, formerly commanded by
+Elias Wild, but recently bought by a Portuguese nobleman.
+She was manned partly by English and partly by Portuguese
+and the latter Low caused to be hanged. The English sailors
+were put into their boat to shift for themselves and the
+brigantine was set on fire.</p>
+
+<p>“Thus these inhumane Wretches went on, who could not
+be contented to satisfy their Avarice only, and travel in the
+common Road of Wickedness; but, like their Patron, the
+Devil, must make Mischief their Sport, Cruelty their Delight,
+and damning of Souls their constant Employment. Of all
+the pyratical Crews that were ever heard of, none of the
+<i>English</i> Name came up to this, in Barbarity; their Mirth and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_214">[214]</span>
+their Anger had much the same Effect, for both were usually
+gratified with the Cries and Groans of their Prisoners; so
+that they almost as often murthered a Man from the Excess
+of good Humour, as out of Passion and Resentment; and the
+Unfortunate could never be assured of Safety from them, for
+Danger lurked in their very Smiles. An Instance of this had
+liked to have happened to one Captain Graves, Master of a
+Virginia Ship last taken; for as soon as he came aboard of the
+Pyrate, Low takes a Bowl of Punch in his Hand, and drinks
+to him, saying, Captain Graves, here’s half this to you. But
+the poor Gentleman being too sensibly touched at the Misfortune
+of falling into his Hands, modestly desired to be
+excused, for that he could not drink; whereupon Low draws out
+a Pistol, cocks it, and with the Bowl in t’ther Hand, told him,
+he should either take one or the other; So Graves, without
+Hesitation, made Choice of the Vehicle that contained the
+Punch, and guttled down about a Quart, when he had the
+least Inclination that ever he had in his Life to be merry.”<a id="FNanchor_121" href="#Footnote_121" class="fnanchor">[121]</a></p>
+
+<p>At St. Michael’s, Low and Lowther sent their boats into
+the road and cut out a London-built ship of fourteen guns
+commanded by Captain Thompson, the same captain who had
+been taken there by Low the year before. His ship was
+stronger than the boats and he could have defended himself
+with every prospect of success, but his men through cowardice
+or an inclination to join the pirates, obliged him to surrender.
+When he came aboard Low’s vessel his ears were cut off close
+to his head by way of compensation for having proposed to his
+men to resist the pirate boats. The ship was burned. A
+bark was taken not long after and the Portuguese crew fared
+better than was usually the case, for the pirates happened to
+be in good humor, and only slashed them here and there with
+cutlasses and then set them adrift in their boat and fired the
+bark. Johnson, in his account of Low’s career, preserves a
+curious anecdote in connection with this capture, as follows:</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_215">[215]</span></p>
+
+<p>“When the Boat was going from the Side of the Ship, one
+of Low’s Men, who, we may suppose, was forced into his
+Gang, was drinking with a Silver Tankard at one of the Ports,
+and took his Opportunity to drop into the Boat among the
+Portugueze, and lye down in the Bottom, in order to escape
+along with them: After he had stowed himself in the Boat, so
+as not to be seen, it came into his Head, that the Tankard might
+prove of some Use to him, where he was going; so he got up
+again, laid hold of the Utensil, and went off, without being
+discover’d: In which Attempt had he failed, no doubt his Life,
+if not the Lives of all the People in the Boat, would have paid
+for it: The Name of this Man is Richard Hains.”<a id="FNanchor_122" href="#Footnote_122" class="fnanchor">[122]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Portuguese authorities in the Islands were highly
+incensed at Low’s cruelties and became exceedingly suspicious
+of all English vessels coming into their harbors. A sloop from
+Boston, commanded by Capt. Peter Tillinghast, going into
+Fayal about that time, was received by cannon shot from the
+castle and when the captain went ashore with a few hands he
+was seized and after an examination sent to jail. His vessel
+was boarded and his chest and papers brought ashore for
+examination and finding nothing by which he might be accused
+at last he obtained his liberty.<a id="FNanchor_123" href="#Footnote_123" class="fnanchor">[123]</a></p>
+
+<p>Low and Lowther, in company, sailed from the Canaries
+to the Cape Verde Islands and the London newspapers had
+news that they had gone down the African coast as far as
+Sierre Leone, and Captain Wyndham, in the “Diamond”
+man-of-war, was reported to have captured Low, sunk Lowther’s
+sloop and made twenty of the pirates prisoners. This
+account was soon contradicted<a id="FNanchor_124" href="#Footnote_124" class="fnanchor">[124]</a> and not long after there came
+reports of his appearance near the Leeward Islands in the
+West Indies. The evidence is obscure and it is more probable
+that from the Cape Verdes, Low and Lowther made for the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_216">[216]</span>
+South American coast. At any rate. Low was off the Guinea
+coast during the fall of 1723 and captured a schooner and
+afterwards took the ship “Delight,” Captain Hunt, of twelve
+guns, formerly a man-of-war in the English service. She
+seemed well suited to their needs and so four more guns were
+mounted on her and Francis Farrington Spriggs, who had been
+serving as quartermaster, was given command with a crew of
+about sixty men. The fleet then consisted of the ship “Merry
+Christmas,” 34 guns, commanded by Captain Low; the sloop
+“Happy Delivery,” 16 guns, commanded by Captain Lowther;
+and the ship “Delight,” 16 guns, Captain Spriggs, and together
+they sailed along the Guinea coast bound for the West
+Indies. Spriggs seems to have been a slippery fellow for
+within two days he deserted the other vessels and went off
+pirating on his own account, as will be related in another
+chapter. Lowther may have separated from Low about
+the same time for he had no consort when he met with a
+disastrous adventure some time later at the island of Blanco
+near Tortuga.</p>
+
+<p>In January, 1724, Low took a ship called the “Squirrel,”
+Captain Stephenson,<a id="FNanchor_125" href="#Footnote_125" class="fnanchor">[125]</a> and in March the news reached Boston
+that Low had had a fight with other pirates who had taken
+him, burned his vessel and marooned the survivors on an
+uninhabited island,<a id="FNanchor_126" href="#Footnote_126" class="fnanchor">[126]</a> and this report persisted and was
+repeated as late as the spring of 1726, when Capt. William
+Cross arrived at Piscataqua, N. H., in a sloop, from the Bay of
+Honduras and related that both Low and Spriggs had been
+marooned and were supposed to have escaped among the
+Mosquito Indians.<a id="FNanchor_127" href="#Footnote_127" class="fnanchor">[127]</a> From that time nothing can be learned
+about him until May 17th when some sailors belonging to a
+sloop owned in the Barbadoes, arrived there after much
+suffering and reported that they had been taken near the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_217">[217]</span>
+island of St. Lucia by Low, who, at that time, had only thirty
+men with him. A French man-of-war from the Martinico
+station was reported to be in pursuit<a id="FNanchor_128" href="#Footnote_128" class="fnanchor">[128]</a> and may have
+afterwards captured him for a French account of Low’s piracies
+relates that in the spring of 1724, Low got into a dispute with
+his men in which the quartermaster took sides against him,
+which so greatly enraged Low that he afterwards murdered
+the quartermaster while he lay asleep. The crew at once
+rose against Low and with two or three of his strongest partisans
+he was thrown into a boat without provisions and abandoned
+to his fate. This proved to be capture by a French
+vessel owned in Martinico, the day after he had been set
+adrift, and after a quick trial by the French, he and his companions
+received short shift on a gallows erected for their
+benefit.</p>
+
+<p>This account of Low’s fate is confirmed, in part, by the
+narrative of Jonathan Barlow, a sailor who was taken off the
+Guinea coast, by Low in the “Merry Christmas.” Barlow
+relates that after capturing a French sloop near Martinico
+“some Differance arising among said Pirates they disbanded
+Low from his office &amp; sent him away w’th only two more
+hands in s’d French sloop &amp; put one Shipton Captain in his
+steed.” The pirate company then went to the Isle of Ruby
+and not long after Captain Spriggs put in appearance in the
+“Delight.” Spriggs “heft down” his ship and cleaned her
+and Shipton burned the “Merry Christmas” and went away
+in a sloop that had been taken not long before commanded
+by Capt. Jonathan Barney of Newport, R. I. The two
+pirate captains cruised to the westward and in the Bay of
+Honduras were chased by the “Diamond” man-of-war as is
+told in the chapter on Francis Farrington Spriggs.—<i>Massachusetts
+Archives</i>, vol. 38<span class="allsmcap">A</span>, leaf 73.</p>
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_110" href="#FNanchor_110" class="label">[110]</a> <i>American Weekly Mercury</i>, Mar. 14, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_111" href="#FNanchor_111" class="label">[111]</a> <i>American Weekly Mercury</i>, May 2, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_112" href="#FNanchor_112" class="label">[112]</a> <i>New England Courant</i>, June 17, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_113" href="#FNanchor_113" class="label">[113]</a> <i>New England Courant</i>, June 17, 1723 (<i>postscript</i>).</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_114" href="#FNanchor_114" class="label">[114]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, June 27, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_115" href="#FNanchor_115" class="label">[115]</a> <i>American Weekly Mercury</i>, June 27, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_116" href="#FNanchor_116" class="label">[116]</a> <i>American Weekly Mercury</i>, Aug. 8, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_117" href="#FNanchor_117" class="label">[117]</a> This vessel was captured by Captain Lowther who was there about the
+same time as Captain Low.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_118" href="#FNanchor_118" class="label">[118]</a> <i>American Weekly Mercury</i>, Oct. 4, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_119" href="#FNanchor_119" class="label">[119]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, July 18, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_120" href="#FNanchor_120" class="label">[120]</a> In point of fact the “Greyhound” reached Newport, R. I. early in
+July and the “Sea Horse” arrived in Boston on July 13th.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_121" href="#FNanchor_121" class="label">[121]</a> Johnson, “<i>History of the Pirates</i>,” London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_122" href="#FNanchor_122" class="label">[122]</a> Johnson, “<i>History of the Pirates</i>,” London, 1762.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_123" href="#FNanchor_123" class="label">[123]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Oct. 18, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_124" href="#FNanchor_124" class="label">[124]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Oct. 8, 1724.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_125" href="#FNanchor_125" class="label">[125]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, May 7, 1724.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_126" href="#FNanchor_126" class="label">[126]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Mar. 27, 1724.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_127" href="#FNanchor_127" class="label">[127]</a> <i>New England Courant</i>, Apr. 30, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_128" href="#FNanchor_128" class="label">[128]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Oct. 15, 1724.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_218">[218]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIII">CHAPTER XIII<br>
+<span class="ch-title">The Strange Adventures of Philip Ashton</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>On Friday, June 15, 1722, a number of the vessels of the
+fishing fleet hailing from Massachusetts Bay, were at
+anchor at Port Roseway near what is now Shelburne,
+Nova Scotia. It was the custom of these God-fearing fishermen,
+when possible, to come into some harbor not too remote
+from their fishing grounds and there to spend the Sabbath.
+On this occasion thirteen schooners and shallops were lying
+peacefully at anchor when a strange brigantine hove in sight
+and soon found an anchorage near them. She seemed to be
+an inward bound vessel from the West Indies and little attention
+was paid to her at first, even when a boat put off from her
+side with four men in it. When this boat’s crew reached the
+side of the nearest fisherman, the men climbed boldly on
+board and drawing pistols and cutlasses demanded a surrender.</p>
+
+<p>The brigantine turned out to be the “Rebecca,” owned in
+Boston, but recently captured and then commanded by Capt.
+Edward Low, the Boston man who had become a pirate and
+whose bloody excesses were becoming more notorious every
+day. One by one the fishermen surrendered and were pillaged.<a id="FNanchor_129" href="#Footnote_129" class="fnanchor">[129]</a>
+On Tuesday, the 19th, Low decided to take for his “privateer,”
+the new schooner “Mary,” owned by Joseph Dolliber
+of Marblehead. He fitted her with ten guns, renamed her
+the “Fancy,” and went aboard with a crew of fifty men,
+including eight whom he forced from among the fishermen.
+The forced men were Philip Ashton and Nicholas Merritt,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_219">[219]</span>
+masters; Joseph Libbie, one of Ashton’s crew; Lawrence
+Fabens, one of the crew of the schooner “Rebeckah,” all of
+Marblehead, and four other men belonging to Piscataqua and
+the Isles of Shoals, all nimble young men, about twenty years
+of age and unmarried. Low shipped the prisoners he designed
+to send home, on board his late brigantine, the “Rebecca,”
+of Boston, which he and his consort Lowther had taken May
+28th, and gave her to her former master, Capt. James Flucker,
+with orders to take them to Boston. On their arrival the
+news was duly published in the <i>Boston News-Letter</i> of July 2d,
+with the customary advertisement as to the forcing, but in
+order to make the matter doubly sure, a further advertisement,
+in more legal form, appeared in the <i>News-Letter</i>, of July
+9th, viz:—</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New-England,
+Essex, ss. Anno Regni Regis Georgij nunc Magna Britaniæ,
+&amp;c. Octavo.</p>
+
+<p>“The Depositions of Thomas Trefry late Master of the
+Scooner Mary; Robert Gilford Master of the Shallop Elizabeth;
+and John Collyer, one of the Crew belonging to the
+Scooner Samuel, William Nichols Master, all of Marblehead
+in the County of Essex, Fisher men, Testify and say, That as
+they were upon their lawfull Imployment nigh Cape Sables,
+on or about the 14th, 15th and 16th Days of June last past,
+they were taken Prisoners by Captain Edward Low a Pirate
+then Commander of the Brigantine [Rebecca] but since removed
+himself into the before named Scooner Mary, which
+they took from the Deponent Trefry; and besides these Deponents
+they took several other Fishing Vessels, viz.: <i>Nicholas
+Merrit Master of the Shallop Jane</i>, <i>Philip Ashton Master of the
+Scooner Milton</i>, <i>Joseph Libby one of said Ashton’s Crew</i>,
+<i>Lawrence Phabens one of the Crew belonging to the Scooner
+Rebeckah, Thomas Salter Commander</i>, all these four Men, to
+wit, Nicholas Merrit, Philip Ashton, Joseph Libbey, and
+Lawrence Phabens, being Young Nimble Men of about<span class="pagenum" id="Page_220">[220]</span>
+Twenty Years of Age, the Pirates kept them by Force and
+would not let them go tho’ they pleaded as much as they dare
+to, yet nothing would avail, so as they wept like Children;
+yet notwithstanding they forceably Carried them away to the
+great Grief and Sorrow of the aforenamed four Young Men, as
+well as these Deponents; and when any of these Deponents
+mentioned any thing in favour of the said four Young Men,
+the Quarter Master of the Pirate Publickly Declared, They
+would carry them, and let them send to New England and
+Publish it if they pleased. The Deponants further say, That
+the said Pirates constrained four more Fisher men belonging
+to Piscataqua, and the Isle of Sholes to go with them against
+their wills also.</p>
+
+<p class="no-indent">
+“Salem, July the<br> 
+3d 1722.<br></p>     
+<p class="right">Thomas Trefry,<br>
+John Collyer,<br>
+Robert Gilford.</p>
+
+<p class="center">Essex, ss. Salem, July the 3d, 1722.</p>
+
+<p>“Then Thomas Trefry, John Collyer and Robert Gilford
+the Three Deponants above named personally Appearing
+made Oath to the Truth of the foregoing Deposition taken ad
+Perpetuam rei memoriam.</p>
+<p>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
+&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;{Josiah Wolcot&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Justices of the Peace<br>
+“Coram Nobis&nbsp;{Stephen Sewall&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Quorum Unis</p>
+ 
+<p>“A True Copy of the Original, and as of Record appears.
+Examin’d per Stephen Sewall, Regist.”</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">—<i>Boston News-Letter</i>, July 9, 1722.</span><br>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Philip Ashton served, unwillingly, with Low in the schooner
+“Fancy,” in the “Rose Pink,” alias “Frigate,” and again in
+the “Fancy,” with Low’s late quartermaster, Francis Farrington
+Spriggs. In the spring of 1723, Low went to the
+island of Roatan, in the Bay of Honduras, to clean and refit
+his fleet. Roatan lies in the latitude of 16° 31’ and is about
+thirty miles long. On March 9, 1723, while there, Ashton
+went ashore with the cooper and others for water and managed
+to escape and after five days Low and Spriggs sailed away<span class="pagenum" id="Page_221">[221]</span>
+without him. Ashton remained alone on the island, except
+for three days, until June, 1724, when he was joined by eighteen
+Bay men, seeking shelter from the Spaniards, who took him
+with them to the Island of Barbarat. Ashton then made
+several hunting trips to the island of Bonaco and in the spring
+of 1725 was found there by Captain Dove, the master of a
+Salem brigantine, who came in over the shoals for water.
+They sailed for Salem on March 31st, and Ashton arrived
+home May, 1725, having been absent almost three years.
+The <i>New England Courant</i> announced his return soon after
+as follows:—</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“Boston, May 10. We hear from Salem, that a Vessel
+arrived there from the Bay [of Honduras] <i>has brought a Man
+who was taken by Low the Pirate some Years since</i>, and ran
+away from him when he went ashore at a Maroon Island to
+take in Water, where he had been above two Years, when some
+of this Vessel’s Company going on Shore brought him off.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Shortly after Ashton’s return to Marblehead, Roads, the
+historian of Marblehead, says the next Sunday, which would
+have been the day after his return, the Rev. John Barnard,
+pastor of the First Church, preached a sermon on “God’s
+Ability to Save His People from All Danger,” using for his
+text Daniel III, 17.<a id="FNanchor_130" href="#Footnote_130" class="fnanchor">[130]</a></p>
+
+<p>Philip Ashton<a id="FNanchor_131" href="#Footnote_131" class="fnanchor">[131]</a> and his parents were present and the sermon
+closed with a personal address to him.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_222">[222]</span></p>
+
+<p>Public interest having been aroused in the local Robinson
+Crusoe, who, indeed, had gone Alexander Selkirk one better,
+having landed on an uninhabited island wearing only a frock,
+trousers and cap, without a shirt or shoes, stockings, knife or
+other iron instrument, or any means of making a fire, and who
+had lived there nine months without fire or cooked food, there
+was naturally a demand for an account of his adventures. This
+was met by Mr. Barnard, who, on Aug. 3d, 1725, writing from
+Marblehead, says:—</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“The great Reason why this Narrative, which has been so
+long wished for, has no sooner appeared, is because Mr. Ashton
+has necessarily been so absent, that I have not been able to
+get the opportunity of Conferring with him, more than two or
+three times, about the Remarkable Occurrences he has met
+with; and having no leisure himself to write, I have taken the
+Minutes of all from his own Mouth, and after I had put them
+together, I have improved the first vacant Hour, I could, to
+Read it over distinctly to him, that he might Correct the
+Errors, that might arise from my misunderstanding his Report.
+Thus corrected, he has set his Hand to it as his own History.</p>
+
+<p>“I have added to a short Account of Mr. Nicholas Merritt,
+(who was taken at the same time with Mr. Ashton), the manner
+of his Escape from the Pirates, and the hard usage he met
+with upon it, till his return to his own Country; which I had
+from his own Mouth, all tending to the same end and purpose.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The narrative was soon published under the following title:—</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“<span class="smcap">Ashton’s Memorial.</span> / An / History / of the / Strange
+Adventures, / and / Signal Deliverances, / of / Mr. Philip Ashton, /
+Who, after he had made his Escape from the Pirates,
+liv’d alone on a Desolate / Island for about Sixteen Months,
+&amp;c. / With A Short Account of Mr. Nicholas Merritt, / who was
+taken at the same time. / To which is added / A Sermon on
+Dan. 3. 17. / By John Barnard V. D. M. / <i>We should not trust
+in our selves, but in God; / —who delivered us from so great a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_223">[223]</span>
+Death, and doth deliver; in whom we trust, that he will yet
+deliver us.</i> / 11. Cor. 9. 10. / Boston, N. E. Printed for Samuel
+Gerrish, at his Shop in Corn-Hill, 1725.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>An edition was also published in London the next year
+and reprints in whole or in part have been made at Portland,
+Me., in 1810; Edinburgh, 1815; Boston, 1850; and Marblehead
+in 1910.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb">
+
+<p>This interesting recital of the veritable experiences of a
+New England man on board notorious pirate vessels, together
+with other adventures that fall to the lot of but few men, is
+here reprinted as a document of great value in corroborating
+many of the statements appearing elsewhere in this volume in
+chapters devoted to the exploits of Low, Lowther and Spriggs.</p>
+
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" id="i222" style="max-width: 92.4375em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i222.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+
+<span class='c2'>
+<i>Ashton’s</i> Memorial.<br>
+<br>
+AN<br>
+<i>HISTORY</i><br>
+OF THE<br>
+Strange Adventures,<br>
+AND<br>
+Signal Deliverances,<br>
+OF<br>
+Mr. <i>Philip Ashton</i>,<br>
+<br>
+Who, after he had made his Escape from the
+<span class="smcap">Pirates</span>, liv’d alone on a Desolate
+<i>Island</i> for about Sixteen Months, &amp;c.<br>
+<br>
+WITH<br>
+A short Account of Mr. <i>Nicholas Merritt</i>,
+who was taken at the same time.<br>
+<br>
+To which is added<br>
+A SERMON on <i>Dan. 3. 17.</i><br>
+<br>
+By <span class="smcap">John Barnard</span>, V. D. M.<br>
+<br>
+——<i>We should not trust in our selves, but in God; ——who
+delivered us from so great a Death, and doth
+deliver; in whom we trust, that he will yet deliver us.</i><br>
+II. Cor. I. 9, 10.<br>
+<br>
+<i>BOSTON</i>, N. E. Printed for <i>Samuel Gerrish</i>,
+at his Shop in Corn-Hill, 1725.<br>
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_129" href="#FNanchor_129" class="label">[129]</a> Among the thirteen vessels taken were the following from Marblehead,
+viz.:—schooner Milton, Philip Ashton, master; shallop Jane, Nicholas
+Merritt, master; schooner Rebeckah, Thomas Salter, master; schooner
+Mary, Thomas Trefry, master; shallop Elizabeth, Robert Gifford, master;
+schooner Samuel, William Nichols, master.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_130" href="#FNanchor_130" class="label">[130]</a> “If it be so, our God whome we serve, is able to Deliver us from the
+Burning Fiery Furnace, and He will Deliver us out of thine Hand, O
+King.”</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_131" href="#FNanchor_131" class="label">[131]</a> Ashton was the son of Philip and Sarah (Hendly) Ashton, and was
+born in Marblehead, Aug. 12, 1702. He married, first, Jane or Jean Gallison,
+Dec. 8, 1726, who bore him a daughter Sarah, baptized Dec. 3, 1727,
+in the First Church, the mother dying a week later.</p>
+
+<p>On July 15, 1729, he married, second, Sarah Bartlett and they had
+Eliza, baptized Oct. 25, 1730; Philip, baptized May 28, 1732; William,
+baptized Oct. 20, 1734; Thomas, baptized Apr. 17, 1737 and Jean, baptized
+Aug. 15, 1742. The date of his death is not known.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_224">[224]</span></p>
+<div class="chapter">
+<h2 class="nobreak">ASHTON’S MEMORIAL<br>
+<br>
+<span class="ch-title">An History of the Strange Adventures, and Signal<br>
+Deliverances of<br>
+Mr.</span> PHILIP ASHTON, <span class="smcap">Jun.<br>
+of Marblehead</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>Upon Friday, June 15th, 1722, After I had been out for
+some time in the Schooner Milton, upon the Fishing
+grounds, off Cape Sable Shoar, among others, I came to
+Sail in Company with Nicholas Merritt, in a Shallop, and stood
+in for Port-Rossaway, designing to Harbour there, till the
+Sabbath was over; where we Arrived about Four of the Clock
+in the Afternoon. When we came into the Harbour, where
+several of our Fishing Vessels had arrived before us, we spy’d
+among them a Brigantine, which we supposed to have been
+an Inward bound Vessel, from the West Indies, and had no apprehensions
+of any Danger from her; but by that time we had
+been at Anchor two or three Hours, a Boat from the Brigantine,
+with Four hands, came along side of us, and the Men
+Jumpt in upon our Deck, without our suspecting any thing
+but that they were Friends, come on board to visit, or inquire
+what News; till they drew their Cutlasses and Pistols from
+under their Clothes, and Cock’d the one and Brandish’d the
+other, and began to Curse &amp; Swear at us, and demanded a
+Surrender of our Selves and Vessel to them. It was too late for
+us to rectify our Mistake, and think of Freeing our Selves
+from their power; for however we might have been able,
+(being Five of us and a Boy) to have kept them at a Distance,
+had we known who they were, before they had boarded us;
+yet now we had our Arms to seek, and being in no Capacity
+to make any Resistance, were necessitated to submit our
+selves to their will and pleasure. In this manner they surprised<span class="pagenum" id="Page_225">[225]</span>
+Nicholas Merritt, and 12 or 13 other Fishing Vessels
+this Evening.</p>
+
+<p>When the Boat went off from our Vessel, they carried me
+on board the Brigantine, and who should it prove but the
+Infamous Ned Low, the Pirate, with about 42 Hands, 2 Great
+Guns, and 4 Swivel Guns. You may easily imagine how I
+look’d, and felt, when too late to prevent it, I found my self
+fallen into the hands of such a mad, roaring, mischievous
+Crew; yet I hoped, that they would not force me away with
+them, and I purposed to endure any hardship among them
+patiently, rather than turn Pirate with them.</p>
+
+<p>Low presently sent for me Aft, and according to the Pirates
+usual Custom, and in their proper Dialect, asked me, If I
+would sign their Articles, and go along with them. I told him,
+No; I could by no means consent to go with them, I should be
+glad if he would give me my Liberty, and put me on board any
+Vessel, or set me on shoar there. For indeed my dislike of
+their Company and Actions, my concern for my Parents, and
+my fears of being found in such bad Company, made me dread
+the thoughts of being carried away by them; so that I had not
+the least Inclination to continue with them.</p>
+
+<p>Upon my utter Refusal to joyn and go with them, I was
+thrust down into the Hold, which I found to be a safe retreat
+for me several times afterwards. By that time, I had been
+in the Hold a few Hours, they had compleated the taking the
+several Vessels that were in the Harbour, and the Examining
+of the Men; and the next Day I was fetched up with some
+others that were there, and about 30 or 40 of us were put on
+board a Schooner belonging to Mr. Orn of Marblehead, which
+the Pirates made use of for a sort of a Prison, upon the present
+occasion; where we were all confined unarm’d, with an armed
+Guard over us, till the Sultan’s pleasure should be further
+known.</p>
+
+<p>The next Lord’s Day about Noon, one of the Quarter
+Masters, John Russel by Name, came on board the Schooner<span class="pagenum" id="Page_226">[226]</span>
+and took six of us, (Nicholas Merritt,<a id="FNanchor_132" href="#Footnote_132" class="fnanchor">[132]</a> Joseph Libbie,<a id="FNanchor_133" href="#Footnote_133" class="fnanchor">[133]</a>
+Lawrence Fabens,<a id="FNanchor_134" href="#Footnote_134" class="fnanchor">[134]</a> and my self, all of Marblehead, the
+Eldest of, if I mistake not, under 21 Years of Age, with two
+others) and carried us on board the Brigantine; where we were
+called upon the Quarter Deck, and Low came up to us with
+Pistol in hand, and with a full mouth demanded, Are any of
+you, Married Men? This short and unexpected Question,
+and the sight of the Pistol, struck us all dumb, and not a
+Man of us dared to speak a word, for fear there should have
+been a design in it, which we were not able to see thro’. Our
+Silence kindled our new Master into a Flame, who could not
+bear it, that so many Beardless Boyes should deny him an
+Answer to so plain a Question; and therefore in a Rage, he
+Cock’d his Pistol, and clapt it to my Head, and cryed out, You
+D—g! why don’t you Answer me? and Swore vehemently, he
+would shoot me thro’ the Head, if I did not tell him immediately,
+whether I was Married or no.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_227">[227]</span></p>
+
+<p>I was sufficiently frightened at the fierceness of the Man,
+and the boldness of his threatening, but rather than lose my
+Life for so trifling a matter, I e’en ventured at length to tell
+him, I was not Married, as loud as I dar’d to speak it; and
+so said the rest of my Companions. Upon this he seemed
+something pacified, and turned away from us.</p>
+
+<p>It seems his design was to take no Married Man away with
+him, how young soever he might be, which I often wondred at;
+till after I had been with him some considerable time, and
+could observe in him an uneasiness in the sentiments of his
+Mind, and the workings of his passions towards a young Child
+he had at Boston (his Wife being Dead, as I learned, some
+small time before he turned Pirate) which upon every lucid
+interval from Revelling and Drink he would express a great
+tenderness for, insomuch that I have seen him sit down and
+weep plentifully upon the mentioning of it; and then I concluded,
+that probably the Reason of his taking none but Single
+Men was, that he might have none with him under the Influence
+of such powerful attractives, as a Wife &amp; Children, lest
+they should grow uneasy in his Service, and have an Inclination
+to Desert him, and return home for the sake of their
+Families.</p>
+
+<p>Low presently came up to us again, and asked the Old
+Question, Whether we would Sign their Articles, and go along
+with them? We all told him No; we could not; so we were
+dismissed. But within a little while we were call’d to him
+Singly, and then it was demanded of me, with Sternness and
+Threats, whether I would Joyn with them? I still persisted
+in the Denial; which thro’ the assistance of Heaven, I was
+resolved to do, tho’ he shot me. And as I understood, all my
+Six Companions, who were called in their turns, still refused
+to go with him.</p>
+
+<p>Then I was led down into the Steerage, by one of the
+Quarter-Masters, and there I was assaulted with Temptations
+of another kind, in hopes to win me over to become one of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_228">[228]</span>
+them; a number of them got about me, and instead of Hissing,
+shook their Rattles, and treated me with abundance of
+Respect and Kindness, in their way; they did all they could
+to sooth my Sorrows, and set before me the strong Allurement
+of the Vast Riches they should gain, and what Mighty Men
+they designed to be, and would fain have me to joyn with
+them, and share in their Spoils; and to make all go down the
+more Glib, they greatly Importuned me to Drink with them,
+not doubting but this wile would sufficiently entangle me, and
+so they should prevail with me to do that in my Cups, which
+they perceived they could not bring me to while I was Sober;
+but all their fair and plausible Carriage, their proffered Kindness,
+and airy notions of Riches, had not the Effect upon me
+which they desired; and I had no Inclination to drown my
+Sorrows with my Senses in their Inebriating Bowls, and so
+refused their Drink, as well as their Proposals.</p>
+
+<p>After this I was brought upon Deck again, and Low came
+up to me, with His Pistol Cock’d, and clap’d it to my Head,
+and said to me, You D—g you! if you will not Sign our Articles,
+and go along with me, I’ll shoot you thro’ the Head, and
+uttered his Threats with his utmost Fierceness, and with the
+usual Flashes of Swearing and Cursing. I told him, That I
+was in his hands, and he might do with me what he pleased,
+but I could not be willing to go with him: and then I earnestly
+beg’d of him, with many Tears, and used all the Arguments I
+could think of to perswade him, not to carry me away; but
+he was deaf to my Cryes, and unmoved by all I could say to
+him; and told me, I was an Impudent Dog, and Swore, I
+should go with him whether I would or no. So I found all
+my Cryes, and Entreaties were in vain, and there was no help
+for it, go with them I must, and as I understood, they set mine
+and my Townsmens Names down in their Book, tho’ against
+our Consent. And I desire to mention it with due Acknowledgments
+to GOD, who withheld me, that neither their
+promises, nor their threatenings, nor blows could move<span class="pagenum" id="Page_229">[229]</span>
+me to a willingness to Joyn with them in their pernicious
+ways.</p>
+
+<p>Upon Tuesday, June 19th, they changed their Vessel,
+and took for their Privateer, as they call’d it, a Schooner
+belonging to Mr. Joseph Dolliber of Marblehead, being new,
+clean, and a good Sailer, and shipped all their hands on board
+her, and put the Prisoners, such as they designed to send home,
+on board the Brigantine, with one ———————— who was
+her Master, and ordered them for Boston.</p>
+
+<p>When I saw the Captives were likely to be sent Home, I
+thought I would make one attempt more to obtain my Freedom,
+and accordingly Nicholas Merrit, my Townsman and
+Kinsman, went along with me to Low, and we fell upon our
+Knees, and with utmost Importunity besought him to let us go
+Home in the Brigantine, among the rest of the Captives: but
+he immediately called for his Pistols, and told us we should not
+go, and Swore bitterly, if either of us offered to stir, he would
+shoot us down.</p>
+
+<p>Thus all attempts to be delivered out of the hands of unreasonable
+Men (if they may be called Men) were hitherto
+unsuccessful; and I had the melancholy prospect of seeing the
+Brigantine sail away with the most of us that were taken at
+Port-Rossaway, but my self, and three Townsmen mentioned,
+and four of Shoal-men detained on board the Schooner, in the
+worst of Captivity, without any present likelyhood of Escaping.</p>
+
+<p>And yet before the Brigantine sailed, an opportunity
+presented, that gave me some hopes that I might get away
+from them; for some of Low’s people, who had been on shoar
+at Port-Rossaway to get water, had left a Dog belonging to
+him behind them; and Low observing the Dog a shoar howling
+to come off, order’d some hands to take the Boat and fetch him.
+Two Young Men, John Holman, and Benjamin Ashton, both
+of Marblehead, readily Jumpt into the Boat, and I (who pretty
+well know their Inclination to be rid of such Company, &amp; was
+exceedingly desirous my self to be freed from my present<span class="pagenum" id="Page_230">[230]</span>
+Station, and thought if I could but once set foot on shoar,
+they should have good luck to get me on board again) was
+getting over the side into the Boat; but Quarter Master
+Russel spy’d me, and caught hold on my Shoulder, and drew
+me in board, and with a Curse told me, Two was eno’, I should
+not go. The two Young Men had more sense and virtue than
+to come off to them again, so that after some time of waiting,
+they found they were deprived of their Men, their Boat, and
+their Dog; and they could not go after them.</p>
+
+<p>When they saw what a trick was play’d them, the Quarter
+Master came up to me Cursing and Swearing, that I knew
+of their design to Run away, and intended to have been one of
+them; but tho’ it would have been an unspeakable pleasure to
+me to have been with them, yet I was forced to tell him, I
+knew not of their design; and indeed I did not, tho’ I had good
+reason to suspect what would be the event of their going.
+This did not pacifie the Quarter-Master, who with outragious
+Cursing and Swearing clapt his Pistol to my Head, and snap’d
+it; but it miss’d Fire: this enraged him the more; and he
+repeated the snapping of his Pistol at my Head three times, and
+it as often miss’d Fire; upon which he held it over-board, and
+snap’d it the fourth time, and then it went off very readily.
+(Thus did GOD mercifully quench the violence of the Fire,
+that was meant to destroy me!) The Quarter-Master upon
+this, in the utmost fury, drew his Cutlass, and fell upon me
+with it, but I leap’d down into the Hold, and got among a
+Crowd that was there, and so escaped the further effects of his
+madness and rage. Thus, tho’ GOD suffered me not to gain
+my wished-for Freedom, yet he wonderfully preserved me from
+Death.</p>
+
+<p>All hopes of obtaining Deliverance were now past and gone;
+the Brigantine and Fishing Vessels were upon their way
+homeward, the Boat was ashore, and not likely to come off
+again; I could see no possible way of Escape; and who can
+express the concern and Agony I was in, to see my self, a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_231">[231]</span>
+Young Lad not 20 Years Old, carried forcibly from my Parents,
+whom I had so much reason to value for the tenderness I knew
+they had for me, &amp; to whom my being among Pyrates, would
+be as a Sword in their Bowels, and the Anguishes of death to
+them; confined to such Company as I could not but have an
+exceeding great abhorrence of; in Danger of being poisoned in
+my morals, by Living among them, and of falling a Sacrifice
+to Justice, if ever I should be taken with them. I had no way
+left for my Comfort, but earnestly to commit my self and my
+cause to GOD, and wait upon Him for Deliverance in his own
+time and way; and in the mean while firmly to resolve, thro’
+Divine Assistance, that nothing should ever bring me to a
+willingness to Joyn with them, or share in their Spoils.</p>
+
+<p>I soon found that any Death was preferible to being link’d
+with such a vile Crew of Miscreants, to whom it was a sport
+to do Mischief; where prodigious Drinking, monstrous Cursing
+and Swearing, hideous Blasphemies, and open defiance of
+Heaven, and contempt of Hell it self, was the constant Employment,
+unless when Sleep something abated the Noise and
+Revellings.</p>
+
+<p>Thus Confined, the best course I could take, was to keep
+out of the way, down in the Hold, or wherever I could be most
+free from their perpetual Din; and fixed purpose with my
+self, that the first time I had an opportunity to set my Foot
+on shore, let it be in what part of the World it would, it should
+prove (if possible) my taking a final leave of Low and Company.</p>
+
+<p>I would remark it now also (that I might not interrupt the
+Story with it afterwards) that while I was on board Low,
+they used once a Week, or Fortnight, as the Evil Spirit moved
+them, to bring me under Examination, and anew demand my
+Signing their Articles, and Joyning with them; but Blessed
+be GOD, I was enabled to persist in a constant refusal to become
+one of them, tho’ I was thrashed with Sword or Cane, as
+often as I denyed them; the fury of which I had no way to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_232">[232]</span>
+avoid, but by Jumping down into the Hold, where for a while
+I was safe. I look’d upon my self, for a long while, but as a
+Dead Man among them, and expected every Day of Examination
+would prove the last of my Life, till I learned from some
+of them, that it was one of their Articles, Not to Draw Blood,
+or take away the Life of any Man, after they had given him
+Quarter, unless he was to be punished as a Criminal; and this
+emboldned me afterwards, so that I was not so much affraid
+to deny them, seeing my Life was given me for a Prey.</p>
+
+<p>This Tuesday, towards Evening, Low and Company came
+to sail in the Schooner, formerly called the Mary, now the
+Fancy, and made off for Newfoundland; and here they met
+with such an Adventure, as had like to have proved fatal to
+them. They fell in with the Mouth of St. John’s Harbour in
+a Fogg, before they knew where they were; when the Fogg
+clearing up a little, they spy’d a large Ship riding at Anchor
+in the Harbour, but could not discern what she was, by reason
+of the thickness of the Air, and concluded she was a Fish-Trader;
+this they look’d upon as a Boon Prize for them, and
+thought they should be wonderfully well accommodated with
+a good Ship under Foot, and if she proved but a good Sailer,
+would greatly further their Roving Designs, and render them
+a Match for almost any thing they could meet with, so that
+they need not fear being taken.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly they came to a Resolution to go in and take her;
+and imagining it was best doing it by Stratagem, they concluded
+to put all their Hands, but Six or Seven, down in the
+Hold, and make a shew as if they were a Fishing Vessel, and
+so run up along side of her, and surprise her, and bring her off;
+and great was their Joy at the distant prospect how cleverly
+they should catch her. They began to put their designs in
+Execution, stowed away their Hands, leaving but a few upon
+Deck, and made Sail in order to seise the Prey; when there
+comes along a small Fisher-Boat, from out the Harbour, and
+hailed them, and asked them, from whence they were? They<span class="pagenum" id="Page_233">[233]</span>
+told them, from Barbadoes, and were laden with Rhum and
+Sugar; then they asked the Fisherman, What large Ship that
+was in the Harbour? who told them it was a large Man-of-War.</p>
+
+<p>The very Name of a Man-of-War struck them all up in a
+Heap, spoil’d their Mirth, their fair Hopes, and promising
+Design of having a good Ship at Command; and lest they
+should catch a Tartar, they thought it their wisest and safest
+way, instead of going into the Harbour, to be gone as fast as
+they could: and accordingly they stretched away farther
+Eastward, and put into a small Harbour, called Carboneur,
+about 15 Leagues distance; where they went on Shoar; took
+the Place, and destroyed the Houses, but hurt none of the
+People; as they told me, for I was not suffered to go a shore
+with them.</p>
+
+<p>The next Day they made off for the Grand Bank, where
+they took seven or eight Vessels, and among them a French
+Banker, a Ship of about 350 Tuns, and 2 Guns; this they
+carried off with them, and stood away for St. Michaels.</p>
+
+<p>Off of St. Michaels they took a large Portugueze Pink, laden
+with Wheat, coming out of the Road, which I was told was
+formerly call’d the Rose-Frigat. She struck to the Schooner,
+fearing the large Ship that was coming down to them; tho’
+all Low’s Force had been no Match for her, if the Portugueze
+had made a good Resistance. This Pink they soon observed
+to be a much better Sailer than their French Banker, which
+went heavily; and therefore they threw the greatest part of the
+Wheat over board, reserving only eno’ to Ballast the Vessel
+for the present, and took what they wanted out of the Banker,
+and then Burnt her, and sent the most of the Portugueze
+away in a large Lanch they had taken.</p>
+
+<p>Now they made the Pink, which Mounted 14 Guns, their
+Commodore, and with this and the Schooner Sailed from St.
+Michaels, to the Canaries, where off of Teneriff, they gave
+Chase to a Sloop, which got under the Command of the
+Fortress, and so escaped sailing into their Hands; but stretching<span class="pagenum" id="Page_234">[234]</span>
+along to the Western end of the Island, they came up with
+a Fishing Boat, and being in want of Water, made them Pilot
+them into a small Harbour, where they went a shore and got a
+supply.</p>
+
+<p>After they had Watered, they Sailed away for Cape de
+Verde Islands, and upon making the Isle of May, they descry’d
+a Sloop, which they took, and it proved to be a Bristol-man,
+one Pare or Pier Master; this Sloop they designed for a Tender,
+and put on board her my Kinsman Nicholas Merritt,
+with 8 or 9 hands more, and Sailed away for Bonavista, with
+a design to careen their Vessels.</p>
+
+<p>In their Passage to Bonavista, the Sloop wronged both the
+Pink and the Schooner; which the Hands on board observing,
+being mostly Forced Men, or such as were weary of their
+Employment, upon the Fifth of September, Ran away with
+her and made their Escape.</p>
+
+<p>When they came to Bonavista, they hove down the
+Schooner, and careen’d her, and then the Pink; and here they
+gave the Wheat, which they had kept to Ballast the Pink with,
+to the Portugueze, and took other Ballast.</p>
+
+<p>After they had cleaned and fitted their Vessels, they steered
+away for St. Nicholas, to get better Water; and here as I
+was told, 7 or 8 hands out of the Pink went a shore a Fowling,
+but never came off more, among which I suppose Lawrence
+Fabins was one, and what became of them I never could hear
+to this Day. Then they put out to Sea, and stood away for
+the Coast of Brasil, hoping to meet with Richer Prizes than
+they had yet taken; in the Passage thither, they made a Ship,
+which they gave chase to, but could not come up with; and
+when they came upon the Coast, it had like to have proved a
+sad Coast to them; for the Trade-Winds blowing exceeding
+hard at South East, they fell in upon the Northern part of the
+Coast, near 200 Leagues to the Leeward of where they designed;
+and here we were all in exceeding great Danger, and
+for Five Days and Nights together, hourly feared when we<span class="pagenum" id="Page_235">[235]</span>
+should be swallowed up by the violence of the Wind and Sea,
+or stranded upon some of the Shoals, that lay many Leagues
+off from Land. In this time of Extremity, the Poor Wretches
+had no where to go for Help! For they were at open Defiance
+with their Maker, &amp; they could have but little comfort in the
+thoughts of their Agreement with Hell; such mighty Hectors
+as they were, in a clear Sky and a fair Gale, yet a fierce Wing
+and a boisterous Sea sunk their Spirits to a Cowardly dejection,
+and they evidently feared the Almighty, whom before
+they defied, lest He was come to Torment them before their
+expected Time; and tho’ they were so habituated to Cursing
+and Swearing, that the Dismal Prospect of Death, &amp; this of so
+long Continuance, could not Correct the language of most of
+them, yet you might plainly see the inward Horror and Anguish
+of their Minds, visible in their Countenances, and like
+Men amazed, or starting out of Sleep in a fright, I could hear
+them ever now and then, cry out, Oh! I wish I were at Home.</p>
+
+<p>When the Fierceness of the Weather was over, and they
+had recovered their Spirits, by the help of a little Nantes, they
+bore away to the West Indies, and made the three Islands
+call’d the Triangles, lying off the Main about 40 Leagues to
+the Eastward of Surinam. Here they went in and careened
+their Vessels again; and it had like to have proved a fatal
+Scouring to them.</p>
+
+<p>For as they hove down the Pink, Low had ordered so many
+hands upon the Shrouds, and Yards, to throw her Bottom
+out of Water, that it threw her Ports, which were open, under
+Water; and the Water flow’d in with such freedom that it
+presently overset her. Low and the Doctor were in the
+Cabin together, and as soon as he perceived the Water to gush
+in upon him, he bolted out at one of the Stern-Ports, which
+the Doctor also attempted, but the Sea rushed so violently
+into the Port by that time, as to force him back into the
+Cabin, upon which Low nimbly run his Arm into the Port, and
+caught hold of his Shoulder and drew him out, and so saved<span class="pagenum" id="Page_236">[236]</span>
+him. The Vessel pitched her Masts to the Ground, in about
+6 Fathom Water, and turn’d her Keel out of Water; but as
+her Hull filled, it sunk, and by the help of her Yard-Arms,
+which I suppose bore upon the Ground, her Masts were raised
+something out of Water; the Men that were upon her Shrouds
+and Yards, got upon her Hull, when that was uppermost, and
+then upon her Top-Masts and Shrouds, when they were raised
+again. I (who with other light Lads were sent up to the
+Main-Top-Gallant Yard) was very difficultly put to it to save
+my Life, being but a poor Swimmer; for the Boat which
+picked the Men up, refused to take me in, &amp; I was put upon
+making the best of my way to the Buoy, which with much ado
+I recovered, and it being large I stayed my self by it, till the
+Boat came along close by it, and then I called to them to take
+me in; but they being full of Men still refused me; and I
+did not know but they meant to leave me to perish there;
+but the Boat making way a head very slowly because of her
+deep load, and Joseph Libbie calling to me to put off from the
+Buoy and Swim to them, I e’en ventured it, and he took me
+by the hand and drew me in board. They lost two Men by
+this Accident, viz. John Bell, and one they called Zana Gourdon.
+The Men that were on board the Schooner were busy
+a mending the Sails, under an Auning, so they knew nothing
+of what had happened to the Pink, till the Boat full of Men
+came along side of them, tho’ they were but about Gun-Shot
+off, and We made a great out-cry; and therefore they sent not
+their Boat to help take up the Men.</p>
+
+<p>And now Low and his Gang, having lost their Frigate, and
+with her the greatest part of their Provision and Water, were
+again reduced to their Schooner as their only Privateer, and
+in her they put to Sea, and were brought to very great straits
+for want of Water; for they could not get a supply at the
+Triangles, and when they hoped to furnish themselves at
+Tobago, the Current set so strong, &amp; the Season was so Calm,
+that they could not recover the Harbour, so they were forced<span class="pagenum" id="Page_237">[237]</span>
+to stand away for Grand Grenada, a French Island about 18
+Leagues to the Westward of Tobago, which they gained, after
+they had been at the hardship of half a pint of Water a Man
+for Sixteen Dayes together.</p>
+
+<p>Here the French came on board, and Low having put all
+his Men down, but a sufficient number to Sail the Vessel, told
+them upon their Enquiry, Whence he was, that he was come
+from Barbadoes, and had lost his Water; and was oblig’d
+to put in for a recruit; the poor People not suspecting him for
+a Pyrate, readily suffered him to send his Men ashoar and
+fetch off a supply. But the Frenchmen afterwards suspecting
+he was a Smugling Trader, thought to have made a Boon
+Prize of him, and the next day fitted out a large Rhode-Island
+built Sloop of 70 Tuns, with 4 Guns mounted, and about 30
+Hands, with design to have taken him. Low was apprehensive
+of no danger from them, till they came close along side of
+him and plainly discovered their design, by their Number and
+Actions, and then he called up his hands upon Deck, and having
+about 90 Hands on board, &amp; 8 Guns mounted, the Sloop and
+Frenchmen fell an easy prey to him, and he made a Privateer
+of her.</p>
+
+<p>After this they cruised for some time thro’ the West Indies,
+in which excursion they took 7 or 8 Sail of Vessels, chiefly
+Sloops; at length they came to Santa Cruiz, where they took
+two Sloops more, &amp; then came to Anchor off the Island.</p>
+
+<p>While they lay an Anchor here, it came into Low’s Head,
+that he wanted a Doctor’s Chest, &amp; in order to procure one,
+he put four of the Frenchmen on board one of the Sloops,
+which he had just now taken, &amp; sent them away to St.
+Thomas’s, about 12 Leagues off where the Sloops belonged,
+with the promise, that if they would presently send him off a
+good Doctor’s Chest, for what he sent to purchase it with,
+they should have their Men &amp; Vessels again, but if not, he
+would kill all the Men &amp; burn the Vessels. The poor People
+in Compassion to their Neighbours, &amp; to preserve their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_238">[238]</span>
+Interest, readily complyed with his Demands; so that in
+little more than 24 Hours the four Frenchmen returned with
+what they went for, &amp; then according to promise, they &amp; their
+Sloops were Dismissed.</p>
+
+<p>From Santa Cruz they Sailed till they made Curacao, in
+which Passage they gave Chase to two Sloops that out sailed
+them &amp; got clear; then they Ranged the Coast of New Spain,
+and made Carthagena, &amp; about mid-way between Carthagena
+and Port-Abella, they descry’d two tall Ships, which proved
+to be the Mermaid Man-of-War, &amp; a large Guinea-Man.
+Low was now in the Rhode Island Sloop, &amp; one Farrington
+Spriggs a Quarter-Master, was Commander of the Schooner,
+where I still was. For some time they made Sail after the
+two Ships, till they came so near that they could plainly see
+the Man-of-War’s large range of Teeth, &amp; then they turned
+Tail to, and made the best of their way from them; upon
+which the Man-of-War gave them Chase &amp; overhalled them
+apace. And now I confess I was in as great terrour as ever I
+had been yet, for I concluded we should be taken, &amp; I could
+expect no other butt to Dye for Companies sake; so true is
+what Solomon tells us, a Companion of Fools shall be destroyed.
+But the Pirates finding the Man-of-War to overhale
+them, separated, &amp; Low stood out to Sea, &amp; Spriggs stood in
+for the Shoar. The Man-of-War observing the Sloop to be the
+larger Vessel much, and fullest of Men, threw out all the Sail
+she could, &amp; stood after her, and was in a fair way of coming
+up with her presently. But it hapened there was one Man on
+board the Sloop, that knew of a Shoal Ground thereabouts,
+who directed Low to run over it; he did so; and the Man-of-War
+who had now so forereached him as to sling a Shot over
+him, in the close pursuit ran a Ground upon the Shoal, and so
+Low and Company escaped Hanging for this time.</p>
+
+<p>Spriggs, who was in the Schooner, when he saw the Danger
+they were in of being taken, upon the Man-of-War’s outsailing
+them, was afraid of falling into the hands of Justice;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_239">[239]</span>
+to prevent which, he, and one of his Chief Companions, took
+their Pistols, and laid them down by them, and solemnly
+Swore to each other, and pledg’d the Oath in a Bumper of
+Liquor, that if they saw there was at last no possibility of
+Escaping, but that they should be taken, they would set Foot
+to Foot, and Shoot one another, to Escape Justice and the
+Halter. As if Divine Justice were not as inexorable as
+Humane!</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i238" style="max-width: 144.9375em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i238.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>PIRATES BOARDING A SPANISH VESSEL IN THE WEST INDIES<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an engraving in “The History and Lives of the most Notorious Pirates,” by an old
+Seaman, London, n.d., in possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>But, as I said, he stood in for the Shoar, and made into
+Pickeroon Bay, about 18 Leagues from Carbagena, and so
+got out of reach of Danger. By this means the Sloop and
+Schooner were parted; and Spriggs made Sail towards the
+Bay of Honduras, and came to Anchor in a small Island called
+Utilla, about 7 or 8 Leagues to Leeward of Roatan, where by
+the help of a small Sloop, he had taken the Day before, he
+haled down, and cleaned the Schooner.</p>
+
+<p>While Spriggs lay at Utilla, there was an Opportunity
+presented, which gave occasion to several of us to form a
+design, of making our Escape out of the Pirates Company;
+for having lost Low, and being but weak handed, Spriggs had
+determined to go thro’ the Gulf, and come upon the Coast of
+New-England, to encrease his Company, and supply himself
+with Provision; whereupon a Number of us had entred into
+a Combination, to take the first fair advantage, to Subdue our
+Masters; and Free our selves. There were in all about 22
+Men on board the Schooner, and 8 of us were in the Plot, which
+was, That when we should come upon the Coast of New-England,
+we would take the opportunity when the Crew had
+sufficiently dozed themselves with Drink, and had got sound
+a Sleep, to secure them under the Hatches, and bring the
+Vessel and Company in, and throw ourselves upon the Mercy
+of the Government.</p>
+
+<p>But it pleased GOD to disappoint our Design. The Day
+that they came to Sail out of Utilla, after they had been
+parted from Low about five Weeks, they discovered a large<span class="pagenum" id="Page_240">[240]</span>
+Sloop, which bore down upon them. Spriggs, who knew not
+the Sloop, but imagined it might be a Spanish Privateer, full
+of Men, being but weak handed himself, made the best of his
+way from her. The Sloop greatly overhaled the Schooner.
+Low, who knew the Schooner, &amp; thought that since they had
+been separated, she might have fallen into the hands of honest
+Men, fired upon her, &amp; struck her the first Shot. Spriggs,
+seeing the Sloop fuller of Men than ordinary, (for Low had been
+to Honduras, &amp; had taken a Sloop, &amp; brought off several
+Baymen, &amp; was now become an Hundred strong) &amp; remaining
+still ignorant of his old Mate, refused to bring to, but continued
+to make off; and resolved if they came up with him, to
+fight them the best he could. Thus the Harpies had like to
+have fallen fowl of one another. But Low hoisting his Pirate
+Colours, discovered who he was; and then, hideous was the
+noisy Joy among the Piratical Crew, on all sides, accompanied
+with Firing, &amp; Carousing, at the finding their Old Master, &amp;
+Companions, &amp; their narrow Escape; and so the design of
+Crusing upon the Coast of New-England came to nothing.
+A good Providence it was to my dear Country, that it did so;
+unless we could have timely succeeded in our design to surprise
+them.</p>
+
+<p>Yet it had like to have proved a fatal Providence to those
+of us that had a hand in the Plot; for tho’ our design of surprising
+Spriggs and Company, when we should come upon the
+Coast of New-England, was carried with as much secrecy as
+was possible, (we hardly daring to trust one another, and
+mentioning it always with utmost privacy, and not plainly,
+but in distant hints) yet now that Low appeared, Spriggs
+had got an account of it some way or other; and full of Resentment
+and Rage he goes aboard Low, and acquaints him with
+what he called our Treacherous design, and says all he can to
+provoke him to Revenge the Mischief upon us, and earnestly
+urged that we might be shot. But GOD who has the Hearts
+of all Men in His own Hands, and turns them as He pleases,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_241">[241]</span>
+so over ruled, that Low turned it off with a Laugh, and said
+he did not know, but if it had been his own case, as it was
+ours, he should have done so himself; and all that Spriggs
+could say was not able to stir up his Resentments, and procure
+any heavy Sentence upon us.</p>
+
+<p>Thus Low’s merry Air saved us at that time; for had he
+lisped a Word in compliance with what Spriggs urged, we had
+surely some of us, if not all, have been lost. Upon this he
+comes on board the Schooner again, heated with Drink, but
+more chased in his own mind, that he could not have his Will
+of us, and swore &amp; tore like a Madman, crying out that four
+of us ought to go forward, &amp; be shot; and to me in particular
+he said, You D—g, Ashton, deserve to be hang’d up at the
+Yards Arm, for designing to cut us off. I told him, I had
+no design of hurting any man on board, but if they would let
+me go away quietly I should be glad. This matter made a
+very great noise on board for several Hours, but at length
+the Fire was quenched, and thro’ the Goodness of GOD, I
+escaped being consumed by the violence of the Flame.</p>
+
+<p>The next Day, Low ordered all into Roatan Harbour to
+clean, and here it was that thro’ the Favour of GOD to me, I
+first gained Deliverance out of the Pirates hands; tho’ it was
+a long while before my Deliverance was perfected, in a return
+to my Country, and Friends; as you will see in the Sequel.</p>
+
+<p>Roatan Harbour, as all about the Gulf of Honduras, is
+full of small Islands, which go by the General Name of the
+Keys. When we had got in here, Low and some of his Chief
+Men had got a shoar upon one of these small Islands, which
+they called Port-Royal Key, where they made them Booths,
+and were Carousing, Drinking, and Firing, while the two
+Sloops, the Rhode-Island, and that which Low brought with
+him from the Bay were cleaning. As for the Schooner, he
+loaded her with the Logwood which the Sloop brought from
+the Bay, &amp; gave her, according to promise, to one John Blaze,
+and put four men along with him in her, and when they came<span class="pagenum" id="Page_242">[242]</span>
+to Sail from this Place, sent them away upon their own account,
+and what became of them I know not.</p>
+
+<p>Upon Saturday the 9th of March, 1723, the Cooper with Six
+hands in the Long-Boat were going ashore at the Watering
+place to fill their Casks; as he came along by the Schooner I
+called to him and asked him, if he were going a shoar? he
+told me Yes; then I asked him, if he would take me along
+with him; he seemed to hesitate at the first; but I urged that
+I had never been on shoar yet, since I first came on board, and
+I thought it very hard that I should be so closely confined,
+when every one else had the Liberty of going ashoar, at several
+times, as there was occasion. At length he took me in, imagining,
+I suppose, that there would be no danger of my Running
+away in so desolate uninhabitated a Place, as that was.</p>
+
+<p>I went into the Boat with only an Ozenbrigs Frock and
+Trousers on, and a Mill’d Cap upon my Head, having neither
+Shirt, Shoes, nor Stockings, nor any thing else about me;
+whereas, had I been aware of such an Opportunity, but one
+quarter of an Hour before, I could have provided my self
+something better. However, thought I, if I can but once get
+footing on Terra-Firma, tho’ in never so bad Circumstances, I
+shall count it a happy Deliverance; for I was resolved, come
+what would, never to come on board again.</p>
+
+<p>Low had often told me (upon my asking him to send me
+away in some of the Vessels, which he dismissed after he had
+taken them), that I should go home when he did, and not
+before, and Swore that I should never set foot on shoar till he
+did. But the time for Deliverance was now come. GOD had
+ordered it that Low and Spriggs, and almost all the Commanding
+Officers, were ashoar upon an Island distinct from Roatan,
+where the Watering place was; He presented me in sight,
+when the Long Boat came by, (the only opportunity I could
+have had) He had moved the Cooper to take me into the Boat,
+and under such Circumstances as rendred me least lyable to
+Suspicion; and so I got ashoar.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp75" id="i242" style="max-width: 128.1875em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i242.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>MAP OF THE BAY OF HONDURAS SHOWING RATTAN ISLAND<br>
+<span class='c2'>From the map in “Voyages and travels of Capt. Nathaniel Uring,” London, 1726, in the library
+of the Massachusetts Historical Society</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_243">[243]</span></p>
+
+<p>When we came first to Land, I was very Active in helping
+to get the Casks out of the Boat, &amp; Rowling them up to the
+Watering place; then I lay down at the Fountain &amp; took a
+hearty Draught of the Cool Water; &amp; anon, I gradually
+strol’d along the Beech, picking up Stones &amp; Shells, &amp; looking
+about me; when I had got about Musket Shot off from them
+(tho’ they had taken no Arms along with them in the Boat) I
+began to make up to the Edge of the Woods; when the Cooper
+spying me, call’d after me, &amp; asked me where I was going; I
+told him I was going to get some Coco-Nuts, for there were
+some Coco-Nut Trees just before me. So soon as I had
+recovered the Woods, and lost sight of them, I betook my self
+to my Heels, &amp; ran as fast as the thickness of the Bushes, and
+my naked Feet would let me. I bent my Course, not directly
+from them, but rather up behind them, which I continued till
+I had got a considerable way into the Woods, &amp; yet not so far
+from them but that I could hear their talk, when they spake
+any thing loud; and here I lay close in a very great Thicket,
+being well assured, if they should take the pains to hunt after
+me never so carefully they would not be able to find me.</p>
+
+<p>After they had filled their Casks and were about to go off,
+the Cooper called after me to come away; but I lay snug in my
+Thicket, and would give him no Answer, tho’ I plainly eno’
+heard him. At length they set a hallooing for me, but I was
+still silent; I could hear them say to one another, The D—g
+is lost in the Woods, and can’t find the way out again; then
+they hallooed again; and cried, he is run-away and won’t
+come again; the Cooper said, if he had thought I would have
+served him so, he would not have brought me ashoar. They
+plainly saw it would be in vain to seek me in such hideous
+Woods, and thick Brushes. When they were weary with
+hallooing, the Cooper at last, to shew his good Will to me,
+(I can’t but Love and Thank him for his Kindness) call’d out,
+If you don’t come away presently, I’ll go off and leave you
+alone. But all they could say was no Temptation to me to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_244">[244]</span>
+discover my self, and least of all that of their going away and
+leaving me; for this was the very thing I desired, that I might
+be rid of them, and all that belonged to them. So finding it
+in vain for them to wait any longer, they put off with their
+Water, without me; and thus was I left upon a desolate
+Island destitute of all help, and much out of the way of all
+Travellers; however this Wilderness I looked upon as Hospitable,
+and this Loneliness as good Company, compared with
+the State and Society I was now happily Delivered from.</p>
+
+<p>When I supposed they were gone off, I came out of my
+Thicket, and drew down to the Water side, about a Mile below
+the Watering place, where there was a small run of Water;
+and here I sat down to observe their Motions, and know when
+the Coast was clear; for I could not but have some remaining
+fears lest they should send a Company of Armed Men after
+me; yet I thought if they should, the Woods and Bushes were
+so thick that it would be impossible they should find me. As
+yet I had nothing to Eat, nor indeed were my Thoughts much
+concerned about living in this Desolate Place, but they were
+chiefly taken up about my geting clear. And to my Joy, after
+the Vessels had stayed five Days in this Harbour, they came
+to Sail, and put out to Sea, and I plainly saw the Schooner
+part from the two Sloops, and shape a different Course from
+them.</p>
+
+<p>When they were gone and the Coast clear, I began to reflect
+upon my self, and my present Condition; I was upon an Island
+from whence I could not get off; I knew of no Humane Creature
+within many scores of Miles of me; I had but a Scanty
+Cloathing, and no possibility of getting more; I was destitute
+of all Provision for my Support, and knew not how I should
+come at any; every thing looked with a dismal Face; the sad
+prospect drew Tears from me in abundance; yet since GOD
+had graciously granted my Desires, in freeing me out of the
+hands of the Sons of Violence, whose Business ’tis to devise
+Mischief against their Neighbour, and from whom every thing<span class="pagenum" id="Page_245">[245]</span>
+that had the least face of Religion and Virtue was intirely
+Banished, (unless that Low would never suffer his Men to
+work upon the Sabbath, (it was more devoted to Play) and
+I have seen some of them sit down to Read in a good Book)
+therefore I purposed to account all the hardship I might now
+meet with, as Light, &amp; Easy, compared with being Associated
+with them.</p>
+
+<p>In order to find in what manner I was to Live for the time
+to come, I began to Range the Island over, which I suppose is
+some 10 or 11 Leagues Long, in the Latitude of 16 deg. 30
+min. or thereabouts. I soon found that I must look for no
+Company, but the Wild Beast of the Field, and the Fowl of
+the Air; with all of which I made a Firm Peace, and GOD
+said Amen to it. I could discover no Footsteps of any Habitation
+upon the Island; yet there was one walk of Lime Trees
+near a Mile long, and ever now &amp; then I found some broken
+Shreds of Earthen Pots, scattered here and there upon the
+Place, which some say are some remains of the Indians that
+formerly Lived upon the Island.</p>
+
+<p>The Island is well Watered, and is full of Hills, high Mountains,
+and lowly Vallies. The Mountains are Covered over
+with a sort of scrubby black Pine, &amp; are almost inaccessible.
+The Vallies abound with Fruit Trees, and are so prodigiously
+thick with an underbrush, that ’tis difficult passing.</p>
+
+<p>The Fruit were Coco-Nuts, but these I could have no
+advantage from, because I had no way of coming at the
+inside; there are Wild-Figs, and Vines in abundance, these I
+chiefly lived upon, especially at first; there is also a sort of
+Fruit growing upon Trees somewhat larger than an Orange,
+of an Oval shape, of a brownish Colour without, and red
+within, having two or three Stones about as large as a Walnut
+in the midst: tho’ I saw many of these fallen under the Trees,
+yet I dared not to meddle with them for sometime, till I saw
+some Wild Hogs eat them with safety, and then I thought
+I might venture upon them too, after such Tasters, and I<span class="pagenum" id="Page_246">[246]</span>
+found them to be a very delicious sort of Fruit; they are called
+Mammees Supporters, as I learned afterwards. There are
+also a sort of small Beech-Plumb, growing upon low shrubs;
+and a large form of Plumb growing upon Trees, which are
+called Hog-Plumbs; and many other sorts of Fruit which I am
+wholly a Stranger to. Only I would take notice of the Goodness
+of GOD to me, in preserving me from destroying my self
+by feeding upon any Noxious Fruit, as the Mangeneil Apple,
+which I often took up in my hands, and look’d upon, but had
+not the power to eat of; which if I had, it would have been
+present Death to me, as I was informed afterwards, tho’ I
+knew not what it was.</p>
+
+<p>There are also upon this Island, and the Adjacent Islands,
+and Keys, Deer, and Wild Hogs; they abound too with Fowl
+of diverse sorts, as Ducks, Teil, Curlews, Galdings, (a Fowl
+long Legged, and shaped somewhat like a Heron, but not so
+big) Pellicans, Boobys, Pigeons, Parrotts, &amp;c. and the Shoars
+abound with Tortoise.</p>
+
+<p>But of all this Store of Beast, and Fowl, I could make no
+use to Supply my Necessities; tho’ my Mouth often watered
+for a Bit of them; yet I was forced to go without it; for I had
+no Knife, or other Instrument of Iron with me, by which to
+cut up a Tortoise, when I had turned it; or to make Snares or
+Pitts, with which to entrap, or Bows &amp; Arrows with which to
+kill any Bird or Beast withal; nor could I by any possible
+means that I knew of, come at Fire to dress any if I had taken
+them, tho’ I doubt not but some would have gone down Raw
+if I could have come at it.</p>
+
+<p>I sometimes had thoughts of Digging Pits and covering
+them over with small Branches of Trees, &amp; laying Brush and
+Leaves upon them to take some Hogs or Deer in; but all was
+vain imagination, I had no Shovel, neither could I find or
+make any thing that would answer my end, and I was presently
+convinced, that my Hands alone, were not sufficient to make
+one deep and large eno’ to detain any thing that should fall<span class="pagenum" id="Page_247">[247]</span>
+into it; so that I was forced to rest satisfied with the Fruit of
+the Vine, and Trees, and looked upon it as good Provision, and
+very handy for one in my Condition.</p>
+
+<p>In length of time, as I was poking about the Beech, with a
+Stick, to see if I could find any Tortoise Nests, (which I had
+heard lay their Eggs in the Sand) I brought up part of an
+Egg clinging to the Stick, and upon removing the Sand which
+lay over them, I found near an Hundred &amp; Fifty Eggs which
+had not been laid long eno’ to spoil; so I took some of them and
+eat them: And in this way I sometimes got some Eggs to Eat,
+which are not very good at the best; yet what is not good to
+him that has nothing to Live upon, but what falls from the
+Trees.</p>
+
+<p>The Tortoise lay their Eggs above High Water Mark, in a
+hole which they make in the Sand, about a Foot, or a Foot and
+half deep, and cover them over with the Sand, which they
+make as smooth &amp; even as any part of the Beech, so that there
+is no discerning where they are, by any, the least sign of a
+Hillock, or Rising; and according to my best observation,
+they Hatch in about 18 or 20 Days, and as soon as the Young
+Ones are Hatched they betake themselves immediately to the
+Water.</p>
+
+<p>There are many Serpents upon this, and the Adjacent
+Islands. There is one sort that is very Large, as big round
+as a Man’s Wast, tho’ not above 12 or 14 Feet long. These
+are called Owlers. They look like old fallen Stocks of Trees
+covered over with a short Moss, when they lye at their length;
+but they more usually lye coiled up in a round. The first I
+saw of these greatly surprised me; for I was very near to it
+before I discovered it to be a Living Creature, and then it
+opened it’s Mouth wide eno’ to have thrown a Hat into it,
+and blew out its Breath at me. This Serpent is very slow in
+its motion, and nothing Venemous, as I was afterwards told
+by a Man, who said he had been once bitten by one of them.
+There are several other smaller Serpents, some of them very<span class="pagenum" id="Page_248">[248]</span>
+Venemous, particularly one that is called a Barber’s Pole,
+being streaked White and Yellow. But I met with no Rattle-Snakes
+there, unless the Pirates, nor did I ever hear of any
+other being there.</p>
+
+<p>The Islands are also greatly infested with vexatious Insects,
+especially the Musketto, and a sort of small Black Fly, (something
+like a Gnat) more troublesome than the Musketto;
+so that if one had never so many of the comforts of Life about
+him, these Insects would render his Living here very burthensome
+to him; unless he retired to a small Key, destitute of
+Woods and Brush, where the Wind disperses the Vermin.</p>
+
+<p>The Sea hereabouts, hath a variety of Fish; such as are
+good to Eat, I could not come at, and the Sharks, and Alligators
+or Crocodiles, I did not care to have any thing to do with;
+tho’ I was once greatly endangered by a Shark, as I shall tell
+afterwards.</p>
+
+<p>This was the Place I was confined to; this my Society and
+Fellowship; and this my State and Condition of Life. Here
+I spent near Nine Months; without Converse with any Living
+Creature; for the Parrots here had not been taught to Speak.
+Here I lingred out one Day after another, I knew not how,
+without Business, or Diversion; unless gathering up my Food,
+rambling from Hill to Hill, from Island to Island, gazing upon
+the Water, and staring upon the Face of the Sky, may be
+called so.</p>
+
+<p>In this Lonely and Distressed Condition, I had time to
+call over my past Life; and Young as I was, I saw I had grown
+Old in Sin; my Transgressions were more than my Days;
+and tho’ GOD had graciously Restrained me from the Grosser
+Enormities of Life, yet I saw Guilt staring me in the Face;
+eno’ to humble me and forever to vindicate the Justice of
+GOD in all that I underwent. I called to mind many things
+I had heard from the Pulpit, and what I had formerly Read in
+the Bible, which I was now wholly Destitute of, tho’ I thought
+if I could but have one now, it would have sweetened my<span class="pagenum" id="Page_249">[249]</span>
+Condition, by the very Diversion of Reading, and much
+more from the Direction and Comfort it would have afforded
+me. I had some Comforts in the midst of my Calamity. It
+was no small Support to me, that I was about my Lawful
+Employment, when I was first taken; and that I had no hand
+in bringing my Misery upon my self, but was forced away
+sorely against my Will. It wonderfully aleviated my Sorrows,
+to think, that I had my Parents approbation, and consent in
+my going to Sea; and I often fancied to my self, that if I had
+gone to Sea against their will and pleasure, and had met with
+this Disaster, I should have looked upon it as a designed
+Punishment of such Disobedience, and the very Reflection
+on it would have so aggravated my Misery, as soon to have put
+an end to my Days. I looked upon my self also, as more in
+the way of the Divine Blessing now, than when I was linked
+to a Crew of Pirates, where I could scarce hope for Protection
+and a Blessing. I plainly saw very signal Instances of
+the Power &amp; Goodness of GOD to me, in the many Deliverances
+which I had already experienced (the least of which I
+was utterly unworthy of) and this Encouraged me to put my
+Trust in Him: and tho’ I had none but GOD to go to for help,
+yet I knew that He was able to do more for me than I could
+ask or think: to Him therefore I committed my self, purposing
+to wait hopefully upon the Lord till he should send Deliverance
+to me: Trusting that in his own time and way, he would
+find out means for my safe Return to my Fathers House;
+and earnestly entreating that he would provide a better place
+for me.</p>
+
+<p>It was my Daily Practice to Ramble from one part of the
+Island to an other, tho’ I had a more special Home near to the
+Water side. Here I had built me a House to defend me from
+the heat of the Sun by Day, and the great Dews of the Night.
+I took some of the best Branches I could find fallen from the
+Trees, and stuck them in the Ground, and I contrived as often
+as I could (for I built many such Huts) to fix them leaning<span class="pagenum" id="Page_250">[250]</span>
+against the Limb of a Tree that hung low; I split the Palmeto
+Leaves and knotted the Limb &amp; Sticks together; then I
+covered them over with the largest and best Palmeto Leaves
+I could find. I generally Situated my Hut near the Water
+side, with the open part of it facing the Sea, that I might be
+the more ready upon the look out, and have the advantage of
+the Sea Breeze, which both the Heat and the Vermin required.
+But the Vermin, the Muskettos and Flys, grew so troublesome
+to me, that I was put upon contrivance to get rid of their
+Company. This led me to think of getting over to some of
+the Adjacent Keys, that I might have some Rest from the
+disturbance of these busy Companions. My greatest difficulty
+lay in getting over to any other Island; for I was but a very
+poor Swimmer; and I had no Canoo, nor any means of making
+one. At length I got a piece of Bamboe, which is hollow like
+a Reed, and light as a Cork, and having made tryal of it under
+my Breast and Arms in Swimming by the shoar; with this
+help I e’en ventured to put off for a small Key about Gunshot
+off, and I reached it pretty comfortably. This Key was
+but about 3 or 400 Feet in compass, clear of Woods &amp; Brush,
+&amp; lay very low: &amp; I found it so free from the Vermin, by the
+free Passage of the Wind over it, that I seemed to be got into
+a New World, where I lived more at ease. This I kept as a
+place of Retreat, whither I retired when the Heat of the Day
+rendred the Fly-kind most troublesome to me: for I was
+obliged to be much upon Roatan for the sake of my Food,
+Water, &amp; House. When I swam backward &amp; forward from
+my Night to my Day Island, I used to bind my Frock &amp;
+Trousers about my Head, but I could not so easily carry over
+Wood &amp; Leaves to make a Hut of; else I should have spent
+more of my time upon my little Day Island.</p>
+
+<p>My Swimming thus backward &amp; forward exposed me to
+some Danger. Once I Remember as I was passing from my
+Day to my Night Island, the Bamboe got from under me e’er
+I was aware, &amp; the Tide or Current set so strong, that I was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_251">[251]</span>
+very difficulty put to it to recover the Shoar; so that a few
+Rods more distance had in all probability landed me in
+another World. At another time as I was Swimming over to
+my Day Island, a Shovel nos’d Shark, (of which the Seas
+thereabouts are full, as well as Alligators) struck me in the
+Thigh just as I set my Foot to Ground, &amp; so grounded himself
+(I suppose) by the shoalness of the Water, that he could not
+turn himself to come at me with his Mouth, &amp; so, thro’ the
+Goodness of GOD, I escaped falling a Prey to his devouring
+Teeth. I felt the Blow he gave me some hours after I had
+got ashoar. By accustoming my self to Swim, I at length
+grew pretty dexterous at it, and often gave my self the Diversion
+of thus passing from one Island to another among
+the Keys.</p>
+
+<p>One of my greatest difficulties lay in my being Barefoot,
+my Travels backward &amp; forward in the Woods to hunt for my
+Daily Food, among the thick under-brush, where the Ground
+was covered with sharp Sticks &amp; Stones, &amp; upon the hot
+Beech among the sharp broken Shells, had made so many
+Wounds and Gashes in my Feet, &amp; some of them very large,
+that I was hardly able to go at all. Very often as I was treading
+with all the tenderness I could, a sharp Stone or Shell on
+the Beech or pointed Stick in the Woods, would run into the
+Old Wounds, &amp; the Anguish of it would strike me down as
+suddenly as if I had been shot thro’, &amp; oblige me to set down
+and Weep by the hour together at the extremity of my Pain;
+so that in process of time I could Travel no more than needs
+must, for the necessary procuring of Food. Sometimes I
+have sat leaning my Back against a Tree, with my Face to the
+Sea, to look out for the passing of a Vessel for a whole Day
+together.</p>
+
+<p>At length I grew very Weak &amp; Faint, as well as Sore and
+Bruised; and once while I was in this Condition, a Wild Boar
+seemed to make at me with some Fierceness; I knew not what
+to do with my self, for I was not able to defend my self against<span class="pagenum" id="Page_252">[252]</span>
+him if he should attack me. So as he drew nearer to me, I
+caught hold of the Limb of a Tree which was close by me, &amp;
+drew my Body up by it from the Ground as well as I could;
+while I was in this Hanging posture, the Boar came and struck
+at me, but his Tushes only took hold of my shattered Trousers
+&amp; tore a peice out; and then he went his way. This I think
+was the only time that I was assaulted by any Wild Beast,
+with whom I said I had made Peace; and I look upon it as a
+Great Deliverance.</p>
+
+<p>As my Weakness encreased upon me, I should often fall
+down as tho’ struck with a dead sleep, and many a time as I
+was thus falling, and sometimes when I lay’d my self down to
+Sleep, I never expected to wake or rise more; and yet in the
+midst of all GOD has Wonderfully preserved me.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of this my great Soreness &amp; Feebleness I lost
+the Days of the Week, &amp; how long I had layn in some of my
+numb sleepy Fits I knew not, so that I was not able now to
+distinguish the Sabbath from any other Day of the Week;
+tho’ all Days were in some sort a Sabbath to me. As my
+Illness prevailed I wholly lost the Month, and knew not where
+abouts I was in the Account of Time.</p>
+
+<p>Under all this Dreadful Distress, I had no healing Balsames
+to apply to my Feet, no Cordials to revive my Fainting Spirits,
+hardly able now &amp; then to get me some Figs or Grapes to Eat,
+nor any possible way of coming at a Fire, which the Cool
+Winds, &amp; great Rains, beginning to come on now called for.
+The Rains begin about the middle of October, &amp; continue for
+Five Months together, and then the Air is Raw Cold, like our
+North East Storms of Rain; only at times the Sun breaks out
+with such an exceeding Fierceness, that there is hardly any
+enduring the Heat of it.</p>
+
+<p>I had often heard of the fetching Fire by Rubbing of two
+Sticks together; but I could never get any this way; tho’ I had
+often tried while I was in Health and Strength, untill I was
+quite tired. Afterwards I learned the way of getting Fire<span class="pagenum" id="Page_253">[253]</span>
+from two Sticks, which I will Publish, that it may be of Service
+to any that may be hereafter in my Condition.</p>
+
+<p>Take Two Sticks, the one of harder the other softer Wood,
+the dryer the better, in the soft Wood make a sort of Mortice
+or Socket, point the harder Wood to fit that Socket; hold the
+softer Wood firm between the Knees, take the harder Wood
+between your Hands with the point fixed in the Socket, and rub
+the Stick in your Hands backward &amp; forward briskly like a
+Drill, and it will take Fire in less than a Minute; as I have
+sometimes since seen, upon experiment made of it.</p>
+
+<p>But then I knew of no such Method (and it may be should
+have been difficulty put to it to have formed the Mortice and
+Drill for want of a Knife) and I suffered greatly without a
+Fire, thro’ the chillness of the Air, the Wetness of the Season,
+and Living only upon Raw Fruit.</p>
+
+<p>Thus I pass’d about Nine Months in this lonely, melancholy,
+wounded, and languishing Condition. I often lay’d my self
+down as upon my last Bed, &amp; concluded I should certainly
+Dye alone, &amp; no Body knew what was become of me. I thought
+it would be some relief to me if my Parents could but tell
+where I was; and then I thought their Distress would be
+exceeding great, if they knew what I under went. But all
+such thoughts were vain. The more my Difficulties encreased,
+and the nearer prospect I had of Dying, the more it drove me
+upon my Knees, and made me the more earnest in my Crys
+to my Maker for His favourable regards to me, and to the
+Great Redeemer to pardon me, and provide for my after well
+being.</p>
+
+<p>And see the surprising Goodness of GOD to me, in sending
+me help in my time of trouble, &amp; that in the most unexpected
+way &amp; manner, as tho’ an Angel had been commissioned from
+Heaven to relieve me.</p>
+
+<p>Sometime in November, 1723, I espied a small Canoo,
+coming towards me with one Man in it. It did not much
+surprise me. A Friend I could not hope for; and I could not<span class="pagenum" id="Page_254">[254]</span>
+resist, or hardly get out of the way of an Enemy, nor need I
+fear one. I kept my Seat upon the Edge of the Beech. As he
+came nearer he discovered me &amp; seemed great surprised. He
+called to me. I told him whence I was, &amp; that he might safely
+venture ashoar, for I was alone, &amp; almost Dead. As he came
+up to me, he stared &amp; look’d wild with surprise; my Garb &amp;
+Countenance astonished him; he knew not what to make of
+me; he started back a little, &amp; viewed me more thorowly;
+but upon recovering of himself, he came forward, &amp; took me
+by the Hand &amp; told me he was glad to see me. And he was
+ready as long as he stayed with me, to do any kind offices
+for me.</p>
+
+<p>He proved to be a North-Britain, a Man well in Years,
+of a Grave and Venerable Aspect, and of a reserved Temper.
+His Name I never knew, for I had not asked him in the little
+time he was with me, expecting a longer converse with him;
+and he never told me it. But he acquainted me that he had
+lived with the Spaniards 22 Years, and now they threatened
+to Burn him, I knew not for what Crime: therefore he had fled
+for Sanctuary to this Place, &amp; had brought his Gun, Ammunition,
+and Dog, with a small quantity of Pork, designing to
+spend the residue of his Days here, &amp; support himself by
+Hunting. He seemed very kind &amp; obliging to me, gave me
+some of his Pork, and assisted me all he could; tho’ he conversed
+little.</p>
+
+<p>Upon the Third Day after he came to me, he told me, he
+would go out in his Canoo among the Islands, to kill some Wild
+Hogs &amp; Deer, and would have had me to go along with him.
+His Company, the Fire and a little dressed Provision something
+recruited my Spirits; but yet I was so Weak, and Sore in my
+Feet, that I could not accompany him in Hunting: So he set
+out alone, and said he would be with me again in a Day or two.
+The Sky was Serene and Fair, and there was no prospect of
+any Danger in his little Voyage among the Islands, when he
+had come safe in that small Float near 12 Leagues; but by<span class="pagenum" id="Page_255">[255]</span>
+that time he had been gone an Hour, there arose a most
+Violent Gust of Wind and Rain, which in all probability overset
+him; so that I never saw nor heard of him any more. And
+tho’ by this means I was deprived of my Companion, yet it
+was the Goodness of GOD to me, that I was not well eno’ to
+go with him; for thus I was preserved from that Destruction
+which undoubtedly overtook him.</p>
+
+<p>Thus after the pleasure of having a Companion almost
+Three Days, I was as unexpectedly reduced to my former
+lonely Condition, as I had been for a little while recovered out
+of it. It was grievous to me to think, that I no sooner saw
+the Dawnings of Light, after so long Obscurity, but the
+Clouds returned after the Rain upon me. I began to experience
+the Advantage of a Companion, and find that Two is
+better than One, and flattered my self, that by the help of
+some fresh Hogs Grease, I should get my Feet well, and by a
+better Living recover more Strength. But it pleased GOD
+to take from me the only Man I had seen for so many Months
+after so short a Converse with him. Yet I was left in better
+Circumstances by him that he found me in. For at his going
+away he left with me about Five Pound of Pork, a Knife, a
+Bottle of Powder, Tobacco Tongs and Flint, by which means
+I was in a way to Live better than I had done. For now I
+could have a Fire, which was very needful for me, the Rainy
+Months of the Winter; I could cut up some Tortoise when I
+had turned them, and have a delicate broiled Meal of it: So
+that by the help of the Fire, and dressed Food, and the Blessing
+of GOD accompanying it, I began to recover more Strength,
+only my Feet remained Sore.</p>
+
+<p>Besides, I had this Advantage now, which I had not before,
+that I could go out now and then and catch a Dish of Crab-Fish,
+a Fish much like a Lobster, only wanting the great Claws.
+My manner of catching them was odd; I took some of the
+best peices of the old broken small Wood, that came the
+nearest to our Pitch Pine, or Candle-Wood, and made them<span class="pagenum" id="Page_256">[256]</span>
+up into a small Bundle like a Torch, and holding one of these
+lighted at one End in one hand, I waded into the Water upon
+the Beech up to my Wast: the Crab-Fish spying the Light at
+a considerable distance, would crawl away till they came
+directly under it, and then they would lye still at my Feet.
+In my other hand I had a Forked Stick with which I struck
+the Fish and tossed it ashoar. In this manner I supplyed
+my self with a Mess of Shell-Fish, which when roasted is very
+good Eating.</p>
+
+<p>Between two and three Months after I had lost my Companion,
+as I was ranging a long shoar, I found a small Canoo.
+The sight of this at first renewed my Sorrows for his Loss;
+for I thought it had been his Canoo, and it’s coming ashore
+thus, was a proof to me that he was lost in the Tempest: but
+upon further Examination of it I found it was one I had never
+seen before.</p>
+
+<p>When I had got this little Vessel in possession, I began to
+think my self Admiral of the Neighbouring Seas, as well as
+Sole Possessor and Chief Commander upon the Islands; and
+with the advantage hereof I could transport my self to my
+small Islands of Retreat, much more conveniently than in my
+former Method of Swimming. In process of time I tho’t of
+making a Tour to some of the more distant and larger Islands,
+to see after what manner they were inhabitated, and how they
+were provided, and partly to give my self the Liberty of
+Diversions. So I lay’d in a small parcel of Grapes and Figs,
+and some Tortoise, &amp; took my Fire-Works with me, and put
+off for the Island of Bonacco, an Island of about 4 or 5 Leagues
+long, and some 5 or 6 Leagues to the Eastward of Roatan.</p>
+
+<p>As I was upon my Voyage I discovered a Sloop at the
+Eastern End of the Island; so I made the best of my way, and
+put in at the Western End; designing to travel down to them
+by Land, partly because there ran out a large point of Rocks
+far into the Sea, and I did not care to venture my self so far
+out in my little Canoo as I must do to head them: &amp; partly<span class="pagenum" id="Page_257">[257]</span>
+because I was willing to make a better discovery of them,
+before I was seen by them; for in the midst of my most deplorable
+Circumstances, I could never entertain the thoughts
+of returning on board any Pirate, if I should have the opportunity,
+but had rather Live and Dye as I was. So I haled up
+my Canoo, and fastened her as well as I could, and set out
+upon my Travel.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i256" style="max-width: 179.625em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i256.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>MAP SHOWING ROATAN ISLAND IN THE BAY OF HONDURAS WHERE PHILIP
+ASHTON ESCAPED FROM PIRATES<br>
+<span class='c2'>From a map in the “American Atlas” by Thomas Jeffery, London, 1776, in the possession of John W. Farwell</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>I spent two Days, and the biggest part of two Nights in
+Travelling of it; my Feet were yet so sore that I could go but
+very slowly, and sometimes the Woods and Bushes were so
+thick that I was forced to Crawl upon my Hands and Knees
+for half a Mile together. In this Travel I met with an odd
+Adventure that had like to have proved fatal to me, and my
+preservation was an eminent Instance of the Divine Conduct
+and Protection.</p>
+
+<p>As I drew within a Mile or two of where I supposed the
+Sloop might be, I made down to the Water side, and slowly
+opened the Sea, that I might not discover my self too soon;
+when I came down to the Water side I could see no sign of the
+Sloop, upon which I concluded that it was gone clear, while
+I spent so much time in Travelling. I was very much tired
+with my long tedious March, and sat my self down leaning
+against the Stock of a Tree facing to the Sea, and fell a Sleep.
+But I had not slept long before I was awakened in a very
+surprising manner, by the noise of Guns. I started up in a
+fright, and saw Nine Periaguas, or large Canooes, full of Men
+firing upon me. I soon turned about and ran as fast as my
+sore Feet would let me into the Bushes; and the Men which
+were Spaniards, cryed after me, O Englishman, we’ll give you
+good Quarter. But such was the Surprise I had taken, by
+being awakened out of Sleep in such a manner, that I had no
+command of my self to hearken to their offers of Quarter,
+which it may be at another time under cooler thoughts I
+might have done. So I made into the Woods, and they continued
+Firing after me, to the Number of 150 small Shot at<span class="pagenum" id="Page_258">[258]</span>
+least, many of which cut off several small twigs of the Bushes
+along side of me as I went off. When I had got out of the
+reach of their Shot, into a very great Thicket, I lay close for
+several Hours; and perceiving they were gone by the noise of
+their Oars in Rowing off, I came out of my Thicket, and
+Travelled a Mile or two along the Water side, below the place
+where they Fired upon me, and then I saw the Sloop under
+English Colours, Sailing out of the Harbour, with the Periaguas
+in tow; and then I concluded that it was an English Sloop
+that had been at the Bay, whom the Spaniards had met with
+and taken.</p>
+
+<p>The next Day I went up to the Tree, where I so narrowly
+Escaped being taken Napping, and there to my surprise I
+found 6 or 7 Shot had gone into the Body of the Tree, within
+a Foot or less of my Head as I sat down; &amp; yet thro’ the
+wonderful goodness of GOD to me, in the midst of all their
+Fire, and tho’ I was as a Mark set up for them to shoot at,
+none of their Shot touched me. So did GOD as yet signally
+preserve me.</p>
+
+<p>After this I Travelled away for my Canoo at the Western
+End of the Island, and spent near three Days e’er I reached it.
+In this Long March backward and forward, I suffered very
+much from the Soreness of my Feet, &amp; the want of Provision;
+for this Island is not so plentifully stored with Fruit as Roatan
+is, so that I was very difficultly put to it for my Subsistence, for
+the 5 or 6 Days that I spent here; and besides the Musketoes
+and Black Flys were abundantly more numerous, and vexatious
+to me than at my old Habitation. The Difficulties I met
+with here made me lay aside all thoughts of tarrying any time
+to search the Island. At length much tired and spent I
+reached my Canoo, and found all safe there, to my great Joy;
+and then I put off for Roatan, which was a Royal Palace to me
+in comparison of Bonacco, where I arrived to my great Satisfaction
+about Ten a Clock at Night, &amp; found all things as I
+left them.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_259">[259]</span></p>
+
+<p>Here I Lived (if it may be called Living) alone for about
+Seven Months more, from the time of my loosing my North
+British Companion; and spent my time after my usual manner
+in Hunting for my Food, and Ranging the Islands; till at
+length it pleased GOD, to send some Company to me with
+whom I could Converse, and enjoy somewhat more of the
+Comforts of Life.</p>
+
+<p>Sometime in June, 1724, as I was upon my small Island,
+where I often retired for Shelter from the pestering Insects,
+I saw two large Canooes making into the Harbour; as they
+drew near they saw the Smoak of the Fire which I had kindled,
+and wondring what it should mean came to a stand. I had
+fresh in my Memory what I met with at Banacco, and was
+very loth to run the risque of such another firing, and therefore
+steped to my Canoo upon the back side of my small Island,
+not above 100 feet off from me, and immediately went over to
+my great Mansion, where I had places of safety to Shelter
+me from the Designs of an Enemy, and Rooms large and
+spacious eno’ to give a kindly welcome to any ordinary number
+of Friends. They saw me cross the Ferry of about Gun
+shot over, from my little to my great Island, and being as much
+afraid of Spaniards, as I was of Pirates, they drew very cautiously
+towards the shoar. I came down upon the Beech
+shewing my self openly to them, for their caution made me
+think they were no Pirates, and I did not much care who else
+they were; however, I thought I could call to them, and know
+what they were, before I should be in much danger from their
+shot; and if they proved such as I did not like, I could easily
+retire from them. But before I called, they, who were as
+full of fears as I could be, lay upon their Oars and hallooed
+to me, enquiring who I was, and whence I came; I told them
+I was an English Man, and had Run away from the Pirates.
+Upon this they drew something nearer and enquired who was
+there besides my self; I assured them I was alone. Then I
+took my turn, and asked them who they were, and whence<span class="pagenum" id="Page_260">[260]</span>
+they came. They told me they were Bay-men, come from
+the Bay. This was comfortable News to me; so I bid them
+pull ashoar, there was no danger, I would stop for them.
+Accordingly they put ashoar, but at some distance from me,
+and first sent one Man ashoar to me; whom I went to meet.
+When the Man came up to me he started back, frighted to see
+such a Poor, Ragged, Lean, Wan, Forlorn, Wild, Miserable
+Object so near him: but upon recovering himself, he came and
+took me by the hand, and we fell to embracing one another,
+he with surprise and wonder, I with a sort of Extasy of Joy.
+After this was over he took me in his Arms and carried me down
+to their Canooes, where they were all struck with astonishment
+at the sight of me, were glad to receive me, and expressed
+a very great tenderness to me.</p>
+
+<p>I gave them a short History how I had escaped from Low,
+and had lived here alone for Sixteen Months, (saving three
+days) what hardship I had met with, and what danger I had
+run thro’. They stood amazed! They wondred I was alive!
+and expressed a great satisfaction in it, that they were come
+to relieve me. And observing I was weak, and my Spirits
+low, they gave me about a Spoonful of Rhum to recruit my
+fainting Spirits. This small quantity, thro’ my long disuse
+of any Liquor higher Spirited than Water, and my present
+weakness, threw my Animal Spirits into such a violent Agitation,
+as to obstruct their Motion, and produced a kind of
+Stupor, which left me for some time bereft of all Sense; some
+of them perceiving me falling into such a strange Insensibility,
+would have given me more of the same Spirit to have recovered
+me; but those of them that had more wit, would not
+allow of it. So I lay for some small time in a sort of a Fit, and
+they were ready to think that they should lose me as soon as
+they had found me. But I revived.</p>
+
+<p>And when I was so thorowly come to my self as to converse
+with them, I found they were Eighteen Men come from the
+Bay of Honduras, the chief of which were, John Hope, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_261">[261]</span>
+John Ford. The occasion of their coming from the Bay was,
+a Story they had got among them, that the Spaniards had
+projected to make a descent upon them by Water, while the
+Indians were to assault them by Land, and cut off the Bay;
+and they retired hither to avoid the Destruction that was
+designed. This John Hope and Ford had formerly, upon a
+like occasion, sheltered themselves among these Islands, and
+lived for four Years together upon a small Island called Barbarat,
+about two Leagues from Roatan, where they had two
+Plantations, as they called them; and being now upon the
+same design of retreating for a time for Safety, they brought
+with them two Barrels of Flower, with other Provisions, their
+Fire-Arms, Ammunition and Dogs for Hunting, and Nets for
+tortoise, and an Indian Woman to dress their Provisions for
+them. They chose for their chief Residence a small Key about
+a quarter of a Mile Round, lying near to Barbarat, which they
+called the Castle of Comfort, chiefly because it was low, and
+clear of Woods and Bushes, where the Wind had an open
+passage, and drove away the pestering Muskettoes and Gnats.
+From hence they sent to the other Islands round about for
+Wood and Water, and for Materials, with which they Built
+two Houses, such as they were, for Shelter.</p>
+
+<p>And now I seemed to be in a far more likely way to Live
+pretty tollerably, than in the Sixteen Months past; for besides
+the having Company, they treated me with a great deal of
+Civility, in their way; they Cloathed me, and gave me a large
+sort of Wrapping Gown to lodge in a Nights to defend me from
+the great Dews, till their Houses were Covered; and we had
+plenty of Provision. But after all they were Bad Company,
+and there was but little difference between them and the
+Pirates, as to their Common Conversation; only I thought
+they were not now engaged in any such bad design as rendered
+it unlawful to Joyn with them, nor dangerous to be found in
+their Company.</p>
+
+<p>In process of time, by the Blessing of GOD, &amp; the Assistance<span class="pagenum" id="Page_262">[262]</span>
+I received from them, I gathered so much Strength that I
+was able sometimes to go out a Hunting with them. The
+Islands hereabouts, I observed before, abound with Wild
+Hogs and Deer, and Tortoise. Their manner was to go out a
+number of them in a Canoo, sometimes to one Island, sometimes
+to another, and kill what Game they could meet with,
+and Firk their Pork, by beginning at one end of a Hog and
+cutting along to the other end, and so back again till they
+had gone all over him, and flee the flesh in long strings off from
+the Bones; the Venison they took whole or in quarters, and
+the Tortoise in like manner; and return home with a load of it;
+what they did not spend presently, they hung up in their
+House a smoak drying; and this was a ready supply to them
+at all times.</p>
+
+<p>I was now ready to think my self out of the reach of any
+danger from an Enemy, for what should bring any here? and
+I was compassed continually with a Number of Men with
+their Arms ready at hand; and yet when I thought my self
+most secure, I very narrowly escaped falling again into the
+hands of the Pirates.</p>
+
+<p>It happened about 6 or 7 Months after these Bay-men came
+to me. That three Men and I took a Canoo with four Oars,
+to go over to Banacco, a Hunting and to kill Tortoise. While
+we were gone the rest of the Bay-men haled up their Canooes,
+and Dryed and Tarred them, in order to go to the Bay and see
+how matters stood there, and to fetch off their Effects which
+they had left behind them, in case they should find there was
+no safety for them in tarrying. But before they were gone,
+we, who had met with good Success in our Voyage, were
+upon our return to them with a full load of Tortoise and Firkt
+Pork. As we were upon entering into the Mouth of the
+Harbour, in a Moon-light Evening, we saw a great Flash
+of Light, and heard the report of a Gun, which we thought
+was much louder than a Musket, out of a large Periagua,
+which we saw near our Castle of Comfort. This put us into<span class="pagenum" id="Page_263">[263]</span>
+a great Consternation, and we knew not what to make of it.
+Within a Minute or two we heard a Volley of 18 or 20 small
+Arms discharged upon the shoar, and heard some Guns also
+fired off from the shoar. Upon which we were satisfied that
+some Enemy, Pirates or Spaniards were attacking our People,
+and being cut off from our Companions, by the Periaguas
+which lay between us and them, we thought it our wisest way
+to save our selves as well as we could. So we took down our
+little Mast and Sail, that it might not betray us, and rowed out
+of the Harbour as fast as we could; thinking to make our
+Escape from them undiscovered, to an Island about a Mile
+and half off. But they either saw us before we had taken our
+Sail down, or heard the noise of our Oars as we made out of
+the Harbour, and came after us with all speed, in a Periagua
+of 8 or 10 Oars. We saw them coming, &amp; that they gained
+ground upon us apace, &amp; therefore pull’d up for Life, resolving
+to reach the nearest shoar if possible. The Periagua overhaled
+us so fast that they discharged a Swivel Gun at us,
+which over-shot us; but we made a shift to gain the shoar
+before they were come fairly within the reach of their small
+Arms; which yet they fired upon us, as we were getting ashoar.
+Then they called to us, and told us they were Pirates, and not
+Spaniards, and we need not fear, they would give us good
+Quarter; supposing this would easily move us to surrender
+our selves to them. But they could not have mentioned any
+thing worse to discourage me from having any thing to do
+with them, for I had the utmost dread of a Pirate; and my
+first aversion to them was now strengthened with the just
+fears, that if I should fall into their hands again, they would
+soon make a Sacrifice of me, for my Deserting them. I
+therefore concluded to keep as clear of them as I could; and
+the Bay-men with me had no great inclination to be medling
+with them, and so we made the best of our way into the
+Woods. They took away our Canoo from us, and all that
+was in it; resolving if we would not come to them, they<span class="pagenum" id="Page_264">[264]</span>
+would strip us, as far as they were able, of all means of Subsistance
+where we were. I who had known what it was to be
+destitute of all things, and alone, was not much concerned
+about that, now that I had Company, and they their Arms
+with them, so that we could have a supply of Provision by
+Hunting, and Fire to dress it with.</p>
+
+<p>This Company it seems were some of Spriggs Men, who
+was Commander of the Schooner when I Ran away from
+them. This same Spriggs, I know not upon what occasion,
+had cast off the Service of Low, and set up for himself as the
+Head of a Party of Rovers, and had now a good Ship of 24
+Guns, and a Barmuda Sloop of 12 Guns, under his Command,
+which were now lying in Roatan Harbour, where he put in
+to Water and Clean, at the place where I first made my Escape.
+He had discovered our People upon the small Island, where
+they Resided, and sent a Perigua full of Men to take them.
+Accordingly they took all the Men ashoar, and with them an
+Indian Woman and Child; those of them that were ashoar
+abused the Woman shamefully. They killed one Man after
+they were come ashoar, and threw him into one of the Baymens
+Canooes where their Tar was, and set Fire to it, and
+burnt him in it. Then they carried our People on Board their
+Vessels, where they were barbarously treated.</p>
+
+<p>One of the Baymen Thomas Grande, turned Pirate, and he
+being acquainted that Old Father Hope (as we called him)
+had hid many things in the Woods, told the Pirates of it, who
+beat poor Hope unmercifully, and made him go and shew them
+where he had hid his Treasure, which they took away from
+him.</p>
+
+<p>After they had kept the Bay-men on board their Vessels
+for five Days, then they gave them a Flat, of about 5 or 6
+Tons to carry them to the Bay in, but they gave them no
+Provision for their Voyage; and before they sent them away,
+they made them Swear to them, not to come near us, who had
+made our Escape upon another Island. All the while the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_265">[265]</span>
+Vessels rode in the Harbour, we kept a good look out, but were
+put to some difficulties, because we did not dare to make a
+Fire to dress our Victuals by, least it should discover whereabouts
+we were, so that we were forced to live upon Raw Provision
+for five Days. But as soon as they were gone, Father
+Hope with his Company of Bay-men, (little regarding an Oath
+that was forced from them; and thinking it a wicked Oath,
+better broken, than to leave four of us in such a helpless
+Condition) came to us, and acquainted us who they were, and
+what they had done.</p>
+
+<p>Thus the watchful Providence of GOD, which had so often
+heretofore appeared on my behalf, again took special care of
+me, and sent me out of the way of danger. ’Tis very apparent
+that if I had been with my Companions, at the usual Residence,
+I had been taken with them; and if I had, it is beyond
+question (humanely speaking) that I should not have escaped
+with Life, if I should the most painful and cruel Death, that
+the Madness and Rage of Spriggs could have invented for me;
+who would now have called to mind the design I was engaged
+in while we were parted from Low, as well as my final Deserting
+of them. But Blessed be GOD, who had designs of favour
+for me, and so ordered that I must at this time be absent from
+my Company.</p>
+
+<p>Now Old Father Hope and his Company were all designed
+for the Bay; only one John Symonds, who had a Negro belonging
+to him, purposed to tarry here for some time, and carry on
+some sort of Trade with the Jamaica Men upon the Main.
+I longed to get home to New England, and thought if I went
+to the Bay with them, it was very probable that I should in a
+little while meet with some New England Vessel, that would
+carry me to my Native Country, from which I had been so
+long a poor Exile. I asked Father Hope, if he would take me
+with him, and carry me to the Bay. The Old Man, tho’ he
+seemed glad of my Company, yet told me the many Difficulties
+that lay in the way; as that their Flat was but a poor<span class="pagenum" id="Page_266">[266]</span>
+thing to carry so many Men in for near 70 Leagues, which they
+must go before they would be out of the reach of Danger;
+that they had no Provision with them, and it was uncertain
+how the Weather would prove, they might be a great while
+upon their Passage thither, &amp; their Flat could very poorly
+endure a great Sea; that when they should come to the Bay,
+they knew not how they should meet with things there, and
+they were Daily in Danger of being cut off; and it may be I
+should be longer there, in case all was well, than I cared for,
+e’er I should meet with a Passage for New-England; for the
+New-England Vessels often Sailed from the Bay to other
+Ports: so that all things considered, he thought I had better
+stay where I was, seeing I was like to have Company; whereas
+rather than I should be left alone he would take me in.</p>
+
+<p>On the other hand, Symonds, who as I said designed to
+spend some time here, greatly urged me to stay and bear him
+Company. He told me that as soon as the Season would
+permit, he purposed to go over to the Main to the Jamaica
+Traders, where I might get a Passage to Jamaica, and from
+thence to New-England, probably quicker, and undoubtedly
+much safer than I could from the Bay; and that in the mean
+while I should fare as he did.</p>
+
+<p>I did not trouble my self much about fareing, for I knew I
+could not fare harder than I had done; but I thought, upon
+the Consideration of the whole, that there seemed to be a
+fairer Prospect of my getting home by the way of Jamaica,
+than the Bay; and therefore I said no more to Father Hope
+about going with him, but concluded to stay. So I thanked
+Father Hope and Company for all their Civilities to me, wished
+them a good Voyage, and took leave of them.</p>
+
+<p>And now there was John Symonds, and I, and his Negro
+left behind; and a good Providence of GOD was it for me
+that I took their Advice and stayed; for tho’ I got not home
+by the way of Jamaica as was proposed, yet I did another and
+quicker way, in which there was more evident Interpositions<span class="pagenum" id="Page_267">[267]</span>
+of the Conduct of Divine Providence, as you will hear presently.</p>
+
+<p>Symonds was provided with a Canoo, Fire-Arms, and two
+Dogs, as well as a Negro; with these he doubted not but we
+should be furnished of all that was necessary for our Subsistence;
+with this Company I spent between two and three
+Months after the usual manner in Hunting and Ranging the
+Islands. And yet the Winter Rains would not suffer us to
+hunt much more than needs must.</p>
+
+<p>When the Season was near approaching for the Jamaica
+Traders to be over at the Main, Symonds proposed the going
+to some of the other Islands that abounded more with Tortoise,
+that he might get the Shells of them, and carry to the Traders,
+and in Exchange furnish himself with Ozenbrigs and Shoes
+and such other necessaries as he wanted. We did so, and
+having got good store of Tortoise Shell, he then proposed to go
+first for Bonacco, which lies nearer to the Main than Roatan,
+that from thence we might take a favourable Snatch to run
+over.</p>
+
+<p>Accordingly we went to Bonacco, and by that time we
+had been there about Five Days there came up a very hard
+North wind which blew exceeding Fierce, and lasted for about
+three Days; when the heaft of the Storm was over, we saw
+several Vessels standing in for the Harbour; their number and
+largeness made me hope they might be Friends, and now an
+opportunity was coming in which Deliverance might be
+perfected to me.</p>
+
+<p>The Larger Vessels came to Anchor at a great Distance off;
+but a Brigantine came over the Shoals, nearer in against the
+Watering place (for Bonacco as well as Roatan abounds with
+Water) which sent in her Boat with Cask for Water: I plainly
+saw they were Englishmen, and by their Garb &amp; Air, and
+number, being but three Men in the Boat, concluded they were
+Friends, and shewed my self openly upon the Beech before
+them: as soon as they saw me they stop’d rowing, and called<span class="pagenum" id="Page_268">[268]</span>
+out to me to know who I was. I told them, and enquired who
+they were. They let me know they were honest Men, about
+their Lawful Business. I then called to them to come ashoar,
+for there was no Body here that would hurt them. They
+came ashoar, and a happy meeting it was for me. Upon
+enquiry I found that the Vessels were the Diamond Man-of-War,
+and a Fleet under his Convoy, bound to Jamaica, (many
+whereof she had parted with in the late Storm) which by the
+violence of the North had been forced so far Southward, and
+the Man-of-War wanting Water, by reason of the Sickness of
+her Men which occasioned a great Consumption of it, had
+touched here, and sent in the Brigantine to fetch off Water for
+her. Mr. Symonds, who at first kept at the other end of the
+Beech, about half a Mile off, (lest the three Men in the Boat
+should refuse to come ashoar, seeing two of us together), at
+length came up to us and became a sharer in my Joy, and yet
+not without some very considerable reluctance at the Thoughts
+of Parting. The Brigantine proved to be of Salem (within
+two or three Miles of my Fathers House) Capt. Dove, Commander,
+a Gentleman whom I knew. So now I had the
+prospect of a Direct Passage Home. I sent off to Capt. Dove,
+to know if he would give me a Passage home with him, and he
+was very ready to comply with my desire; and upon my going
+on Board him, besides the great Civilities he treated me with,
+he took me into pay; for he had lost a hand, and needed me to
+supply his place. The next Day the Man-of-War sent her
+Long Boat in, full of Cask, which they filled with Water, and
+put on Board the Brigantine, who carried them off to her.
+I had one Difficulty more to encounter with, which was to take
+leave of Mr. Symonds, Who Wept heartily at parting; but this
+I was forced to go thro’ for the Joy of getting Home.</p>
+
+<p>So the latter end of March 1725, we came to Sail, and kept
+Company with the Man-of-War, who was bound to Jamaica:
+the first of April we parted, and thro’ the good hand of GOD
+upon us came safe thro’ the Gulf of Florida, to Salem-Harbour,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_269">[269]</span>
+where we arrived upon Saturday-Evening, the first of May:
+Two Years, Ten Months and Fifteen Days, after I was first
+taken by the Pirate Low; and Two Years, and near two
+Months after I had made my Escape from him upon Roatan
+Island. I went the same Evening to my Father’s House,
+where I was received, as one coming to them from the Dead,
+with all Imaginable Surprise of Joy.</p>
+
+<p>Thus I have given you a Short Account, how GOD has
+Conducted me thro’ a great variety of Hardships and Dangers,
+and in all appeared Wonderfully Gracious to me. And I
+cannot but take notice of the strange concurrence of Divine
+Providence all along, in saving me from the Rage of the
+Pirates, and the Malice of the Spaniards, from the Beasts of
+the Field, and the Monsters of the Sea; in keeping me alive
+amidst so many Deaths, in such a lonely and helpless Condition;
+and in bringing about my Deliverance; the last Articles
+whereof are as peculiarly Remarkable as any;—I must be
+just then gone over to Bonacco; a Storm must drive a Fleet of
+Ships so far Southward; and their want of Water must oblige
+them to put in at the Island where I was:—and a Vessel
+bound to my own Home must come and take me in.—<i>Not
+unto Men and means, but unto thy Name, O Lord, be all the
+Glory!</i> Amen.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_132" href="#FNanchor_132" class="label">[132]</a> Nicholas Merritt was Ashton’s kinsman. He was the son of Nicholas
+and Elizabeth Merritt and born in Marblehead where he was baptized Mar.
+29, 1702 in the First Church. He served unwillingly on Low’s vessel and
+finally escaped at Saint Michael’s, in September, 1722, where he was
+imprisoned by the Portuguese authorities and not released until the following
+June. Making his way to Lisbon he at last reached home safely on
+September 28, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_133" href="#FNanchor_133" class="label">[133]</a> Joseph Libbie also served, unwillingly, at first. He was with Low in
+the “Rose Frigate,” when she was lost in careening in the spring of 1723,
+and pulled Philip Ashton out of the water. He then served with Low’s
+consort, Capt. Charles Harris, in the sloop “Ranger,” and on June 10,
+1723, with Harris and forty-two others, was taken by H. M. ship “Greyhound,”
+Capt. Peter Solgard, commander, between Block Island and Long
+Island, and brought into Newport, R. I. The pirates were duly tried and
+on Friday, July 19th, 1723, Captain Harris, Joseph Libbie and twenty-four
+others were hanged within the seamark inside of two hours.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_134" href="#FNanchor_134" class="label">[134]</a> Lawrence Fabens served, unwillingly, on the schooner “Fancy,”
+under Low, but succeeded in escaping at St. Nicholas in the fall of 1722,
+shortly after Merritt escaped as is told elsewhere. He was probably the
+son of James and Johannah Fabians, born in Marblehead about 1702,
+where nine of his brothers and sisters were duly baptized in the First Church
+between 1688 and 1709.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_270">[270]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIV">CHAPTER XIV<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Nicholas Merritt’s<a id="FNanchor_135" href="#Footnote_135" class="fnanchor">[135]</a> Account of His Escape
+from Pirates</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>I was taken by the Pirate Low, at Port-Rossaway, at
+the same time my Kinsman Philip Ashton was; and while
+I continued under Low’s Custody was used much as he
+was; and all my entreaties of him to free me were but in vain;
+as you have seen something of in the foregoing History: So
+that I shall not enlarge in telling how it fared with me under the
+Pirates hands, but only give some short Account of the
+manner of my Escape from them, and what I met with afterwards
+till I Arrived at Marblehead, where I belong.</p>
+
+<p>Low had with him the Rose Pink, the Scooner, and a Sloop
+taken from one Pier of Bristol, and was standing away for
+Bonavista. I who was on board the Scooner had been greatly
+abused by an old Pirate, whom they called Jacob, but what his
+Sirname was I know not: I desired some that were upon occasion
+going on board Low, to acquaint him how much I was
+beat and abused by old Jacob; they did so; and Low ordered
+me to be put on board the Sloop. Thus the Foundation of my
+Escape was lay’d, and my Sufferings proved the means of my
+Deliverance.</p>
+
+<p>On board the Sloop there were Nine hands, (one of them a
+Portugue) whom Low had no Suspicion of, but thought he<span class="pagenum" id="Page_271">[271]</span>
+could trust them as much as any Men he had; and when I
+came on board I made the Tenth Man. We perceived that
+the Sloop greatly wronged both the Pink and Scooner, and
+there were Six of us (as we found by sounding one another at
+a distance) that wanted to get away. When we understood
+one anothers minds pretty fully, we resolved upon an Escape.
+Accordingly the Fifth of September, 1722, a little after break
+of Day, all hands being upon Deck, three of us Six went
+forward, and three aft, and one John Rhodes, who was a Stout
+hand, step’d into the Cabbin and took a couple of Pistols in
+his hands, and stood in the Cabbin Door, and said, If there
+were any that would go along with him, they should be welcome,
+for he designed to carry the Sloop home, and Surrender
+himself; but if any Man attempted to make resistance, he
+Swore he would shoot down the first Man that stirred. There
+being five of us that wanted to gain our Liberty, he was sure
+of us; and as for the other four they saw plainly it was in vain
+for them to attempt to oppose us. So we haled close upon a
+Wind, and stood away.</p>
+
+<p>When we parted with Low, we had but a very little Water
+aboard, and but two or three pieces of Meat among us all;
+but we had Bread eno’. We designed for England; but our
+want of Water was so great, being put to half a Point a Man, and
+that very muddy and foul, from the time we parted with Low,
+and meeting with no Vessel of whom we could beg a Supply,
+that it made us come to a Resolution to put in at the first
+Port: so we Steered for St. Michaels, where we Arrived
+September 26.</p>
+
+<p>So soon as we got in, we sent a Man or two ashoar, to inform
+who we were, and to get us some Provisions &amp; Water. The
+Consul who was a French Protestant, with a Magistrate, and
+some other Officers came on board us, to whom we gave an
+Account of our selves, and our Circumstances. The Consul
+told us, there should not a Hair of our Heads be hurt. Upon
+which we were all carried ashoar, and examined before the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_272">[272]</span>
+Governor; but we understood nothing of their Language, and
+could make him no Answer, till one Mr. Gould a Linguistor
+was brought to us; and upon understanding our Case, the
+Governour cleared us. But the Crusidore, a sort of Superintendent
+over the Islands, whose power was Superiour to the
+Governours, refused to clear us, and put us in Jayl, where we
+lay 24 Hours.</p>
+
+<p>The next Day we were brought under Examination again,
+and then we had for our Linguistor one Mr. John Curre, who
+had formerly been in New-England. We gave them as full
+and distinct Account as we could, where, and when, we were
+severally taken and how we had made our Escape from the
+Pirates. They brought several Witnesses Portuguese against
+us, as that we had taken them, and had Personally been
+Active in the Caption and Abuse of them, which yet they
+agreed not in; only they generally agreed that they heard
+some of us Curse the Virgin Mary, upon which the Crusidore
+would have condemned us all for Pirates. But the Governour,
+who thought we had acted the honest part, interposed on our
+behalf, and said, that it was very plain, that if these Men had
+been Pirates, they had no need to have left Low, and under
+such Circumstances, and come in here, and resign themselves,
+as they did; they could have stayed with their Old Companions,
+and have been easily eno’ supplied with what they
+wanted; whereas their taking the first opportunity to get away
+from their Commander, and so poorly accommodated, was a
+proof to him, that we had no Piratical designs; and if he (the
+Crusidore) treated us at this rate, it was the way to make us,
+and all that had the unhappiness to fall into Pirates hands,
+turn Pirates with them. Yet all he could say would not
+wholly save us from the Angry Resentments of the Crusidore,
+who we thought was inflamed by the Portague that was
+among us. So he committed us all to Prison again: me with
+three others to the Castle, the rest to another Prison at some
+considerable distance off: and so much pains was taken to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_273">[273]</span>
+Swear us out of our Lives, that I altogether despaired of Escaping
+the Death of a Pirate; till a Gentleman, Capt. Littleton
+(if I mistake not) told me it was not in their power to hang us,
+and this comforted me a little.</p>
+
+<p>In this Prison we lay for about four Months, where, at first
+we had tolerable allowance, of such as it was, for our Subsistance;
+but after three Months time they gave us only one
+Meal a Day, of Cabbage, Bread, and Water boiled together,
+which they call Soop. This very scanty allowance put us out
+of Temper, and made us resolve rather than Starve, to break
+Prison, and make head against the Portuguese, and get some
+Victuals; for Hunger will break thro’ Stone Walls. The
+Governour understanding how we fared, told the Crusidore
+that we should stay in his Prison no longer, as the Castle
+peculiarly was; and greatly asserted our Cause, and urged we
+might be set at Liberty; but the Crusidore would not hearken
+as yet to the clearing us, tho’ he was forced to remove us from
+the Castle, to the Prison in which our Comrades were, where
+after they had allowed us about an hour’s converse together,
+they put us down into close Confinement; tho’ our allowance
+was a small matter better than it had been.</p>
+
+<p>Under all this Difficulty of Imprisonment, short allowance,
+and hard fare, false Witnesses, and fear lest I should still have
+my Life taken from me, (when I had flattered my self, that if
+I could but once set Foot upon a Christian shoar, I should
+be out of the reach of Danger) I had a great many uneasy
+Reflections. I thought no bodies case was so hard as mine:
+first to be taken by the Pirates, and threatened with Death
+for not Joyning with them; to be forced away, and suffer
+many a drubbing Bout among them for not doing as they
+would have me; to be in fears of Death for being among them,
+if we should be taken by any Superiour force; and now that I
+had designedly, and with Joy, made my Escape from them,
+to be Imprisoned and threatened with the Halter. Thought
+I, When can a Man be safe? He must look for Death to be<span class="pagenum" id="Page_274">[274]</span>
+found among Pirates; and Death seems as threatening, if he
+Escapes from them; where is the Justice of this! It seemed
+an exceeding hardship to me. Yet it made me Reflect, with
+Humility I hope, on the Justice of GOD in so Punishing of me
+for my Transgressions; for tho’ the tender Mercies of Man
+seemed to be Cruelty, yet I could not but see the Mercy and
+Goodness of GOD to me, not only in Punishing me less than I
+deserved, but in preserving me under many and sore Temptations,
+and at length delivering me out of the Pirates hands:
+and I had some hope that GOD would yet appear for me, and
+bring me out of my distress, and set my Feet in a large place.</p>
+
+<p>I thought my Case was exceedingly like that of the Psalmist;
+and the Meditation on some Verses in the XXXV. Psalm
+was a peculiar support to me: I thought I might say with him,
+False Witnesses did rise up, they laid to my charge things that
+I knew not; they rewarded me evil for good. But as for me,
+when they were taken (tho’ I don’t remember I had ever seen
+the Faces of any of them then) I humbled my self, and my
+Prayer returned into my own bosom; I behaved my self as
+tho’ they had been my friends, I bowed down heavily, as one
+that mourneth for his mother; but in my adversity they
+rejoyced, and gathered themselves together against me; yea,
+they opened their mouth wide against me,—they gnashed
+upon me with their teeth, and said Aba, Aba, our eye hath
+seen it,—so would we have it. But Lord how long wilt thou
+look on? preserve my Soul from their Destruction, let not
+them that are mine Enemies wrongfully rejoyce over me,—stir
+up thy Self and awake to my Judgment even unto my
+cause, my God and my Lord, and let them not rejoyce over
+me—and I will give thee thanks in the great Congregation;
+my tongue shall speak of thy Righteousness, and thy Praise all
+the day long.</p>
+
+<p>In the midst of all my other Calamities, after I had been in
+this Prison about two Months, I was taken down with the
+Small-Pox, and this to be sure was a very great addition to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_275">[275]</span>
+my Misery. I knew well how we dreaded this Distemper in
+my own Country: and thought I, how can I possibly escape
+with Life? To be seised with it in a Prison, where I had no
+Help, no Physician, nor any Provision suitable therefor; only
+upon my first being taken I sent word of it to the Consul, who
+was so kind as to send some Bundles of Straw for me to lye
+upon, instead of the hard Stones which as yet had been my
+Lodging; and the Portuguese gave me some Brandy, and Wine
+&amp; Water to drive out the Pock. I was exceedingly dejected,
+and had nothing to do but to commit my self to the Mercy of
+GOD, and prepare my self for Death, which seemed to have
+laid hold upon me; for which way soever I looked, I could
+see nothing but Death in such a Distemper, under such Circumstances;
+and I could see the Portuguese how they stared
+upon me, looked sad, and shook their heads; which told me
+their apprehensions, that I was a Dead Man. Yet I had this
+comfort, that it was better to Die thus by the hand of GOD,
+than to Die a vile Death by the hand of Man, as if I had been
+one of the worst of Malefactors.</p>
+
+<p>But after all it pleased GOD in His Wonderful Goodness
+so to order it, that the Pock came out well, and filled kindly
+and then I had the comfort of seeing the Portuguese look more
+pleasant, and hearing them say, in their Language, that it was
+a good sort. In about five or six Days the Pock began to turn
+upon me, and then it made me very Sick, and at times I was
+something out of my Head; and having no Tender or Watcher,
+I got up in the Night to the Pail of Water to drink, which
+at another time, and in another place, would have been
+thought fatal to me; but GOD in infinite Mercy prevented
+my receiving any hurt thereby, and raised me up from this
+Sickness.</p>
+
+<p>After I recovered of this Illness, I was but in a weak Condition
+for a long time, having no other Nourishment and Comfort,
+than what a Jayl afforded, where I still lay for near three
+Months longer. At length, sometime in June, 1723, I was<span class="pagenum" id="Page_276">[276]</span>
+taken out of jayl, and had the Liberty of the Consul’s House
+given me, who treated me kindly and did not suffer me to
+want any thing that was necessary for my Support.</p>
+
+<p>While I was at Liberty, I understood there was one John
+Welch, an Irishman, bound to Lisbon, whom I desired to
+carry me thither. And in the latter end of June I set Sail in
+him for Lisbon, where we Arrived about the middle of July,
+after we had been 21 Days upon the Passage. When I had got
+to Lisbon, being almost Naked, I apply’d my self to the
+Envoy, told him my Condition and desired him to bestow some
+old Cloaths upon me. But he, (good Man!) said to me, that
+as I had Run away from the Pirates, I might go to Work for
+my Support, and provide my self with Cloaths as well as I
+could. And I found I must do so, for none would he give me.
+I had nothing against Working, but I should have been glad to
+have been put into a Working Garb; for I was sensible it
+would be a considerable while before I could purchase me any
+Cloaths, because Welch play’d me such an Irish trick, that he
+would not release me, unless I promised to give him the first
+Moidore I got by my Labour; tho’ I had wrought for him all
+the Passage over, and he knew my poor Circumstances;
+however when I came to Sail for New-England, Welch was
+better than his Word, and forgave me the Moidore, after
+I had been at the Labour of unloading his Vessel.</p>
+
+<p>I spent some time in Lisbon; at length I heard there was one
+Capt. Skillegorne bound to New-England, in whom I took my
+Passage home; who Clothed me for my Labour in my Passage.
+We touched in at Madara, and Arrived at Boston upon Wednesday,
+September 25, 1723. And I at my Father’s House in
+Marblehead the Saturday after.</p>
+
+<p>So had GOD been with me in six troubles, and in seven.
+He has suffered no evil to come nigh me. He has drawn me
+out of the Pit, Redeemed my Life from Destruction, and
+Crowned me with Loving Kindness and Tender Mercies; unto
+Him be the Glory for ever. Amen.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_135" href="#FNanchor_135" class="label">[135]</a> Nicholas Merritt, tertius, the son of Nicholas and Elizabeth Merritt,
+was born in Marblehead and baptized Mar. 29, 1702, in the First Church.
+He married Jane or Jean Gifford in December, 1724, which may account
+for the name of the shallop “Jane,” which he commanded when taken,
+although he had a sister Jane, and also a sister Rebecca who married
+Robert Gifford, who was taken but released at Port Roseway.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_277">[277]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XV">CHAPTER XV<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Francis Farrington Spriggs, Companion of
+Capt. Ned Low</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>Francis Farrington Spriggs is supposed to have
+sailed from London with Lowther, in March, 1721, in
+the ship “Gambia Castle,” and to have willingly followed
+him in his piratical venture. When Lowther joined
+forces with Ned Low in January, 1722, Spriggs was with him
+and when Lowther parted company with Low the following
+May, Spriggs seems to have thought Low a man after his
+own heart for he left his old commander and followed Low in
+the recently captured brigantine “Rebecca,” where he was
+made quartermaster. With Low he sailed along the New
+England coast and north to Nova Scotia and Newfoundland;
+then across the Atlantic to the Western Islands and back to
+the West Indies where, late in the year 1722, a Rhode Island-built
+sloop was captured which Low took over for his own
+command and Spriggs was given command of the Marblehead
+schooner “Fancy,” that had been taken at Port Roseway,
+Nova Scotia, in June. When Low and Spriggs had their
+narrow escape from capture by the man-of-war “Mermaid,”
+in February, 1723, Spriggs determined never to be taken and
+swore with a boon companion and pledged the oath in a bumper
+of rum, that when he saw there was no possibility of escaping
+they would set foot to foot and shoot one another and so cheat
+the halter.<a id="FNanchor_136" href="#Footnote_136" class="fnanchor">[136]</a></p>
+
+<p>Before long there was a falling out between Low and
+Spriggs or, possibly, Spriggs may have been taken sick or
+been wounded; at any rate, Charles Harris was in command
+of a sloop called the “Ranger,” when the pirate vessel appeared<span class="pagenum" id="Page_278">[278]</span>
+off the coast of South Carolina on May 27, 1723, and
+fortunate it was for Spriggs, for later on this disastrous foray
+Low deserted his consort under fire near the Rhode Island
+coast and the “Ranger” was captured and Harris and many
+of his crew were tried and hanged at Newport. Spriggs served
+with Low on this voyage, in his old station as quartermaster,
+until the ship “Delight” was taken, off the Guinea coast, in
+the late fall. She was well suited to their needs so four more
+guns were mounted on her and Spriggs was given command
+with a crew of about sixty men. Within two days Spriggs
+deserted Low—slipped away in the night—and for this
+reason. One of the crew had murdered a man in cold blood
+and Spriggs was for executing him as a punishment. Low, on
+the other hand, would not agree and so there was a heated
+quarrel that embittered Spriggs and led to his desertion.</p>
+
+<p>The next day Spriggs was elected captain of the company
+by popular vote, and a black flag was made with the same
+device as the ensign carried by Low, namely, a white skeleton
+holding in one hand an arrow piercing a bleeding heart and
+in the other hand an hour-glass. This flag they called the
+“Jolly Roger,” and when it was finished and hoisted to the
+masthead they fired all their guns in salute and sailed away to
+the West Indies in search of prey. Before long they overhauled
+a Portuguese bark that supplied some valuable plunder,
+but not content with that alone, Spriggs determined to torture
+the men by “sweating” them, a game that greatly diverted
+his piratical crew. Lighted candles were placed in a circle
+around the mizzenmast, between decks, and one by one the
+poor Portuguese were ordered to go inside the circle and run
+round and round the mast, while in a circle outside the candles
+stood the crew (as many as could crowd into line), armed with
+penknives, tucks,<a id="FNanchor_137" href="#Footnote_137" class="fnanchor">[137]</a> forks, compasses, etc., and with roaring
+songs and boisterous laughter they pricked the terrified
+Portuguese as long as he was able to foot it. This usually<span class="pagenum" id="Page_279">[279]</span>
+lasted for ten minutes or more for the pirates took good care
+not to strike too deep and so kill their victims.<a id="FNanchor_138" href="#Footnote_138" class="fnanchor">[138]</a> When the
+“sweating” was over the Portuguese were set adrift in a boat
+with a small quantity of provisions and their vessel was fired.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i278" style="max-width: 107.125em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i278.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>“SWEATING” ON CAPT. SPRIGG’S PIRATE VESSEL<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an engraving in “History and Lives of the Most Notorious Pirates,” by an
+old Seaman, London, n.d., in possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>Near the island of St. Lucia, Spriggs took a sloop owned
+in the Barbadoes, which was plundered and burned. Some
+of the crew were forced and others who absolutely refused to
+go with him were cut and badly beaten and set adrift in a boat.
+Captain De Haws was taken in sight of Barbadoes and two
+of his men were forced—James Rush and Joseph Cooper,
+both born in London, England. Some of Spriggs’ crew told
+Captain De Haws that they had come away from Captain
+Low “on account of the Barbarity he used those he took.”<a id="FNanchor_139" href="#Footnote_139" class="fnanchor">[139]</a>
+A Martinico vessel was the next capture. The men were
+abused in the usual manner, but their vessel was not burned.</p>
+
+<p>On March 22, 1724, a ship called the “Jolly Batchelor,”
+from Jamaica, commanded by Captain Hawkins, was taken
+near the island of Bonaco, as she was coming out of the Bay
+of Honduras. Her principal cargo was logwood, but her
+stores and ammunition were looted and what the pirates
+didn’t take they threw overboard or destroyed. In sheer
+mischief her cables were cut, the cabins knocked down and
+the cabin windows smashed. The first and second mates,
+Burrage and Stephens, and some of the men, were forced and
+on the 29th the ship was allowed to go. Two days before,
+however, a Newport, R. I. sloop, the “Endeavor,” commanded
+by Capt. Samuel Pike, Jr., came up and was ordered to lay by.
+The crew were forced and the mate Dixey Gross, “being a
+grave, sober man, and not inclinable to go, they told him he
+should have his Discharge, and that it should be immediately
+writ on his Back; whereupon he was sentenced to receive ten
+lashes from every Man in the Ship, which was vigorously put<span class="pagenum" id="Page_280">[280]</span>
+in Execution.”<a id="FNanchor_140" href="#Footnote_140" class="fnanchor">[140]</a> Among those forced from the sloop were
+William Wood and Thomas Morris, a boy about twelve years
+old. Burrage, the first mate of Captain Hawkins’ ship, and
+a good navigator, is said to have signed their Articles.</p>
+
+<p>On April 2d, a sail was sighted and Spriggs gave chase.
+After several hours they came close to her and fired a couple
+of broadsides when a cry for quarter came from the ship and
+soon she was found to be commanded by Captain Hawkins
+who had been looted and sent away only three days before.
+This was such a disappointment that when the captain came
+on board they laid for him with their cutlasses and soon he
+was flat on the deck. Before he received a fatal blow, Burrage
+pushed in among them and begged for the captain’s life and
+he having just shown himself the right sort by signing their
+Articles his request was heeded and Captain Hawkins was
+pulled to his feet. A bonfire was made of his ship, however,
+and a little later, desiring more diversion, the unfortunate
+Hawkins was sent down to the cabin for supper. This turned
+out to be a dish of candles which he was forced to swallow
+and then, in order to aid digestion, the poor man was thrown
+about the cabin until he was covered with bruises and afterward
+sent forward amongst the other prisoners.</p>
+
+<p>Two days later Spriggs reached the small island of Roatan
+in the Bay of Honduras. It was uninhabited and here he put
+ashore Captain Hawkins, his boatswain, and an old man who
+had been a passenger on his ship and who afterwards died on
+the island of the hardships he had undergone. With them
+went Capt. Samuel Pike of the Rhode Island sloop and his
+mate Dixey Gross, Simon Fulmore, a sailor, and James Nelley,
+one of the pirate crew with whom Spriggs was at odds.<a id="FNanchor_141" href="#Footnote_141" class="fnanchor">[141]</a>
+The marooned men were given an old musket and a small
+supply of powder and ball with which to make shift as best
+they could and Spriggs and his crew then sailed away. Captain<span class="pagenum" id="Page_281">[281]</span>
+Hawkins and his companions supplied themselves with
+fish and fowl and lived in comparative comfort for the next
+ten days, when two men in a dugout canoe came in sight and
+after a time answered their signals. These men conveyed
+them to another island which had better water and plenty of
+fish and twelve days later the sloop “Merriam,” Captain
+Jones, came in sight and answered their smoke signals. He
+stood in and took them off and by this timely rescue they all
+finally reached Jamaica safely. It is a curious coincidence
+that Captain Hawkins should have been marooned on the
+island of Roatan only four days after Philip Ashton, the
+Marblehead fisherman who had lived a solitary life on the
+same island for nine months, sailed from the nearby island of
+Bonaco, homeward bound, as is told in another chapter.</p>
+
+<p>From Roatan, Spriggs sailed westward to another small
+island where he cleaned his ship and then steered a course for
+the island of St. Christopher, proposing to lay in wait for
+Captain Moore who had surprised Captain Lowther while
+his vessel was on careen at the island of Blanco. Spriggs had
+resolved to catch Captain Moore, if possible, and put him to
+death for being the cause of the death of Lowther, his brother
+pirate. Instead of Captain Moore, however, a French man-of-war
+was found by Spriggs to be on the coast and not fancying
+such company Spriggs crowded on all sail with the Frenchman
+after him. During the chase the man-of-war unfortunately
+lost her main-topmast and so Spriggs escaped the
+intended interview. Standing now to the northward, towards
+Bermuda, Spriggs overhauled on April 30th, a schooner
+owned in New York and commanded by Capt. William
+Richardson, who reported after reaching Boston, that Spriggs
+had told him that he intended to ravage the northern coasts
+and sink or burn all the vessels he took northward of Philadelphia.<a id="FNanchor_142" href="#Footnote_142" class="fnanchor">[142]</a>
+Captain Durell, in His Majesty’s ship “Sea
+Horse,” was ordered to make sail at once in quest of Spriggs.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_282">[282]</span></p>
+
+<p>On May 2, 1724, the Boston owned brigantine “Daniel,”
+John Hopkins in Command, was homeward bound in latitude
+33° and near Bermuda, when a strange sail fired a gun and soon
+hoisted a black flag. The pirate ship was crowded with men
+and resistance was out of reason so Captain Hopkins ordered
+his boat lowered and went aboard the ship. After rifling the
+brigantine it was burned. Joseph Cole of Beverly, Mass.,
+and Benjamin Wheeler of Boston, seamen on board the
+“Daniel,” were forced “notwithstanding their importunate
+Prayers &amp; Tears to him to dismiss them.”<a id="FNanchor_143" href="#Footnote_143" class="fnanchor">[143]</a> Spriggs swore to
+the master that “he designed to encrease his Company on the
+Banks of Newfoundland, and then would sail for the coast of
+New England in quest of Captain Solgard, who attack’d and
+took their Consort Charles Harris; Spriggs being then in
+Low’s sloop, very fairly run for it.”<a id="FNanchor_144" href="#Footnote_144" class="fnanchor">[144]</a> Two days later Captain
+Hopkins and his men, including John Bovewe and Elias Tozer,
+were put aboard a Philadelphia sloop bound for Jamaica
+which in time they reached safely and in April of the following
+year they were in Boston again.</p>
+
+<p>Instead of going to Newfoundland, as he had threatened,
+Spriggs stood to the windward of St. Christopher’s and on
+June 4, 1724, took a sloop, Nicholas Trot, master, belonging
+to St. Eustatia. The plunder of the vessel didn’t amount to
+much so the pirates thought they would amuse themselves
+by fastening a rope around the men’s bodies, one by one, and
+after hoisting them as high as the <ins title='original: main-and'>main- and</ins> foretops by letting
+go of the ropes the unfortunate wretches would fall tumbling
+to the deck with force enough to break skins and smash bones.
+After the men were well crippled by this usage Captain Trot
+was given his sloop and told to clear out. A week later, a
+Rhode Island ship bound for St. Christopher’s was taken.
+She was loaded with provisions and some horses, which the
+pirate crew soon mounted and rode about the deck, backwards<span class="pagenum" id="Page_283">[283]</span>
+and forwards, at full gallop, cursing and howling like demons,
+which soon made the animals so wild that they threw their
+riders and spoiled the sport. They then turned to the ship’s
+crew and whipped and cut them in a wicked manner, saying,
+that it was because boots and spurs had not been brought with
+the horses that they were not able to ride like gentlemen.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Spriggs was seldom lacking in boldness and next
+he cruised off Port Royal in the island of Jamaica and made
+one or two minor captures. Two men-of-war at anchor in
+port were ordered out and the commander of one of them, Capt.
+James Wyndham of the “Diamond,” ordered a course set for
+the Bay of Honduras, thinking that Spriggs might return to
+his old haunts. This proved to be correct for when the man-of-war
+sailed into the Bay, Spriggs and his crew were there
+busily engaged in plundering ten or twelve vessels that had
+been loading logwood. The pirates were completely surprised
+and but feebly returned the fire of the man-of-war and soon
+considered it wiser to get out their sweeps and row into shoal
+water and so they at last escaped, there being but little wind.
+This took place the latter part of September, 1724. Spriggs
+at that time was in command of his ship, the “Batchelor’s
+Delight,” and had with him as consort, a sloop commanded by
+Captain Shipton. During the encounter they had six men
+killed and five or six wounded. Capt. John Cass, when he
+reached Newport, R. I., from the Bay of Honduras, the first
+of December following, brought an account of this affair and
+reported to his owners the information that “a Spanish half
+Galley with about 50 Men on board, and a Perriagoe with 26
+Men, now in the Bay of Honduras, lye in obscure Places &amp;
+Key’s to take vessels in their way there.”<a id="FNanchor_145" href="#Footnote_145" class="fnanchor">[145]</a> All these dangers
+to New England shipping must have added greatly to the
+market value of logwood chips.</p>
+
+<p>After escaping from the “Diamond” man-of-war, Spriggs
+sailed for the Bahama Channel and on the voyage ran very<span class="pagenum" id="Page_284">[284]</span>
+short of provisions. He took a sloop in the service of the
+South Sea Company, bound from Jamaica to Havana, with
+negro slaves, and later a ship bound for Newport, R. I., Capt.
+Richard Durffie, master. Spriggs proposed to put all the
+negroes on board Captain Durffie’s vessel but the captain
+urgently represented his want of sufficient provisions and the
+danger that they all would perish by starvation and at last
+Spriggs transferred to his ship only ten of the slaves and then
+let him go. Durffie put in to South Carolina for fresh supplies
+and while there Capt. Jeremiah Clarke of Newport, met him
+and brought home the news of his capture. Spriggs and Shipton
+continued on their course towards the Bahamas and off
+the western end of Cuba were so unfortunate as to again meet
+the “Diamond” man-of-war, still in pursuit of them. As
+the wind lay their only means of escape was to make for the
+Florida shore where Shipton’s sloop was run aground near the
+Cape and lost. This sloop was owned in Newport, R. I., and
+was in command of Jonathan Barney at the time she was taken
+by Spriggs. When the sloop went ashore she carried 12 guns
+and seventy or more men all of whom reached land safely only
+to fall into the hands of the Indians, except Shipton and ten or
+a dozen others who escaped in the ship’s canoe and finally
+reached Cuba.<a id="FNanchor_146" href="#Footnote_146" class="fnanchor">[146]</a> It was said at the time that the Indians
+killed and ate sixteen of the pirates and that forty-nine were
+taken and carried to Havana; but why the “Diamond,” an
+English man-of-war, should carry English pirates to a Spanish
+port is not explained in any of the newspaper accounts of the
+affair. About two thousand pounds value in gold fell a prize
+to the “Diamond.”</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i284_1" style="max-width: 111em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i284_1.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>PIRATES KILLING A CAPTURED MAN<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an old mezzotint in the possession of Capt. E. H. Pentecost, R.N.R.</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i284_2" style="max-width: 108.6875em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i284_2.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>FIGHT ON A PIRATE SHIP<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an old mezzotint in the possession of Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost, R.N.R.</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>Spriggs, by good seamanship, was able to make his escape
+and in some way afterwards picked up Shipton and the few
+men who escaped with him and made his way back to the Bay
+of Honduras where on Dec. 23, 1724, in company with Shipton,
+who at that time was in command of a perriagua with ten<span class="pagenum" id="Page_285">[285]</span>
+white men and three or four negroes, he descended on the logwood
+ships in the Bay and took sixteen vessels, one of which,
+commanded by Capt. Kelsey, he burned. The captain was
+given a long-boat and it being fair weather, he reached the
+uninhabited island of Bonaco safely, from which he and his
+crew afterwards were rescued by a passing sloop. Shipton
+took the ship “Mary and John,” of Boston, Thomas Glen,
+master, and after plundering her, carried away the master and
+put him on board a Boston sloop, Ebenezer Kent, master,
+which he had taken the same day, intending to sail for the
+rendezvous at the island of Roatan. The mate of the “John
+and Mary,” Matthew Perry, he left on board with his hands
+tied behind him and later ordered three of his pirates, together
+with two forced men, Nicholas Simons and Jonathan Barlow,
+all double armed, to take possession of the “John and Mary”
+and follow him to the rendezvous. Simons was to be the
+navigator and commander. But after Shipton had gone,
+Simons and Barlow untied Perry’s hands and proposed that
+together they attempt to kill the three pirates who had
+come on board with them and if successful, to make a course
+for some English port. The mate at once consented and
+Barlow gave him a pistol and he started for the steerage where
+one of the pirates was rummaging. Coming up behind him he
+snapped his pistol but unfortunately it missed fire. The
+pirate had four pistols in his belt and immediately drawing one
+he aimed it at Perry before he could reach the ladder.
+Strangely enough this pistol, too, missed fire. Simons was
+in the cabin at the time and hearing the snapping of the
+flints came rushing in crying, “In the name of God and His
+Majesty King George, let us go on with our design.” He
+shot dead the pirate who had attempted to kill the mate and
+told another of the pirates who was present, if he made any
+resistance he would kill him too. Meanwhile, Barlow and
+some of the ship’s company had killed the third pirate. They
+then cut their cable and made the best of their way to deep<span class="pagenum" id="Page_286">[286]</span>
+water and with no further adventures reached Newport, R. I.,
+the last of January, 1725.<a id="FNanchor_147" href="#Footnote_147" class="fnanchor">[147]</a> After their arrival, the circumstantial
+accounts of Simons and Barlow were published at
+length in the Boston newspapers.</p>
+
+<p>Simons claimed that he was the humble instrument that
+brought about the disaster to the sloop commanded by Shipton,
+that was chased ashore on the Florida coast, and that
+while in Spriggs’ company he and Barlow had been treated
+“very barbarously; made to eat candles with the wick, and
+often threatened to take away their lives.”<a id="FNanchor_148" href="#Footnote_148" class="fnanchor">[148]</a> Barlow also
+related that he had been forced by Low and afterwards served
+in Spriggs’ and Shipton’s companies. He said Low had
+abused him, had knocked out one of his teeth with a pistol
+and threatened to shoot down his throat, “whereupon Barlow
+fell and was taken up sick which held him three months.”
+He also repeated the story of the discarding of Low by his men
+and his having been sent away with two other pirates in a
+French sloop and nothing had been heard from him since.<a id="FNanchor_149" href="#Footnote_149" class="fnanchor">[149]</a></p>
+
+<p>After Spriggs and Shipton made their captures in the Bay
+of Honduras on Dec. 23, 1724, but little is known as to their
+later movements. In April, 1725, a captain arriving at New
+York brought the report that Spriggs was yet roving and had
+five vessels in his fleet. Early in May, 1725, Captain MacKarty
+reached Boston from Jamaica, and reported that not
+long before he had spoken a pink off the South Carolina coast
+that had been taken by Spriggs, who was in a ship mounting
+twelve guns with a crew of thirty-five men. Several vessels
+had been captured and burned or sunk and the crews had been
+put aboard the pink and sent away. The master of the pink
+told Captain MacKarty that Spriggs was using his prisoners
+barbarously and that he threatened to be on the New England<span class="pagenum" id="Page_287">[287]</span>
+coast very soon after.<a id="FNanchor_150" href="#Footnote_150" class="fnanchor">[150]</a> The threatened raid did not materialize
+and Spriggs and Shipton both dropped out of sight and
+we now have no information as to what became of them save
+the rumor that reached Boston a year later that they both
+had been marooned by their men and “were got among the
+Musketoo Indians.”<a id="FNanchor_151" href="#Footnote_151" class="fnanchor">[151]</a> And this may have been their fate,
+for Spriggs’ quartermaster, one Philip Lyne, was in command
+of a pirate sloop mounting ten carriage guns and sixteen
+swivels and carrying forty men which was making captures
+on the banks off the Newfoundland coast in the summer of
+1725. This sloop had been one of Spriggs’ consorts on the
+South Carolina coast earlier in the year and appears to have
+deserted him. On June 30th, Lyne took the ship “Thomasine,”
+Capt. Samuel Thorogood, bound for London from Boston,
+on which were four passengers and after plundering and
+destroying most of the ship’s lading and forcing five of the crew
+to sign his Articles, he allowed the ship to go free with only a
+small store of stinking provisions and a little water.<a id="FNanchor_152" href="#Footnote_152" class="fnanchor">[152]</a> Lyne
+also took a Rhode Island sloop, Captain Casey, which was
+burned and the master and men were forced to go aboard the
+pirate vessel which then headed for the Cape Verde islands.
+Lyne probably followed the example of Low and Lowther and
+from there set a course for the Guiana coast, for in October,
+1725 he was captured by two sloops fitted out at Curacao.
+During the engagement a number of the pirates were killed
+but Lyne and four others were “hanged by the neck until
+dead,” by the Dutch authorities on the island, to the great
+satisfaction of all who had ever met them on the high seas.<a id="FNanchor_153" href="#Footnote_153" class="fnanchor">[153]</a></p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_136" href="#FNanchor_136" class="label">[136]</a> See chapter on Philip Ashton.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_137" href="#FNanchor_137" class="label">[137]</a> A short sword. Sometimes a rapier is called a tuck.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_138" href="#FNanchor_138" class="label">[138]</a> “Sweating” generally was used to force information as to the location
+of concealed valuables.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_139" href="#FNanchor_139" class="label">[139]</a> <i>Boston Gazette</i>, Apr. 20, 1724.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_140" href="#FNanchor_140" class="label">[140]</a> Johnson, <i>History of the Pirates</i>, London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_141" href="#FNanchor_141" class="label">[141]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, July 23, 1724.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_142" href="#FNanchor_142" class="label">[142]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, May 21, 1724.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_143" href="#FNanchor_143" class="label">[143]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Apr. 15, 1725.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_144" href="#FNanchor_144" class="label">[144]</a> Johnson, <i>History of the Pirates</i>, London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_145" href="#FNanchor_145" class="label">[145]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Dec. 10, 1724.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_146" href="#FNanchor_146" class="label">[146]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Feb. 11, 1725; Oct. 7, 1725.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_147" href="#FNanchor_147" class="label">[147]</a> <i>New England Courant</i>, Feb. 8, 1725 and <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Feb. 11,
+1725.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_148" href="#FNanchor_148" class="label">[148]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Feb. 11, 1725.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_149" href="#FNanchor_149" class="label">[149]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Feb. 11, 1725.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_150" href="#FNanchor_150" class="label">[150]</a> <i>New England Courant</i>, May 18, 1725.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_151" href="#FNanchor_151" class="label">[151]</a> <i>New England Courant</i>, Apr. 30, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_152" href="#FNanchor_152" class="label">[152]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Sept. 16, 1725.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_153" href="#FNanchor_153" class="label">[153]</a> <i>New England Courant</i>, Jan. 8, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_288">[288]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVI">CHAPTER XVI<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Charles Harris who was Hanged at Newport with
+Twenty-five of his Crew</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>On the 10th of January, 1722, the good ship “Greyhound”
+of Boston in the Massachusetts Bay, Benjamin
+Edwards, commander, was homeward bound. She was
+loaded with logwood and only one day out from the coast of
+Honduras where the crew had been worked hard for several
+weeks loading the many boatloads of heavy, thorny-growthed,
+blood-red wood. Early in the morning the lookout had
+sighted a ship headed toward them and while not plantation
+built she attracted no particular attention until it was seen
+that her course was slightly changed to conform to that of the
+“Greyhound,” or rather, it would seem, to intersect the course
+on which the “Greyhound” was sailing. As the ship drew
+nearer, a long look through the perspective revealed a heavily-manned
+vessel of English build and Captain Edwards thought
+it best to order all hands on deck. Soon the stranger ran up a
+black flag having a skeleton on it and fired a gun for the
+“Greyhound” to bring to.</p>
+
+<p>West India waters had been plagued for many years by
+piratical gentry and the Boston captain had heard many
+terrifying tales of their barbarous cruelties to masters and seamen
+but he was a dogged type of man and so at once prepared
+to defend his ship. The pirate edged down a bit and shortly
+gave the “Greyhound” a broadside of eight guns which
+Captain Edwards bravely returned and for nearly an hour
+the give and take continued at long gunshot without much
+damage to either vessel. Finding that the pirate was more
+heavily armed than the “Greyhound,” and her decks showing
+many men, Captain Edwards began to reckon the consequences
+of a too stubborn resistance, for it seemed likely that eventually<span class="pagenum" id="Page_289">[289]</span>
+he must surrender, barring, of course, lucky chance shot
+from his guns that might cut down a mast on the pirate ship.
+At last he ordered his ensign to be struck and hove to. Two
+boatloads of armed men soon came aboard and searched the
+ship for anything of value. The loot was not great for the
+New England logwood ships had little opportunity for trade or
+barter and the disappointment of the pirate crews was soon
+spit out on the men. Whenever one came within reach of the
+cutlass of a pirate he would receive a swinging slash across
+shoulders or arms, or perhaps, a blow on the head with the
+flat of the blade that would fell him half-senseless to the deck.
+By way of diversion two of the unoffending sailors were triced
+up at the foot of the mainmast and lashed until the blood ran
+from their backs. Captain Edwards and his men were then
+ordered into the boats and sent on board the pirate ship and
+the “Greyhound” was set on fire.</p>
+
+<p>The rogue proved to be the “Happy Delivery,” commanded
+by Capt. George Lowther and manned by a strange
+assortment of English sailors and soldiers with a sprinkling of
+New England men. As soon as the men from the “Greyhound”
+reached her deck they were given a mug of rum and
+invited to join the pirate crew. This was habitually done at
+that time by these outlaws and frequently a nimble sailor
+would be forced and compelled to serve with the pirates against
+his will. The first mate of the “Greyhound” was Charles
+Harris, born in London, England, then about twenty-four
+years old and a man who understood navigation. He, with
+four others, Christopher Atwell, Henry Smith, Joseph Willis
+and David Lindsay, was forced and Captain Edwards and the
+rest of his crew, with other captured men, were put on board
+another logwood vessel and permitted to make the best of
+their way home. In a day or two, Harris, beguiled by the
+adventurous spirit of the ship’s company, was persuaded to
+sign the Articles of the “Happy Delivery,” when again asked
+to do so by Captain Lowther. He proved to be so capable a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_290">[290]</span>
+man, when several captures were made, that ten days later,
+when a Jamaican sloop was taken, Lowther decided to retain
+her and give the command to Harris and to this he readily
+acceded.</p>
+
+<p>The mate of the “Happy Delivery” was Ned Low, a young
+Englishman who had lived in Boston for a few years and not
+long before this time had deserted from a logwood ship in the
+Bay and happening to meet Lowther had joined him in a
+career of robbery and murder. Just before the Jamaican sloop
+was taken, a Rhode Island sloop of about one hundred tons
+was captured and as she was newly built was taken over by
+Lowther and armed with eight carriage guns and ten swivels
+and the command given to Low.</p>
+
+<p>The career of Harris during the next fourteen months closely
+follows that of Lowther and Low and may be traced in the
+narrative of their adventures. He soon lost his sloop when it
+was abandoned at sea in the gulf of Matique and May 28th,
+1722, when Lowther and Low separated, Harris cast his lot
+with Low and sailed north with him along the New England
+coast to Nova Scotia and then across the Atlantic to the Western
+Islands, where a large Portuguese pink was taken and
+retained and the command of the schooner “Fancy”<a id="FNanchor_154" href="#Footnote_154" class="fnanchor">[154]</a> given
+to Harris. These two scoundrels cruised together for some
+time making several captures and at length reached the
+Triangles off the South American coast, eastward of Surinam,
+and here the pink was lost while being careened and both crews
+went on board the schooner where Low again assumed command.
+Before long a large Rhode Island-built sloop was
+captured which Low took over and having had a falling out
+with Harris, the command of the schooner “Fancy” was given
+to Francis Farrington Spriggs, who had been serving as
+quartermaster.</p>
+
+<p>Harris now drops out of sight for about five months. He<span class="pagenum" id="Page_291">[291]</span>
+may have been wounded or sick at the time Spriggs was given
+his command, at any rate, no mention of his name has been
+found until May 27, 1723, when he appeared off the South
+Carolina coast in command of the sloop “Ranger,” lately
+commanded by Spriggs. Captain Low was sailing in company
+with him in the sloop “Fortune,” and together they took
+three ships. About three weeks before, they had captured
+the ship “Amsterdam Merchant,” from Jamaica but owned
+in New England. The master was John Welland of Boston
+and after he had been on board the “Ranger” for some three
+hours he was transferred to the “Fortune,” where Low vented
+his spite against New Englanders by cutting the captain about
+the body with his cutlass and slashing off his right ear. A
+month later, at the trial of Captain Harris at Newport, R. I.,
+this Captain Welland was the principal witness against him.
+He deposed that he had been chased by two sloops and that
+one of them came up with him and after hoisting a blue flag
+had taken him. This was the “Ranger,” with Harris in
+command. He had been ordered aboard the pirate sloop and
+had gone with four of his men. The quartermaster had
+examined him and asked how much money he had on board,
+and he had replied “About £150 in gold and silver.” This
+money was taken away by the pirates. Meanwhile Captain
+Low in the “Fortune,” came up and Welland was sent aboard
+to be interrogated where he was greatly abused. The next
+day, after taking out a negro, some beef and other stores, the
+“Amsterdam Merchant” was sunk. While the three vessels
+were lying near each other, Captain Estwick of Piscataqua,
+N. H., came in sight and soon fell into the clutches of Low and
+Harris. His ship was plundered but not destroyed and in
+this vessel Captain Welland and his men at last reached
+Portsmouth.</p>
+
+<p>Off the Capes of the Delaware other minor captures were
+made by Low and steering eastward along the Long Island
+shore early on the morning of the 10th of June a large ship<span class="pagenum" id="Page_292">[292]</span>
+was sighted which soon changed its course and the two pirate
+sloops at once followed in pursuit. What then took place may
+best be told in the words of the newspaper account written
+at the time.</p>
+
+<p>“Rhode Island, June 14. On the 11th Instant arrived here
+His Majesty’s Ship Grayhound, Capt. Peter Solgard Commander,
+from his Cruize at Sea and brought in a Pirate Sloop
+of 8 Guns, Barmudas built, 42 White Men and 6 Blacks, of
+which number eight were wounded in the Engagement and
+four killed; the Sloop was commanded by one Harris, very well
+fitted, and loaded with all sorts of Provisions: One of the
+wounded Pirates died, on board of the Man of War, with an Oath
+on his Departure; thirty lusty bold young Fellows, were
+brought on shore, and received by one of the Town Companys
+under Arms guarding them to the Goal, and all are now in
+Irons under a strong Guard. The Man of War had but two
+Men wounded, who are in a brave way of Recovery.</p>
+
+<p>“Here follows an Account (from on board of the Man of
+War) of the Engagement between Capt. Solgard and the two
+Pirates Sloops: Capt. Solgard being informed by a Vessel,
+that Low the Pirate, in a Sloop of 10 Guns &amp; 70 Men, with his
+Consort of 8 Guns and 48 Men, had sailed off the East End of
+Long-Island: The Capt. thereupon steered his Course after
+them; and on the 10th Currant, half an hour past 4 in the
+Morning we saw two Sloops N. 2 Leagues distance, the Wind
+W.N.W. At 5 we tack’d and stood Southward, and clear’d
+the Ship, the Sloops giving us Chase, at half an hour past 7
+we tack’d to the Northward, with little Wind, and stood down
+to them; at 8 a Clock they each fired a Gun, and hoisted a
+Black Flag; at half an hour past 8 on the near approach of
+the Man of War, they haul’d it down, (fearing a Tartar) and
+put up a Bloody Flag, stemming with us distant 3 quarters of
+a Mile: We hoisted up our Main-Sail and made easy Sail to
+the Windward, received their Fire several times; but when a
+breast we gave them ours with round &amp; grape Shot, upon<span class="pagenum" id="Page_293">[293]</span>
+which the head Sloop edg’d Away, as did the other soon after,
+and we with them. The Fire continued on both sides for about
+an hour; but when they hall’d from us with the help of their
+Oars, we left off Firing, and turned to Rowing with 86 Hands,
+and half an Hour past Two in the Afternoon we came up with
+them; when they clapt on a Wind to receive us; we again kept
+close to Windward, and ply’d them warmly with small and
+grape shot; and during the Action we fell between them, and
+having shot down one of their Main Sails we kept close to
+him, and at 4 a Clock he call’d for Quarters; at 5 having got
+the Prisoners on board, we continued to Chase the other Sloop,
+when at 8 a Clock in the Evening he bore from us N.W. by W.
+two Leagues, when we lost sight of him near Block Island.
+One Desperado was for blowing up this Sloop rather than surrendering,
+and being hindered, he went forward, and with his
+Pistol shot out his own Brains.</p>
+
+<p>“Capt. Solgard designing to make sure of one of the Pirate
+Sloops, if not both, took this, seeming to be the Chief, but
+proved otherwise, and if we had more Day-light the other of
+Low’s had also been taken, she being very much batter’d;
+and ’tis tho’t he was slain, with his Cutlas in his hand, encouraging
+his Men in the Engagement to Fight, and that
+a great many more Men were kill’d and wounded in her, than
+the other we took.</p>
+
+<p>“The Two Pirate Sloops Commanded by the said Low and
+Harris intended to have boarded the Man of War, but he
+plying them so successfully they were discouraged, and endeavoured
+all they could to escape, notwithstanding they
+had sworn Damnation to themselves, if they should give over
+Fighting, tho’ the Ship should even prove to be a Man of War.
+They also intended to have hoisted their Standard upon
+Block-Island, but we suppose now, there will be a more sutable
+Standard hoisted for those that are taken, according to their
+Desarts.</p>
+
+<p>“On the 12th Currant Capt. Solgard was fitting out again<span class="pagenum" id="Page_294">[294]</span>
+to go in the Quest of the said Low the other Pirate Sloop,
+(having the Master of this with him, he knowing what Course
+they intended by Agreement to Steer, in order to meet with
+a third Consort) which, we hope he’ll overtake and bring in.”—<i>Boston
+News-Letter</i>, June 20, 1723.</p>
+
+<p>The <i>New England Courant</i> of Boston, Franklin’s paper,
+printed a similar account of the fight and capture and also
+mentioned the fact that Joseph Sweetser of Charlestown was
+one of the men taken and that both he and Charles Harris,
+“who is the Master or Navigator,” had previously been
+advertised in the public prints as forced men, with one or two
+more of the company. A week later the <i>Courant</i> published a
+list of the names of the men, as follows:—</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“An Account of the Names, Ages, and places of Birth of
+those Men taken by his Majesty’s Ship Greyhound, in the
+Pirate Sloop called the Ranger, and now confined in his
+Majesty’s Gaol in Rhode-Island.</p>
+
+
+<table class="autotable th">
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl"><i>Names</i></td>
+<td class="tdl"><i>Ages</i></td>
+<td class="tdl"><i>Places of Birth</i></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">William Blades</td>
+<td class="tdl">28</td>
+<td class="tdl">Rhode Island</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Thomas Powel, Gunner</td>
+<td class="tdl">21</td>
+<td class="tdl">Wethersfield, Conn.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">John Wilson</td>
+<td class="tdl">23</td>
+<td class="tdl">New London County</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Daniel Hyde</td>
+<td class="tdl">23</td>
+<td class="tdl">Eastern Shore of Virginia</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Henry Barnes</td>
+<td class="tdl">22</td>
+<td class="tdl">Barbadoes</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Stephen Mundon</td>
+<td class="tdl">29</td>
+<td class="tdl">London</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Thomas Huggit</td>
+<td class="tdl">24</td>
+<td class="tdl">London</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">William Read</td>
+<td class="tdl">35</td>
+<td class="tdl">London-derry, Ireland</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Peter Kewes</td>
+<td class="tdl">32</td>
+<td class="tdl">Exeter, England</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Thomas Jones</td>
+<td class="tdl">17</td>
+<td class="tdl">Flint, Wales</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">James Brinkley</td>
+<td class="tdl">28</td>
+<td class="tdl">Suffolk, England</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Joseph Sawrd</td>
+<td class="tdl">28</td>
+<td class="tdl">Westminster</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">John Brown</td>
+<td class="tdl">17</td>
+<td class="tdl">Leverpool</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">William Shutfield</td>
+<td class="tdl">40</td>
+<td class="tdl">Leicestershire, Engl.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Edward Eaton</td>
+<td class="tdl">38</td>
+<td class="tdl">Wreaxham, Wales</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">John Brown</td>
+<td class="tdl">29</td>
+<td class="tdl">County of Durham, Engl.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Edward Lawson</td>
+<td class="tdl">20</td>
+<td class="tdl">Isle of Man</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Owen Rice</td>
+<td class="tdl">27</td>
+<td class="tdl">South Wales</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">John Tomkins</td>
+<td class="tdl">23</td>
+<td class="tdl">Glocestshire, Engl.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">John Fitz-Gerald</td>
+<td class="tdl">21</td>
+<td class="tdl">County of Limerick, Irela.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Abraham Lacey</td>
+<td class="tdl">21</td>
+<td class="tdl">Devonshire, Engl.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_295">[295]</span></td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Thomas Linisker</td>
+<td class="tdl">21</td>
+<td class="tdl">Lancashire, Engl.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Thomas Reeve</td>
+<td class="tdl">30</td>
+<td class="tdl">County of Rutland, Engl.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">John Hinchard, Doctor</td>
+<td class="tdl">22</td>
+<td class="tdl">Near Edinburg, N. Brit.</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Joseph Sweetser (forc’d)</td>
+<td class="tdl">24</td>
+<td class="tdl">Boston, New-England</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Francis Layton</td>
+<td class="tdl">39</td>
+<td class="tdl">New-York</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">John Walters, Quar. Master</td>
+<td class="tdl">35</td>
+<td class="tdl">County of Devon</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">William Jones</td>
+<td class="tdl">28</td>
+<td class="tdl">London</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Charles Church</td>
+<td class="tdl">21</td>
+<td class="tdl">Westminster</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Tom Umper, an Indian</td>
+<td class="tdl">21</td>
+<td class="tdl">Marthas Vineyard</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+
+<p class="center">In all 30<br>
+</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+—<i>New England Courant</i>, June 24, 1723.<br>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The following seven were held on board the “Grayhound”
+by Captain Solgard, who hoped through them to take Low.
+They were brought back to Newport and gaoled on July 11th.
+One of the pirates died in gaol on July 15th.</p>
+
+
+<table class="autotable th">
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Charles Harris, Captain</td>
+<td class="tdl">25</td>
+<td class="tdl">London</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Thomas Hazell</td>
+<td class="tdl">50</td>
+<td class="tdl">——</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">John Bright</td>
+<td class="tdl">25</td>
+<td class="tdl">——</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Joseph Libbey</td>
+<td class="tdl">21</td>
+<td class="tdl">Marblehead</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Patrick Cunningham</td>
+<td class="tdl">25</td>
+<td class="tdl">——</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">John Fletcher</td>
+<td class="tdl">17</td>
+<td class="tdl">——</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Thomas Child</td>
+<td class="tdl">15</td>
+<td class="tdl">——</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<br>
+
+<p>When the news of this great capture of pirates reached the
+seaport towns along the New England shore there was much
+rejoicing. Nothing like it had ever happened in the history
+of the Colonies and to be accused of piracy at that time, with
+any show of evidence, was very nearly equivalent to being
+found guilty, so a great gathering of people was assured for the
+hanging soon to follow.</p>
+
+<p>Three weeks later the Honorable William Dummer, Esq.,
+Lieutenant-Governor and Commander in Chief of His Majesty’s
+Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England,
+together with divers members of His Majesty’s Council and
+other gentlemen from that Province came riding into the town
+of Newport, and with Governor Cranston of Rhode Island and
+other judges duly commissioned by Act of Parliament proceeded<span class="pagenum" id="Page_296">[296]</span>
+to open a Court of Admiralty for the trial of the pirates.
+The trial was held in the town house on Wednesday morning,
+July 10, 1723. The Court was authorized by Act of Parliament
+made 11 and 12 William III; made perpetual by Act
+of 6 George I. The Court organized, and then adjourned
+until eight oclock in the morning of the next day—when
+Charles Harris and twenty-seven others were brought to the
+bar and arraigned for acts of felony, piracy and robbery.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp61" id="i296" style="max-width: 111.9375em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i296.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>WILLIAM DUMMER, LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF
+MASSACHUSETTS, WHO PRESIDED AT THE TRIAL OF
+CAPT. CHARLES HARRIS FOR PIRACY<br>
+<span class='c2'>From the portrait by Robert Feke in possession of the Trustees of Dummer Academy</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>The facts connected with the taking of the ship “Amsterdam
+Merchant,” with the presence in court of the master and
+some of his men, were in themselves sufficient to hang the
+accused. Captain Solgard of the man-of-war, who had fought
+with the accused pirates and captured them, also testified as
+did his lieutenant and surgeon. The presence of these men
+in court together with the reputed facts of the chase and
+capture decided the case in the minds of the people before the
+evidences were offered or the verdict rendered. John Valentine,
+the Advocate General for the King, presented the articles
+which accused the prisoners of piratically surprising and seizing
+the ship “Amsterdam Merchant,” and carrying away
+beef, gold and silver and a negro slave named Dick; cutting off
+Captain Welland’s right ear and afterwards sinking the ship
+valued at one thousand pounds. They were also accused of
+piratically attacking His Majesty’s ship, the “Grey Hound,”
+and wounding seven of his men.</p>
+
+<p>The prisoners were not represented by counsel, but they all
+pleaded “not guilty,” and fourteen of them were ordered tried
+at that very session, so the Advocate General addressed the
+Court as follows:—</p>
+
+<p>“May it please your honor, and the rest of the honorable
+judges, of this court.</p>
+
+<p>“The prisoners at the bar stand articled against and are
+prosecuted for, several felonious piracies and robberies by them
+committed upon the high sea. To which they severally
+pleaded not guilty.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_297">[297]</span></p>
+
+<p>“The crime of piracy is a robbery (for piracy is a sea term
+for robbery) committed within the jurisdiction of the admiralty.</p>
+
+<p>“And a pirate is described to be one who to enrich himself
+either by surprise or open force, sets upon merchants and
+others trading by sea, to spoil them of their goods and treasure,
+often times by sinking their vessels, as the case will come out
+before you.</p>
+
+<p>“This sort of criminals are engaged in a perpetual war with
+every individual, with every state, christian or infidel; they
+have no country, but by the nature of their guilt, separate
+themselves, renouncing the benefit of all lawful society, to
+commit these heinous crimes. The Romans therefore justly
+styled them, <i>Hostes humoni generis</i> enemies of mankind, and
+indeed they are enemies and armed, against themselves, a
+kind of <i>felons de se</i>—importing something more than a
+natural death.</p>
+
+<p>“These unhappy men satiated with the number and notoriety
+of their crimes, had filled up the measure of their guilt, when
+by the Providence of Almighty God, and through the valor
+and conduct of Captain Solgard, they were delivered up to
+the sword of justice.</p>
+
+<p>“The Roman Emperors in their edicts made this piece of
+service so eminent for the public good, as meritorious as any
+act of piety, or religious worship whatsoever.</p>
+
+<p>“And ’twill be said for the honor and reputation of this
+colony (though of late scandalously reproached, to have
+favored or combined with pirates), and be evinced by the
+process and event of this affair, that such flagitious persons
+find as little countenance, and as much justice at Rhode
+Island, as in any other part of his Majestie’s dominions.</p>
+
+<p>“But your time is more precious than my words, I will not
+misspend it in attempting to set forth the aggravations of this
+complex crime, big with every enormity, nor in declaring the
+mischiefs and evil tendencies of it; for you better know these<span class="pagenum" id="Page_298">[298]</span>
+things before I mention them; and I consider to whom I
+speak, and that the judgment is your honors.</p>
+
+<p>“I shall therefore call the King’s evidences to prove the
+several facts, as so many distinct acts of piracy charged on
+Prisoners, not by light circumstances and presumptions, not
+by strained and unfounded conjectures, but by clear and
+postive evidence: and then I doubt not, since for ’tis the
+interest of mankind, that these crimes should be punished;
+your honors will do justice to the prisoners, this colony, and
+the rest of the world in pronouncing them guilty, and in passing
+sentence upon them according to law.”</p>
+
+<p>Capt. John Welland then testified as to the facts attending
+the capture of his ship. He also said that Henry <ins title='Original: Barns'>Barnes</ins>,
+one of the prisoners at the bar, was forced out of his ship at the
+time it was taken and was “very low and weak” and when on
+board Captain Estwick’s vessel (in which they had at last
+reached Portsmouth) <ins title='Original: Barns'>Barnes</ins> had tried to get away and hid
+himself. But the pirates threatened to burn the ship unless
+he was given up so <ins title='Original: Barns'>Barnes</ins> was compelled to go on board the
+pirate sloop. Barnes had cried and “took on very much”
+and asked the mate of the “Amsterdam Merchant” to notify
+his three sisters living in Barbadoes that he was a forced man
+and also very sick and weak at the time. The mate and the
+ship’s carpenter confirmed the captain’s testimony that all
+the pirates were “harnessed, that is, armed with guns, etc.”</p>
+
+<p>Capt. Peter Solgard, Lieut. Edward Smith, and Archibald
+Fisher, “Chirsurgeon” of the “Grey-Hound Man of War,”
+testified to the well-known facts of the engagement with the
+pirates and William Marsh, a mariner, made oath that he had
+been taken by Low’s company in the West Indies the previous
+January and that “he saw on board the schooner at that
+time Francis Laughton and William —————— and on board
+the sloop, Charles Harris, Edward Lawson, Daniel Hyde, and
+John Fitz Gerald, all prisoners at the Bar, and that Gerald
+asked him whether he would seek his fortune with him.”</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_299">[299]</span></p>
+
+<p>This concluded the testimony and the prisoners were then
+severally asked if they had anything to say in their own
+defence. Without exception each man said that he had been
+forced on board of Low and did nothing <ins title='original: voluntairly'>voluntarily</ins>.</p>
+
+<p>The Advocate General then summed up the case, as follows:—</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“Your Honors, I doubt not have observed the weakness,
+and vanity of the defence which has been made by the prisoners
+at the Bar, and that the articles (containing indisputable
+flagrant acts of piracy) are supported against each of
+them: Their impudences and unfortunate mistake, in attacking
+his majesty’s ship, tho’ to us fortunate, and of great service
+to the neighboring governments: Their malicious and cruel
+assault upon Capt. Welland, not only in the spoiling of his
+goods, but what is much more, the cutting off his right ear, a
+crime of that nature and barbarity which can never be repaired:
+Their plea of constraint, or force, (in the mouth of
+every Pirate) can be of no avail to them, for if that could
+justify or excuse! No pirate would ever be convicted; nor
+even any profligate person in his own account offend against
+the moral law; if it were asked, it would be hard to answer;
+who offer’d the violence? It’s apparent they forced, or
+persuaded one another, or rather the compulsion proceeded of
+their own corrupt and avaricious inclinations: but if there
+was the least semblance of truth; in the plea; it might come
+out in proof, that the prisoners or some of them did manifest
+their uneasiness and sorrow, to some of the persons whom they
+had surprised and robb’d; but the contrary of that is plain
+from Mr. Marsh’s evidence, that the prisoners were so far
+from a dislike, or regretting their number by inviting him to
+join with them, and seemed resolved to live and die by their
+calling, or for it, as their fate is like to be. And now seeing
+that the facts are as evident as proof by testimony can make
+’em, I doubt not your honors will declare the prisoners to be
+guilty.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_300">[300]</span></p>
+
+<p>The prisoners were than taken from the bar, the court room
+was cleared and the judges considered the evidence and voted
+that all were guilty except John Wilson and Henry Barns.
+The Court then adjourned for dinner and at two o’clock met
+and opened by proclamation. The prisoners were brought in
+and those found guilty were sentenced by Lieut.-Governor
+Dummer to be hanged by the neck until dead. Thirteen more
+“of that miserable crew of men,” as they were characterised
+by the Advocate General, were then brought to the bar for
+trial, and Captain Welland named six of whom he recognized
+as having been on the “Ranger” and all had been harnessed,
+except Thomas Jones, the boy. John Mudd, the carpenter,
+said that he well remembered Joseph Sound because “said
+Sound took his buttons out of his sleeves.”</p>
+
+<p>“Benjamin Weekham of Newport mariner, deposed, that
+on the tenth of March last he was in the bay of Honduras on
+board of a sloop, Jeremiah Clark Master, Low and Lowders
+companies being pirates, took the aforesaid sloop, and that
+this deponent then having the small pox was by John Waters
+one of the prisoners at the Bar carried on board another vessel;
+and that he begg’d of some of the company two shirts to shirt
+himself, the said Waters said damn him, he would beg the
+vessel too, but at other times he was very civil; and the
+deponent further saith, he saw William Blades now prisoner
+at the Bar amongst them.</p>
+
+<p>“William Marsh deposed, that he was taken in manner as
+aforesaid, and that John Brown the tallest was on board the
+schooner, and the said Brown told him he had rather be in a
+tight vessel than a leaky one, and that he was not forced.</p>
+
+<p>“Henry Barns mariner, deposed, that he being on board the
+Sloop Ranger during her engagement with the Grey-Hound
+Man of War, saw all the prisoners at the Bar on board the said
+sloop Ranger, and that he saw John Brown the shortest in
+arms, that Thomas Mumford Indian, was only as a servant
+on board.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_301">[301]</span></p>
+
+<p>“The prisoners at the bar were then asked if they had anything
+to say in their own defence.</p>
+
+<p>“William Blades said he was forced on board of Low about
+eleven months ago, and never signed to their articles, and
+that he had when taken about ten or twelve pounds, and that
+he never shared with them, but only took what they gave him.</p>
+
+<p>“Thomas Hugget said he was one of Capt. Mercy’s men on
+the coast of Guinea, and in the West Indies was put on board
+Low, but never shared with them, and they gave him twenty-one
+pounds.</p>
+
+<p>“Peter Cues said, that on the twenty-third or twenty-fourth
+of January last he belonged to one Layal in a sloop of
+Antigua, and was then taken by Low and detained ever since,
+but never shared with them, and had about ten or twelve
+pounds when taken, which they gave him.</p>
+
+<p>“Thomas Jones said, he is a lad of about seventeen years
+of age, and was by Low and company taken out of Capt.
+Edwards at Newfoundland, and kept by Low ever since.</p>
+
+<p>“William Jones said, he was taken out of Capt. Ester at
+the Bay of Honduras the beginning of April last by Low and
+Lowther, and that he has been forced by Low to be with him
+ever since; that he never shared with them, nor signed the
+articles till compelled three weeks after he was taken, and the
+said Jones owned he had eleven pounds of the quarter master
+at one time, and eight pounds at another.</p>
+
+<p>“Edward Eaton said, that he was taken by Low in the Bay
+of Honduras, about the beginning of March, and kept with
+him by force ever since.</p>
+
+<p>“John Brown the tallest said, that on the ninth of October
+last he was taken out of the Liverpool merchant at the Cape
+De Verde by Capt. Low who beat him black and blue to make
+him sign the articles, and from the Cape de Verde they cruized
+upon the coast of Brazil about eleven weeks, and from thence
+to the West Indies, and he was on board of the Ranger at the
+taking of Welland.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_302">[302]</span></p>
+
+<p>“James Sprinkly said, he was forced out of a ship at the
+Cape de Verde by Low in October last, and by him compelled
+to sign the articles, but never shared with them.</p>
+
+<p>“John Brown the shortest said, he was about seventeen
+years old, and in October last at the Cape de Verdes was
+taken out of a ship by Low, and kept there ever since, and that
+the quarter-master gave him about forty shillings, and the
+people aboard about three pounds.</p>
+
+<p>“Joseph Sound said, he was taken from Providence, about
+three months ago, by Low and company and detained by force
+ever since.</p>
+
+<p>“Charles Church said, he was taken out of the Sycamore
+Galley at the Cape de Verdes, Capt. Scot commander, about
+seven or eight months ago, by Capt. Low, never shared, but
+the quarter-master gave him about fourteen pounds.</p>
+
+<p>“John Waters said, he was taken by Low on the twenty-ninth
+of June last, out of ————, and they compelled him
+to take charge of a watch, and that he had thirteen pistols
+when taken, which was given him, and that he said in the time
+of the engagement with his Majesties ship they had better
+strike, for they would have better quarter.</p>
+
+<p>“Thomas Mumford Indian said, he was a servant a fishing
+the last year, and was taken out of a fishing sloop with five
+other Indians off of Nantucket by Low and Company, and
+that they hanged two of the Indians at Cape Sables, and that
+he was kept by Low ever since, and had about six bitts when
+taken.”</p>
+
+<p>These excuses availed nothing except for Thomas Jones,
+the boy, and Thomas Mumford, the Indian. The rest were
+found guilty and duly sentenced.</p>
+
+<p>The next morning John Kencate, the doctor on board the
+“Ranger,” was brought to trial. The Advocate General
+stated that although the prisoner “used no arms, was not
+harness’d (as they term it) but was a forc’d man; yet if he
+received part of their plunder, was not under a constant<span class="pagenum" id="Page_303">[303]</span>
+durance, did at any time approve, or join’d in their villanies,
+his guilt is at least equal to the rest; the Doctor being ador’d
+among ’em as the pirates God for in him they chiefly confide
+for their cure and life, and in this trust and dependence it is,
+that they enterprise these horrid depredations not to be
+heightened by aggravation, or lessened by any excuse.”</p>
+
+<p>“Capt. John Welland deposed, and that he saw the Doctor
+aboard the Ranger; he seem’d not to rejoice when he was
+taken but solitary, and he was inform’d on board he was a
+forc’d men; and that he never signed the articles as he heard
+of, and was now on board the deponants ship.</p>
+
+<p>“John Ackin Mate and John Mudd Carpenter, swore they
+saw the prisoner at the Bar walking forwards and backwards
+disconsolately on board the Ranger.</p>
+
+<p>“Archibald Fisher Physician and Chirurgion on board the
+said Greyhound Man-of-War deposed, that when the prisoner
+at the Bar was taken and brought aboard the King’s ship he
+searched his medicaments, and the instruments, and found
+but very few medicaments, and the instruments very mean
+and bad.”</p>
+
+<p>Others testified that the doctor was forced on board, by
+Low, and that he never signed articles so far as they knew or
+heard, but used to spend much of his time in reading, and was
+very courteous to the prisoners taken by Low and his company,
+and that he never shared with them.</p>
+
+<p>The doctor himself said that he was chirurgion of the
+Sycamore-Galley, Andrew Scot, master, and was taken out of
+that ship in September last at Bonavista, one of the Cape de
+Verde Islands, by Low and Company, who detained him ever
+since, and that he never shared with them, nor signed their
+articles.</p>
+
+<p>The Court then cleared the doctor and proceeded with
+the trial of Thomas Pownall, Joseph Sweetser and Joseph
+Libbey. The name of the latter is not found in the first
+published lists of the pirates gaoled at Newport for the reason<span class="pagenum" id="Page_304">[304]</span>
+that he was one of those detained by Captain Harris in hopes
+of capturing Low who had deliberately deserted them, when
+jointly they probably could have taken the man of war.
+Libbey’s name appears in the published lists of those condemned
+and executed, as having been born in Marblehead.</p>
+
+<p>At the trial of these men Doctor Kencate testified that
+“he well knew Thomas Powell, Joseph Sweetser and John
+Libbey, and that Thomas Powell acted as gunner on board the
+Ranger, and that he went on board several vessels taken by
+Low and company, and plundered, and that Joseph Libbey
+was an active man on board the Ranger, and used to go on
+board vessels they took and plundered and that he see him
+fire several times, and the deponent further deposed that
+Joseph Sweetser now prisoner at the bar, was on board the
+pirate Low, and that he has seen him armed, but never see him
+use them, and that the said Sweetser used to often get alone by
+himself from amongst the rest of the crew, he was melancholly,
+and refused to go on board any vessel by them taken, and got
+out of their way. And the deponent further saith, that on
+that day, as they engaged the man-of-war, Low proposed to
+attack the man-of-war, first by firing his great guns then a
+volley of small arms, heave in their powder flasks and board
+her in his sloop, and the Ranger to board over the Fortune,
+and that no one on board the Ranger disagreed to it as he
+knows of, for most approved of it by words and the others
+were silent.</p>
+
+<p>“Thomas Jones deposed that Thomas Powell acted as gunner
+on board the Ranger, and Joseph Libbey was a stirring, active
+man among them, and used to go aboard vessels to plunder,
+and that Joseph Sweetser was very dull aboard, and at Cape
+Antonio he cried to Dunwell to let him go ashore, who refused,
+and asked him to drink a dram, but Sweetser went down into
+the hold and cried a good part of the day, and that Low refused
+to let him go, but brought him and tied him to the mast and
+threatened to whip him; and he saw him armed but never<span class="pagenum" id="Page_305">[305]</span>
+saw him use his arms as he knows of: and that Sweetser was
+sick when they engaged the man-of-war, tho’ he assisted in
+rowing the vessel.</p>
+
+<p>“John Wilson deposed that Thomas Powell was gunner
+of the Ranger; and the Sabbath day before they were taken,
+the said Powell told the deponent he wished he was ashore
+at Long Island, and they went to the head of the mast and
+Powell said to him I wish you and I were both ashore here
+stark naked.</p>
+
+<p>“Thomas Mumford, Indian (not speaking good English),
+Abissai Folger was sworn interpereter, deposed that Thomas
+Powell, Joseph Libbey and Joseph Sweetser were all on board
+of Low the pirate, that he saw Powell have a gun when they
+took the vessels, but never saw him fire, he saw him go on
+board of a vessel once, but brought nothing from her as he saw,
+he see him once [shoot] a negro but never a white man. And he
+saw Joseph Libbey once go aboard a vessel by them taken and
+brought away from her one pair of stockings. And that
+Joseph Swetser cooked it on board with him sometime, and
+sometimes they made him hand the sails; once he saw said
+Swetser clean a gun, but not fire it, and Swetser once told him
+that he wanted to get ashore from among them, and said he
+if the Man-of-War should take them they would hang him,
+and in the engagement of the Man-of-War, Swetser sat unarmed
+in the range of the sloop’s mast, and some little time
+before the said engagement he asked Low to let him have his
+liberty and go ashore, but was refused.”</p>
+
+<p>There was other testimony to much the same effect. Powell
+said he was taken by Lowther in the Bay of Honduras in the
+winter of 1721-2 and by him turned over to Low. Libbey
+said he was a forced man and produced a newspaper advertisement
+in proof. Sweetser said he was taken by Lowther about
+a year before and forced on board of Low. He, too, produced
+an advertisement to prove that he had been forced. Powell
+and Libbey were found guilty and Sweetser was cleared.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_306">[306]</span>
+Hazel, Bright, Fletcher, and Child and Cunningham who had
+been detained on board the “Greyhound” in the later pursuit
+of Low, were then placed on trial. By numerous witnesses it
+was shown that all had been active on board the “Ranger”
+at the time of the fight but that Fletcher was only a boy and
+that Child had come on board from the “Fortune,” only three
+or four days before the fight. Captain Welland spoke a good
+word for Cunningham and said that he had got him water
+and brought the doctor at the time he was laying bleeding
+below hatches for nearly three hours with a sentinel over him.
+John Bright was the drummer and “beat upon his drum upon
+the round house in the engagement.”</p>
+
+<p>Thomas Hazel said he had been forced by Low about
+twelve months before in the Bay of Honduras. Bright said
+that he was a servant to one Hester in the Bay and had been
+taken by Low about four months before and forced away to
+be his drummer.</p>
+
+<p>Cunningham said he had been forced about a year before
+from a fishing schooner and that he had tried to get away at
+Newfoundland but without success. Fletcher, the boy, said
+he had been forced by Low from on board the “Sycamore
+Galley,” Scot, master, at Bona Vista, because he could play
+a violin. There is no record of what Child had to say for
+himself. Fletcher and Child were found not guilty; the
+others were sentenced to be hanged. Cunningham and John
+Brown “the shortest,” were recommended “unto His Majesty,
+for Remission.”</p>
+
+<p>While the pirates were in prison and especially in the interval
+between their condemnation and execution they were visited
+frequently by the ministers who afterwards stated in print
+that “while they were in Prison, most seemed willing to be
+advised about the affairs of their souls.”<a id="FNanchor_155" href="#Footnote_155" class="fnanchor">[155]</a> John Brown prepared
+in writing a “warning” to young people in which he
+declared “it was with the greatest Reluctancy and Horror of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_307">[307]</span>
+Mind and Conscience, I was compelled to go with them ...
+and I can say my Heart and Mind never joined in those
+horrid Robberies, Conflagarations and Cruelties committed.”
+On the day before they were executed letters were written
+by many of them to relatives and Fitz-Gerald composed a
+poem which afterwards was printed. The following verses
+illustrate his poetical style:</p>
+
+<div class="poetry-container">
+<div class="poetry">
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">“To mortal Men that daily live in Wickedness and Sin;<br></div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">This dying Counsel I do give, hoping you will begin<br></div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To serve the Lord in Time of Youth his Precepts for to keep;<br></div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To serve him so in Spirit and Truth, that you may mercy reap.<br></div>
+  </div>
+<hr class='tb'>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">In Youthful blooming Years was I, when I that Practice took;<br></div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">Of perpetrating Piracy, for filthy gain did look.<br></div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To Wickedness we all were bent, our Lusts for to fulfil;<br></div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">To rob at Sea was our Intent, and perpetrate all Ill.<br></div>
+  </div>
+<hr class='tb'>
+  <div class="stanza">
+    <div class="verse indent0">I pray the Lord preserve you all and keep you from this End;<br></div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">O let Fitz-Gerald’s great downfall unto your welfare tend.<br></div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">I to the Lord my Soul bequeath, accept thereof I pray,<br></div>
+    <div class="verse indent0">My Body to the Earth bequeath, dear Friend, adieu for aye.”<br></div>
+  </div>
+</div>
+</div>
+
+<p>The gallows were set up between high-and-low water mark
+on a point of land projecting into the harbor, then and now
+known as Gravelly Point. At that time there was no street
+or way that gave direct or convenient access and the crowds
+that gathered to witness the execution went around by what
+afterwards was known as Walnut Street by the almshouse, or
+filled the boats and small vessels that lined the shore. Most
+of the condemned had something to say when on the gallows
+usually advising all people, especially young persons, to
+beware of the sins that had brought them to such an unhappy
+state. The execution took place on July 19, 1723, between
+twelve and one o’clock, and twenty-six men were “hanged
+by the neck until dead” in accordance with the sentence of
+the Court.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_308">[308]</span></p>
+
+<p>“Mr. Bass went to Prayer with them; and some little
+time after, the Rev. Mr. Clap concluded with a short Exhortation
+to them. Their Black Flag, with the Pourtrature of
+Death having an Hour-Glass in one Hand, and a Dart in the
+other, at the end of which was the Form of a Heart with three
+Drops of Blood, falling from it, was affix’d at one Corner of the
+Gallows. This Flag they call’d Old Roger, and often us’d
+to say they would live and die under it.”<a id="FNanchor_156" href="#Footnote_156" class="fnanchor">[156]</a></p>
+
+<p>“Never was there a more doleful sight in all this land, then
+while they were standing on the stage, waiting for the stopping
+of their Breath and the Flying of their Souls into the Eternal
+World. And oh! how awful the Noise of their dying
+moans!”<a id="FNanchor_157" href="#Footnote_157" class="fnanchor">[157]</a></p>
+
+<p>The bodies were not gibbetted but taken to Goat or Fort
+Island and buried on the shore between high and low water
+mark.</p>
+
+<p>After the execution had taken place, Captain Solgard set
+sail in the “Greyhound” for his station at New York, taking
+with him the pirate sloop.<a id="FNanchor_158" href="#Footnote_158" class="fnanchor">[158]</a> His exploit was looked upon as
+a great service rendered to the country and the merchants of
+New York were anxious that some public acknowledgment
+be made, and so it came about that the Common Council of the
+City, at a meeting held July 25, 1723, passed an order presenting
+to Captain Solgard the Freedom of the City and providing
+that the seal of the Freedom be enclosed in a gold box, the
+Arms of the Corporation to be engraved on one side and a
+representation of the engagement on the other, with this
+motto: <i>Quaesitos Humani Generis Hostes Debellare Superbum
+10 Junii 1723</i>. The clerk was instructed to have the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_309">[309]</span>
+Freedom handsomely engrossed on parchment and when ready
+the Council voted to wait upon Captain Solgard in a body and
+present the same.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i308" style="max-width: 178.25em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i308.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>“VIEW OF NEWPORT, R. I., IN 1730,” SHOWING AT THE LEFT, GRAVELLY POINT, ON WHICH
+THE PIRATES WERE HANGED IN 1723<br>
+<span class='c2'>The original painting really represents the town at a somewhat later date. Reproduced from a lithograph copy made in 1864,
+now in the George L. Shepley Library, Providence, R. I.</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>But the “Greyhound,” in March of the previous year,
+had an encounter with Spaniards, in which her officers came
+off less happily. Captain Waldron, then in command, was
+trading on the coast of Cuba and “invited some of the Merchants
+to Dinner, who with their Attendants and Friends
+came on Board to the Number of 16 or 18 in all; and having
+concerted Measures, about six or eight dined in the Cabin, and
+the rest waited on the Deck. While the Captain and his
+Guests were at Dinner, the Boatswain Piped for the Ship’s
+Company to dine. Accordingly the Men took their Platters,
+received their Provisions, and went down between Decks,
+leaving only 4 or 5 Hands besides the Spaniards, above; who
+were immediately dispatched by them, and the Hatches laid
+on the rest. Those in the Cabin were as ready as their Companions,
+for they pull’d out their Pistols and shot the Captain,
+Surgeon and another (Jacob Lopez, a merchant) dead, and
+grievously wounded the Lieutenant; but he getting out of the
+Window upon a Side-ladder, thereby saved his Life, and so
+they made themselves Masters of the Ship in an Instant. But
+by accidental good Fortune, she was recovered before she was
+carry’d off; for Capt. Waldron having mann’d a Sloop with
+30 Hands of his Ship’s Company, had sent her to Windward
+some days before, also for Trade, which the Spaniards knew
+very well; and just as the Action was over they saw this Sloop
+coming down, before the Wind, towards their Ship; upon
+which the Spaniards took about 10000£. in Specie, quitted the
+Ship, and went off in their Launch unmolested.”<a id="FNanchor_159" href="#Footnote_159" class="fnanchor">[159]</a> The
+Greyhound eventually made her way to her station at New
+York under command of the lieutenant, where she was joined
+on Oct. 19th by her new commander, Capt. Peter Solgard,
+Doctor Fisher, and twenty sailors.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_154" href="#FNanchor_154" class="label">[154]</a> Formerly the “Mary,” 80 tons, owned by Joseph Dolliber of Marblehead
+and captured at Port Roseway, Nova Scotia.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_155" href="#FNanchor_155" class="label">[155]</a> <i>An account of the Pirates, with divers of their Speeches</i>, etc., Boston, 1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_156" href="#FNanchor_156" class="label">[156]</a> <i>New England Courant</i>, July 22, 1723 (<i>postscript</i>).</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_157" href="#FNanchor_157" class="label">[157]</a> <i>An account of the Pirates, with divers of their Speeches</i>, etc., Boston,
+1723.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_158" href="#FNanchor_158" class="label">[158]</a> A great storm occurred on July 29, 1723, during which the pirate sloop,
+then at anchor at New York, was forced to cut down her mast and afterwards
+was driven out to sea and lost. <i>New England Courant</i>, Aug. 12, 1723
+(<i>postscript</i>).</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_159" href="#FNanchor_159" class="label">[159]</a> Johnson, <i>History of the Pirates</i>, London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_310">[310]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVII">CHAPTER XVII<br>
+<span class="ch-title">John Phillips whose Head was Cut off and Pickled</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>The sloop “Squirrel,” commanded by Skipper Andrew
+Haraden, sailed out of Annisquam harbor, Cape Ann,
+on the morning of April 14th, 1724, bound eastward on
+a fishing voyage. She was newly built. In fact, the owner
+and skipper were both so anxious to see her on her way to the
+banks that they didn’t wait for all the deck-work to be completed
+before she sailed and so the necessary tools were taken
+along with the intention of finishing the work before Cape
+Sable was reached. As the sloop made outward into Ipswich
+Bay two or three sails were in sight, among them a sloop, off
+to the eastward, following a course similar to the “Squirrel”
+but a point or two more to the north, so that early in the
+afternoon when the vessels were both off the Isles of Shoals,
+the stranger was only a gunshot distant.</p>
+
+<p>Skipper Haraden was looking her over when suddenly a
+puff of smoke broke out of a swivel on her rail and the ball
+struck the water less than a hundred feet in front of the
+“Squirrel’s” bow. Just after the gun was fired the sloop
+ran up a black flag and soon the Annisquam fisherman was
+headed into the wind and her skipper was getting into a boat
+in answer to a command that came across the water from the
+pirate. When he reached her deck, Haraden found that
+the pirate was commanded by Capt. John Phillips who was
+well-known from the captures he had made among the fishing
+fleets the year before. He was then on his way north after
+spending a pleasant winter in the warm waters of the West
+Indies and on the way up the coast had made numerous
+captures.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_311">[311]</span></p>
+
+<p>When Captain Phillips found that he had taken a newly
+built vessel, with lines that suggested speed, he decided to take
+her over and the next day the guns, ammunition and stores
+were transferred to the “Squirrel” and the fishermen were
+ordered aboard the other sloop and left to shift for themselves;
+but Skipper Haraden was forcibly detained.</p>
+
+<p>Haraden soon found that about half of the men with Phillips
+had been forced like himself and were only waiting for a
+chance to escape and one of them, Edward Cheeseman, a ship
+carpenter, “broke his mind” to Haraden not long after the
+vessels separated. It developed that various plans had
+already been cautiously discussed by several of the captured
+men and now that another bold man was aboard and an extra
+broadax and adz used to complete the carpenter work on the
+“Squirrel” were about the deck, the time seemed ripe to rise
+and capture the vessel. John Filmore, a fisherman who had
+been captured by Phillips while off the Newfoundland coast
+the previous fall, was active in abetting Cheeseman in the
+proposal to rise. Filmore came from the town of Wenham
+which is not far from Annisquam, and in November, 1724,
+after having been acquitted of piracy by the Admiralty Court
+in Boston, he married Mary Spiller of Ipswich and his son
+Nathaniel, became grandfather of Millard Fillmore, President
+of the United States.</p>
+
+<p>Several of the men on the “Squirrel” were for surprising
+the pirates at night but as the sailing master, John Nutt,
+was a man of great strength and courage, it was pointed out
+that it would be dangerous to attack him without firearms.
+Cheeseman, who had taken the lead in proposing the capture
+of the vessel, was resolutely in favor of making the attack by
+daylight as less likely to end in confusion or mistake. He
+also volunteered to make way with the long-armed Nutt.
+The plan agreed upon called for a united assault at noon on
+April 17th, while the carpenter’s tools lay about the deck,
+Cheeseman, the ship-carpenter, having his tools there also.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_312">[312]</span>
+When the time arrived, Cheeseman brought out his brandy
+bottle and took a dram with the rest, drinking to the boatswain
+and the sailing master and “To their next merry
+meeting.” He then took a turn about the deck with Nutt,
+asking him what he thought of the weather and the like.
+Meanwhile, Filmore took up a broadax and whirling it around
+on its point as though at play, winked at Cheeseman to let
+him know that all was ready. He at once seized Nutt by the
+collar and putting the other hand between his legs and holding
+hard he tossed him over the side of the vessel. Nutt, taken by
+surprise, had only time to grasp Cheeseman’s coat sleeve and
+say “Lord, have mercy upon me! What are you trying to do,
+carpenter?” Cheeseman replied that it was an unnecessary
+question “For, Master, you are a dead man,” and striking
+him on the arm, Nutt lost his hold and fell into the sea and
+never spoke again.</p>
+
+<p>By this time the boatswain was dead, for as soon as Filmore
+saw the master going over the rail he raised his broadax and
+gave the boatswain a slash that divided his head clear to his
+neck. Nutt’s cry and the noise of the scuffle brought the
+captain on deck to be met by a blow from a mallet in the hands
+of Cheeseman, which broke his jaw-bone but didn’t knock him
+down. Haraden then made for the captain with a carpenter’s
+adz which Sparks, the gunner, attempted to prevent and for
+his pains was tripped up by Cheeseman and tumbled into the
+hands of Charles Ivemay, another of the conspirators, who,
+aided by two Frenchmen, instantly tossed him overboard.
+Meanwhile, Haraden had smashed the captain over the head
+with the adz and ended his piratical career for all time.
+Cheeseman lost no time and jumped from the deck into the
+hold and was about to beat out the brains of John Rose
+Archer, the quartermaster, and already had got in two or three
+blows with his mallet when Harry Giles, a young seaman,
+came down after him and cried out that Archer’s life should be
+spared as evidence of their own innocence so that it might not<span class="pagenum" id="Page_313">[313]</span>
+afterwards appear that the attack on the pirates had been
+made with the intent of seizing their plunder. Cheeseman
+saw the force of this advice and so Archer was spared and
+secured with ropes as were three others who were below when
+the attack was made on deck and who surrendered when they
+found out what had happened.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Haraden now took command of the “Squirrel”
+and altered her course from Newfoundland to Annisquam
+which was reached on April 24th. As they came into the
+harbor they prepared to fire a swivel to announce their arrival
+to the village, but in some way the gun was prematurely discharged
+and a French doctor on board, a forced man, was
+instantly killed. Tradition, still lingering on the Cape, affirms
+that the head of Phillips was hanging at the sloop’s mast-head
+when she arrived at Annisquam<a id="FNanchor_160" href="#Footnote_160" class="fnanchor">[160]</a> and there is an island in
+Annisquam River, known as Hangman’s Island, which
+received its name from some connection with this event.
+The local tradition has it that some of the pirates were hanged
+on this island but that is incorrect as will be shown later.
+It is possible, however, that Captain Haraden may have
+brought back one or more bodies of the dead pirates, as trophies,
+and these bodies may have been placed on gibbets
+erected on what is now Hangman’s Island.</p>
+
+<p>The day after the return of the “Squirrel,” Captain Haraden,
+Israel Tricker and William Mills went over to “the
+Harbor,” now the city of Gloucester, and made oath before
+Esquire Epes Sargent to the particulars of the capture and
+recapture of the sloop and on May 3d, the entire company
+arrived in Boston and the four accused pirates and the seven
+forced men found on board with them were placed in gaol to
+await a speedy trial.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_314">[314]</span></p>
+
+<p>Before relating the story of what took place at the trial it
+may be well to recount the piratical adventures of Capt.
+John Phillips previous to the final encounter that cost him his
+head. He was an Englishman, a carpenter by trade, who
+shipped for a Newfoundland voyage in a West-Country ship
+and was captured on the way over by Captain Anstis in the
+“Good Fortune.” Phillips soon became reconciled to the
+life of a pirate and was appointed carpenter of the vessel and
+there he continued until the company broke up at Tobago in
+the West Indies.</p>
+
+<p>While Phillips was with Anstis, the ship “Irwin,” Captain
+Ross, bound to the West Indies from Cork, Ireland, was
+taken off Martinico. Among the passengers was Colonel
+Doyly of the island of Monserrat, who was wounded and much
+abused while trying to save from the insults of the pirate crew
+a poor woman, who was also a passenger. Twenty-one of the
+scoundrels successively forced the poor creature and then
+they broke her back and threw her overboard. Johnson in
+his “History of the Pirates,” is responsible for this account,
+which seems incredible, especially as all the known “Articles”
+of pirate ships expressly forbid, under penalty of death,
+attacks on inoffensive women.</p>
+
+<p>Before long, dissentions arose among the crew. Some
+wanted to petition the King for a pardon and others wished
+to continue to sail under the black flag. Finally it was
+decided to seek a retreat on the island of Tobago while a
+petition was sent to England. It was signed in a “round
+robin,” that is, all names were signed in a circle to avoid the
+appearance of any one having signed first and thereby be
+thought a principal. The petition stated that they had all
+been taken by Bartholomew Roberts and forced; that they
+abhorred and detested piracy and that their capture of the
+“Good Fortune” and other vessels had been made in the hope
+of escaping and obtaining a pardon. This petition was sent
+home by a merchant ship bound to England from Jamaica<span class="pagenum" id="Page_315">[315]</span>
+and in her went a number of the company who felt certain of a
+pardon and among them John Phillips.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp95" id="i314" style="max-width: 132.625em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i314.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+<span class='c2'>
+<i>A View of a Stage &amp; also of y^e manner of Fishing for, Curing &amp; Drying Cod at <span class="smcap">New Found Land</span>.</i><br>
+
+<i>A. The Habit of y<sup>e</sup> Fishermen. B. The Line. C. The manner of Fishing. D. The Dressers of y<sup>e</sup> Fish. E. The Trough into
+which they throw y<sup>e</sup> Cod when Dressed. F. Salt Boxes. G. The manner of Carrying y<sup>e</sup> Cod. H. The Cleansing y<sup>e</sup> Cod. I. A Press
+to extract y<sup>e</sup> Oyl from y<sup>e</sup> Cods Livers. K. Casks to receive y<sup>e</sup> Water &amp; Blood that comes from y<sup>e</sup> Livers. L. Another Cask to receive
+the Oyl. M. The manner of Drying y<sup>e</sup> Cod.</i><br>
+<br>
+
+FISHING SHIP AND STATION, NEWFOUNDLAND, ABOUT 1717<br>
+From an insert in Herman Moll’s “Map of North America,” London [1710-1717], in the possession of John W. Farwell
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>His stay in England was short for while visiting his friends
+in Devonshire he learned that some of his former companions
+had been taken and were safe in custody in Bristol gaol and
+realizing that his turn might come next he made for his nearest
+port, Topsham, and shipped for a Newfoundland voyage with
+one Captain Wadham. When the ship reached St. Peters, in
+Newfoundland, Phillips promptly deserted and hired out for
+the season as a fish splitter. But this was only a makeshift
+until he found opportunity to carry into effect his intended
+piratical schemes. He soon persuaded a number of his fellow-workers
+to join him in seizing a schooner owned by William
+Minott of Boston in the Massachusetts Bay, which lay at
+anchor in the harbor near St. Peters. The night of Aug. 29,
+1723, was the time agreed upon for the adventure but only
+four men put in an appearance out of the sixteen who had
+agreed with Phillips to go pirating. Notwithstanding this
+falling away, Phillips still favored taking the schooner, feeling
+certain they would soon enlarge their company and so the
+vessel was seized and out of the harbor they sailed.</p>
+
+<p>When safely at sea they renamed their schooner the “Revenge,”
+chose officers and drew up Articles to govern their
+future affairs. John Phillips was made captain; John Nutt,
+master or navigator; James Sparks, gunner, Thomas Fern,
+carpenter, and William White, the remaining member of the
+company, constituted the crew. The Articles, as drawn up,
+were sworn to upon a hatchet for lack of a Bible and were as
+follows, viz.:—</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p class="center">“<span class="smcap">The Articles on Board the</span> <i>REVENGE</i>.</p>
+
+<p>“1. Every Man shall obey civil Command; the Captain
+shall have one full Share and a half in all Prizes; the Master,
+Carpenter, Boatswain and Gunner shall have one Share and
+quarter.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_316">[316]</span></p>
+
+<p>“2. If any Man shall offer to run away, or keep any Secret
+from the Company, he shall be maroon’d, with one Bottle of
+Powder, one Bottle of Water, one small Arm and Shot.</p>
+
+<p>“3. If any Man shall steal any Thing in the Company, or
+game to the Value of a Piece of Eight, he shall be maroon’d
+or shot.</p>
+
+<p>“4. If at any Time we should meet another Marrooner
+[that is, pyrate], that Man that shall sign his Articles without
+the Consent of our Company, shall suffer such Punishment as
+the Captain and Company shall think fit.</p>
+
+<p>“5. That Man that shall strike another whilst these Articles
+are in force, shall receive Moses’s Law (that is, 40 Stripes
+lacking one) on the bare Back.</p>
+
+<p>“6. That Man that shall snap his Arms, or smoak Tobacco
+in the Hold, without a Cap to his Pipe, or carry a Candle
+lighted without a Lanthorn, shall suffer the same Punishment
+as in the former Article.</p>
+
+<p>“7. That Man that shall not keep his Arms clean, fit for an
+Engagement, or neglect his Business, shall be cut off from his
+Share, and suffer such other Punishment as the Captain and
+the Company shall think fit.</p>
+
+<p>“8. If any Man shall lose a Joint in Time of an Engagement,
+he shall have 400 Pieces of Eight, if a Limb, 800.</p>
+
+<p>“9. If at any Time we meet with a prudent Woman, that
+Man that offers to meddle with her, without her Consent, shall
+suffer present Death.”</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Thus organized and prepared, the “Revenge” was steered
+to the fishing banks and several small vessels were soon captured
+out of which they forced a few men and found a few
+others who joined them voluntarily. Among the latter was
+a man named John Rose Archer who had served off the Carolina
+coast under the famous Teach, otherwise called “Black
+Beard,” and because he was experienced in the trade Captain
+Phillips made him quartermaster, an appointment that disaffected
+some of the original company and especially Fern,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_317">[317]</span>
+the carpenter, which led to his attempted desertion at a later
+time. Three fishing vessels were taken Sept. 5th, near a
+harbor in Newfoundland and John Parsons, John Filmore, and
+Isaac Lassen, an Indian man, were forced. Lassen was
+usually employed afterwards as man at the helm. About the
+middle of the month a schooner, one Furber, master, was taken
+and on the 20th of September a French vessel of 150 tons fell
+into their hands from which they looted thirteen pipes of
+wine, provisions and a “Great Gun &amp; Carriage valued at
+£50.”<a id="FNanchor_161" href="#Footnote_161" class="fnanchor">[161]</a> Two Frenchmen, John Baptis and Peter Taffery,
+were forced from this vessel. They afterwards were active in
+helping Cheeseman and Haraden to recapture the “Squirrel.”</p>
+
+<p>Early in October the “Revenge” was off Barbadoes and
+among the captures made was the brigantine “Mary,” ——
+Moor, master, from which cloth and provisions valued at
+£500, were taken. A few days later they fell in with a brigantine,
+—— Reed, master, bound to Virginia with servants.
+It was from this vessel that William Taylor was enlisted.
+He afterwards said “they were carrying me to Virginia
+to be sold and they met with these honest men [meaning the
+pirates] and I listed to go with them.” Seven days later
+a Portuguese brigantine bound for Brazil was captured, out
+of which a negro man slave named Francisco, valued at £100,
+was taken; also three dozen shirts valued at £40, and a cask
+of brandy valued at £30. On October 27th the sloop “Content,”
+George Barrows, master, was captured near Bermuda.
+She was bound from Boston for Barbadoes. The mate, John
+Masters, was forced and the sloop was plundered of plate and
+provisions. Masters remained on board the “Revenge” for
+four months before he was released.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Phillips now bore away for the island of Barbadoes
+and cruised about there and off the Leeward Islands for nearly
+three months without speaking a single vessel so no captures
+were made and the supply of provisions ran so low that the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_318">[318]</span>
+company was reduced to a pound of meat a day for ten men.
+It was then that they came up with a French sloop out of
+Martinico, of twelve guns and thirty-five men, a far superior
+force which they would not have ventured to attack at any
+other time. But “hunger will break down stone walls”
+and so the black flag was run aloft and they boldly ran along
+side the sloop and ordered them to strike immediately or no
+quarter would be given, which so intimidated the Frenchmen
+that they made no resistance. The pirate crew plundered her
+of all her provisions and taking four of her men, the sloop was
+allowed to go.</p>
+
+<p>Soon after this welcome supply of provisions was obtained
+Captain Phillips proposed that the “Revenge” be careened
+and her bottom cleaned and suggested that they go to the
+island of Tobago where the former company of pirates that he
+belonged to, under Anstis and Fern, had broken up. He said
+that there had been left behind on the island six or eight men
+who would not take the chance of returning to England, and
+three negro servants, and if any of these men yet remained on
+the island they now would certainly join the company on
+board the “Revenge.” This seemed worth while to the company
+so a course was set for Tobago and when reached careful
+search was made for the men but only one of the negroes was
+found, who told Captain Phillips that the rest of those left
+behind including Captain Fern had been taken by a man-of-war’s
+crew and carried to Antigua and hanged. This was
+bad news. Nevertheless, they fell to work careening the
+sloop and just as the job was completed, a man-of-war’s boat
+came nosing into the harbor and the ship could be seen cruising
+to the leeward of the island. No time was lost and as
+soon as the boat left, the “Revenge” was warped out and a
+course to the windward was made in all haste. The four
+Frenchmen were left on the island.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Phillips now steered northerly and on February
+4, 1724, when about thirty-five leagues south of Sandy Hook,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_319">[319]</span>
+they captured a snow, ———— Laws, master, from New
+York bound for Barbadoes, and obtained cloth and provisions.
+Fern, the carpenter, James Wood, William Taylor and William
+Phillips were sent on board the snow and ordered to navigate
+her in company with the “Revenge.” They sailed southward
+until latitude 21° was reached when Fern and Wood attempted
+to run away with the vessel. Fern had not forgotten
+that Archer had been appointed quartermaster in preference
+to him and had been waiting for this opportunity to break
+company with Captain Phillips, so he brought over the others
+to his way of thinking and then changed the course of the snow.
+Captain Phillips was keeping a good lookout, however, and
+interpreting their design correctly gave chase and coming up
+with the snow a skirmish ensued. Fern was ordered to come
+on board the “Revenge” and replied by firing at the captain
+and a brisk exchange of shots followed during which Wood
+was killed and William Phillips badly wounded in his left leg.
+The other two then surrendered.</p>
+
+<p>There was no surgeon on board either of the vessels and after
+a consultation it was decided that Phillips’ leg must be cut off.
+But who should perform the operation was much disputed.
+Finally the carpenter was selected as the man best fitted for
+the job. He brought up from his chest his largest saw and
+taking the injured leg under his arm fell to work as though he
+were cutting a deal board in two and soon the leg was separated
+from the body of the patient. The carpenter then heated his
+broadax red hot and cauterized the wound but this use of his
+excellent tool being less familiar to him than the previous
+operation he unfortunately burned flesh somewhat removed
+from the amputated surface and in consequence the wound
+narrowly escaped becoming mortified. Nature, however,
+made up for his lack of skill and in time a cure was effected
+without other assistance.</p>
+
+<p>Two months after this rude operation had been performed,
+a fishing schooner was taken and Captain Phillips proposed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_320">[320]</span>
+that the maimed man should be put on board the vessel
+before she was allowed to go, but he absolutely refused saying
+“if he should go they would hang him.” William Phillips
+afterwards testified at his trial in Boston, that he had been
+forced out of the sloop “Glasgow,” William Warden, master,
+which had been captured in October, 1723, and “that sometime
+after he was on board, he understood there were Articles
+drawn up for the Captain called him auft, and with his pistol
+Cocked demanded him to sign the said Articles or else he
+would blow his Brains out, which he refused to do, Reminding
+the Captain of his promise that he should be cleared; but
+the Captain Declaring that it should not hurt him, &amp; Insisting
+on it as aforesaid he was obliged to sign the said Articles.”
+He also testified that when Fern and the others were attempting
+to get away in the snow, they told him they were going
+to Holmes’ Hole and “there every one to shift for himself.”<a id="FNanchor_162" href="#Footnote_162" class="fnanchor">[162]</a></p>
+
+<p>On Feb. 7, 1724, in latitude 37°, a ship bound from London
+for Virginia, fell into the clutches of Captain Phillips.
+The master was Captain Hussam and from this vessel they
+secured a great gun and carriage, with powder and ball and
+forced Henry Gyles, “an artist,” <i>i. e.</i> a man who understood
+navigation. Gyles afterwards testified in the Admiralty
+Court that William White, one of the pirates who boarded the
+ship, threatened “to cut him in sunder if he didn’t make haste
+to go on board the pirate with his Books and Instruments.”<a id="FNanchor_163" href="#Footnote_163" class="fnanchor">[163]</a>
+While on board the “Revenge,” Gyles kept the journal having
+been ordered to do so by Nutt, the sailing master.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Phillips continued his southerly course and shortly
+took a Portuguese ship bound for Brazil and two or three
+sloops from Jamaica in one of which Fern again attempted to
+make his escape and this time he was shot and killed by
+Phillips. Another man met the same fate a few days later so
+that the forced men became very careful how they discussed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_321">[321]</span>
+measures for getting away and in sheer terror several of them
+signed the Articles and quietly waited for a certain opportunity.</p>
+
+<p>On March 27, 1724, two ships from Virginia, bound for
+London, were taken, one of them commanded by Capt. John
+Phillips, the pirate’s namesake, and the other by Capt. Robert
+Mortimer, a young married man on his first voyage in command.
+Phillips, the pirate captain, remained on board Captain
+Mortimer’s ship while his men transferred the crew to the
+sloop and when the boat returned one of the pirate crew called
+up to Phillips that there was a mutiny on board their vessel.
+Captain Mortimer had two of his men left on board and there
+were two pirates with Phillips. When Mortimer heard of
+the mutiny he thought it was an opportunity to recover his
+ship and taking up a handspike he struck Phillips over the
+head making a dangerous wound but not felling him to the
+deck. Phillips was able to draw his sword and wound Mortimer
+and the two pirates that were on board coming to his
+assistance the unfortunate captain was soon cut to pieces
+while his own two men stood by and did nothing.</p>
+
+<p>Out of the other ship they forced Charles Ivemay, a seaman,
+and also Edward Cheeseman, the carpenter, to fill the place
+of their former carpenter, Fern, who had been killed by Phillips.
+It was while Filmore, the young man from Wenham, was
+rowing Cheeseman from one ship to the other, that he told
+him of his condition on board the pirate vessel and how few
+voluntary pirates there were on board and proposed that
+they join with others in capturing the sloop. More came of
+this later.</p>
+
+<p>The very last of March, the schooner “Good-Will,” of
+Marblehead, was taken, Benjamin Chadwell, master, and on
+April 1st, a fishing schooner, William Lancy, master, fell into
+their hands off Cape Sable. Lancy was detained on board
+the “Revenge” and while there saw nine different vessels
+taken, including a Cape Ann sloop commanded by Capt. John<span class="pagenum" id="Page_322">[322]</span>
+Salter. On board Captain Lancy’s schooner was a seaman
+named David Yaw who afterwards deposed that when the
+pirates came on board one of them, John Baptis, a Frenchman,
+“damn’d him and kicked him in his legs and pointed to
+his Boots, which was a sign as this deponent understood it
+that he wanted his Boots, and he accordingly pulled them off
+and Baptis took them.”<a id="FNanchor_164" href="#Footnote_164" class="fnanchor">[164]</a></p>
+
+<p>Among the vessels taken about this time, most of them
+while Captain Lancy was on board, were those commanded
+by the following masters, viz.:—Joshua Elwell, Samuel
+Elwell, Mr. Combs, Mr. Lansly, James Babson, Edward
+Freeman, Mr. Start, Obadiah Beal, Erick Erickson, Benjamin
+Wheeler and Dependence Ellery. The latter captain gave
+Phillips a long chase and when he came up with him about
+night, the poor man was dragged aboard the “Revenge”
+and made to dance about the deck until he could hardly
+stand.</p>
+
+<p>It was on April 14th that Captain Haraden’s sloop was
+taken and three days later Phillips was dead. Of the men
+who had sailed with him from Newfoundland less than eight
+months before all had met a violent death except William
+White and he reached the gaol in Boston on May 3d and was
+brought to a speedy trial.<a id="FNanchor_165" href="#Footnote_165" class="fnanchor">[165]</a></p>
+
+<p>The Court of Admiralty for the trial of the pirates was
+held May 12th, 1724 and the Lieutenant-Governor of the
+Province, William Dummer, sat as President. John Filmore,
+the son of the Wenham farmer, and Edward Cheeseman, the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_323">[323]</span>
+carpenter of the London-bound ship, who had been so active
+in the capture of the pirates, were brought to trial first and
+“Articles of Piracy, Robbery and Felony exhibited” against
+them, by the King’s attorney. Skipper Haraden testified
+as to the details of his capture by Phillips and to the exciting
+events on the day when Phillips was killed. Everything
+indicated that both men had been forced and the activity they
+had shown in attacking the voluntary pirates was all in their
+favor so the court room was cleared and a unanimous verdict of
+“not guilty” was declared.</p>
+
+<p>In the afternoon, the Court sat again and William Phillips,
+Isaac Larsen, the Indian, Henry Giles, “the artist,” Charles
+Ivemay, John Bootman, John Combs and Henry Payne were
+brought to the bar. The men were accused of assisting in the
+capture and plunder of the vessels taken since the previous
+October and John Masters, formerly mate of the sloop “Content,”
+and William Lancy, the master of a fishing schooner,
+both of whom had testified at the morning session, were placed
+on the witness stand. Filmore and Cheeseman also gave
+particular accounts of occurrences on board the pirate vessel.
+It was agreed that Larsen had hold of Captain Phillips’ arm
+when Haraden struck him on the head with the adz and that
+during the seven months while on board “he was generally
+set at the helm to steer the vessel” and Filmore said that he
+never saw him guilty of piracy “except that they now and then
+obliged him to take a shirt or a pair of stockings when almost
+naked.”</p>
+
+<p>William Phillips, who had lost a leg, addressed the court
+and attempted to justify his conduct on board the pirate
+vessel. He said that he had been forced out of the sloop
+“Glasgow” and had signed the Articles under compulsion,
+but the Court “by a plurality of voices” found him guilty
+and the rest of the accused, not guilty, by unanimous voice.</p>
+
+<p>William White, one of the original five who seized the sloop
+“Revenge” at Newfoundland, and John Archer, “otherwise<span class="pagenum" id="Page_324">[324]</span>
+called John Rose Archer,” who claimed to have served with
+“Black Beard” on the Carolina coast, and William Taylor,
+were brought to trial the next day. Filmore was the principal
+witness against them. He had been in the harbor of St.
+Peters at the time that Mr. Minott’s sloop had been taken by
+Phillips and the others and not long after had been captured
+by them. White had told him that he had been in drink at the
+time he entered into his piratical design and was afterwards
+sorry. As for William Taylor,—“he was very Great with
+Phillips and Nutt, being admitted into the Cabin upon any
+Consultation they had together.” All three were found guilty.</p>
+
+<p>The two Frenchmen, John Baptis and Peter Taffery, also
+escaped the gallows for it was shown that they had been active
+at the rising against the pirates and with the others had
+fallen on James Sparks, the gunner, and killed him and thrown
+the body overboard. Haraden also testified in their favor.</p>
+
+<p>On Tuesday, June 2, 1724, John Rose Archer, aged about
+twenty-seven years, and William White, aged twenty-two
+years, were executed at the ferryway in Boston leading to
+Charlestown, “where were a multitude of spectators. At one
+end of the Gallows was their own dark Flag, in the middle of
+which an Anatomy, and at one side of it a Dart in the Heart,
+with drops of Blood proceeding from it; and on the other side
+an Hour-glass, the sight dismal.... After their death they
+were in Boats conveyed down to an Island, where the Quarter
+Master was hung up in Irons, to be a spectacle, and so a
+Warning to others.”<a id="FNanchor_166" href="#Footnote_166" class="fnanchor">[166]</a></p>
+
+<p>It is said that they both died very penitent and made on the
+scaffold the following declarations with the assistance of two
+grave divines who attended them.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i324" style="max-width: 90.375em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i324.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+
+<span class='c2'>
+<i>The Converted Sinner.</i><br>
+<br>
+The NATURE of a<br>
+CONVERSION<br>
+to Real and Vital<br>
+PIETY:<br>
+And the MANNER in which it<br>
+is to be Pray’d &amp; Striv’n for.<br>
+<br>
+A SERMON Preached in<br>
+BOSTON, May 31, 1724.<br>
+<br>
+In the <i>Hearing</i> and at the <i>Desire</i> of
+certain PIRATES, a little before
+their Execution.<br>
+<br>
+To which there is added, A more Private
+CONFERENCE of a MINISTER
+with them.<br>
+<br>
+Jam. V. 20.<br>
+<i>He who Converteth the Sinner from the Error of his way,
+shall save a Soul from Death.</i><br>
+<br>
+<i>BOSTON</i>: Printed for <i>Nathaniel Belknap</i>
+and Sold at his Shop the Corner
+Scarletts-Wharff. 1724.<br>
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“The dying Declarations of John Rose Archer, and William
+White, on the Day of their Execution at Boston, June 2, 1724,
+for the Crimes of Pyracy,</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_325">[325]</span></p>
+
+<p class="center">
+“First, separately, of <i>Archer</i>.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>“I Greatly bewail my Profanations of the Lord’s Day, and
+my Disobedience to my Parents. And my Cursing and
+Swearing, and my blaspheming the Name of the glorious God.</p>
+
+<p>“Unto which I have added, the Sins of Unchastity. And
+I have provoked the Holy One, at length, to leave me unto the
+Crimes of Pyracy and Robbery; wherein, at last, I have
+brought my self under the Guilt of Murder also.</p>
+
+<p>“But one Wickedness that has led me as much as any, to
+all the rest, has been my brutish Drunkenness. By strong
+Drink I have been heated and hardened into the Crimes that
+are now more bitter than Death unto me.</p>
+
+<p>“I could wish that Masters of Vessels would not use their
+Men with so much Severity, as many of them do, which
+exposes us to great Temptations.</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+“And then of <i>White</i>.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>“I am now, with Sorrow, reaping the Fruits of my Disobedience
+to my Parents, who used their Endeavours to have
+me instructed in my Bible, and my Catechism.</p>
+
+<p>“And the Fruits of my neglecting the publick Worship of
+God, and prophaning the holy Sabbath.</p>
+
+<p>“And of my blaspheming the Name of God, my Maker.</p>
+
+<p>“But my Drunkenness has had a great Hand in bringing
+my Ruin upon me. I was drunk when I was enticed aboard
+the Pyrate.</p>
+
+<p>“And now, for all the vile Things I did aboard, I own the
+Justice of God and Man, in what is done unto me.</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+“Of both together.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>“We hope, we truly hate the Sins, whereof we have the
+Burthen lying so heavy upon our Consciences.</p>
+
+<p>“We warn all People, and particularly young People,
+against such Sins as these. We wish, all may take Warning
+by us.</p>
+
+<p>“We beg for Pardon, for the Sake of Christ, our Saviour;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_326">[326]</span>
+and our Hope is in him alone. Oh! that in his Blood our
+Scarlet and Crimson Guilt may be all washed away!</p>
+
+<p>“We are sensible of an hard Heart in us, full of Wickedness.
+And we look upon God for his renewing Grace upon us.</p>
+
+<p>“We bless God for the Space of Repentance which he has
+given us; and that he has not cut us off in the Midst and
+Height of our Wickedness.</p>
+
+<p>“We are not without Hope, that God has been savingly at
+work upon our Souls.</p>
+
+<p>“We are made sensible of our absolute Need of the Righteousness
+of Christ; that we may stand justified before God in
+that. We renounce all Dependance on our own.</p>
+
+<p>“We are humbly thankful to the Ministers of Christ, for
+the great Pains they have taken for our Good. The Lord
+reward their Kindness.</p>
+
+<p>“We don’t despair of Mercy; but hope, through Christ,
+that when we die, we shall find Mercy with God, and be
+received into his Kingdom.</p>
+
+<p>“We with others, and especially the Sea-faring, may get
+Good by what they see this Day befalling of us.</p>
+
+<p>“Declared in the Presence of</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+<span style="margin-right: 2em;">“J. W. D. M.”</span><br>
+</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>Jeremiah Bumstead, a Boston brazier, recorded in his
+diary that “Mr. Webb wallkt with them and prayed thare:
+their death flagg was set on the gallows.” Six days later he
+took his wife and ten relatives and neighbors and sailed down
+the harbor “to see the piratte in Gibbits att Bird Island.”
+Bird island was located about half-way between Governor’s
+island and Noddle’s island, now East Boston. Fifty years
+later it had worn away so that little remained but a sandy
+flat exposed at low water and before many years it had disappeared
+entirely. As for Phillips and Taylor; they were
+reprieved before the day set for execution and finally pardoned
+but for what reason does not appear.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_327">[327]</span></p>
+
+<p>Preserved among the manuscripts in the Massachusetts
+State Archives are the papers connected with this trial and
+among them is the bill rendered by the marshal for expenses
+incurred by him in connection with the execution and gibbetting
+of Archer.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+“The Province of the Massachusetts Bay<br>
+to Edward Stanbridge, Dr.</p>
+<p class="no-indent">June 2,</p>
+<p>1724</p>
+<p>For Sundrys by him Expended being Marshall and by Order of a Special<br>
+Cort of Admiralty for the Execution of John Rose Archer and William<br>
+White two Pirats, Viz.:</p>
+
+<table class="autotable th">
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">To the Executioner for his Services</td>
+<td class="tdr">£12:</td>
+<td class="tdr">00:</td>
+<td class="tdr">-</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">To Mr. Joseph Parsons for Cordage &amp; Line</td>
+<td class="tdr">2:</td>
+<td class="tdr">17:</td>
+<td class="tdr">6</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">To Boat hire and Labourers to help sett the Gibet and</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">there Attendance at the Execution and Diging the</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">grave for White</td>
+<td class="tdr">3:</td>
+<td class="tdr">10:</td>
+<td class="tdr">8</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">To Expences for Victuals and Drink for the Sherifs officers</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">and Constables after the Executions att Mrs. Mary</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Gilberts her Bill</td>
+<td class="tdr">3:</td>
+<td class="tdr">15:</td>
+<td class="tdr">8</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">To George May, Blockmaker, 5 Blocks with straps and</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">hooks and Sheaves</td>
+<td class="tdr">1:</td>
+<td class="tdr">5:</td>
+<td class="tdr">-</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">To Makeing of the Chains for John Rose Archer one of the</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Pyrats and the hire of a man to help fix him on the</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">&nbsp;</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">Gebbet att Bird Island</td>
+<td class="tdr">12:</td>
+<td class="tdr">10:</td>
+<td class="tdr">-</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">To treating the Gentlemen that listed the Piratical Goods</td>
+<td class="tdr">0:</td>
+<td class="tdr">5:</td>
+<td class="tdr">-</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">____</td>
+<td class="tdr">___</td>
+<td class="tdr">___</td>
+</tr>
+<tr>
+<td class="tdl">&nbsp;</td>
+<td class="tdr">£36:</td>
+<td class="tdr">3:</td>
+<td class="tdr">10:</td>
+</tr>
+</table>
+<p class="center">“E: Excepted</p>
+<p class="right">“P Edward Stanbridge.”
+</p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_160" href="#FNanchor_160" class="label">[160]</a> Babson, <i>History of Gloucester</i>, p. 287. This very likely is true as
+Jeremiah Bumstead of Boston recorded in his diary on May 3, 1724, that
+“Phillip’s &amp; Burrill’s heads were brought to Boston in pickle.”—<i>N. E.
+Hist. Gen. Reg.</i>, Vol. 15, p. 201.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_161" href="#FNanchor_161" class="label">[161]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. 63, leaf 341.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_162" href="#FNanchor_162" class="label">[162]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. 63, leaf 381.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_163" href="#FNanchor_163" class="label">[163]</a> <i>Ibid.</i>, Vol. 63, leaf 386.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_164" href="#FNanchor_164" class="label">[164]</a> <i>Massachusetts Archives</i>, Vol. 63, leaf 383.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_165" href="#FNanchor_165" class="label">[165]</a> Phillips had captured between August 29, 1723 and April 14, 1724,
+a snow from New York, Low, master; three shallops; fifteen fishing
+vessels; three schooners, Haskel of Cape Ann, Furber and Chadwell; three
+brigantines, Moore, Read, and Francisco, masters; four sloops, Barrow,
+Salter and Harradine, masters; five ships, one from France, and a Frenchman,
+another from Martinico, Hussam from London to Virginia, two from
+Virginia for London, John Phillips and Robert Mortimer; in all thirty-four
+vessels.—<i>Boston News-Letter</i>, Apr. 30—May 7, 1724 issue.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_166" href="#FNanchor_166" class="label">[166]</a> <i>Boston News-Letter</i>, May 28-June 4, 1724 issue.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_328">[328]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XVIII">CHAPTER XVIII<br>
+<span class="ch-title">William Fly, who was Hanged in Chains on
+Nix’s Mate</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>The piratical career of this fellow was very short, a
+fortunate thing for shipping along the New England
+coast, as he was a bloody-minded man who would
+undoubtedly have become a scourge had he been able to
+increase his ship’s company and secure a vessel better suited
+to his purposes. The “Remarkable Relation of a Cockatrice
+crush’d in the Egg” is the characterization made by the Rev.
+Cotton Mather in his narrative of Fly’s career published in
+Boston soon after the execution of the pirates.</p>
+
+<p>Fly was born in England and went to sea early. He was of
+obscure parentage and of limited education and until he led
+the mutiny and capture of the Bristol snow, in May, 1726,
+he had served only as a foremast-man or petty officer.</p>
+
+<p>In the spring of 1726 he was at Jamaica, in the West Indies,
+when a snow owned by Bristol merchants and commanded by
+Capt. John Green, came to anchor in the harbor. The snow
+“Elizabeth” was bound for the coast of Guinea on a slaving
+voyage and being short of hands, Fly was shipped as boatswain.
+The captain of a slaving ship must be a man of strong character,
+a rough and ready type, and Captain Green soon incurred,
+in some way, the enmity of Fly who began plotting
+with several of the men whom he found ripe for any kind of
+villainy. They resolved before long to seize the snow, murder
+the captain and mate and turn pirates.</p>
+
+<p>On May 27, 1726, Fly had the early morning watch. At
+one o’clock, accompanied by the other mutineers, he went to
+the helmsman, Morice Cundon, and told him with many curses<span class="pagenum" id="Page_329">[329]</span>
+that if he spoke a word or stirred from his post they would
+blow his brains out. Fly then rolled up his shirt sleeves and
+cutlass in hand went into the captain’s cabin accompanied by
+Alexander Mitchell. Captain Green awoke instantly and
+asked what was the matter. Mitchell replied that they had
+no time to answer impertinent questions; that he was to go
+on deck at once and if he refused they would be at the trouble
+of scraping the cabin to clean up his blood, for Captain Fly
+had been chosen commander and they would have no other
+captain on board nor waste provisions to feed useless men.
+Captain Green said he would make no resistance and proposed
+that they should put him ashore somewhere meanwhile keeping
+him in irons.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i328" style="max-width: 102.25em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i328.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+
+<span class='c2'>
+The<br>
+TRYALS<br>
+OF<br>
+Sixteen Persons for PIRACY, <i>&amp;c.</i><br>
+<br>
+<i>Four of which were found Guilty</i>,<br>
+<br>
+And the rest Acquitted.<br>
+<br>
+At a Special Court of Admiralty for the Tryal of
+Pirates, Held at <i>Boston</i> within the Province of
+the <i>Massachusetts-Bay</i> in <i>New-England</i>, on Monday
+the Fourth Day of <i>July</i>, Anno Dom. 1726. Pursuant
+to His Majesty’s Commission, Founded on
+an Act of Parliament, made in the Eleventh and
+Twelfth Years of the Reign of King <span class="smcap">William</span> the
+Third, Intitled; <i>An Act for the more Effectual Suppression
+of Piracy</i>. And made Perpetual by an Act of the
+Sixth of King GEORGE.<br>
+<br>
+<br>
+<i>BOSTON</i>: Printed for and Sold by <i>Joseph Edwards</i>, at the Corner Shop on
+the North side of the Town-House, 1726.<br>
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+<p>“Ay, God damn ye,” said Fly, “to live and hang us, if we
+are ever taken. No! no! Walk up and be damn’d, that bite
+won’t take. It has hanged many an honest fellow already.”</p>
+
+<p>Without more words they pulled the captain out of bed,
+hauled him into the steerage and drove him up on deck, Fly
+cutting him several times with his cutlass. Once there, one
+of them asked the unfortunate man if he would rather take a
+leap like a brave fellow or be tossed overboard like a sneaking
+rascal. In despair, the captain said to Fly,—“For the
+Lord’s sake, don’t throw me overboard, boatswain; for if you
+do, you throw me into Hell immediately.”</p>
+
+<p>“Damn you!” answered Fly. “Since he’s so devilish
+godly, we’ll give him time to say his prayers and I’ll be parson.
+Say after me, <i>Lord, have mercy on my soul</i>, short prayers are
+best, and then over with him, my lads.”</p>
+
+<p>When the men seized him, the captain clutched at the
+mainsheet and one of them, Thomas Winthrop, picked up a
+cooper’s broadax and chopped off the poor master’s hand at
+the wrist and then overboard he went and soon disappeared
+from sight.</p>
+
+<p>While this was going on, Winthrop, Samuel Cole and Henry
+Hill had pounced on the mate, Thomas Jenkins, and dragged<span class="pagenum" id="Page_330">[330]</span>
+him on deck telling him he was “of the Captain’s Mess, and
+they should e’en drink together; it was a pity to part good
+Company.” As the mate struggled to escape, one of them
+snatched up the broadax with which Winthrop had lopped
+off the captain’s hand, and aimed a blow at the mate’s head
+which landed instead on his shoulder and then he was thrown
+overboard just before the main shrouds. As he fell he cried
+out to the ship’s doctor, “For the Lord’s sake, fling me a
+rope.” But Fly soon put the doctor in irons and also confined
+the gunner and the carpenter who declined to fall in with the
+others.</p>
+
+<p>Captain Fly was now saluted and escorted to the great cabin
+with some ceremony, where a bowl of punch was made.
+While it was brewing, Morice Cundon, the helmsman, was
+called down and one John Fitzherbert set in his place. A
+seaman named Thomas Streator was also brought into the
+cabin and Fly told the two men that they were rascals and
+richly deserved to be sent after the captain and the mate, but
+the company was willing to show them mercy and not put
+them to death in cold blood; but for the security of the ship’s
+company they would be placed in irons. The snow was then
+renamed the “Fame’s Revenge.” She was well stored with
+powder, rum and provisions but was a slow sailer.</p>
+
+<p>While the company was still debating what course should
+be taken word was brought down that a ship was near them
+and the council broke up. As it grew lighter she was recognized
+as the “Pompey,” which had come out from England
+in company with Captain Green and had sailed from Jamaica
+at the same time. The “Pompey” stood in near the snow
+and hailed, asking for Captain Green’s health. Fly answered
+“He is very well. At your service!” Not having hands
+enough Fly decided not to attack the ship so the company
+returned to the cabin and the bowl of punch and soon voted
+to make for the North Carolina coast.</p>
+
+<p>On June 3d, off Cape Hatteras, they came upon a sloop<span class="pagenum" id="Page_331">[331]</span>
+lying at anchor inside the bar. She was the “John and
+Hannah,” John Fulker, master, bound for Boston in New
+England. When the snow stood in for the harbor of Carolina,
+Captain Fulker thought she might be in need of a pilot and
+so took his boat and accompanied by Samuel Walker, the mate,
+a young lad, and two passengers,—Capt. William Atkinson,
+late master of the brigantine “Boneta,” and Richard Ruth,
+rowed out to the snow intending to bring her in. When on
+board they were told the snow was from Jamaica. Fly
+received them very civilly and invited them down to the cabin
+where a bowl of punch was ordered. When it was brought in
+Fly told his guests “that he was no Man to mince Matters:
+that he and his Comrades were Gentlemen of Fortune, and
+should make bold to try if Captain Fulker’s Sloop was a better
+sailer than the Snow; if she was, she would prove much fitter
+for their Business, and they must have her.”</p>
+
+<p>The snow came to anchor about a league from the sloop
+and Fly ordered Captain Fulker with six men to bring her
+alongside the snow. The wind was in the wrong quarter,
+however, and after several attempts they gave it up for the
+time and brought Captain Fulker back to the snow where
+Fly received him in a violent passion, cursing and damning
+him for not bringing off the sloop. Fulker said it was impossible.
+“Damn ye,” replied Fly, “you lie like a Dog, but
+damn my Blood, your Hide shall pay for your Roguery, and
+if I can’t bring her off I’ll burn her where she lies.” He then
+ordered Captain Fulker “to the Geers.” He was at once
+stripped and given an unmerciful beating. The boat’s crew
+were then sent back again to bring off the sloop and after a
+time got her as far as the bar where she bilged and sank.</p>
+
+<p>With Captain Fulker, Captain Atkinson and the rest on
+board, the “Fame’s Revenge” set sail on June 5th and the
+next day sighted the ship “John and Betty,” Capt. John
+Gale, bound from Barbadoes for Virginia. Fly gave chase
+and finding that the ship could outsail him he hoisted “a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_332">[332]</span>
+Jack at the Main topmast Head, in token of Distress.” Captain
+Gale was suspicious and ignoring the signal kept his course
+with Fly still in chase. The pursuit was kept up all night and
+early in the morning, the wind having slackened, Fly came
+within gunshot and hoisting a black flag, fired several times
+until Captain Gale struck his colors. Fly manned his long
+boat, which carried a pateraro in the bow, and went on board
+well armed with pistols and cutlasses and having made the
+master and crew prisoners sent them on board the snow.
+Fly lay by for two days and finding little on board of value to
+him, save some sail cloth and small arms, he permitted the
+ship to go after forcing six of the crew. In her went Captain
+Fulker, Mr. Ruth and Captain Green’s surgeon, who had
+steadfastly refused to serve the pirate company. Captain
+Atkinson, however, was forced to remain with Fly as he
+understood navigation and also was familiar with the New
+England coast. When Captain Atkinson asked to be allowed
+his liberty, Captain Fly replied as follows:—</p>
+
+<p>“Look ye, Captain Atkinson, it is not that we care a T——d
+for your Company, G——d d——n ye, G——d d——n my
+Soul, not a T——d, by G——d, and that’s fair; but G——d
+d——n ye, and G——d’s B——d and W——ds, if you don’t
+act like an honest Man, G——d d——n ye, and offer to play
+us any Rogue’s Tricks, by G——d, and G——d sink me, but
+I’ll blow your Brains out; G——d d——n me if I don’t.
+Now, Captain Atkinson, you may do as you please, you may
+be a Son of a Whore, and pilot us wrong, which, G——d
+d——n ye, would be a rascally Trick, by God, because you
+would betray Men who trust in you; but, by the eternal
+J——s, you shan’t live to see us hang’d. I don’t love many
+Words, G——d d——n ye, if you have a Mind to be well used
+you shall, G——d’s B——d; but if you will be a Villain and
+betray your trust, may G——d strike me dead, and may I
+drink a Bowl of Brimstone and Fire with the D——l, if I
+don’t send you head-long to H——ll, G——d d——n me;<span class="pagenum" id="Page_333">[333]</span>
+and so there needs no more Arguments, by G——d, for I’ve
+told you my Mind, and here’s all the Ship’s Crew for Witnesses,
+that if I do blow your Brains out, you may blame no
+Body but your self, G——d d——n ye.”<a id="FNanchor_167" href="#Footnote_167" class="fnanchor">[167]</a></p>
+
+<p>Fly forbade Captain Atkinson to have any conversation
+with other forced men lest he should hatch a conspiracy and
+to prevent any communication between them at night a
+hammock was given him in the cabin.</p>
+
+<p>Off Delaware Bay they met the sloop “Rachel,” Samuel
+Harris, commander, bound for Pennsylvania from New York.
+She had about fifty Scotch-Irish passengers aboard. When
+Fly hoisted his black ensign and ordered her to strike she did
+so at once. The sloop was ransacked and held for a day and
+then permitted to go. One of her crew, a lusty fellow named
+James Benbrook, was forced.</p>
+
+<p>Fly now ordered Captain Atkinson to bear away for Martha’s
+Vineyard proposing to water there and then sail for the
+Guinea coast; but Atkinson, instead of steering for the Vineyard,
+purposely carried them past and out into the Bay.
+When Fly discovered this he told Captain Atkinson that “he
+was a rascally Son of an envenom’d Bitch, and damn his
+Blood it was a Piece of Cruelty to let such a son of a Whore
+live, who design’d the Death of so many honest Fellows.”</p>
+
+<p>Atkinson replied that he never pretended to know the coast
+and it was very hard that he should die for being thought an
+abler man than he really was. “G——d d——n you,” said
+Fly, “you are an obstinate Villain,” and he was about to draw
+a pistol to shoot Atkinson when Mitchell interposed and
+saved his life.</p>
+
+<p>On June 23d they met a fishing schooner lying to on Brown’s
+bank. She was the “James,” of Marblehead, George Girdler,
+master, and as Fly came up he fired a gun and hoisted his black
+ensign. When the master came aboard, Fly told him that he
+proposed taking his vessel unless he found a better sailer.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_334">[334]</span>
+About noon, as they lay near each other, several other schooners
+came in sight and Fly ordered six of his pirates and a
+prisoner named George Tasker, to man the prize schooner
+and go in pursuit. This was a very hazardous thing to do for
+it left him on board the “Fame’s Revenge” with only three
+of his pirate crew, one of whom, Samuel Cole, was in irons
+on suspicion of mutiny. Against this small number of armed
+men were Captain Atkinson, Captain Fulker’s mate, a couple
+of his boys, Captain Green’s gunner and carpenter, five of
+Captain Gale’s men, James Benbrooke, and three fishermen
+belonging to the Marblehead schooner. Atkinson already
+had secretly had some conversation with Samuel Walker
+and Thomas Streaton and Walker had spoken to Benbrook.
+This seemed to be the opportunity that they had waited for.
+By good fortune, just at this time, several other vessels
+appeared in sight and Atkinson, by telling Fly what he saw
+from the bows, drew him forward from his loaded guns and
+cutlass which he had kept beside him on the quarter-deck.
+At first Fly was loath to leave the quarter-deck and told
+Atkinson that he could see but one sail, but Atkinson insisted
+that he could see two others and told Fly that he would soon
+have a fleet of prizes. “If you were but here, Sir, with your
+glass, ahead, you would easily see them all,” said Atkinson.
+Fly in his intense interest forgot his earlier caution and came
+off the quarter-deck where his arms lay and went ahead to
+spy the sails that Atkinson claimed to have seen. He sat
+on the windlass and with his prospective glass tried to locate
+the mythical vessels. Benbrook and Walker now came forward
+and directed the captain to look a point or two at one
+side and while so engaged, Atkinson, a spare and slender
+man, slipped aft towards the guns and as Walker and Benbrook
+seized Fly he quickly pointed a gun at him and told him
+that “he was a dead man if he didn’t immediately submit.”
+Benbrook already had broken Fly’s sword. About this time
+Greenville, one of the pirates, heard the struggle and put his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_335">[335]</span>
+head above to see what was the matter. Atkinson at once
+struck him over the head with his gun and with the help of
+the carpenter the other man was soon in irons. Meanwhile
+the rest of the forced men stood by as in a trance but soon
+came to and with a will aided in securing the prisoners.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i334" style="max-width: 83.1875em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i334.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+
+<span class='c2'>
+<i>It is a fearful thing to fall into the<br>
+Hands if the Living GOD.</i><br>
+<br>
+A<br>
+<i>SERMON</i><br>
+Preached to some miserable<br>
+<i>PIRATES</i><br>
+<br>
+July 10. 1726.<br>
+On the <i>Lord’s Day</i>, before their
+Execution.<br>
+<br>
+By <i>Benjamin Colman</i>,<br>
+Pastor of a Church in <i>Boston</i>.<br>
+<br>
+To which is added some Account of said Pirates.<br>
+<br>
+Deut. XVII. 13. <i>And all the People shall
+hear and fear, and do no more so presumptuously.</i><br>
+<br>
+<i>BOSTON, N. E.</i> Printed for <i>John Phillips</i>
+and <i>Thomas Hancock</i>, and Sold at their
+Shops. 1726.<br>
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+<p>Fly, when he found himself in irons, began to blaspheme,
+cursing all rovers who should ever give quarter to an Englishman.
+This was the brave-spirited fellow who would say when
+it had thundered, “They are playing bowls in the air”;
+and when it lightned, he would say, “Who fires now? Stand
+by,” etc. Four days later Captain Atkinson had brought the
+snow and the pirates to anchor in Boston harbor and on July
+4, 1726 they came to a speedy trial before the Honorable
+William Dummer, Lieutenant-Governor, and the judges of
+the Admiralty Court, among whom was Samuel Sewall.</p>
+
+<p>The court was held in the old Court House that formerly
+stood at the head of what is now State street. Captain
+Atkinson was tried first and soon cleared as were Joseph
+Marshall and William Ferguson, sailors on the schooner
+“James.” Then followed the trials of John Cole, John
+Browne, Robert Dauling, John Daw, James Blair and Edward
+Lawrence who had been forced from the “John and Betty,”
+Edward Apthorp, who belonged to the “John and Hannah,”
+James Benbrook, the spry young seaman forced from the
+“Rachel,” and Morice Cundon, the helmsman on the “Elizabeth”
+when Captain Green was thrown overboard. These
+all were acquitted.</p>
+
+<p>The four pirates that had been taken were brought to trial
+last. Captain Fly, aged twenty-seven years, denied that he had
+aided in throwing overboard either Captain Green or Jenkins,
+the mate. “I can’t charge myself with Murder,” he said.
+“I did not strike or wound the Master or Mate. It was
+Mitchel did it.” Samuel Cole, aged thirty-seven years,
+owned to having a wife and seven children. He had served
+as quartermaster on the pirate snow and when Fly suspected<span class="pagenum" id="Page_336">[336]</span>
+him of mutiny he ordered a hundred lashes given him “whereof
+he continued sore to his Death.” Henry Greenville, about
+forty years of age, was a married man. George Condick, a
+young man of twenty years, had usually been the worse for
+drink and not able to bear arms when vessels had been taken.
+He had served as cook for the company. This may have
+saved his neck for he was fortunate enough to be recommended
+for a reprieve. The other three were sentenced to
+be hanged, Fly’s body afterwards to be hung in chains from a
+gibbet erected on Nix’s Mate, a small island in Boston harbor
+which now has been entirely washed away. A granite monument
+marks the site and also serves as a warning to navigators.</p>
+
+<p>With the pirates sentenced to death and awaiting execution
+the ministers of the town began their ministrations and “great
+pains were taken to dispose them for a Return unto God”;
+so says the Rev. Cotton Mather who always occupied a prominent
+place in the public eye at such times. The account of
+his conference with the doomed pirates, held on July 6, written
+by him and printed soon after their execution, begins as
+follows:—</p>
+
+<p>“Unhappy Men:—Yet not hopeless of Eternal Happiness:—A
+Marvellous Providence of GOD has put a <i>Quickstop</i>
+to a Swift Carriere you were taking in the <i>paths of the
+Destroyer</i>. But had you been <i>at once</i> cut off in your Wickedness,
+what had become of you? A merciful GOD has not
+only given you a <i>space to Repent</i>, but has ordered your being
+brought into a place where such <i>means</i> of Instruction will be
+Employ’d upon you, and such <i>pains</i> will be taken for the
+Salvation of your Souls, as are not commonly Elsewhere to
+be met withal, May this <i>Goodness of GOD lead you to Repentance</i>:—Among
+other and greater proofs of This, you will
+accept this <i>Visit</i>, which I now intend you.</p>
+
+<p>“We thank you, Syr, replied the pirates.”</p>
+
+<p>The eminent divine continues in the same strain through
+twenty-one printed pages. As he left the condemned prisoners<span class="pagenum" id="Page_337">[337]</span>
+he supplied them “with several Books of Piety,” very
+likely of his own voluminous writings.</p>
+
+<p>After Fly was put in prison he ate very little. New England
+rum kept strength in his body. He absolutely refused
+to go to the North Meeting-house, the Sunday before he was
+executed, when the other prisoners were placed on exhibition
+and preached to by the Rev. Cotton Mather who chose for
+his text—“They Dy even without Wisdom.” Fly said
+“he would not have the Mob to gaze upon him.... He
+seemed all along ambitious to have it said, <i>That he died a
+brave fellow!</i> He pass’d along to the place of Execution, with
+a <i>Nosegay</i> in his hand, and making his <i>Complements</i>, where he
+<i>thought he saw occasion</i>. Arriving there, he nimbly mounted
+the stage, and would fain have put on a Smiling Aspect. He
+reproached the Hangman, for not understanding his Trade,
+and with his own Hands rectified matters, to render all things
+more Convenient and Effectual.”<a id="FNanchor_168" href="#Footnote_168" class="fnanchor">[168]</a></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i336" style="max-width: 85.625em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i336.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+
+<span class='c2'>
+<i>The Vial poured out upon the SEA.</i><br>
+<br>
+A<br>
+Remarkable RELATION<br>
+Of certain<br>
+PIRATES<br>
+Brought unto a Tragical and Untimely<br>
+END.<br>
+<br>
+Some CONFERENCES with them,
+after their <i>Condemnation</i>.<br>
+<br>
+Their BEHAVIOUR at their <i>Execution</i>.<br>
+<br>
+AND <i>A</i><br>
+SERMON<br>
+Preached on that Occasion.<br>
+<br>
+Job XX. 29.<br>
+
+<i>This is the portion of a wicked Man from GOD,
+and the Heritage appointed unto him by GOD.</i><br>
+<br>
+<i>BOSTON</i>: Printed by <i>T. Fleet</i>, for <i>N. Belknap</i>, and
+sold at his Shop near <i>Scarlet</i>’s Wharf. 1726.<br>
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+<p>The execution occurred at the usual place near the Charlestown
+ferry about where the North End park is now located,
+and the gallows was placed on the shore between the ebb and
+flow of the tides. Thousands of people, coming from miles
+around, had gathered to witness the spectacle and after the
+doomed men were on the platform three ministers of the town
+offered lengthy prayers.</p>
+
+<p>After the execution was over and the crowd of spectators
+had returned to their homes to recall its details, the bodies
+of the pirates “were carried in a Boat to a small Island call’d
+Nicks’s-Mate, about 2 Leagues from the Town, where Fly
+was hung up in Irons, as a Spectacle for the warning of others,
+especially Seafaring Men; the other Two were buried there.”—<i>Boston
+News-Letter</i>, July 7-14, 1726.</p>
+
+<p>And so ended the short reign of a would-be scoundrel who
+only wanted skill and power to become as infamous as any
+who had scoured the seas.</p>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_167" href="#FNanchor_167" class="label">[167]</a> Johnson, <i>History of the Pirates</i>, London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_168" href="#FNanchor_168" class="label">[168]</a> Rev. Cotton Mather, <i>Vial poured upon the Sea</i>, Boston, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_338">[338]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XIX">CHAPTER XIX<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Pirate Haunts and Cruising Grounds</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The pirates who frequented the New England coast
+during the first century after the settlement usually
+remained in the warm waters of the West Indies during
+the winter months. With the coming of spring they cruised
+northward along the coast capturing small vessels in the hope
+of obtaining provisions and looting larger craft bound to and
+from England or the Leeward Islands. During the seventeenth
+century there was considerable piratical barter with
+the settlements along the Carolina coast and when New England
+was reached, on the northerly voyage, the eastern end
+of Long Island and the islands off the mouth of Buzzard’s
+Bay were much frequented for fresh water and trade. The
+Sound off Martha’s Vineyard was used by coasting vessels
+bound for New York or Virginia and here the pirates could lie
+in wait with the certainty of making some capture. But not
+for long as ill news traveled swiftly even in those days and
+armed vessels from Boston were usually sent out in pursuit,
+though seldom making a capture, for the pirate captain skilled
+in his trade was constantly on the move and thereby eluded
+successful attack by a stronger force.</p>
+
+<p>The inefficiency of the men-of-war on the various stations
+in the early days is commented upon by contemporary writers.
+Because of the difficulty of reckoning longitude it was customary
+at that time for vessels sailing from Europe bound for the
+West Indies or the American coast, to steer into the latitude
+of the port for which they were bound and then sail westward
+without altering their course. An early example of this
+practice is the course of Winthrop’s fleet when sailing westward
+to found the settlement in Massachusetts Bay. After<span class="pagenum" id="Page_339">[339]</span>
+leaving the Scilly Isles they came down to the latitude of
+Agamenticus, on the Maine coast, and then sailed westward
+until they reached the Gulf Stream. It was this “west-way”
+that the pirates frequented and a merchant ship eluding one
+might be taken by another. This custom was well-known and
+if the stolid men-of-war captains had taken the same track
+followed by the pirates, captures must have followed. Of a
+certainty the pirates would have been driven to other less-frequented
+hunting grounds or forced to take refuge in some of
+their lurking holes among the many uninhabited islands in
+the West Indies, there to be systematically hunted down and
+destroyed. It seems strange that a few pirates could range the
+seas for years and be engaged but rarely by men-of-war.
+Captain Lowther made thirty-three captures in seventeen
+months; Captain Low took one hundred and forty vessels
+in twenty months; Francis Farrington Spriggs took forty in
+twelve months; John Phillips, thirty-four in eight months; and
+greatest of all, Captain Bartholomew Roberts took four hundred
+vessels in three years.</p>
+
+<p>To return to the islands off Buzzard’s Bay. From there
+the pirates either steered southerly or sailed directly for Cape
+Sable then much frequented by fishing vessels which often
+were sufferers at the hands of Low, Lowther, Phillips, and
+others. From there a course was usually made for Newfoundland
+which had long been good plundering ground.
+It also was a good place at which to obtain recruits for pirate
+crews, for the West Country fishing vessels each year brought
+over a considerable number of poor fellows engaged at low
+wages, who, by their contracts, must pay for the return passage.
+Fishing, splitting and drying fish was hard labor and
+as the nights were chill, “black strap” was in great demand.
+This was a villainous combination of rum, molasses and chowder
+beer and before the season was over it usually caused many
+to “outrun the Constable” and compelled them to agree to
+articles of servitude that kept them on the Island during the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_340">[340]</span>
+winter. After the fishing vessels returned home the masters
+in charge of the stations saw to it that food and clothing
+supplied to the needy men were charged at high prices so that
+the men would soon find themselves bound for the next season’s
+labor and so the merry round continued. This made
+men willing converts to the Articles signed on board pirate
+vessels or caused them to run away with shallops and boats
+and begin piratical exploits on their own account.</p>
+
+<p>From Newfoundland, the pirate captains usually took
+advantage of the westerly winds and made the long voyage
+to the Azores, which was good plundering ground. Sometimes
+they sailed south to the Cape Verde islands and then
+to Sierre Leone and the Guinea coast. The Sierre Leone
+river has a large mouth with small bays on one side very
+convenient for cleaning and watering vessels and for some
+years it was a favorite resort for pirates especially as the English
+traders located there were friendly to them. About 1720,
+when this coast was most frequented by pirates, there were
+about thirty of these traders nearly all of whom had at some
+time in their lives engaged in privateering, buccaneering, or
+piracy. The river also was resorted to by Bristol ships
+trading for slaves and elephants’ ivory, and the ships of the
+Royal African Company sailed past here regularly, richly
+laden with merchandize, ivory and gold dust.</p>
+
+<p>There was a great clean-up of pirates on this coast in 1722
+when Bartholomew Roberts’ ships were taken by the “Swallow,”
+man-of-war, and fifty-five pirates were hanged and
+twenty condemned for seven years to work in chains in the
+gold mines. Some died in “the Hole,” at Cape Coast and
+many more were sent to London for trial and exhibition on
+gibbets at Cuckold’s Point, on the Thames. It was a fatal
+blow to piracy on the Guinea Coast.</p>
+
+<p>From the Cape Verde islands the pirate captains would sail
+westerly, taking advantage of the trade winds, and after
+making the coast of Brazil and taking toll of Portuguese<span class="pagenum" id="Page_341">[341]</span>
+shipping, would cruise northerly until the West Indies were
+reached and here the winter months would be spent.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i340" style="max-width: 102.25em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i340.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>CAPTAIN BARTHOLOMEW ROBERTS<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the Pirates,” London, 1725</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>The West Indies possessed many advantages as a pirate
+stronghold and were resorted to by freebooters of many
+nations. The small, uninhabited islands and keys supplied
+harbors convenient for careening vessels and many of them
+abounded with fish and game. Sea turtles in great numbers
+furnished meat, and edible fruits of many kinds grew everywhere.
+The turtles frequented the small, sandy keys and their
+eggs were a common food not only among the pirates but on
+the larger inhabited islands where turtling was a recognized
+industry. Moreover, it was comparatively easy to escape
+from pursuit among the numerous small inlets, lagoons and
+harbors.</p>
+
+<p>Because of the growth of the sugar-cane plantations a
+considerable commerce had developed and in the vicinity of
+the Trading islands the pirates were certain to find vessels
+laden with provisions, clothing, naval stores and money, large
+sums of which were sent home to Europe, the returns of the
+Assiento and private slave trade. The rich mines on the
+mainland also paid tribute.</p>
+
+<p>Piracy frequently began in the West Indies when desperate
+men got to the end of their rope in making an honest living.
+Then they would set out in the long boat of a ship or even in a
+large sailing canoe and exchange successive prizes, if successful,
+until after a time they would be in possession of a large
+ship, often a former man-of-war, and ready for foreign expeditions.
+The logwood cutters in the Bay of Honduras and the
+vessels that went there to load with the dyewood, supplied
+good material for piratical ventures. The cutters were
+generally a rough, drunken crew, some of them having been
+pirates at different times and most of them sailors. It was
+here that Capt. Ned Low of Boston, began his career as a
+pirate.</p>
+
+<p>“In the dry time of the year the Logwood Cutters search<span class="pagenum" id="Page_342">[342]</span>
+for a good Number of Logwood Trees: and then build a Hut
+near them where they live during the Time they are cutting.
+When they have cut down the Tree, they Log it, and Chip it,
+which is cutting off the Bark and Sap, and then lay it in Heaps,
+cutting away the Under-wood, and making Paths to each
+Heap, so that when the Rains come on, which overflows the
+Ground, it serves as so many Creeks or Channels, where they
+go with small Canows or Dories and load ’em, which they
+bring to a Creek-side and there lade their Canows, and carry
+it to the Barcadares, which they sometime fetch Thirty Miles,
+from whence the People who buy it fetch it.”<a id="FNanchor_169" href="#Footnote_169" class="fnanchor">[169]</a></p>
+
+<p>Capt. Nathaniel Uring writes that he went into the Bay of
+Campeachy in an English ship in July, 1712, to load logwood.
+When he arrived he anchored off shore and “fired several
+Guns, to give Notice to the Logwood Cutters (who were up
+in the Lagunes) of our arrival: and in a Day or Two, several
+White Men came on board to us.... I sold Provisions and
+Liquor to several of the Bay Men for Wood, which cost us
+about Forty Shillings per Ton, prime cost, at Jamaica....
+I remained here more than a month before any Vessels arrived;
+during which Time my People were fetching down the Logwood
+out of the Lagunes in Canows, and went more than
+Thirty Miles for some of it.”</p>
+
+<p>The rise or rather increase of piracy in the West Indies after
+the Peace of Utrecht, can be laid at the door of the Spanish
+settlements, the governors of which having gone there to make
+a fortune generally countenanced any proceeding that brought
+in profit. It is fair to say, however, that the Spanish governors
+were not the only ones accused of such practices. They
+granted commissions to great numbers of <i>guarda costas</i>,
+under pretence of preventing an interloping trade, with orders
+to seize all vessels within five leagues of their coasts. English
+ships could not well avoid coming within this limit when on
+their way to Jamaica. If the captains of Spanish <i>guarda<span class="pagenum" id="Page_343">[343]</span>
+costas</i> exceeded their authority, the sufferers were allowed
+legal redress, but usually found after long litigation that
+their vessels and cargoes had been condemned among the
+crew, and the captain, the only one responsible, had nothing
+on which to levy.</p>
+
+<p>The frequent losses of the English merchants by these
+Spanish <i>guarda costas</i> was provocation enough to call forth
+reprisals and the opportunity offering in 1716, the West
+India traders at once made use of it. In 1714, several of the
+Spanish galleons of “the plate fleet,” were cast away in the
+Gulf of Florida; and in 1716 several vessels from Havana were
+at work with diving engines fishing up the silver. They had
+recovered several millions of “pieces of eight” and carried
+them to Havana and had taken up 350,000 pieces more, which
+were placed in a storehouse on shore under guard of sixty
+soldiers, when an English fleet from Jamaica and Barbadoes,
+consisting of two ships and three sloops under Capt. Henry
+Jennings, came upon them. Jennings landed three hundred
+men, drove away the guard and carried off the treasure to
+Jamaica. On the way he met a Spanish ship laden with
+cochineal, indigo and 60,000 “pieces of eight,” and his hand
+being in, she was plundered, after which he sailed boldly back
+to Jamaica with the Spaniard following him. The Governor
+at Havana soon sent a vessel to Jamaica to demand restitution
+and punishment for Jennings. As it was in a time of
+peace, Jennings and his men soon realized that they would not
+be left unpunished let alone protected. Having disposed of
+their cargo to good advantage and furnished themselves with
+ammunition, provisions, &amp;c., they again put to sea, but
+this time as full-fledged pirates, robbing not only Spaniards
+but Englishmen and any one else they could lay their hands
+on.</p>
+
+<p>About the same time three or four small “Spanish men
+of war” fell upon the logwood cutters in the bays of Campeachy
+and Honduras, and also took twenty-two vessels,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_344">[344]</span>
+about half of the number hailing from New England, and most
+of the crews of these vessels, made desperate by their misfortunes,
+took on with the pirates under Captain Jennings,
+whom they met soon after. Captain Jennings and his consorts,
+augmented by “the Bay men,” consulted together
+about some retreat where they might store their wealth, clean
+and repair their ships and make themselves a snug abode and
+fixed upon New Providence the largest of the Bahama islands.
+The Bahamas for some years had been under English control
+with a nominal governor, but were much resorted to by pirates
+who were hand and glove with the principal traders. When
+Captain Jennings arrived with his fleet it became a veritable
+pirate stronghold and a breeding place for most of the
+pirate leaders who ranged the seas during the next five or six
+years.</p>
+
+<p>Complaints soon reached London and in such number that
+on Sept. 15, 1716, Capt. Woods Rogers was placed in command
+of a fleet of sixteen men-of-war and tenders and ordered to
+proceed to New Providence and receive the submission of the
+pirates or suppress them by force. Captain Rogers not long
+before had made a voyage around the world in the course of
+which he had taken a Spanish ship bound for Acapulco laden
+with the wealth of the Philippines. Before he sailed for New
+Providence, the King’s Proclamation for suppressing pirates,
+or “Act of Grace,” as it was usually called, was sent ahead
+so that ample opportunity might be had for consideration
+and submission. On its arrival at the Island a general council
+of the pirate commonwealth was called. What took place is
+described in Johnson’s “History of the Pirates,” in the following
+language, viz:—</p>
+
+<p>“There was so much Noise and Clamour, that nothing
+could be agreed on; some were for fortifying the Island, to
+stand upon their own Terms, and treating with the Government
+upon the Foot of a Commonwealth; others were also
+for strengthening the Island for their own Security, but were<span class="pagenum" id="Page_345">[345]</span>
+not strenuous for these Punctillios, so that they might have a
+general Pardon, without being obliged to make any Restitution,
+and to retire, with all their Effects, to the neighbouring
+British Plantations.</p>
+
+<p>“But Captain Jennings, who was their Commadore, and
+who always bore a great Sway among them, being a Man of
+good Understanding, and a good Estate, before this Whim
+took him of going a Pyrating, resolved upon surrendering,
+without more ado, to the Terms of the Proclamation, which
+so disconcerted all their Measures, that the Congress broke
+up very abruptly without doing any Thing; and presently
+Jennings, and by his Example, about 150 more, came in to
+the Governor of Bermudas, and had their Certificates, tho’ the
+greatest Part of them returned again, like the Dog to the
+Vomit. The Commanders who were then in the Island,
+besides Captain Jennings above mentioned, I think were these,
+Benjamin Hornigold, Edward Teach, John Martel, James
+Fife, Christopher Winter, Nicholas Brown, Paul Williams,
+[consort to] Charles Bellamy [lost on the back of Cape Cod,
+with 142 of his crew and prisoners, Apr. 26, 1717], Oliver
+la Bouche, Major Penner, Edward England, T. Burgess,
+Thomas Cocklyn, R. Sample, Charles Vane, and two or three
+others; Hornygold, William Burgess and LaBouche were
+afterwards cast away; Teach and Penner killed, and their
+Crews taken; James Fife killed by his own Men; Martel’s
+Crew destroyed and forced on an unhabited Island; Cocklyn,
+Sample and Vane hanged; Winter and Brown surrendered
+to the Spaniards at Cuba, and England lives now [1724] at
+Madagascar.”</p>
+
+<p>Captain Rogers arrived at New Providence in June, 1717,
+with two men-of-war and found that all the pirates had surrendered
+to the pardon, except Charles Vane and his crew,
+who slipped their cable, set fire to a large prize and sailed out
+of the harbor firing at the men-of-war as they went off.</p>
+
+<p>In the latter part of the seventeenth century some of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_346">[346]</span>
+richest commerce in the world was on the Indian Ocean and
+the Red Sea. The Orientals owned much shipping and the
+overland trade with Europe was increasing rapidly. The
+English East India Company had established a number of
+important factories or trading stations and Portuguese merchants
+had been established for some time at Goa, on the
+Malabar coast. Finding that the game in the West Indies
+promised smaller returns than the commerce of the East,
+many of the pirate fraternity established themselves for a
+time on the island of Perim at the entrance to the Strait of
+Babelmandeb. Here there was an excellent harbor and the
+advantageous location permitted the levying of toll on all
+vessels passing in and out of the Red Sea. The great disadvantage
+was a lack of fresh water. Slaves were employed to
+excavate the rocky formation to a great depth, but without
+success, and at last the nest was abandoned and the pirate
+settlement removed to Madagascar. This is said to have
+taken place not long after Captain Avery captured a daughter
+of the Great Mogul of India, in a richly laden ship.</p>
+
+<p>Capt. John Avery, one of the greatest of the Madagascar
+pirates, was the son of a tavern keeper of Plymouth, England,
+and was variously known as Avery, Every and Bridgman,
+while his intimates spoke of him as “Long Ben.” He was
+looting shipping on the Atlantic as early as 1693, when he
+took two heavily armed Danish vessels at Princess Island, on
+the West Coast of Africa, and he is said to have been in the
+West Indies before that time. During the winter of 1693-4,
+while in command of the “Fanny,” of forty-six guns and one
+hundred and thirty men, he made his most famous capture, a
+ship carrying a daughter of the Great Mogul on a pilgrimage
+to Mecca. Other vessels in his pirate fleet were the “Dolphin,”
+Captain Want, of Philadelphia; the “Portsmouth
+Adventure,” Captain Faro, and the “Pearl,” Capt. William
+Mues, both hailing from Newport, R. I.; and the ship
+“Amity,” of New York, commanded by the notorious Capt.<span class="pagenum" id="Page_347">[347]</span>
+Thomas Tew,<a id="FNanchor_170" href="#Footnote_170" class="fnanchor">[170]</a> who eventually lost his life by a cannon ball
+while cruising in the Red Sea.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i346" style="max-width: 112.5em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i346.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>CAPTAIN JOHN AVERY TAKING THE GREAT MOGUL’S SHIP<br>
+<span class='c2'>From a rare engraving in the Harry Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>The booty on the Mogul’s ship was immense and consisted
+of diamonds, pearls and valuable jewels and also great sums
+of money intended to meet the cost of the pilgrimage, an
+amount said to have been over £325,000. Not content with
+this, Avery ravished the young princess and eventually took
+her in his ship to Madagascar where he had a child by her.
+When the Great Mogul learned what had happened, it aroused
+a fanatical resentment against the English factories that was
+only appeased by the promise of the governor to send out two
+ships of the East India Company to convey the pilgrims to
+Jedda.</p>
+
+<p>Meanwhile, large rewards for his capture were offered by
+the British Government and Avery abandoned the Perim
+rendezvous and effected a settlement on Madagascar where he
+built a strong fortification and organized a rude form of
+government that exacted a tenth of the value of all captures
+and required tribute from the native princes on the island.
+This tribute commonly took the form of their daughters and
+other young girls who were added to the harems of the pirates.
+Many slaves were employed in cultivating rice, fishing and
+hunting and for a time a powerful settlement existed that was
+resorted to by pirates from all parts of the world. When
+Capt. Woods Rogers went to Madagascar in the “Delicia,”
+in 1722, to buy slaves to sell to the Dutch at Batavia, he
+touched at a part of the island where he met some of the
+pirates who had been living there for more than twenty-five
+years and were surrounded by a motley collection of children
+and grandchildren.</p>
+
+<p>Avery ruled his little kingdom for a time but at last wearying
+of it, planned with some chosen spirits to make his way to
+America. While cruising with other vessels, one night his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_348">[348]</span>
+ship steered another course and in the morning the others
+were no longer in sight. The first land they made was the
+island of Providence, one of the Bahamas, where the ship was
+sold<a id="FNanchor_171" href="#Footnote_171" class="fnanchor">[171]</a> and in a sloop they touched at several American ports
+at each of which some of the company disappeared. Avery
+intended to settle in Boston but finding that Puritan town no
+safe market for the display or sale of his store of diamonds, he
+sailed for Ireland and eventually reached Bideford in Devonshire,
+where he changed his name and lived quietly.<a id="FNanchor_172" href="#Footnote_172" class="fnanchor">[172]</a> Through
+a friend he delivered his ill-gotten fortune to Bristol merchants
+to be converted into money. Needing funds he applied for an
+accounting and was shocked to discover that there were as
+good pirates on land as he had been at sea. He died June 10,
+1714 not leaving money enough to buy a coffin.</p>
+
+<p>While the founding of a pirate colony on the island of
+Madagascar is generally credited to Avery and other pirate
+captains of his time it is likely that at some earlier date a base
+had been established there by buccaneers from the west coast
+of South America who, after looting the wealth of Peru and
+Mexico, came in search of a hiding place at which to enjoy
+their gains. The first rendezvous of the pirates was in Masseledge
+Bay on the northwest coast of Madagascar, but later
+an important settlement grew up on the island of St. Mary,
+or Nosy Boraha, on the east coast, about three leagues from<span class="pagenum" id="Page_349">[349]</span>
+the mainland, which for some time was the resort of Avery
+and Plantain, the celebrated Jamaica pirate. Here came
+Burgess, Clayton, Taylor, Congdon, England and other successful
+leaders. The island stronghold was established, it is
+said, by Mission and Carracioli, who named it Libertatia.
+It was fortified and from here marauding expeditions were
+fitted out on a large scale. Pirates gorged with plunder
+settled on plantations where they surrounded themselves with
+native “wives” and slaves. The native tribes brought down
+their cattle from the interior and exchanged them for European
+trinkets provided by the pirates, who also incited the numerous
+chiefs to war with their neighbors and then bought their
+prisoners of war to be sold to slavers and taken to the plantations
+in the West Indies and America.</p>
+
+<p>The pirate settlements on the Madagascar coast increased
+in population and required various goods and supplies necessary
+not only for human comfort but also to continue the
+trade of plundering,—powder and shot and the like. This
+demand was supplied by vessels sailing at somewhat regular
+intervals from New York, Newport and Philadelphia and
+furnished with passes from Governor Fletcher of New York
+or some other person in authority. It was said in London that
+in Philadelphia they “not onlie wink att but Imbrace pirats,
+Shipps and men.”<a id="FNanchor_173" href="#Footnote_173" class="fnanchor">[173]</a> In 1697 many returned pirates were
+living in Philadelphia and Governor Basse of New Jersey
+reported that colony to be a favorite resort for such gentry.
+The daughter of William Penn’s agent in Pennsylvania is
+said to have married one of these retired freebooters.<a id="FNanchor_174" href="#Footnote_174" class="fnanchor">[174]</a> In
+1699, Bellomont, the new governor of New York, reported that
+over forty of these returned pirates were in custody in New
+York, Pennsylvania and Connecticut.</p>
+
+<p>But the ships continued to clear from the port of New York
+bound for Madagascar. In the year 1699, four vessels were<span class="pagenum" id="Page_350">[350]</span>
+cleared at one time. The merchandise brought back so
+glutted the markets that some kinds of European and Oriental
+goods could be bought in the Colonies cheaper than in London;
+and this was at a time when all European goods, by law, must
+be imported through London. One of Captain Avery’s men
+testified in Admiralty Court that “Captain Gough, who keeps
+a mercer’s shop at Boston, made a good estate” dealing in
+piratical plunder.</p>
+
+<p>Rev. John Higginson, the minister at Salem, Massachusetts,
+had a son Thomas, who sailed for Arabia in a privateer
+before 1696 and nothing was heard from him afterward.
+Another son was in command at Fort George, in Madras, and
+in 1699 he wrote that Thomas’ “unhappy miscarriage” had
+troubled him much. Although he had met several who had
+been taken by pirates and afterwards escaped he could learn
+nothing of the erring Thomas. Four men-of-war had recently
+arrived in India having touched at Madagascar on the way
+out, but met no pirate vessels. The Salem minister replied
+in October, 1699:—</p>
+
+
+<p>“I am sorry to hear there is such a crew of pirates in your
+parts; and do doubt not that what you intimate of New York,
+Providence, and the West Indies is too true. Frederick
+Phillips of New York, it is reported, has had a pirate trade to
+Madagascar for near twenty years, and it is said has attained
+an estate of 100,000 pounds. But I assure you the government
+of this place has always been severe with all such; and,
+at this time, there are many now in our gaol for piracy; namely,
+Captain Kidd, who went from England with a ship and commission
+to take pirates, but turned pirate himself, and robbed
+many ships in the East Indies, and thence came into the West
+Indies, and there disposed of much of his wealth; and at last
+came into these parts with some of his stolen goods; who was
+here seized, and some of his men, and goods, who are in irons,
+and wait for a trial. And there was one Bradish, a Cambridge
+man, who sailed in an interloper bound for India, who, in<span class="pagenum" id="Page_351">[351]</span>
+some part of the East Indies, took an opportunity, when the
+Captain and some of the officers were on shore, to run away
+with the ship, and came upon our coast, and sunk their ship
+at Block Island, and brought much wealth ashore with them;
+but Bradish, and many of his company, and what of his wealth
+could be found, were seized and secured. But Bradish, and
+one of his men, broke prison and run away amongst the
+Indians; but it is supposed that he will be taken again.”<a id="FNanchor_175" href="#Footnote_175" class="fnanchor">[175]</a></p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i350" style="max-width: 110.75em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i350.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>CAPTAIN EDWARD TEACH, COMMONLY CALLED “BLACK BEARD”<br>
+<span class='c2'>From a rare engraving in the Harry Elkins Widener Collection, Harvard College Library</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>After a time the pirate colonies at Madagascar diminished
+in importance and most of the men abandoned the sea and
+lived at ease on their plantations. In 1716, one of the pirate
+settlements was visited by an Englishman, Robert Drury,<a id="FNanchor_176" href="#Footnote_176" class="fnanchor">[176]</a>
+who wrote as follows:—</p>
+
+<p>“One of these men was a Dutchman, named John Pro, who
+spoke good English. He was dressed in a short coat with
+broad, plate buttons, and other things agreeable, but without
+shoes or stockings. In his sash stuck a brace of pistols, and
+he had one in his right hand. The other man was dressed in
+an English manner, with two pistols in his sash and one in his
+hand, like his companion.... John Pro lived in a very
+handsome manner. His house was furnished with pewter
+dishes, &amp;c., a standing bed with curtains, and other things of
+that nature except chairs, but a chest or two served for that
+purpose well enough. He had one house on purpose for his
+cook-room and cook-slave’s lodging, storehouse and summer-house;
+all these were enclosed in a palisade, as the great men’s
+houses are in this country, for he was rich, and had many
+castles and slaves. His wealth had come principally while
+cruizing among the Moors, from whom his ship had several
+times taken great riches, and used to carry it to St. Mary’s.
+But their ship growing old and crazy, they being also vastly
+rich, they removed to Madagascar, made one Thomas Collins,
+a carpenter, their Governor, and built a small fort, defending<span class="pagenum" id="Page_352">[352]</span>
+it with their ship’s guns. They had now lived without pirating
+for nine years.”</p>
+
+<p>In the summer of 1719 there were about twenty white
+pirates living permanently on the island of St. Mary’s. Others
+continued to sail out from the harbor but the vigilance of the
+English Admiralty and the strength and watchfulness of the
+ships of the East India Company served to discourage freebooting
+in those parts and in 1721 when France granted an
+amnesty a number of them surrendered and became colonists
+on the island of Bourbon. The last of the pirates on St.
+Mary’s were routed out by men-of-war during the winter of
+1722-23. Others lived and died on the mainland of Madagascar
+and left behind them numerous descendants, for in 1768
+the Abbe Rochon visited that part of the island north of St.
+Mary’s and observed many whites and half-breeds living
+about the Bay of Antongil who claimed descent from the
+pirates formerly settled there.</p>
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_169" href="#FNanchor_169" class="label">[169]</a> <i>Voyages and Travels of Capt. Nathaniel Uring</i>, London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_170" href="#FNanchor_170" class="label">[170]</a> <i>Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1696-1697, pp.
+260, 262.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_171" href="#FNanchor_171" class="label">[171]</a> “It was at the island of St. Thomas that the famous Captain Avery,
+or some of his companions, disposed of the greatest part of the rich goods
+taken in a ship belonging to the Mogul, about forty years ago, when the
+magazines on the Island were so excessively crowded with rich Indian
+goods that they were not entirely emptied in twenty years after, though
+they generally sold them at low prices; and it was by this accident that
+pieces of Arabian gold, which were properly speaking Pagodas, were
+long current in the West Indies under the name of Sequins, for they knew
+not what to call them, at the rate of about six shillings. And nutmegs,
+cloves, sinnimon and mace were likewise bought very cheap for many
+years after.”—John Harris, <i>Collection of Voyages</i>, London, 1739.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_172" href="#FNanchor_172" class="label">[172]</a> Some of Avery’s pirate crew were afterwards taken in England and
+brought to trial on Oct. 19, 1696, but acquitted for lack of sufficient evidence.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_173" href="#FNanchor_173" class="label">[173]</a> <i>Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1696-1697, p. 636.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_174" href="#FNanchor_174" class="label">[174]</a> Channing, <i>History of United States</i>, Vol. II, p. 266.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_175" href="#FNanchor_175" class="label">[175]</a> <i>Massachusetts Hist. Society Colls.</i>, 3d series, Vol. VII, p. 209.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_176" href="#FNanchor_176" class="label">[176]</a> <i>Madagascar; or Robert Drury’s Journal</i>, London, 1729.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_353">[353]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="CHAPTER_XX">CHAPTER XX<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Pirate Life and Death</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>The company of men on board a pirate vessel, especially
+during that great period of activity in roving
+following the Peace of Ryswick in 1697, well illustrate
+in their relations with one another, the main features of that
+ideal commonwealth where everything is held in common and
+where everyone has an equal voice in public affairs. As in
+every well-ordered government it is necessary to have leaders,
+so in pirate companies there must be captains, quartermasters,
+gunners, boatswains, and other officers, but none may
+remain in authority after having lost the confidence and
+support of the company. This appears in a speech made at the
+time Bartholomew Roberts was elected a pirate captain.</p>
+
+<p>“Should a Captain be so sawcy as to exceed Prescription
+at any time,” said one of the pirate Lords, “why down with
+Him; it will be a Caution after he is dead, to his successors,
+of what a fatal Consequence any sort of assuming may be.
+However, it is my Advice, that, while we are sober, we pitch
+upon a Man of Courage, and skill’d in Navigation, one, who
+by his Council and Bravery seems best able to defend this
+Commonwealth, and ward us from Dangers and Tempests of
+an instable Element, and the fatal Consequences of Anarchy.”</p>
+
+<p>The successful captain of a pirate vessel must possess
+qualities of leadership and a dare-devil courage, for nothing
+will so quickly brand a pirate leader and lose for him the
+support of his crew as an appearance of cowardice,—a show
+of the white feather. Sometimes it may be no more than a
+difference of judgment, but failing in the loyal support of a
+resolute company no captain can last very long. This is shown<span class="pagenum" id="Page_354">[354]</span>
+in the case of Capt. Charles Vane who defied Capt. Woods
+Rogers’ men-of-war at New Providence in 1717, but the very
+next year when he fell in with a French man-of-war off Cape
+Nicholas, his company was divided as to what course to
+pursue. Vane was for making off as fast as possible being of
+the opinion that the Frenchman was too strong for them.
+The quartermaster, John Rackham,<a id="FNanchor_177" href="#Footnote_177" class="fnanchor">[177]</a> was of a different opinion
+saying, “That tho’ she had more Guns, and a greater Weight
+of Mettal, they might board her and then the best Boys
+would carry the Day.” At last, although the majority were
+for attacking, Captain Vane exercised his right to settle the
+dispute, for his power by universal agreement was absolute in
+time of chase, and so the brigantine showed her heels to the
+Frenchman and outsailed her. But the next day the captain’s
+decision was made to stand the test of a popular vote
+and he failed of support. A resolution was passed branding
+him a coward and deposing him from command. He was given
+a small sloop with a supply of provisions and ammunition and
+sent off with all those who did not vote for boarding the French
+man-of-war.</p>
+
+<p>The captain of a pirate company was generally chosen
+for his daring and dominating character and for being “pistol
+proof.” Among hardened pirates the one who went the
+greatest length in cruelty and destructiveness was looked upon
+with a certain amount of admiration. The captain had the
+great cabin to himself but any man had the right to use his
+punch bowl, enter the cabin, swear at him and seize his food
+without his finding fault, except as between men; but this
+rarely happened.</p>
+
+<p>When a captain was chosen there was usually some little
+ceremony on conducting him to the cabin. After the election
+had taken place, a complimentary speech would be made
+expressing the desire that he would take the command as the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_355">[355]</span>
+most capable among them and on his accepting he would be
+led into the cabin in state and seated at a table with only one
+other chair and that at the lower end. This was reserved
+for the company’s quartermaster who then would seat himself
+also and tell the captain in behalf of the crew (whose spokesman
+he was) that having confidence in him they all promised
+to obey his lawful commands. Then taking up a sword, the
+quartermaster would present it and declare him captain, at
+the same time saying, “This is the commission under which
+you are to act; may you prove fortunate to yourself and us.”
+The guns would then be fired with a charge of round shot and a
+rousing three cheers given in honor of the new captain. The
+ceremony would end with an invitation from the captain to
+such as he wished to have dine with him and an order for a
+large bowl of punch for every mess.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp62" id="i354" style="max-width: 109.5625em;">
+  <img class="w100" src="images/i354.jpg" alt="">
+  <figcaption>
+
+<span class='c2'>
+THE<br>
+TRIALS<br>
+OF<br>
+Five Persons<br>
+For Piracy, Felony and Robbery,<br><br>
+
+Who were found Guilty and Condemned,
+at a Court of Admiralty for the Trial of
+Piracies, Felonies and Robberies, committed
+on the High Seas, Held at the Court-House
+in <i>Boston</i>, within His Majesty’s
+Province of the <i>Massachusetts-Bay</i> in <i>New-England</i>,
+on <i>Tuesday</i> the Fourth Day of
+<i>October</i>, Anno Domini, 1726. Pursuant to
+His Majesty’s Royal Commission, founded
+on an Act of Parliament made in the
+Eleventh and Twelfth Years of the Reign
+of King <i>William</i> the Third, Entituled, <i>An
+Act for the more effectual Suppression of Piracy</i>; And
+made Perpetual by an Act of the Sixth
+Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord
+King <i>GEORGE</i>.<br><br>
+<i>BOSTON</i>: Printed by <i>T Fleet</i> for <i>S Gerrish</i> at the Lower End of <i>Cornhill</i>. 1726.
+</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+<p>The captain had usually a sort of privy council which was
+composed of certain of the officers and older and more experienced
+sailors and these were sometimes distinguished by the
+title of “Lord.” The captain’s power was supreme in time of
+chase or action. He then had the right to strike, stab or shoot
+any man who disobeyed his orders. He also had power over
+prisoners and could condemn them to ill usage or set them
+free but this power did not extend to cargo or captured vessel
+for then the property interests of the company were concerned.</p>
+
+<p>The quartermaster came next after the captain in exercising
+authority over the affairs of the pirate company. He was
+chosen with the approval of the crew who could claim authority
+in this way through him, except in time of battle. At discretion
+he could punish any of the men for insubordination,
+by blows or whipping, which no one else might do without
+standing in danger of receiving the lash from the ship’s company.
+In a way he was the trustee for all and was usually the
+first on board a prize. For small offences, too insignificant for
+a jury, he was the arbitrator. If any of the crew disobeyed his<span class="pagenum" id="Page_356">[356]</span>
+commands, plundered when plundering should end, or failed
+to keep their weapons in good order, the quartermaster then
+might punish them. He was the manager of all duels and in
+fact was the magistrate of the company.</p>
+
+<p>Pirate craft usually sailed under what was known as “the
+Jamaica Discipline,” a commonwealth or form of government
+that originated among the West India privateers or buccaneers.
+All pirate companies also adopted codes of laws or
+“Articles,” as they were called, to govern their actions and
+these were signed and sworn to by all. These “Articles”
+varied somewhat in form and substance but in general included
+the following obligations, viz:—</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p class="center">I</p>
+
+<p>Every man had a vote in all affairs of importance and
+equal title to all fresh provisions or strong liquors that had been
+taken and might use them at pleasure unless a scarcity made it
+necessary to vote a restriction for the common good.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">II</p>
+
+<p>Every man was to be called in turn, as entered in the
+quartermaster’s list, to go on board prizes, because on such
+occasions each was allowed a shift of clothing from the captured
+stores. This was in addition to the common share in the
+plunder of the prize. If any man, however, defrauded the
+common store of the company, in plates, jewelry or money,
+to the value of a piece of eight, the punishment was to be
+marooned on some uninhabited island or shore and supplied
+with only a gun, a few shot, a bottle of water and a bottle of
+powder, and there to starve or escape if possible by some
+unexpected good fortune. If a man robbed another of the
+same company, the ears or nose of the guilty party might be
+slit, after which he sometimes would be put ashore, not on an
+uninhabited island, but where he was sure to encounter
+hardships.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_357">[357]</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">III</p>
+
+<p>No gaming for money at cards or dice was allowed under
+any circumstances as likely to lead to fighting and death.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">IV</p>
+
+<p>All lights and candles must be put out before eight o’clock
+at night and after that hour if any of the crew continued
+drinking they were to do it on the open deck. This rule in
+relation to drinking was not observed on board a number of
+the pirate ships. The snapping of arms and smoking of tobacco
+in the hold was also forbidden on board most ships.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">V</p>
+
+<p>Every man must keep his gun, pistol and cutlass clean and
+fit for service. This rule was seldom broken for its necessity
+was recognized by all. Moreover, there was always more or
+less competition between men over the beauty and richness of
+their arms. When an auction was held “at the mast,” sometimes
+as much as £30 or £40, would be bid for a pair of fine
+pistols. These were slung into bright colored sashes worn over
+the shoulders in a manner peculiar to the pirates, giving a very
+showy appearance to the swaggering individual.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">VI</p>
+
+<p>No women were allowed on board and if any man induced
+a woman to go to sea in disguise he was to suffer death. When
+a vessel was captured if a woman was found among the passengers
+a sentinel was placed over her immediately to prevent
+ill consequences from so dangerous a cause for quarrels.
+As a rule, boys were not allowed in pirate companies but
+exceptions to this rule sometimes occurred.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">VII</p>
+
+<p>To desert the ship or to abandon quarters in time of battle
+was punished with death or marooning.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_358">[358]</span></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">VIII</p>
+
+<p>No man was permitted to strike a member of his company
+while on board ship. All quarrels must be settled on shore,
+with sword or pistol, the quartermaster acting as master of
+ceremonies. The usual rule was for him to attempt a reconciliation
+but if the difference could not be healed without a
+fight he would go ashore with such assistants as he thought
+proper and after placing the meh back to back they would
+walk apart the number of paces agreed upon and at the word
+of command immediately turn and fire. If both missed, they
+might fall to with cutlasses and the man who drew first blood
+was declared the victor.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">IX</p>
+
+<p>No man was allowed to talk of breaking up their way of
+living until each had shared £1000. In case a man lost a limb
+or was otherwise injured there was to be an allowance made to
+him out of the common stock in proportion to his injury.
+These amounts varied with the company but a leg was usually
+estimated as worth eight hundred to a thousand pieces of eight.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">X</p>
+
+<p>The captain and the quartermaster each received usually
+two shares in a prize; the master, gunner, and boatswain, a
+share and a half, and the other officers, a share and a quarter.
+The men had a share apiece.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">XI</p>
+
+<p>All the larger pirate vessels carried musicians—trumpeters,
+drummers and fiddlers, and these men were given a day
+off on Sunday.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>When a vessel was captured the likely men among the
+prisoners would be solicited by the quartermaster or captain
+to join the pirate crew and sign the “Articles,” and young and
+active men who refused to sign would sometimes be compelled<span class="pagenum" id="Page_359">[359]</span>
+to join the company in the hope that later they might have a
+change of heart and in any event be of service in navigating
+the vessel. This was called “forcing,” and when the captain
+or fellow-seamen of the forced men reached shore, an advertisement
+was oftentimes inserted in a newspaper, stating the
+circumstances so that in case the forced men were taken while
+on board a pirate vessel they might point to the advertisement
+as evidence of their innocence.<a id="FNanchor_178" href="#Footnote_178" class="fnanchor">[178]</a></p>
+
+<p>The flags on pirate vessels were intended to strike terror
+to the hearts of mariners and usually displayed a white skull
+and cross-bones on a black ground. Sometimes the skeleton
+of a man was depicted, usually styled at the time “an anatomy.”
+Sometimes a livid heart pierced by an arrow dripping<span class="pagenum" id="Page_360">[360]</span>
+blood was displayed. Small pirate companies contented themselves
+with a plain black flag without device. Capt. Howell
+Davis for lack of something better hung aloft “a dirty Tarpawlin,”
+while attacking a French vessel near Hispaniola.
+He afterwards used a black flag as did his associate La Bouse.
+Blackbeard sailed under a black flag along the Carolina coast
+but Major Stede Bonnet about the same time used “a bloody
+flag” and Captain Worley, who was on the same coast in
+1718, flew “a black ensign with a white Death’s head in the
+middle of it.”</p>
+
+<p>Captain Roberts at first used a black flag which he called
+“the Jolly Roger,” although this term did not originate with
+him, but afterwards becoming enraged at the many attempts
+made by the governors of Barbadoes and Martinico to take
+him, he ordered a new jack to be made with his own figure
+portrayed standing on two skulls. Under one were the letters
+A. B. H. and under the other, A. M. H., signifying “A Barbadian’s
+Head” and “A Martinican’s Head.” When Roberts
+sailed into Whydah in January, 1722, he had a “black silk
+flag flying at the mizen peak and a jack and pendant of the
+same: The Flag had a Death in it, with an Hour-Glass in one
+Hand, and cross-Bones in the other, a Dart by it, and underneath
+a Heart dropping three Drops of Blood. The Jack had a
+Man pourtray’d on it, with a flaming Sword in his Hand, and
+standing on two Skulls.”</p>
+
+<p>Frequent mention has been made of the cruelty and destructiveness
+of pirate captains. They often sank or burned the
+vessels that they took. Sometimes it was done to prevent
+news of their presence getting abroad before they were ready
+to sail for some other hunting ground. Sometimes they
+lacked men enough to navigate their captures and at other
+times the pirate captain would be displeased at the prolonged
+defense or flight of the captured master. Sometimes the fate
+of a fine ship and rich cargo was decided by a caprice or through
+sheer destructiveness. Frequently enquiry would be made<span class="pagenum" id="Page_361">[361]</span>
+among the crew of a captured vessel if their captain was a
+good master and kind to his men and when a favorable answer
+was made such a captain would be let off more easily.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp60" id="i360" style="max-width: 113.375em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i360.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>THE PIRATE SHIPS “ROYAL FORTUNE” AND “RANGER”
+IN WHYDAH ROAD, JANUARY 11, 1722<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an engraving in Johnson’s “General History of the Pirates,” London, 1725</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<p>Bartholomew Roberts, one of the most successful and
+level-headed of the pirate captains who plagued shipping
+during the first quarter of the eighteenth century, sailed into
+the harbor of Trepassi in Newfoundland, the last of June,
+1720, with black colors flying, drums beating and trumpets
+sounding. There were twenty-two vessels at anchor in the
+harbor and every man on board fled ashore at sight of the
+pirate ship. Roberts burned or sank every vessel except one,
+which he manned, and then ruthlessly destroyed all the
+fishing stages of the poor planters, depriving inoffensive men
+of their means of livelihood with absolutely no attendant
+advantage to himself. It was this same crew that captured
+the ship “Samuel,” Captain Cary, a few days later. She was
+from London bound for Boston with a rich cargo. These
+furies opened the hatches and swarmed into the hold armed
+with axes and cutlasses and cut and smashed all the bales,
+cases and boxes they could reach and when any goods came on
+deck that they didn’t want to carry aboard their ship, instead
+of tossing them back into the hold they threw them overboard.
+Captain Cary was told “that they should accept no Act of
+Grace; that the King and Parliament might be damned
+with their Acts of Grace; neither would they go to Hope’s
+Point, to be hang’d up a sun drying, as Kidd’s and Braddish’s
+Company were; but if ever they should be overpowered,
+they would set Fire to the Powder, with a Pistol, and go all
+merrily to Hell together.”<a id="FNanchor_179" href="#Footnote_179" class="fnanchor">[179]</a></p>
+
+<p>“Walking the plank” was a diversion practised at a later
+day among the West India pirates whereby their victims were
+blindfolded and forced to find a watery grave at the end of a
+plank thrust out from the vessel’s side. But this was not
+original with them for in the days of the Roman empire when<span class="pagenum" id="Page_362">[362]</span>
+the Mediterranean pirates took a ship they frequently would
+enquire if any on board were Romans and when found the
+pirates would fall down on their knees before the citizens
+of that illustrious nation, as though asking pardon for what
+they had done. Other deferences would be shown until their
+captives actually grew to believe in their sincerity. When
+that point was attained the outlaws would hang the ship’s
+ladder over the side and with great show of courtesy tell their
+victims they were free to leave the vessel in that way. The
+shock to the unfortunate Romans always greatly amused the
+pirates who then would throw them overboard with much
+laughter.</p>
+
+<p>Since those early times when men first effected crude forms
+of government to guard and control their relations with each
+other, the pirate has been looked upon as a common enemy.
+In the days of the Roman empire neither faith nor oath need
+be kept with him. However, “might made right” in those
+days, as in later times, and when large bodies of successful
+sea rovers set up an organized state or government that assumed
+a somewhat permanent form, after a time they would
+be recognized by existing nations and granted the right of
+legalized warfare with diplomatic and commercial intercourse.
+The Mediterranean and the Baltic were nurseries for growths
+of this character and as late as 1818, European nations were
+paying tribute to the corsair governments on the Barbary
+coast.</p>
+
+<p>Piracy was considered among Englishmen a kind of petty
+treason until about the year 1350, when it was made a felony
+by law and it has remained so ever since. In 1536, during the
+reign of Henry VIII, the laws relating to piracy were defined
+by Act of Parliament and the forms of trial, executions of
+sentence, etc., were established and with slight modifications
+were in force in New England during the period covered by the
+preceding chapters. By the practical working of this statute
+curious applications sometimes developed. An Englishman<span class="pagenum" id="Page_363">[363]</span>
+captured from a foreign vessel flying the flag of a country with
+which England was then at war, was declared to be a pirate
+and so dealt with; but a subject of a country at war with
+England, if taken on board an English pirate vessel, was not
+deemed to be engaged in piracy but in actual warfare.</p>
+
+<p>Here are some of the laws at that time, relating to piracy,
+abstracted from the “Statutes of the Realm.”</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“<i>If Letters of</i> Marque <i>be granted to a Merchant, and he
+furnishes out a Ship, with a Captain and Mariners, and they,
+instead of taking the Goods, or Ships of that Nation against
+whom their Commission is awarded, take the Ship and Goods of a
+Friend, this is Pyracy; and if the Ship arrive in any Part of
+his Majesty’s Dominions, it will be seized, and for ever left to
+the Owners; but they are no Way liable to make Satisfaction.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>If a Ship is assaulted and taken by the Pyrates, for Redemption
+of which, the Master becomes a Slave to the Captors, by the
+Law</i> Marine; <i>the Ship and Lading are tacitly obliged for his
+Redemption, by a general Contribution; but if it happen through
+his own Folly, then no Contribution is to be made.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>If Subjects in Enmity with the Crown of</i> England, <i>are
+aboard an</i> English <i>Pyrate, in Company with</i> English, <i>and a
+Robbery is committed, and they are taken; it is Felony in the</i>
+English, <i>but not in the Stranger; for it was no Pyracy in them,
+but the Depredation of an Enemy, and they will be tried by a
+Martial Law.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>If Pyracy is committed by Subjects in Enmity with</i> England
+<i>upon the</i> British <i>Seas, it is properly only punishable by the
+Crown of</i> England, <i>who have issued</i> Regimen &amp; Domininum
+<i>exclusive of all other Power.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>If Pyracy be committed on the Ocean, and the Pyrates in
+the Attempt be overcome, the Captors may, without any Solemnity
+of Condemnation, hang them up at the Main-Yard; if they are
+brought to the next Port, and the Judge rejects the Tryal, or the
+Captors cannot wait for the Judge, without Peril or Loss, Justice
+may be done upon them by the Captors.</i></p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_364">[364]</span></p>
+
+<p>“<i>If Merchandize be delivered to a Master, to carry to one
+Port, and he carries it to another, and sells and disposes of it,
+this is not Felony; but if, after unlading it at the first Port, he
+retakes it, it is Pyracy.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>If a Pyrate attack a Ship, and the Master for Redemption,
+gives his Oath to pay a Sum of Money, tho’ there be nothing
+taken, yet it is Pyracy by the Law</i> Marine.</p>
+
+<p>“<i>If a Ship is riding at Anchor, and the Mariners all ashore,
+and a Pyrate attack her, and rob her, this is Pyracy.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>If a Man commit Pyracy upon the Subjects of any Prince,
+or Republick, (though in Amity with us), and brings the Goods
+into</i> England, <i>and sells them in a Market</i> Overt, <i>the same shall
+bind, and the Owners are for ever excluded.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>If a Pyrate enters a Port of this Kingdom, and robs a Ship
+at Anchor there, it is not Pyracy, because not done</i>, super altum
+Mare; <i>but is Robbery at common Law, because</i> infra Corpus
+Comitatus. <i>A Pardon of all Felonies does not extend to Pyracy,
+but the same ought to be especially named.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>This Act shall not prejudice any Person, or Persons, urged
+by Necessity, for taking Victuals, Cables, Ropes, Anchors or
+Sails, out of another Ship that may spare them, so as they either
+pay ready Money, or Money worth for them, or give a Bill for
+the Payment thereof; if on this Side the Straits of</i> Gibraltar,
+<i>within four Months; if beyond, within twelve Months.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>If any natural born Subjects or Denizons of</i> England, <i>commit
+Pyracy, or any Act of Hostility, against his Majesty’s
+Subjects at Sea, under Colour of a Commission or Authority,
+from any foreign Prince or State, or Person whatsoever, such
+Offenders shall be adjudged Pyrates.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>If any Commander or Master of a Ship, or Seaman or
+Mariner, give up his Ship, &amp;c. to Pyrates, or combine to yield
+up, or run away with any Ship, or lay violent Hands on his
+Commander, or endeavour to make a Revolt in the Ship, he shall
+be adjudged a Pyrate.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>All Persons who after the 29th of</i> September, 1720, <i>shall<span class="pagenum" id="Page_365">[365]</span>
+set forth any Pyrate (or be aiding and assisting to any such
+Pyrate) committing Pyracy on Land or Sea, or shall conceal
+such Pyrates, or receive any Vessel or Goods pyratically taken,
+shall be adjudged accessary to such Pyracy, and suffer as Principals.</i></p>
+
+<p>“<i>All Persons who have committed, or shall commit any
+Offences, for which they ought to be adjudged Pyrates, may be
+tried for every such Offence, in such Manner as by the Act 28</i>
+Henry VIII, <i>chapter 15, is directed for the Tryal of Pyrates;
+and shall not have the Benefit of the Clergy.</i>”<a id="FNanchor_180" href="#Footnote_180" class="fnanchor">[180]</a></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The enforcement of the English statute relating to piracy
+was variously interpreted in the colonial courts and local
+enactments sometimes superseded it in actual practice. Previous
+to 1700, the statute required that men accused of piracy
+should be sent to England to be tried before a High Court of
+Admiralty. Pound, Hawkins, Bradish, Kidd and other
+known pirates were accordingly sent in irons to London for
+trial. But the difficulties and delays, to say nothing of the
+expense, induced Parliament by an Act of 11 and 12 William
+III, to confer authority by which trials for piracy might be
+held by the Courts of Admiralty sitting in the colonies. On
+the other hand, the Massachusetts Court of Assistants, in
+1675, found John Rhoades and others, guilty of piracy and
+sentenced them to be “hanged presently after the lecture.”
+This was in accordance with an order adopted by the Great
+and General Court on Oct. 15, 1673. When Robert Munday
+was tried at Newport, R. I., in 1703, it was by a jury in the
+ordinary criminal court, in open disregard of the King’s
+commission.</p>
+
+<p>Governor Bellomont in a letter to the Council of Trade,
+described the situation in Massachusetts in 1699, as follows:—</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_366">[366]</span></p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>“A pirate cannot suffer death in this province, and what to
+do with Bradish’s crew and Kidd and his men, I know not,
+and therefore desire your orders. The reason why their Act,
+that was approved in England, will not reach the life of a
+pirate is this: Piracy by the Law of England is felony without
+benefit of clergy and punishment with death. Here there’s
+no such thing in practice as the benefit of clergy; neither is
+felony punishable with death, but by their law the felon is
+only to make a three-fold restitution of the value of the offence
+or trespass.”<a id="FNanchor_181" href="#Footnote_181" class="fnanchor">[181]</a></p>
+</div>
+
+<p>The Courts of Admiralty held in the colonies were composed
+of certain officials designated in the Royal commission,
+including the Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, the Judge of
+the Vice-Admiralty for the Province, the Chief Justice, the
+Secretary, Members of the Council and the Collector of Customs.
+Counsel was assigned to the accused to advise and to
+address the Court “upon any matter of law,” but the practice
+at that time was different from the present. Accused persons
+in criminal cases were obliged to conduct their own defence
+and their counsel were not permitted to cross-examine witnesses,
+the legal theory at the time being that the facts in the
+case would appear without the necessity for counsel; that the
+judge could be trusted to see this properly done; and the
+jury would give the prisoner the benefit of any reasonable
+doubt.</p>
+
+<p>Trials occupied but a short time and executions generally
+took place within a few days after the sentence of the Court
+was pronounced. During the interval the local clergy labored
+with the condemned to induce repentance and all the terrors
+of Hell were pictured early and late. Usually, the prisoners
+were made the principal figures in a Sunday spectacle and
+taken through the streets to the meeting-house of some prominent
+minister, there to be gazed at by a congregation that
+crowded the building, while the reverend divine preached a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_367">[367]</span>
+sermon suited to the occasion. This discourse was invariably
+printed and avidly read by the townsfolk, so that few copies
+have survived the wear and tear of the years. From these
+worn pamphlets may be learned something of the lives and
+future of the prisoners as reflected by the mental attitude of the
+attending ministers.</p>
+
+<p>The day of execution having arrived, the condemned
+prisoners were marched in procession through the crowded
+streets safely guarded by musketeers and constables. The
+procession included prominent officials and ministers and was
+preceded by the Marshal of the Admiralty Court carrying
+“the Silver Oar,” his emblem of authority. This was usually
+about three feet long and during the trial was also carried by
+him in the procession of judges to the court room where it
+was placed on the table before the Court during the proceedings.<a id="FNanchor_182" href="#Footnote_182" class="fnanchor">[182]</a></p>
+
+<p>Time-honored custom and the Act of Parliament, as well,
+required that the gallows should be erected “in such place
+upon the sea, or within the ebbing or flowing thereof, as the
+President of the Court ... shall appoint,”<a id="FNanchor_183" href="#Footnote_183" class="fnanchor">[183]</a> and this necessitated
+the construction of a scaffold or platform suspended
+from the framework of the gallows by means of ropes and
+blocks. When an execution took place on land, that is to say,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_368">[368]</span>
+on solid ground easily approached, it was the custom at that
+time to carry the condemned in a cart under the cross-arm of
+the gallows and after the hangman’s rope had been adjusted
+around the neck and the signal had been given, the cart would
+be driven away and the condemned person left dangling in
+the air. In theory, the proper adjustment of the knot in the
+rope and the short fall from the body of the cart when it was
+driven away, would be sufficient to break the bones of the
+neck and also cause strangulation; but in practice this did not
+always occur.</p>
+
+<p>In the winter of 1646, a case of infanticide was discovered in
+Boston by a prying mid-wife and when the suspected mother
+was brought before a jury and caused to touch the cloth-covered
+face of the murdered infant, the covering was instantly
+stained with fresh blood. Then the young woman
+confessed. This was the medieval “ordeal of touch” which
+was practiced in Massachusetts as late as 1768. The young
+mother was condemned to death and Governor Winthrop
+relates in his “Journal,” that “after she was turned off and
+had hung a space, she spake, and asked what they did mean
+to do. Then one stepped up and turned the knot of the rope
+backward and then she soon died.”</p>
+
+<p>When pirates were executed on a gallows placed between
+“the ebb and flow of the tide,” the scaffold on which they stood
+was allowed to fall by releasing the ropes holding it suspended
+in mid-air. This was always the climax of the spectacle for
+which thousands of spectators had gathered from far and near.
+Six pirates were hanged in Boston in 1704 and “when the
+scaffold was let sink, there was such a Screech of the women”
+present that the sound was heard over half a mile away. So
+writes Samuel Sewall, one of the judges who had condemned
+the pirates to execution.</p>
+
+<p>Not infrequently the judges of a Court of Admiralty had
+brought before them for trial, a pirate whose career had been
+more infamous than the rest. A cruel and bloody-minded<span class="pagenum" id="Page_369">[369]</span>
+fellow fit only for a halter,—and then the sentence to be
+hanged by the neck until dead would be followed by another
+judgment,—dooming the lifeless body of the pirate to be
+hanged in chains from a gibbet placed on some island or
+jutting point near a ship channel, there to hang “a sun drying”
+as a warning to other sailormen of evil intent. In Boston
+harbor there were formerly two islands—Bird island and
+Nix’s Mate—on which pirates were gibbetted. Bird island
+long since disappeared and ships now anchor where the gibbet
+formerly stood. Nix’s Mate was of such size that early in the
+eighteenth century the selectmen of Boston advertised its
+rental for the pasturage of cattle. Today, every foot of its
+soil has washed away and the point of a granite monument
+alone marks the site of the island where formerly a pirate hung
+in chains beside the swiftly flowing tides.</p>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i368_1" style="max-width: 114.3125em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i368_1.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>NIX’S MATE, BOSTON HARBOR, IN 1775, WHERE CAPTAIN
+FLY WAS GIBBETED IN 1726<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an engraving in the “Atlantic Neptune,” Part III, London, 1781, in the library
+of the Massachusetts Historical Society</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp93" id="i368_2" style="max-width: 113.8125em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i368_2.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption>MONUMENT ON THE SHOAL, FORMERLY NIX’S MATE, IN
+1637 AN ISLAND OF MORE THAN TEN ACRES<br>
+<span class='c2'>From a photograph made about 1900</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+
+
+
+<div class="footnotes"><h3>FOOTNOTES</h3>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_177" href="#FNanchor_177" class="label">[177]</a> This was the man who enticed Anne Bonny to go to sea with him and
+become a female pirate.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_178" href="#FNanchor_178" class="label">[178]</a> <i>Advertisement.</i> John Smith of Boston in New England late Mate of
+the Briganteen Rebecca of Charlestown burthen’d about Ninety Tuns
+whereof James Flucker was late Commander and Charles Meston of Boston
+aforesaid Mariner, late belonging to the said Briganteen, severally
+Declare and say, That the said Briganteen in her Voyage from St. Christophers
+to Boston, on the Twenty-eighth of May last past, being in the
+Latitude of Thirty Eight Degrees and odd Minutes North, the said Briganteen
+was taken by a Pirate Sloop, Commanded by one Lowther, having
+near one Hundred Men, and Eight Guns mounted. The Day after the
+said Briganteen was taken, the said Pirate parted their Company. Forty
+of them went on Board the said Brigantine Commanded by Edward Loe
+of Boston aforesaid, Mariner; and the rest of the said Pirates went on
+board the Sloop, Commanded by the said Lowther. And Declarants
+further say, That Joseph Sweetser of Charlestown aforesaid, and Richard
+Rich and Robert Willis of London, Mariners, all belonging to the said
+Brigantine, were forced and compelled against their Wills to go with the
+said Pirates, viz. Joseph Sweetser and Richard Rich on board the Brigantine,
+&amp; Robert Willis on Board the Sloop. The said Willis having broke
+his Arm by a Fall from the Mast, desired that considering his Condition
+they would let him go; but they utterly refused and forced him away with
+them.</p>
+
+<p>
+<i>Signum</i> <span class="smcap">John Smith</span><br>
+<span style="margin-left: 4.5em;"><span class="smcap">Charles Meston</span></span><br>
+<br>
+<i>Suffolk ss.</i>      Boston, June 12, 1722.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>The abovenamed John Smith and Charles Meston personally appearing,
+made Oath to the Truth of the aforewritten Declaration.</p>
+
+<p>
+<i>Coram me</i> <span class="smcap">J. Willard</span>, Secr. &amp; J. Pac.<br>
+</p>
+
+<p>
+—<i>New England Courant</i>, June 18, 1722.<br>
+</p>
+
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_179" href="#FNanchor_179" class="label">[179]</a> Johnson, <i>History of the Pirates</i>, London, 1726.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_180" href="#FNanchor_180" class="label">[180]</a> By the old English law the clergy were exempted from trial before a
+secular judge. This privilege was afterwards extended, for many offences,
+to all laymen who could read. The legal recognition of the “Benefit of
+the Clergy” was not wholly repealed until 1827.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_181" href="#FNanchor_181" class="label">[181]</a> <i>Calendar of State Papers, America and West Indies</i>, 1699, p. 746.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_182" href="#FNanchor_182" class="label">[182]</a> The origin of this emblem is not known but it dates back at least to
+the fourteenth century. The existing silver oar of the High Court of
+Admiralty in England is believed to be of Tudor date, and that of the
+Cinque Ports, now preserved at Dover Castle, England, is of an earlier
+period. The silver oar had inscribed on its blade, the Royal Arms, an
+anchor, or some similar device. Miniature silver oars were also in use as
+badges of authority when effecting arrests under the order of an Admiralty
+Court. See an article on “The Jurisdiction of the Silver Oar of the
+Admiralty,” in the <i>Nautical Magazine</i>, Vol. XLVI (1877).—<span class="smcap">W. G. Perrin</span>,
+<i>The Library, Admiralty, London</i>. Admiralty Courts in America continue
+to use the oar as an emblem of authority. The oar preserved in the Federal
+Building, Boston, is made of wood.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<div class="footnote">
+
+<p><a id="Footnote_183" href="#FNanchor_183" class="label">[183]</a> This was because the Admiralty Courts, in theory and practice, had
+authority over acts committed on the sea and that control ceased at high-water
+mark.</p>
+
+</div>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_371">[371]</span></p>
+<p id="APPENDIX"></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="APPENDIX_I">APPENDIX<br>
+I<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Captain Ploughman’s Privateering Commission</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p class="no-indent"><b>Joseph Dudley</b>, <i>Esq; Captain General and Governour in Chief,
+in and over Her Majesties Provinces of the</i> Massachusetts
+Bay, <i>and</i> New-Hampshire <i>in</i> New-England <i>in</i> America, <i>and
+Vice-Admiral of the same. To Capt.</i> Daniel Plowman, <i>Commander
+of the Briganteen</i> Charles <i>of </i> Boston, <i>Greeting</i>.</p><br>
+
+<p>Whereas Her Sacred Majesty <i>ANNE</i> by the Grace
+of GOD, of <i>England</i>, <i>Scotland</i>, <i>France</i> and <i>Ireland</i>,
+QUEEN, Defender of the Faith, <i>&amp;c.</i> Hath an Open
+and Declared War against <i>France</i> and <i>Spain</i>, their Vassals
+and Subjects. <span class="smcap">And Forasmuch</span> as you have made Application
+unto Me for Licence to Arm, Furnish and Equip the said
+Briganteen in Warlike manner, against Her Majesties said
+Enemies, I do accordingly Permit and Allow the same; And,
+Reposing special Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty,
+Courage and good Conduct, Do by these Presents, by Virtue
+of the Powers and Authorities contained in Her Majesties
+Royal Commission to Me granted, Impower and Commissionate
+you the said <i>Daniel Plowman</i>, to be Captain or Commander
+of the said Briganteen <i>Charles</i>, Burthen Eighty Tuns
+or thereabouts: Hereby Authorizing you in and with the
+said Briganteen and Company to her belonging, to War,
+Fight, Take, Kill, Suppress and Destroy, any Pirates, Privateers,
+or other the Subjects and Vassals of <i>France</i>, or <i>Spain</i>,
+the Declared Enemies of the Crown of <i>England</i>, in what Place
+soever you shall happen to meet them; Their Ships, Vessels
+and Goods, to take and make Prize of. And your said Briganteens<span class="pagenum" id="Page_372">[372]</span>
+Company are Commanded to Obey you as their
+Captain: And your self in the Execution of this Commission,
+to Observe and Follow the Orders and Instructions herewith
+given you. And I do hereby Request all Governors and
+Commanders in Chief, of any of Her Majesties Territories,
+Islands, Provinces or Plantations, where the said Captain or
+Commander shall arrive with his said Vessel and Men: And
+all Admirals, Vice-Admirals and Commanders of Her Majesties
+Ships of War, and others, that may happen to meet him
+at Sea; Also all Officers and Subjects of the Friends or Allies
+of Her said Sacred Majesty, to permit him the said Captain
+or Commander with his said Vessel, Men, and the Prizes that
+he may have taken, freely and quietly to pass and repass,
+without giving or suffering him to receive any Trouble or
+Hindrance, but on the contrary all Succour and Assistance
+needful. And this Commission is to continue in Force for
+the Space of Six Months next ensuing (if the War so long
+last) and not afterwards. <i>Given under my Hand and Seal at
+Arms at</i> Boston <i>the Thirteenth Day of</i> July: <i>In the Second Year
+of Her said Majesties Reign</i>, Annoque Domini, 1703.</p><br>
+
+<p>
+<i>By His Excellencies Command</i>,<br>
+<b>Isaac Addington</b>, Secr.<br>
+</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_373">[373]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="APPENDIX_II">II<br>
+<span class="ch-title">Captain Ploughman’s Instructions</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<p class="no-indent">
+<i>Province of the</i> Massachusetts<br>
+Bay <i>in</i> New-England.<br>
+<br></p>
+
+<p class="hanging2 center">
+<i>By His Excellency</i> <b>Joseph Dudley</b>, Esq; <i>Captain-General<br>
+and Governour in Chief</i>, &amp;c.
+</p><br>
+
+<p class="no-indent"><i>Instructions to be Observed by Capt.</i> Daniel Plowman,
+<i>Commander of the Briganteen</i> Charles <i>of</i> Boston, <i>In Pursuance
+of the Commission herewith given him.</i></p><br>
+
+<p><i>First</i>, You are to keep such good Orders among your said
+Briganteen’s Company, that Swearing Drunkenness and
+Prophaneness be avoided, or duly Punished; And that GOD
+be duly worshipped.</p>
+
+<p><i>2dly</i>, You are upon all Occasions to Endeavour the maintaining
+of Her Majesties Honour, and to give Protection to
+Her Subjects, by endeavouring to secure them in their Trade,
+and in no wise to hurt or injure any of Her Majesties Subjects,
+Friends or Allies.</p>
+
+<p><i>3dly.</i> You are to take, seize, sink, or destroy any of the
+Ships, Vessels or Goods belonging to <i>France</i> or <i>Spain</i>, their
+Vassals or Subjects, the Declared Enemies of the Crown of
+<i>England</i>. And all such Ships and Vessels with their Lading,
+Goods, and Merchandizes, which you shall happen to seize
+or take, you are to carry or send into some Port or Ports
+within Her Majesties Kingdom or Dominions, to be proceeded
+against and adjudged: And if near this Coast, then
+to bring or send them to <i>Boston</i>, your Commission Port.</p>
+
+<p><i>4thly.</i> You are to take effectual Care, That no Money,
+Goods, Merchandizes, or what else shall be taken by you in
+any Ship, Vessel, or otherwise, be Imbezelled, Purloyned,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_374">[374]</span>
+Concealed, or Conveyed away. And that Bulk be not broken
+until the same be first adjudged to be Lawful Prize: And
+Order given for the landing and securing thereof, as by Law
+is directed. And likewise you are carefully to preserve all
+Books, Papers, Letters and Writings which shall be found in
+any Ship or Vessel to be by you taken, to the intent a more
+clear Evidence and Discovery may be made to what Persons
+such Ship or Vessel and her Lading did belong.</p>
+
+<p><i>5thly.</i> You are to take care, That no Person or Persons
+taken or surprized by you in any Ship or Vessel as aforesaid,
+though known to be of the Enemies side, be in cold Blood
+killed, maimed, or by Torture or Cruelty inhumanly treated
+contrary to the Common Usage or Just Permission of War.</p>
+
+<p><i>6thly.</i> You are to keep a fair Journal of all your Proceedings,
+That so you may be the better enabled to give a Copy
+thereof when you shall be thereunto duly required.</p>
+
+<p><i>7thly.</i> You may not at any time wear on Board your said
+Briganteen, by Virtue of the said Commission, any other Jack
+than that Ordered by Her Majesties Royal Proclamation, of
+the Eighteenth of <i>December</i> 1702, to be worn by such Ships
+as have Commission of Mart or Reprizal; and upon meeting
+with any of Her Majesties Ships of War, you are to pay all
+Customary Respect unto them, according to the Laws and
+Orders of the Sea.</p>
+
+<p><i>8thly.</i> You may not enter or retain on Board your said
+Briganteen any Mens Sons under Age, or Servants, contrary
+to the Law of this Province: And before you depart with your
+said Briganteen from the same, you are to deliver into the
+Secretaries Office a List by you signed, of the Names of the
+Company belonging to your said Briganteen with the Place
+of their Respective Dwellings, or Aboad, as near as you can
+learn; and such of them as are Inhabitants, or belonging to
+this Province, you are to bring back with you to the same,
+or use your best Endeavours so to do, not willingly leaving
+any of them behind in other Parts.</p>
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_375">[375]</span></p>
+
+<p><i>9thly.</i> You are to take care, That the Prisoners which you
+shall take in any Prize Ship or Vessel, or so many of them as
+you may be able to keep under Command (especially the
+Officers or more Principal of them) be brought or sent into
+your Commission Port, or where else within Her Majesties
+Dominions you send your Prizes: To the intent there may be
+the more full Evidences for Condemning the same, and also
+an advantage for the Exchange of Prisoners.</p>
+
+<p><i>Lastly.</i> You are carefully to observe and keep all the foregoing
+Articles and Instructions, and not to make any breach
+thereof, or of Her Majesties Laws, respecting Letters of Reprisal,
+and Prize Ships and Goods; and to see that the full
+and just Parts and Shares of all such Vessels and Goods as
+shall be taken and seized by you, by Law accruing unto Her
+Majesty, and the Lord High Admiral, be duly and truly
+answered and paid.</p>
+
+<p><i>Given under my Hand at</i> Boston, <i>the Thirteenth Day of</i> July,
+<i>in the Second Year of Her Majesties Reign</i>, Annoque Domini,
+1603.</p>
+
+<p>
+<i>Copy of the Instructions given unto me</i>&emsp;J. DUDLEY.</p>
+<p>&emsp;Daniel Plowman.
+</p><br>
+<p class="center">
+<i>Register.</i><br>
+</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_376">[376]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="APPENDIX_III">III<br>
+<span class="ch-title">The Dying Speeches of Captain Quelch and
+his Companions</span></h2>
+</div>
+<p class="center">An Account of the Behaviour and last Dying</p>
+
+<p class="center">SPEECHES</p><br>
+
+<p class="hanging2">
+Of the Six Pirates, that were Executed on <i>Charles River,
+Boston</i> side, on Fryday <i>June</i> 30th. 1704. <i>Viz.</i></p>
+<br>
+<p class="hanging2">
+<i>Capt.</i> John Quelch, John Lambert, Christopher Scudamore,
+John Miller, Erasmus Peterson <i>and</i> Peter Roach.</p>
+<br>
+
+<p>The Ministers of the Town, had used more than ordinary
+Endeavours, to Instruct the Prisoners, and
+bring them to Repentance. There were Sermons
+Preached in their hearing, Every Day: And Prayers daily
+made with them. And they were Catechised; and they had
+many occasional Exhortations. And nothing was left, that
+could be done for their Good.</p>
+
+<p>On Fryday the <i>30th. of June</i> 1704. Pursuant to Orders in
+the Dead Warrant, the aforesaid Pirates were guarded from
+the Prison in <i>Boston</i>, by Forty Musketeers, Constables of the
+Town, the Provost Marshal and his Officers, <i>&amp;c.</i> with Two
+Ministers, who took great pains to prepare them for the last
+Article of their Lives. Being allowed to walk on Foot through
+the Town, to Scarlets Wharff; where the Silver Oar being
+carried before them; they went by Water to the Place of
+Execution, being Crowded and thronged on all sides with
+Multitudes of Spectators. The Ministers then Spoke to the
+Malefactors, to this Effect.</p>
+
+<p>“We have told you often, ye we have told you Weeping,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_377">[377]</span>
+That you have by Sin undone your selves; That you were
+born Sinners, That you have lived Sinners, That your Sins
+have been many and mighty; and that the Sins for which
+you are now to Dy, are of no common aggravation. We
+have told you, That there is a Saviour for Sinners, and we
+have shewn you, how to commit your selves into His Saving
+and Healing Hands. We have told you, That if He Save you,
+He will give you an hearty Repentance for all your Sins, and
+we have shown you how to Express that Repentance. We
+have told you, What Marks of Life, must be desired for your
+Souls, that you may Safely appear before the Judgment Seat
+of God. Oh! That the means used for your Good, may by
+the Grace of God be made Effectual. We can do no more,
+but leave you in His Merciful Hands!</p>
+
+<p>“When they were gone up upon the Stage, and Silence was
+Commanded, One of the Ministers Prayed.”...</p><br>
+
+
+<p class="center"><i>They then severally Spoke</i>, Viz.</p><br>
+
+<p>I. Capt. <i>John Quelch</i>. The last Words he spake to One
+of the Ministers at his going up the Stage, were, <i>I am not
+afraid of Death, I am not afraid of the Gallows, but I am afraid
+of what follows; I am afraid of a Great God, and a Judgment to
+Come</i>. But he afterwards seem’d to brave it out too much
+against that fear: also when on the Stage first he pulled off
+his Hat, and bowed to the Spectators, and not Concerned, nor
+behaving himself so much like a Dying man as some would
+have done. The Ministers had in the Way to his Execution,
+much desired him to Glorify God at his Death, by bearing
+a due Testimony against the Sins that had ruined him, and
+for the ways of Religion which he had much neglected: yet
+now being called upon to speak what he had to say, it was
+but thus much; <i>Gentlemen, ’Tis but little I have to speak:
+What I have to say is this, I desire to be informed for what I am
+here, I am Condemned only upon Circumstances. I forgive all
+the World: So the Lord be Merciful to my Soul.</i> When <i>Lambert</i><span class="pagenum" id="Page_378">[378]</span>
+was Warning the Spectators to beware of <i>Bad-Company</i>,
+<i>Quelch</i> joyning, <i>They should also take care how they brought
+Money into New-England, to be Hanged for it!</i></p>
+
+<p>II. <i>John Lambert.</i> He appeared much hardened, and
+pleaded much on his Innocency: He desired all men to beware
+of Bad Company; he seem’d in a great Agony near his
+Execution: he called much and frequently on Christ, for
+Pardon of Sin, that God Almighty would Save his innocent
+Soul: he desired to forgive all the World: his last words were,
+<i>Lord, forgive my Soul! Oh, receive me into Eternity! blessed
+Name of Christ receive my Soul.</i>——</p>
+
+<p>III. <i>Christopher Scudamore.</i> He appeared very Penitent
+since his Condemnation, was very diligent to improve his
+time going to, and at the place of Execution.</p>
+
+<p>IV. <i>John Miller.</i> He seem’d much concerned, and complained
+of a great Burden of Sins to answer for; Expressing
+often, <i>Lord! What shall I do to be Saved!</i></p>
+
+<p>V. <i>Erasmus Peterson.</i> He cryed of injustice done him;
+and said, it is very hard for so many mens Lives to be taken
+away for a little Gold. He often said, <i>his Peace was made
+with God; and his Soul would be with God</i>: yet extream hard
+to forgive those he said wronged him: He told the Executioner,
+<i>he was a strong man, and Prayed to be put out of misery
+as soon as possible</i>.</p>
+
+<p>VI. <i>Peter Roach.</i> He seem’d little concerned, and said
+but little or nothing at all.</p>
+
+<p><i>Francis King</i> was also Brought to the place of Execution,
+but Repriev’d.</p>
+
+<hr class="tb">
+
+<p><i>Printed for and Sold by</i> Nicholas Boone, <i>at his Shop near the Old Meeting-House
+in</i> Boston, 1704.</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_379">[379]</span></p>
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="APPENDIX_IV">IV<br>
+<span class="ch-title">John Fillmore’s Narrative</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>In 1802, there was published at Suffield, Conn., a pamphlet
+of twelve pages with the following title, viz:—</p><br>
+
+<p>“<i>Narrative of the Singular Sufferings of John Fillmore and
+others on board the noted Pirate Vessel Commanded by Captain
+Phillips</i>”....</p><br>
+
+
+<p>This pamphlet was reprinted at Johnstown in 1809 and at
+Aurora, N. Y. in 1837, and again, in the “Publications of
+the Buffalo Historical Society,” Volume X. It was written
+when John Fillmore was an old man and the testimony given
+at the trial of the pirates shows it to be inaccurate in some
+particulars. It preserves, however, biographical details which
+are probably correct.</p>
+
+<p>Fillmore relates that his father was a sailor who was taken
+into Martinico by a French frigate where he was imprisoned
+and suffered many hardships so that when sent home in a
+French cartel he died on the voyage. Young Fillmore was
+apprenticed to a carpenter and across the road from where
+he lived was a tailor who had an apprentice named William
+White who afterwards went to sea. When young Fillmore
+met him again it was on board Phillips’ pirate vessel off the
+Newfoundland coast.</p>
+
+<p>When seventeen years old Fillmore went to sea in the sloop
+“Dolphin,” Captain Haskell, and was taken by Phillips
+soon after reaching the fishing grounds. “Having heard of
+the cruelties committed by Phillips,” he refused to go on
+board his vessel until White came back with an order to
+bring him on board “dead or alive.” He states that while<span class="pagenum" id="Page_380">[380]</span>
+with Phillips he was assigned the helm for much of the time,
+and on one occasion when a fine merchant ship was sighted,
+Captain Phillips “walked the deck with his glass in his hand”
+and damned young Fillmore for not steering as well as he
+thought he should and at last struck him over the head with
+his broadsword, cutting his hat. The merchant was light
+and a better sailer and so got away.</p>
+
+<p>When Fern, the carpenter, attempted to get away the
+second time, Phillips ran his sword through his body and
+then blew out his brains with a pistol. Phillips also killed a
+young friend of Fillmore’s in the same manner.</p>
+
+<p>Fillmore represents that he played a very active part in
+the overthrow of the pirates, which he initiated the evening
+before by burning the soles of the feet of White and Archer,
+as they lay dead drunk below deck, so that they were unable
+to come on deck the next day. At the time of the attack
+the master was preparing to take an observation and “the
+quartermaster was in the cabin drawing out some leaden
+slugs for a musket.” Fillmore relates that he split open the
+head of the boatswain with a broadax, hit the captain on the
+head and stunned him and when the quartermaster, hearing
+the noise, came running out of the cabin with a hammer in
+his hand he “gave him a blow on the back of his head cutting
+his wig and neck almost off so that his head hung down before
+him.” As Archer was the quartermaster of the vessel and
+was supposed to be suffering with burned feet and unable to
+come on deck, Fillmore at this point seems to add embroidery
+to his narrative. He also states that three of the pirates
+were sent to England for trial and hanged there.</p>
+
+<p>James Cheeseman returned to England where he was rewarded
+by the Government, says Fillmore, and enjoyed until
+his death the office of quartermaster in the dockyard at
+Portsmouth.</p>
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_381">[381]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="APPENDIX_V">V<br>
+<span class="ch-title">An “Act of Grace”</span></h2>
+</div>
+
+<p>From time to time proclamations were published granting
+a gracious pardon to those guilty of acts of piracy who would
+surrender themselves to the authorities on or before a certain
+date. These offers of pardon were known as “Acts of Grace.”
+The proclamation made in 1717, which brought about the
+great surrender of pirates in the Bahamas, is here reprinted.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center">
+By the King</p>
+<p>A PROCLAMATION for Suppressing of PYRATES</p>
+<br>
+
+<p>“Whereas we have received information, that several
+Persons, Subjects of Great Britain, have, since the 24th Day
+of June, in the Year of our Lord, 1715, committed divers
+Pyracies and Robberies upon the High-Seas, in the West-Indies,
+or adjoyning to our Plantations, which hath and may
+Occasion great Damage to the Merchants of Great Britain,
+and others trading into those Parts; and tho’ we have appointed
+such a Force as we judge sufficient for suppressing
+the said Pyrates, yet the more effectually to put an End to
+the same, we have thought fit, by and with the Advice of
+our Privy Council, to Issue this our Royal Proclamation;
+and we do hereby promise, and declare, that in Case any of
+the said Pyrates, shall on, or before, the 5th of September,
+in the Year of our Lord 1718, surrender him or themselves,
+to one of our Principal Secretaries of State in Great Britain
+or Ireland, or to any Governor or Deputy Governor of any
+of our Plantations beyond the Seas; every such Pyrate and
+Pyrates so surrendering him, or themselves, as aforesaid,
+shall have our gracious Pardon, of, and for such, his or their<span class="pagenum" id="Page_382">[382]</span>
+Pyracy, or Piracies, by him or them committed, before the
+fifth of January next ensuing. And we do hereby strictly
+charge and command all our Admirals, Captains, and other
+Officers at Sea, and all our Governors and Commanders of
+any Forts, Castles, or other Places in our Plantations, and all
+other our Officers Civil and Military, to seize and take such
+of the Pyrates, who shall refuse or neglect to surrender themselves
+accordingly. And we do hereby further declare, that
+in Case any Person or Persons, on, or after, the 6th Day of
+September, 1718, shall discover or seize, or cause or procure
+to be discovered or seized, any one or more of the said Pyrates,
+so refusing or neglecting to surrender themselves as aforesaid,
+so as they may be brought to Justice, and convicted of the
+said Offence, such Person or Persons, so making such Discovery
+or Seizure, or causing or procuring such Discovery
+or Seizure to be made, shall have and receive as a Reward for
+the same, viz. for every Commander of any private Ship or
+Vessel, the Sum of 100 l. for every Lieutenant, Master, Boatswain,
+Carpenter, and Gunner, the Sum of 40 l. for every
+inferior Officer, the Sum of 30 l. and for every private Man,
+the Sum of 20 l. And if any Person or Persons, belonging to,
+and being Part of the Crew, of any Pyrate Ship and Vessel,
+shall, on or after the said sixth Day of September, 1718, seize
+and deliver, or cause to be seized or delivered, any Commander
+or Commanders, of such Pyrat Ship or Vessel, so as that
+he or they be brought to Justice, and convicted of the said
+Offence, such Person or Persons, as a Reward for the same,
+shall receive for every such Commander, the Sum of 200 l.
+which said Sums, the Lord Treasurer, or the Commissioners
+of our Treasury for the time being, are hereby required, and
+desired to pay accordingly.</p>
+
+<p>“Given at our Court, at Hampton-Court, the fifth Day of
+September, 1717, in the fourth Year of our Reign.</p>
+
+<p class="right">
+GEORGE R.</p>
+<p class="center">
+“God save the KING.”<br>
+</p>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" style="max-width: 150em;">
+  <img class='w100' id='i000' src='images/i000_frontendpaper.jpg' alt=''>
+  <figcaption><span class='smcap'>Boston harbor from the survey in the “English
+Pilot,”</span> Part IV. London, 1707<br>
+<span class='c2'>From an original in the Harvard College Library.</span></figcaption>
+</figure>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+
+<figure class="figcenter illowp100" id="i511_backendpaper" style="max-width: 495.6875em;">
+<img class="w100" src="images/i511_backendpaper.jpg" alt="">
+<figcaption><span class="smcap">Map of Cape Cod in 1717, showing the location of
+the pirate wreck</span><br>
+<span class='c2'>From a chart surveyed and published by Capt. Cyprian
+Southack of Boston, now in possession of John W. Farwell.</span>
+</figcaption>
+</figure>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_383">[383]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="INDEX">INDEX</h2>
+</div>
+
+
+<ul class="index">
+<li class="ifrst"> Acadie, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Acapulco, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ackin, John, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Act of Grace, <a href="#Page_344">344</a>, <a href="#Page_361">361</a>, <a href="#Page_381">381</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Addington, Isaac, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Aernouts, Jurriaen, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Aix-la-Chapelle, Treaty of, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Allen, Rev. John, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Alsop, ----, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Andreson, Cornelius, <a href="#Page_45">45-51</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Andros, Gov. Edmund, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Angola, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Annisquam, <a href="#Page_310">310</a>, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Anstis, Captain, <a href="#Page_314">314</a>, <a href="#Page_318">318</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Apthorp, Edward, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Archer, John Rose, <a href="#Page_312">312</a>, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323-325</a>, <a href="#Page_380">380</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Arnold, Sion, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ashton, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Philip, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218-270</a>, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Sarah (Hendly), <a href="#Page_221">221</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Atkins, John, xxii.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Atkinson, William, <a href="#Page_331">331-335</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Atwell, Christopher, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Austin, James, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Avery, “Long Ben,” xviii, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_346">346-348</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ayres, Captain, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Azores, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>, <a href="#Page_233">233</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a>, <a href="#Page_340">340</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Babson, James, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bahama Islands, <a href="#Page_344">344</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Baker, Thomas, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Baptis, John, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Barbary Coast, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Barlow, Jonathan, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>, <a href="#Page_286">286</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Barnard, Rev. John, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>, <a href="#Page_222">222</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Barnes, Henry, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Barney, Jonathan, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Barrows, George, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bartlett, Sarah, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bass, Rev. ----, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Basse, Governor, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Jeremiah, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Beal, Obadiah, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Beer, Captain, <a href="#Page_121">121</a>, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Belcher, Andrew, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bell, John, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bellamy, Samuel, <a href="#Page_116">116-131</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bellomont, Governor, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73-80</a>, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Benbrook, James, <a href="#Page_333">333-335</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bennett, William, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bermuda, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bernard, Thomas, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bevins, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bishop, ----, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Blades, William, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Blair, James, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Blake, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Blaney, ----, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Blaze, John, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Block Island, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bluefield, ----, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bonnet, Stede, <a href="#Page_360">360</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bonny, Anne, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bootman, John, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Borneo, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Boston, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_141">141</a>, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>,</li>
+<li class="isub4">335, <a href="#Page_368">368</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bouche, Oliver la, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bovewe, John, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bradish, Joseph, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_40">40-43</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bradstreet, Governor, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Brazil, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Breck, John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bredcake, Thomas, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Brenton, ----, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Jahlael, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Brethren of the Coast, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bridgman, ----, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bright, John, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Brinkley, James, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Brisco, Lieutenant, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Broadhaven, Ireland, <a href="#Page_3">3</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Brown, Captain, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_300">300-302</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_306">306</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, Jr., <a href="#Page_148">148</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Nicholas, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Browne, Edward, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Buccaneers, <a href="#Page_10">10-15</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Buck, Eleazer, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67-70</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bull, Dixey, <a href="#Page_20">20-22</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Bumstead, Jeremiah, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>, <a href="#Page_326">326</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Burgess, ----, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">T., <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Burk, ----, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Burlington, Captain, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Burrage, ----, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Burrill, ----, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Byfield, Nathaniel, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Cahoon, James, <a href="#Page_147">147</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Calder, Thomas, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Calley, Edward, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Campbell, Duncan, <a href="#Page_78">78</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Campeachy, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Candor, Ralph, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cape Ann, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cape Cod, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cape Verde Islands, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>, <a href="#Page_340">340</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Carr, John, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Carracioli, ----, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Carter, Captain, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Denis, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cary, Captain, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>, <a href="#Page_361">361</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Casco Bay, Me., <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Casey, Captain, <a href="#Page_287">287</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cass, John, <a href="#Page_283">283</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Castine, Me., <a href="#Page_44">44-46</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Caymans Islands, <a href="#Page_143">143</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Chadwell, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_321">321</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Chambly, ---- de, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Chandler, Captain, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Chard, Allen, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cheeseman, Edward, <a href="#Page_311">311-313</a>, <a href="#Page_321">321-323</a>, <a href="#Page_380">380</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cheever, ----, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Chevalle, Daniel, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Child, Thomas, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Chuley, Daniel, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Church, Charles, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Churchill, John, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Clap, Rev. ----, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Roger, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Clark, Jeremiah, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Clarke, Jeremiah, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Clayton, ----, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Clifford, John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Coates, Edward, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cocklyn, Thomas, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Coddington, Capt., <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Codin, James, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Codman, John, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cole, John, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Joseph, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Samuel, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>, <a href="#Page_334">334</a>, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Collins, Daniel, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_351">351</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Collyer, John, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Colman, John, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Combs, Captain, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Condick, George, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Congdon, ----, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Coombs, John, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cooper, Joseph, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cooper, Thomas, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Coote, Richard, _see_ Bellomont.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Coward, William, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cox, Captain, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Craig, Captain, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cranston, Governor, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cromwell, Thomas, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cross, William, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Crumpstey, Andrew, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cues, Peter, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cundon, Morice, <a href="#Page_328">328</a>, <a href="#Page_330">330</a>, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cunningham, Patrick, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Cuthbert, William, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Curacao, <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Curre, John, <a href="#Page_272">272</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Danforth, Thomas, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Daniels, James, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Danson, John, <a href="#Page_29">29-31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Darby, John, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dauling, Robert, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Davies, Capt., <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Davis, ----, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Gabriel, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Howel, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_360">360</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Silvanus, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Daw, John, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> De Haws, Captain, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Delbridge, Andrew, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Deloe, Jonathan, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dew, Capt., <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dickenson, John, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dicks, Anthony, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dipper, Henry, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Doane, Joseph, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Doggett, Samuel, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dole, Francis, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dolliber, Joseph, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dorothy, John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Douglass, James, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dove, Captain, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>, <a href="#Page_268">268</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Doyly, Colonel, <a href="#Page_314">314</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Drew, George, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Drury, Robert, <a href="#Page_351">351</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dudley, Gov. Joseph, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_371">371</a>, <a href="#Page_373">373</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Paul, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dummer, ----, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Jeremiah, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dunavan, James, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dunbar, Captain, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Nicholas, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dunn, William, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dunston, Thomas, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dunwell, ----, <a href="#Page_304">304</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Durffie, Richard, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Durell, Captain, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Dyer, ----, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Easton, Peter, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Eastwick, Captain, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Eaton, Edward, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Edgecomb, Capt., <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Edwards, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Eldridge, Webster, <a href="#Page_126">126</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Eleuthera, W. I., <a href="#Page_29">29</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ellery, Dependence, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ellicot, Captain, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Elwell, Joshua, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Samuel, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Emmot, Joseph, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76-79</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> England, Edward, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> English, Philip, <a href="#Page_56">56</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Erickson, Erick, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Esquemeling, John, <a href="#Page_12">12</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ester, Captain, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Estwick, Captain, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Fabens, James, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Lawrence, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Faro, Captain, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Falmouth, Me., <a href="#Page_57">57</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Farrington, Thomas, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Feake, John, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Feny, John, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ferguson, William, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fern, Thomas, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>, <a href="#Page_318">318</a>, <a href="#Page_319">319-321</a>, <a href="#Page_380">380</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fife, James, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Filmore, John, <a href="#Page_311">311-313</a>, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <a href="#Page_321">321-324</a>, <a href="#Page_379">379</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fillmore, Millard, <a href="#Page_311">311</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fisher, Dr. Archibald, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fitz-Gerald, John, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>, <a href="#Page_307">307</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fitzgerald, Thomas, <a href="#Page_122">122-124</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fitzherbert, John, <a href="#Page_330">330</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Flags, _see_ Pirate flags.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fletcher, Gov. Benjamin, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>,84,92-95.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Flucker, James, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fly, William, <a href="#Page_328">328-337</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Folger, Abissai, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Forcing men, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ford, John, <a href="#Page_260">260</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Forrest, William, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Foster, John, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Franklin, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fraser, William, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Frontenac, Governor, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Freeborn, Matthew, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Freeman, Edward, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fulker, John, <a href="#Page_331">331</a>, <a href="#Page_332">332</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Fulmore, Simon, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Furber, Captain, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Gale, John, <a href="#Page_331">331</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gallison, Jane, <a href="#Page_221">221</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gallop, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gardiner, ----, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gardiner’s Island, N. Y., <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> George, John, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gibbetting, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_326">326</a>, <a href="#Page_327">327</a>, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>, <a href="#Page_340">340</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_369">369</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Giddings, John, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Giddins, Paul, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gifford, Jane, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Robert, <a href="#Page_218">218-220</a>, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gilbert, Mrs. Mary, <a href="#Page_327">327</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Richard, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Giles, Harry, <a href="#Page_312">312</a>, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gillam, James, <a href="#Page_34">34-38</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Girdler, George, <a href="#Page_333">333</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Glen, Thomas, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gloucester, Mass., <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Glover, ----, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Goffe, Christopher, <a href="#Page_30">30-32</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gorges, Sir Ferdinando, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gough, Captain, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gould, ----, <a href="#Page_272">272</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Goulden, Penelope, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Goulding, Captain, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gourdon, Zana, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Graham, ----, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Grande, Thomas, <a href="#Page_264">264</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Granger, Roger, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Grant, Peter, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Graves, Captain, <a href="#Page_214">214</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Green, John, <a href="#Page_328">328</a>, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Greenman, Captain, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Greenville, Henry, <a href="#Page_334">334</a>, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Grenada, W. I., <a href="#Page_201">201</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Griffin, Richard, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gross, Dixey, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gulleck, Thomas, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gullock, Capt., <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Gwatkins, Captain, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Hains, Richard, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hall, Nathaniel, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hallam, Nicholas, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Halsey, Dinah, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">James, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hamilton, Captain, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Haraden, Andrew, <a href="#Page_310">310-323</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Harding, Samuel, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hargrave, ----, <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Harvey, ----, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Harris, Charles, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_153">153</a>, <a href="#Page_154">154</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_206">206</a>, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>,</li>
+<li class="isub4">288-309.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Samuel, <a href="#Page_333">333</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Harwood, John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Haskell, Captain, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>, <a href="#Page_379">379</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hawkins, Abigail, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Hannah, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_55">55-70</a>, <a href="#Page_279">279-281</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hazell, Thomas, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Headland, John, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Heath, Peleg, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Heed, Captain, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Henley, ----, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Herrick, Captain, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hesh, George, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hester, ----, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Higginson, Rev. John, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Nathaniel, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_350">350</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hill, Henry, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hilliard, Edward, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hinchard, Dr. John, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hobby, Charles, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Holding, Anthony, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Holloway, Henry, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Holman, John, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Honan, Daniel, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Honduras, Bay of, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_341">341-344</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hood, Captain, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hoof, Peter Cornelius, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hope, John, <a href="#Page_260">260</a>, <a href="#Page_264">264</a>, <a href="#Page_265">265</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hopkins, Caleb, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hore, ----, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hornygold, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hubbard, Captain, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Huggit, Thomas, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hull, Edward, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hunt, Captain, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hunter, Andrew, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Henry, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hussam, Captain, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hutchinson, ----, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Elisha, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hutnot, Joseph, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Hyde, Daniel, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Ireland, John, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Isles of Shoals, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ivemay, Charles, <a href="#Page_312">312</a>, <a href="#Page_321">321</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Jacob, ----, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Jamaica Discipline, <a href="#Page_356">356</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> James, Charles, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Jenkins, Thomas, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Jennings, ----, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Henry, <a href="#Page_343">343-345</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Johnson, Charles, v, xviii.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Johnson, Isaac, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_56">56-70</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Jones, Captain, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_304">304</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Judson, Randall, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Julian, John, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Kelly, James, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Kelsey, Captain, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Kencate, Dr. John, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>, <a href="#Page_304">304</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Kendale, Ralph, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Kent, Ebenezer, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Kewes, Peter, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Kidd, Robert, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Rev. John, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mrs. Sarah, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_73">73-83</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> King, Charles, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> King, Francis, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_378">378</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Peter, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Knight, Christopher, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Knot, Captain, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> La Bouche, Oliver, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>, <a href="#Page_360">360</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lacey, Abraham, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lakin, Thomas, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lambert, ----, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110-113</a>, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>, <a href="#Page_378">378</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lancy, William, <a href="#Page_321">321-323</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lander, Daniel, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lansley, Captain, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Larkin, David, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">George, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Larramore, Captain, <a href="#Page_104">104-106</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lassen, Isaac (indian), <a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Laughton, Francis, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lawrence, Edward, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Richard, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Laws, Captain, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lawson, Edward, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Nicholas, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Layal, Captain, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Layton, Francis, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lebous, Louis, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Legg, Colonel, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Leonard, Robert, <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Leverett, Governor, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Levercott, Samuel, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lewis, Nicholas, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Libbie, Joseph, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>, <a href="#Page_236">236</a>, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_303">303-305</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Libertatia, Madagascar, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lilly, Captain, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lindsay, David, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Linisker, Thomas, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Littleton, Captain, <a href="#Page_273">273</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Livingston, Robert, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_75">75</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Logwood, <a href="#Page_341">341</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> L’Olonnais, ----, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Long, Captain, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Long Island, N. Y., <a href="#Page_17">17</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Loper, Jacobus, <a href="#Page_61">61</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lopez, Jacob, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lord, John, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_60">60</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lovering, Captain, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Low, Edward, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_141">141-242</a>, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>, <a href="#Page_286">286</a>, <a href="#Page_290">290</a>,</li>
+<li class="isub4">293, <a href="#Page_304">304</a>, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>, <a href="#Page_339">339</a>, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Elizabeth, <a href="#Page_142">142</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lowther, George, <a href="#Page_132">132-140</a>, <a href="#Page_143">143-146</a>, <a href="#Page_213">213-216</a>, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_289">289</a>, <a href="#Page_290">290</a>, <a href="#Page_339">339</a>,</li>
+<li class="isub4">359.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lyde, Edward, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Lyne, Philip, <a href="#Page_287">287</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Machias, Me., <a href="#Page_47">47</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> MacKarty, Captain, <a href="#Page_286">286</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mackconachy, Alexander, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mackdonald, Edward, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Madagascar, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_346">346-352</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Madbury, John, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Main, Paul, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Maine coast, <a href="#Page_20">20</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mainwaring, Henry, <a href="#Page_2">2-4</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Maise, ----, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Manning, George, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Marble, Eliza, <a href="#Page_141">141</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Marblehead, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Marooning, <a href="#Page_13">13</a>, <a href="#Page_356">356</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Marsh, William, <a href="#Page_298">298-300</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Marshall, Joseph, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Martel, John, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mason, ----, <a href="#Page_93">93</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Masters, John, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mather, Rev. Cotton, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_115">115</a>, <a href="#Page_125">125</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href="#Page_328">328</a>, <a href="#Page_336">336</a>, <a href="#Page_337">337</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Rev. Increase, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Maverick, Samuel, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> May, George, <a href="#Page_327">327</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mayhew, Matthew, <a href="#Page_63">63</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Maze, William, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Meinzies, James, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mercy, Captain, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Merritt, Nicholas, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_222">222</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_224">224</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>, <a href="#Page_229">229</a>, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>,</li>
+<li class="isub4">270-276.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Meston, Charles, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Miller, John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_378">378</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mills, William, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Minott, William, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mission, Captain, <a href="#Page_86">86</a>, <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mitchell, Alexander, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>, <a href="#Page_333">333</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">George, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mixture, Sam, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Montgomery, ----, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Moore, Captain, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Walter, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Morris, Thomas, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Morgan, Henry, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mortimer, Robert, <a href="#Page_321">321</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mosely, Samuel, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mountjoy, George, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mudd, John, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mues, William, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mumford, Thomas (indian), <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Munday, Robert, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Mundon, Stephen, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Nantucket, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Narramore, Richard, <a href="#Page_29">29-31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Nauset, Mass., <a href="#Page_61">61</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Navigation Acts, <a href="#Page_16">16</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Neff, William, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Nelley, James, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Newfoundland, <a href="#Page_2">2</a>, <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>, <a href="#Page_339">339</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_361">361</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> New London, Conn., <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Newport, R. I., <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>, <a href="#Page_94">94</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_295">295-307</a>, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> New Providence, W. I., <a href="#Page_344">344</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> New York, N. Y., <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Nichols, William, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Norton, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">George, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Noxon, Thomas, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Nutt, John, <a href="#Page_311">311</a>, <a href="#Page_312">312</a>, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Oort, John, <a href="#Page_79">79</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Orford, Earl of, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Orleans, Mass., <a href="#Page_124">124</a>, <a href="#Page_128">128</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Orne, ----, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Otley, Colonel, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Outerbridge, William, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Owen, Richard, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Paige, Nicholas, <a href="#Page_29">29</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pain, Thomas, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Panama, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Papillion, Peter, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pare, ----, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Parrot, James, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Parsons, John, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Joseph, <a href="#Page_327">327</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Patteshall, Richard, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pattison, James, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Payne, ----, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Henry, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pearce, Richard, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pease, James, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Samuel, <a href="#Page_63">63-66</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Peirse, George, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pemaquid, Me., <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Penner, Major, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Perkins, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Perrin, W. G., <a href="#Page_367">367</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Perry, Matthew, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Peterson, ----, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Erasmus, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_378">378</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Phillips, Frederick, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_350">350</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_310">310-324</a>, <a href="#Page_339">339</a>, <a href="#Page_379">379</a>, <a href="#Page_380">380</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, xvii.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Phips, Richard, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Picket, John, <a href="#Page_62">62</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pier, ----, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pierson, Henry, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pike, Samuel, Jr., <a href="#Page_279">279</a>, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pimer, Matthew, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Piracy, executions for, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_287">287</a>, <a href="#Page_307">307</a>,</li>
+<li class="isub4">324, <a href="#Page_337">337</a>, <a href="#Page_367">367</a>, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Laws against, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_100">100</a>, <a href="#Page_362">362</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Trials for, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_82">82</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_107">107</a>, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_296">296</a>, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>,</li>
+<li class="isub4">365.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pirate articles, <a href="#Page_21">21</a>, <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href="#Page_314">314</a>, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_320">320</a>, <a href="#Page_356">356</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Pirate flags, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>, <a href="#Page_64">64</a>, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_164">164</a>, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pirate vessel, life on a, <a href="#Page_157">157-199</a>, <a href="#Page_353">353-358</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pitman, Captain, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Plantain, ----, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ploughman, Daniel, <a href="#Page_371">371-375</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Plowman, Daniel, <a href="#Page_99">99</a>, <a href="#Page_101">101</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Plymouth, Mass., <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Port Mayo, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Port Royal, Jamaica, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Porto Bello, <a href="#Page_11">11</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Portsmouth, N. H., <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pound, Thomas, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>, <a href="#Page_54">54-70</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Povey, Thomas, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Powel, Thomas, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pownall, Thomas, <a href="#Page_303">303-305</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Prentice, John, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Prince, Isaac, <a href="#Page_55">55</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Job, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Lawrence, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Privateering, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_22">22</a>, <a href="#Page_23">23</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Commission, <a href="#Page_371">371</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Instructions, <a href="#Page_373">373</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Pro, John, <a href="#Page_351">351</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Puerto Velo, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Quelch, John, <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99-115</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, Dying speech of, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>, <a href="#Page_377">377</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Quintor, Hendrick, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Quittance, John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Rackham, John, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Randolph, Edward, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ray, Caleb, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Rayner, William, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Rea, Captain, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Dr. Caleb, <a href="#Page_113">113</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Read, Mary, xviii.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Red Sea, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_85">85</a>, <a href="#Page_89">89</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Reed, Captain, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Reeve, Thomas, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Rhoades, John, <a href="#Page_365">365</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Rhode, John, <a href="#Page_44">44-53</a>, <a href="#Page_271">271</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Rhode Island, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>, <a href="#Page_36">36</a>, <a href="#Page_37">37</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>, <a href="#Page_92">92</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Rice, Owen, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Rich, Richard, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Robert, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Richards, Captain, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Richardson, Nicholas, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Roach, Captain, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Peter, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>, <a href="#Page_378">378</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Roatan, W. I., <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_241">241</a>, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Roberts, Bart., <a href="#Page_43">43</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Bartholomew, <a href="#Page_314">314</a>, <a href="#Page_339">339</a>, <a href="#Page_340">340</a>, <a href="#Page_353">353</a>, <a href="#Page_360">360</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_361">361</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">George, <a href="#Page_156">156-199</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Robinson, Captain, <a href="#Page_211">211</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Abraham, <a href="#Page_18">18</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Roderigo, Peter, <a href="#Page_45">45-51</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Rogers, Woods, <a href="#Page_344">344</a>, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>, <a href="#Page_347">347</a>, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Romney, Earl of, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Roseway, N. S., <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218-220</a>, <a href="#Page_224">224-231</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ross, Captain, <a href="#Page_314">314</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Rush, James, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Russell, Charles, <a href="#Page_132">132</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <a href="#Page_163">163</a>, <a href="#Page_169">169-198</a>, <a href="#Page_225">225</a>, <a href="#Page_230">230</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ruth, Richard, <a href="#Page_331">331</a>, <a href="#Page_332">332</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ryswick, Peace of, <a href="#Page_10">10</a>, <a href="#Page_15">15</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Salem, Mass., <a href="#Page_111">111</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sallee, Morocco, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Salter, John, <a href="#Page_321">321</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sample, R., <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sandison, Captain, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sanford, Colonel, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_35">35</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sargent, Epes, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Scarlett, Captain, <a href="#Page_49">49</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Scot, Andrew, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Lewis, <a href="#Page_14">14</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Scottow, Joshua, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Scudamore, Christopher, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_109">109</a>, <a href="#Page_110">110</a>, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>, <a href="#Page_378">378</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Scudder, Thomas, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sebada, Kempo, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sergeant, Peter, <a href="#Page_73">73</a>, <a href="#Page_76">76</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sewall, Samuel, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_102">102-107</a>, <a href="#Page_112">112</a>, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_335">335</a>, <a href="#Page_368">368</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Stephen, <a href="#Page_104">104-107</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Shapleigh, Major, <a href="#Page_47">47</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Nicholas, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sharp, Bart., xviii.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Shaw, John, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sheehan, John, 130.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Shelley, ----, <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Shipton, Captain, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>, <a href="#Page_283">283-287</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Shortrigs, William, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Shrewsbury, Duke of, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Shrimpton, Epaphras, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Samuel, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Shute, Gov. Samuel, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Shutfield, William, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Siccadam, John, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Silver oar, <a href="#Page_367">367</a>, <a href="#Page_376">376</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Simons, Nicholas, <a href="#Page_285">285</a>, <a href="#Page_286">286</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Simpkins, Captain, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Skiff, Nathan, <a href="#Page_209">209</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Skillegorne, Captain, <a href="#Page_276">276</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Slyfield, George, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Smart, John, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Smith, Edward, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Henry, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_1">1</a>, <a href="#Page_4">4</a>, <a href="#Page_7">7</a>, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_124">124</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sole, John, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Solgard, Peter, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>, <a href="#Page_292">292-309</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Somers, Lord, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_81">81</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sound, Joseph, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> South, Thomas, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Southack, Cyprian, <a href="#Page_127">127-129</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Spafforth, Captain, <a href="#Page_204">204</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sparks, James, <a href="#Page_312">312</a>, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Spiller, Mary, <a href="#Page_311">311</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Spriggs, Francis Farrington, <a href="#Page_156">156</a>, <a href="#Page_184">184</a>, <a href="#Page_185">185</a>, <a href="#Page_189">189</a>, <a href="#Page_193">193</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>,</li>
+<li class="isub4">216, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_238">238</a>, <a href="#Page_264">264</a>, <a href="#Page_277">277-287</a>, <a href="#Page_290">290</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_339">339</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sprinkly, James, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Stamford, Conn., <a href="#Page_17">17</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Stanbridge, Edward, <a href="#Page_327">327</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Stanny, Richard, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Staples, Captain, <a href="#Page_155">155</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Start, Captain, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Staunton, Daniel, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Stephens, ----, <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Richard, <a href="#Page_161">161</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Stephenson, Captain, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Stone, Captain, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Storey, Thomas, <a href="#Page_33">33</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Storms, severe, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>, <a href="#Page_234">234</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Streator, Thomas, <a href="#Page_330">330</a>, <a href="#Page_334">334</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sweating, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sweet, Dr. James, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Sweetser, Joseph, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>, <a href="#Page_303">303-305</a>, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Symonds, John, <a href="#Page_265">265-268</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Taffery, Peter, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Tasker, George, <a href="#Page_334">334</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Taylor, ----, <a href="#Page_349">349</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_317">317</a>, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>, <a href="#Page_324">324</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Teach, Captain, <a href="#Page_316">316</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Edward, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>, <a href="#Page_360">360</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Templeton, John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Tew, Richard, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_17">17</a>, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>, <a href="#Page_84">84-98</a>, <a href="#Page_347">347</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Thaxter, Joseph, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Thomas, James, <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Thomas, John, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Thompson, ----, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Captain, <a href="#Page_152">152</a>, <a href="#Page_214">214</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Thorogood, Samuel, <a href="#Page_287">287</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Thurbar, Richard, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Tillinghast, Peter, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Tomkins, John, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Tortuga, <a href="#Page_11">11-15</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Tosh, William, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Tozer, Captain, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Elias, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Trefry, Thomas, <a href="#Page_218">218-220</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Triangles, W. I., <a href="#Page_200">200</a>, <a href="#Page_235">235</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Tricker, Israel, <a href="#Page_313">313</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Trot, Nicholas, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Tulford, Richard, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Turner, Captain, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Umper, Tom (indian), <a href="#Page_295">295</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Uran, Edward, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Uring, Nathaniel, <a href="#Page_342">342</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Valentine, John, <a href="#Page_108">108</a>, <a href="#Page_296">296</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Van der Scure, Frederick, <a href="#Page_202">202</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Van Vorst, Simon, <a href="#Page_123">123</a>, <a href="#Page_130">130</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Vane, Charles, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>, <a href="#Page_354">354</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Veale, Captain, <a href="#Page_27">27</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Vessels.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Abraham Fisher (privateer), <a href="#Page_62">62</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Adventure (hakeboat), <a href="#Page_40">40</a>, <a href="#Page_41">41</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Adventure (sloop), <a href="#Page_39">39</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Adventure Galley (ship), <a href="#Page_75">75</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Advice (man-of-war), <a href="#Page_43">43</a>, <a href="#Page_80">80</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Albemarle (East Indiaman), <a href="#Page_40">40</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">America (ship), <a href="#Page_38">38</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Amity (ship), <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Amity (sloop), <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_87">87</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_97">97</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Amsterdam Merchant (ship), <a href="#Page_207">207</a>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_296">296</a>, <a href="#Page_298">298</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Amy (ship), <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Antonio (ship), <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Batchelor’s Delight (ship), <a href="#Page_283">283</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Bijoux (ship), <a href="#Page_91">91</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Boneta (brigantine), <a href="#Page_331">331</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Brothers Adventure (sloop), <a href="#Page_62">62</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Carteret (ship), <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Charles (brigantine), <a href="#Page_39">39</a>, <a href="#Page_99">99-102</a>, <a href="#Page_107">107</a>, <a href="#Page_134">134</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Childhood (sloop), <a href="#Page_87">87</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Content (sloop), <a href="#Page_317">317</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Crown (ship), <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Daniel (brigantine), <a href="#Page_282">282</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Delight (ship), <a href="#Page_216">216</a>, <a href="#Page_278">278</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Diamond (man-of-war), <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>, <a href="#Page_268">268</a>, <a href="#Page_283">283</a>, <a href="#Page_284">284</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Dolphin (sloop), <a href="#Page_379">379</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Dolphin (vessel), <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Dove (ship), <a href="#Page_152">152</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Eagle (sloop), <a href="#Page_139">139</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Edward and Thomas (barque), <a href="#Page_46">46</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Elinor (ketch), <a href="#Page_32">32</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Elizabeth (shallop), <a href="#Page_218">218</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Elizabeth (snow), <a href="#Page_328">328</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Endeavor (sloop), <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Fame’s Revenge (snow), <a href="#Page_330">330</a>, <a href="#Page_334">334</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Fancy (schooner), <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_290">290</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Fanny (vessel), <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Farley (sloop), <a href="#Page_210">210</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Feversham (man-of-war), <a href="#Page_134">134</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Flying Horse (privateer), <a href="#Page_44">44</a>, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Fortune (ship), <a href="#Page_63">63</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Fortune (sloop), <a href="#Page_206">206</a>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Frederick (ship), <a href="#Page_89">89</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Gambia Castle (ship), <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Glasgow (sloop), <a href="#Page_320">320</a>, <a href="#Page_323">323</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Good Fortune (ship), <a href="#Page_314">314</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Good Speed (sloop), <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_59">59</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Good-Will (schooner), <a href="#Page_321">321</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Greyhound (man-of-war), <a href="#Page_207">207</a>, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>, <a href="#Page_212">212</a>, <a href="#Page_292">292</a>, <a href="#Page_296">296</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_308">308</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Greyhound (ship), <a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_288">288</a>, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Guernsey (man-of-war), <a href="#Page_115">115</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Happy Delivery (ship), <a href="#Page_132">132</a>, <a href="#Page_135">135</a>, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Happy Delivery (sloop), <a href="#Page_216">216</a>, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>, <a href="#Page_290">290</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Hopefull Betty (sloop), <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Irwin (ship), <a href="#Page_314">314</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">James (schooner), <a href="#Page_333">333</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Jane (shallop), <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John and Betty (ship), <a href="#Page_331">331</a>, <a href="#Page_335">335</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John and Elizabeth (brigantine), <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John and Hannah (sloop), <a href="#Page_331">331</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Jolly Batchelor (vessel), <a href="#Page_279">279</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">King George (vessel), <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">King Sagamore (ship), <a href="#Page_155">155</a>, <a href="#Page_157">157</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">King William (ship), <a href="#Page_206">206</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Larramore Galley, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>, <a href="#Page_106">106</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Liberty (sloop), <a href="#Page_87">87</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Lincolnshire (sloop), <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Little Joseph (sloop), <a href="#Page_136">136</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Liverpool Merchant (ship), <a href="#Page_154">154</a>, <a href="#Page_301">301</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Margaret (sloop), <a href="#Page_156">156-199</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mary (brigantine), <a href="#Page_317">317</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mary (ketch), <a href="#Page_56">56</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mary (schooner), <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mary (sloop), <a href="#Page_63">63</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mary and John (ship), <a href="#Page_285">285</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mary Ann (pink), <a href="#Page_122">122</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mary Ann (sloop), <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mary Galley (ship), <a href="#Page_135">135</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mere de Dieu (ship), <a href="#Page_152">152</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mermaid (man-of-war), <a href="#Page_202">202</a>, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>, <a href="#Page_238">238</a>, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Merriam (sloop), <a href="#Page_281">281</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Merrimack (brigantine), <a href="#Page_59">59</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Merry Christmas (ship), <a href="#Page_213">213</a>, <a href="#Page_216">216</a>, <a href="#Page_217">217</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Milton (schooner), <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>, <a href="#Page_224">224</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Mocha (frigate), <a href="#Page_34">34</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Nathaniel (sloop), <a href="#Page_127">127</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Nostra Dame (ship), <a href="#Page_152">152</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Nostra Signiora de Victoria (ship), <a href="#Page_201">201</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Pearl (vessel), <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Penobscot (shallop), <a href="#Page_46">46</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Philip (shallop), <a href="#Page_46">46</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Pompey (ship), <a href="#Page_330">330</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Portsmouth Adventure (vessel), <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Postillion (sloop), <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Princess (vessel), <a href="#Page_139">139</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Province Galley, <a href="#Page_127">127</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Quidah Merchant (ship), <a href="#Page_42">42</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Rachel (sloop), <a href="#Page_333">333</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Ranger (sloop), <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_206">206</a>, <a href="#Page_208">208</a>, <a href="#Page_226">226</a>, <a href="#Page_277">277</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_278">278</a>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>, <a href="#Page_308">308</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Rebecca (brigantine), <a href="#Page_145">145</a>, <a href="#Page_148">148</a>, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>, <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_277">277</a>, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Rebeckah (schooner), <a href="#Page_218">218</a>, <a href="#Page_219">219</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Resolution (sloop), <a href="#Page_59">59</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Revenge (schooner), <a href="#Page_315">315-324</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Rose (frigate), <a href="#Page_54">54</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Rose (pink), <a href="#Page_152">152-155</a>, <a href="#Page_200">200</a>, <a href="#Page_220">220</a>, <a href="#Page_233">233</a>, <a href="#Page_270">270</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">St. Michael (ship), <a href="#Page_117">117</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Sally Rose (frigate), <a href="#Page_69">69</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Samuel (schooner), <a href="#Page_218">218</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Samuel (ship), <a href="#Page_361">361</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Sea Flower (sloop), <a href="#Page_114">114</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Seafort (ship), <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Sea Horse (man-of-war), <a href="#Page_212">212</a>, <a href="#Page_281">281</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Separation (ship), <a href="#Page_23">23</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Solebay (man-of-war), <a href="#Page_150">150</a>, <a href="#Page_151">151</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Sparrow (ketch), <a href="#Page_29">29</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Squirrel (ship), <a href="#Page_216">216</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Squirrel (sloop), <a href="#Page_310">310-313</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Stanhope (pink), <a href="#Page_202">202</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Sultana (ship), <a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_118">118</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Susannah (ship), <a href="#Page_160">160</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Swallow frigott (barque), <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Swallow (man-of-war), xxii.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Swan (ship), <a href="#Page_9">9</a>, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Swan (sloop), <a href="#Page_129">129</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Swift (schooner), <a href="#Page_137">137</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Sycamore (galley), <a href="#Page_302">302</a>, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>, <a href="#Page_306">306</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomasine (ship), <a href="#Page_287">287</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Trial (shallop), <a href="#Page_104">104</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Unity (snow), <a href="#Page_201">201</a>, <a href="#Page_203">203</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Victoire (ship), <a href="#Page_90">90</a>, <a href="#Page_91">91</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Whidaw (galley), <a href="#Page_117">117-130</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William (sloop), <a href="#Page_205">205</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Wright (galley), <a href="#Page_153">153</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Vyall, John, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Wadham, Captain, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wainwright, Colonel, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wake, Captain, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_74">74</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wakefield, Samuel, <a href="#Page_104">104</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Waldron, Captain, <a href="#Page_309">309</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Jacob, <a href="#Page_210">210</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_46">46</a>, <a href="#Page_48">48</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Walker, Samuel, <a href="#Page_331">331</a>, <a href="#Page_334">334</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Walking the plank, <a href="#Page_361">361</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wall, John, <a href="#Page_149">149</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Walters, John, <a href="#Page_295">295</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Want, Captain, <a href="#Page_95">95</a>, <a href="#Page_96">96</a>, <a href="#Page_346">346</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wappen, Rupert, <a href="#Page_138">138</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wapping, Eng., <a href="#Page_5">5</a>, <a href="#Page_83">83</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Ward, ----, <a href="#Page_5">5</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Warden, William, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Warren, William, <a href="#Page_66">66</a>, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_70">70</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Waters, John, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_302">302</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Sampson, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Watkins, John, <a href="#Page_58">58</a>, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Watson, Harry, <a href="#Page_137">137</a>, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Watts, Samuel, <a href="#Page_71">71</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Way, John, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Weaver, ----, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Webb, Rev. ----, <a href="#Page_326">326</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Weekham, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Welch, John, <a href="#Page_276">276</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Welland, John, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>, <a href="#Page_291">291</a>, <a href="#Page_296">296</a>, <a href="#Page_298">298-300</a>, <a href="#Page_303">303</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wellfleet, Mass., <a href="#Page_125">125</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wells, ----, <a href="#Page_114">114</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> West Indies, <a href="#Page_10">10-15</a>, <a href="#Page_341">341</a>, <a href="#Page_342">342</a>, <a href="#Page_348">348</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> West, Richard, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wetherley, Tee, <a href="#Page_34">34</a>, <a href="#Page_42">42</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wharton, ----, <a href="#Page_19">19</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wheeler, Benjamin, <a href="#Page_282">282</a>, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_28">28</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_50">50</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> White, ----, <a href="#Page_105">105</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Anthony, <a href="#Page_84">84</a>, <a href="#Page_88">88</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Robert, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_315">315</a>, <a href="#Page_320">320</a>, <a href="#Page_322">322-325</a>, <a href="#Page_379">379</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Whiting, William, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wickstead, Captain, <a href="#Page_139">139</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wiggoner, ----, <a href="#Page_69">69</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wild, Elias, <a href="#Page_213">213</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wiles, William, <a href="#Page_102">102</a>, <a href="#Page_103">103</a>, <a href="#Page_111">111</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wilkinson, Thomas, <a href="#Page_31">31</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Williams, James, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_131">131</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_45">45</a>, <a href="#Page_51">51</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Paul, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>, <a href="#Page_117">117</a>, <a href="#Page_119">119</a>, <a href="#Page_121">121</a>, <a href="#Page_129">129</a>,
+    <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Paulsgrave, <a href="#Page_116">116</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Williard, John, <a href="#Page_207">207</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Willing, Captain, <a href="#Page_205">205</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Willis, Joseph, <a href="#Page_144">144</a>, <a href="#Page_289">289</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Robert, <a href="#Page_140">140</a>, <a href="#Page_146">146</a>, <a href="#Page_359">359</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wilson, Alexander, <a href="#Page_25">25</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_294">294</a>, <a href="#Page_300">300</a>, <a href="#Page_305">305</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Winter, Christopher, <a href="#Page_345">345</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Winthrop, Adam, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">John, <a href="#Page_24">24</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Thomas, <a href="#Page_329">329</a>, <a href="#Page_330">330</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">Waitstill, <a href="#Page_67">67</a>, <a href="#Page_68">68</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wollery, William, <a href="#Page_30">30</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wood, James, <a href="#Page_319">319</a>.</li>
+<li class="isub2">William, <a href="#Page_280">280</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Woodbury, John, <a href="#Page_57">57</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Worley, Captain, <a href="#Page_360">360</a>.</li>
+
+<li class="indx"> Wyndham, James, <a href="#Page_215">215</a>, <a href="#Page_283">283</a>.</li>
+
+
+<li class="ifrst"> Yaw, David, <a href="#Page_322">322</a>.</li>
+</ul>
+
+
+
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="chapter">
+<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_395">[395]</span></p>
+
+<h2 class="nobreak" id="PUBLICATIONS_OF_THE">PUBLICATIONS OF THE
+MARINE RESEARCH SOCIETY</h2>
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">SALEM, MASSACHUSETTS</p>
+
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>I. THE SAILING SHIPS OF NEW ENGLAND, 1607-1907, by <span class="smcap">John
+Robinson</span> and <span class="smcap">George Francis Dow</span>. Large 8vo.
+(7 x 10), 320 illustrations, 430 pages, blue buckram
+binding.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>Sixty copies were printed on large paper.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>II. THE PIRATES OF THE NEW ENGLAND COAST, 1630-1730, by
+<span class="smcap">George Francis Dow</span> and <span class="smcap">John Henry Edmonds, with an
+introduction by Capt. Ernest H. Pentecost</span>, R. N. R. Large
+8vo. (7 x 10), 47 illustrations, 416 pages, red buckram binding.</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot">
+
+<p>Eighty-five copies were printed on large paper.</p>
+</div>
+
+<p>III. WRECKED AMONG CANNIBALS IN THE FIJIIS, by <span class="smcap">William
+Endicott, with notes by Lawrence Waters Jenkins</span>, 8vo.
+(6¼ x 9½), 13 illustrations, 82 pages, Fabriano paper
+boards, linen back.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop">
+
+<div class="transnote">
+<p class="center"><b>Transcriber’s Notes</b></p>
+<p class="no-indent">New original cover art included with this eBook is granted to the public domain.</p>
+<p class="no-indent">Images have been relocated close to related content.</p>
+<p class="no-indent">Endpaper map illustrations have been relocated to end of text, before index.</p>
+<p class="no-indent">Footnotes have been renumbered consecutively and relocated at the end of the related chapters.</p>
+<p class="no-indent">Perceived typographical errors have been silently corrected.</p>
+<p class="no-indent">Archaic and variable spelling has been preserved.</p>
+<p class="no-indent">Variations in hyphenation and compound words have been preserved.</p>
+</div>
+<div style='text-align:center'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 75282 ***</div>
+</body>
+</html>
+
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diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt
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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.
diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
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+Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for
+eBook #75282 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/75282)