Pirates

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THE LIVES AND ADVENTURES
OF SUNDRY
NOTORIOUS PIRATES

[Illustration]

PIRATES

_With a _Foreword_ and sundry _Decorations_ by_

C. Lovat Fraser

[Illustration]

_NEW YORK:_
ROBERT M. McBRIDE AND COMPANY
1922

_First American Edition_

_Printed in the United States of America_

_Printed in Great Britain by Billing and Sons, Ltd., Guildford and Esher._

[Illustration: CAPTAIN AVERY]

[Illustration]

CONTENTS

PAGE
Foreword vii

The Life of Captain Avery 1

Captain John Rackham, and his Crew 17

Captain Spriggs, and his Crew 29

Captain Edward Lowe, and his Crew 37

Captain George Lowther, and his Crew 51

Captain Anstis, and his Crew 65

Captain John Phillips, and his Crew 77

Captain Teach, _alias_ Blackbeard 87

Major Stede Bonnet and his Crew 101

Captain William Kid 117

Captain Edward England, and his Crew 135

Captain John Gow, _alias_ Smith, and his Crew 145

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Captain Avery _frontispiece_

Captain John Rackham _facing page_ 19

Captain Edward Lowe " 39

Captain Teach " 89

Major Stede Bonnet " 103

Captain William Kid " 119

Captain Edward England " 137

Captain John Gow " 147

[Illustration]

FOREWORD

Time, though a good Collector, is not always a reliable Historian. That is to say, that although nothing of interest or importance is lost, yet an affair may be occasionally invested with a glamour that is not wholly its own. I venture to think that Piracy has fortuned in this particular. We are apt to base our ideas of Piracy on the somewhat vague ambitions of our childhood; and I suppose, were such a thing possible, the consensus of opinion in our nurseries as to a future profession in life would place Piracy but little below the glittering heights of the police force and engine-driving. Incapable of forgetting this in more mature years, are we not inclined to deck Her (the "H" capital, for I speak of an ideal), if not in purple and fine linen, at least with a lavish display of tinsel and gilt? Nursery lore remains with us, whether we would or not, for all our lives; and generations of ourselves, as schoolboys and pre-schoolboys, have tricked out Piracy in so resplendent a dress that she has fairly ousted in our affections, not only her sister profession of "High Toby and the Road," but every other splendid and villainous vocation. Yet Teach, Kid, and Avery were as terrible or grim as Duval, Turpin, and Sheppard were courtly or whimsical. And the terrible is a more vital affair than the whimsical. Is it, then, unnatural that, after a lapse of nigh on two centuries, we should shake our wise heads and allow that which is still nursery within us to deplore the loss of those days when we ran--before a favouring "Trade"--the very good chance of being robbed, maimed, or murdered by Captain Howel Davis or Captain Neil Gow? It is as well to remember that the "Captains" in this book were seamen whose sole qualifications to the title were ready wit, a clear head, and, maybe, that certain indefinable "power of the eye" that is the birth-right of all true leaders. The piratical hero of our childhood is traceable in a great extent to the "thrillers," toy plays, and penny theatres of our grandfathers. Here our Pirate was, as often as not, a noble, dignified, if gloomy gentleman, with a leaning to Byronic soliloquy. Though stern in exterior, his heart could (and would) melt at the distresses of the heroine. Elvira's eyes were certain to awaken in his mind the recollection of "other eyes as innocent as thine, child." In short, he was that most touching of all beings, the Hero-cum-Villain. And it was with a sigh of relief that we saw him at the eleventh hour, having successfully twitted the "Government Men" and the Excise (should he have an additional penchant for smuggling), safely restored to the arms of the long-suffering possessor of the other eyes.

Alas! this little book mentions no Poll of Portsmouth, nor does it favour us with a "Yeo, heave, oh!" nor is there so very much "cut and thrust" about it. It was written in that uninspiring day when Pirates were a very real nuisance to such law-abiding folk as you and I; but it has the merit of being written, if not by a Pirate, at least by one who came into actual contact with them. I am not at all sure that "merit" is the right word to use in this instance, for to be a Pirate does not necessarily ensure you making a good author. Indeed, it might almost be considered as a ban to the fine literary technique of an Addison or a Temple. It has, however, the virtue of being in close touch with some of the happenings chronicled. Not that our author saw above a tithe of what he records--had he done so he would have been "set a-sun-drying" at Execution Dock long before he had had the opportunity of putting pen to paper; but, as far as posterity was concerned, he was lucky in his friend William Ingram--evidently a fellow of good memory and a ready tongue--"who," as our author states in his Preface, "was a Pirate under Anstis, Roberts, and many others," and who eventually was hanged in good piratical company on the 11th of June, 1714.

The actual history of the little book, the major part of which is here reprinted, is as follows:

Its full title is "The History and Lives of all the most Notorious Pirates and their Crews," and the fifth edition, from which our text is taken, was printed in 1735. A reproduction of the original title-page is given overleaf.

As a matter of fact, the title is misleading. How could a book that makes no mention of Morgan or Lollonois be a history of _all_ the most notorious Pirates? It deals with the last few years of the seventeenth century and the first quarter of the eighteenth, a period that might with justice be called "The Decline and Fall of Piracy," for after 1730 Piracy became but a mean broken-backed affair that bordered perilously on mere sea-pilfering.

[Illustration: THE

HISTORY _and_ LIVES

Of all the most Notorious

PIRATES,

AND THEIR

CREWS;

From Capt. AVERY, who first settled at _Madagascar_, to Captain _John Gow_, and _James Williams_, his Lieutenant, _&c._ who were hang'd at _Execution Dock_, _June_ 11, 1725, for Piracy and Murther; and afterwards hang'd in Chains between _Blackwall_ and _Deptford_. And in this Edition continued down to the present Year 1735.

Giving a more full and true Account than any yet Publish'd, of all their Murthers, Piracies, Maroonings, Places of Refuge, and Ways of Living.

The Fifth Edition.

Adorned with Twenty Beautiful CUTS, being the Representation of each Pirate.

To which is prefixed, _An Abstract of the Laws against Piracy_.

LONDON: Printed for _A. Bettesworth_ and _C. Hitch_, at the _Red Lyon_ in _Pater-noster-Row_; _R. Ware_, at the _Sun_ and _Bible_ in _Amen-Corner_; and _J. Hodges_, at the _Looking-glass_ on _London-bridge_. 1735.]

A little research into the book's history shows us that it is consistent throughout, and that it is a "piracy," in the publisher's sense of the word, of a much larger and more pretentious work by Captain Charles Johnson, entitled, "A General History of the Pyrates from their first Rise and Settlement in the Island of Providence to the Present Time; With the Remarkable Actions and Adventures of the two Female Pyrates Mary Read and Anne Bonny."

This was published in London, in 8vo., by Charles Rivington in 1724. A second edition, considerably augmented, was issued later in the same year, a third edition in the year following, and a fourth edition--in two volumes, as considerable additions in the form of extra "Lives," and an appendix necessitated a further volume--in 1725.

This two-volume edition contained the history of the following Pirates: Avery, Martel, Teach, Bonnet, England, Vane, Rackham, Davis, Roberts, Anstis, Morley, Lowther, Low, Evans, Phillips, Spriggs, Smith, Misson, Bowen, Kid, Tew, Halsey, White, Condent, Bellamy, Fly, Howard, Lewis, Cornelius, Williams, Burgess, and North, together with a short abstract on the Statute and Civil Law in relation to "Pyracy," and an appendix, completing the Lives in the first volume, and correcting some mistakes.

The work evidently enjoyed a great vogue, for it was translated into Dutch by Robert Hannebo, of Amsterdam, in 1727, and issued there, with several "new illustrations," in 12mo. A German version by Joachim Meyer was printed at Gosslar in the following year, while in France it saw the light as an appendix to an edition of Esquemeling's "Histoire des Avanturiers," 1726.

But little is known of the author, Captain Charles Johnson, excepting that he flourished from 1724 to 1736, and it is more than probable that the name by which we know him is an assumed one. It is possible that his knowledge of Pirates and Piracy was of such a nature to have justified awkward investigations on the part of His Majesty's Government.

There is one thing that we do know for certain about him, and that is that the worthy Captain's spelling, according to the pirated version of his book, was indefinite even for his own day. He was one of those inspired folk who would be quite capable of spelling "schooner" with three variations in as many lines. In this edition the spelling has been more or less modernized.

Lastly, it is to be remembered that the ships of this period, according to our modern ideas, would be the veriest cockle-shells, and so that we should know what manner of vessel he refers to in these pages, I had recourse to a friend of mine whose knowledge of things nautical is extensive enough to have gained for him the coveted "Extra Master's Certificate," and who was kind enough to supply me with the following definitions:

[Illustration: SLOOP.

A vessel rigged as a cutter, but with one head-sail only set on a very short bowsprit.]

[Illustration: SCHOONER. TOPSAIL SCHOONER.

Two-masted vessels, fore and aft rigged, sometimes having square topsails on the fore-mast.]

[Illustration: BRIGANTINE.

A two-masted vessel, square rigged on fore-mast.]

GALLEY.

A large vessel rowed by oars and sometimes having auxiliary sail of various rigs.

PINK.

Probably a small, fast vessel used as a tender and despatch boat for river work.

[Illustration: SNOW.

A two-masted vessel with a stay, known as a "Horse," from the main-mast to the poop on which the trysail was set. Sometimes a spar was fitted instead of a stay. The rig was most likely of a brig (_i.e._, a two-masted ship, square sails on both masts), and the triangular trysail set on the stay in bad weather or when hove to.]

C. L. F.

[Illustration]

THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN AVERY

He was the son of _John Avery_, a victualler near _Plymouth_, in _Devonshire_, who in a few years was grown as opulent in his purse as in his body, by scoring two for one; and when he had so done, drinking the most of the liquor himself. By which means, and having a handsome wife, who knew her business as well as if she had been brought up to it from a child (which, indeed, she mostly was, her mother keeping the House before she married _Mr. Avery_), they soon became very rich and very able to give credit to a whole ship's crew upon their tickets, which in those days were sold for less than half their value.

Having but one child (afterwards the Captain), they at first resolved to bring him up a scholar, that he might advance the dignity of the family. But instead of learning his book, he was taught by such companions that he could soon swear to every point of his compass, which was a very diverting scene for the Boatswain and his crew, who were then drinking in the kitchen, having just received ten pounds apiece short allowance money on board the _Revenge_, every farthing of which they spent before leaving the house.

But as soon as their money was spent, they were all like to have been imprisoned by their Landlady for a riot, as she called it, so they were soon glad to sheer off, and he thought himself happiest that could get first aboard. Indeed, it would have been happy for them if they had, for the ship was unmoored and gone to sea; which put the Boatswain and his crew swearing in earnest, and not knowing what to do, they resolved to return to their Landlady, _Mrs. Avery_, at "the Sign of the _Defiance_." But she shut them out of doors, calling them a parcel of beggarly rascals, and swearing that if they would not go from the door she would send for the Constable; and notwithstanding all the entreaties and tears of her only son, who was then about six years of age, she could not be prevailed upon to let them in, so they were obliged to stroll about the street all night. In the morning, spying the ship at anchor, being driven back by contrary winds, they resolved to make the best of their way aboard; but on the way, whom should they meet but young _Avery_, who had no sooner seen them, but he cried after them. "Zounds," says the Boatswain, "let's take the young dog aboard, and his mother shall soon be glad to adjust the reckoning more to our satisfaction before she shall have her son."

This was agreed upon by all hands, and the boy was as willing as any of them. So, stepping into the boat, in about an hour's time they reached the ship, which they had no sooner boarded but they were brought before the Captain, who, being in want of hands, contented himself with bidding them all go to their business; for the wind turned about, and there was occasion for all hands to be at work to carry out the ship.

All this while young _Avery_ was at the heels of the Boatswain, and was observed to swear two oaths to one of the Boatswain's; which being soon observed by the Captain, he inquired who brought that young rascal aboard.

To which the Boatswain replied that he did, that the boy's mother was his Landlady on shore, and he had taken him up in jest, but was afraid that they would now have to keep him in earnest.

When the hurry was a little over, the Captain commanded the boy to be brought to him in his cabin. He had not talked long to him before he took a fancy to him, telling him that if he would be a good boy, he should live with him.

He, being a mighty lover of children, would often divert himself by talking to the boy, till at length he took such a fancy to him, that he ordered him a little hammock in his own cabin, and none were so great as the Captain and his boy _Avery_, which had like to have proved very fatal to him; for Avery one night, observing the Captain to be very drunk with some passengers that were on board, got a lighted match and had like to have blown up the ship, had not the Gunner happened accidentally to follow him into the store-room. This made the Captain ever after very shy of his new Acquaintance, and _Avery_, after he had been well whipped, was ordered down into the hold, where he remained until they arrived at _Carolina_, which happened four or five days after.

The boy was given to a merchant, who, taking a fancy to him, put him to school; but he made so little progress in learning, and committed so many unlucky tricks, that the merchant, in about three years, shipped him off to his friends at _Plymouth_ on board the _Nonesuch_, where he was no sooner arrived but his mother was overjoyed with the sight of her son, his father being dead about a month before his arrival.

And, indeed, it was thought the loss of their son broke his heart, for it was observed the father never held up his head after, the neighbours often reflecting upon him for his ill-usage of the seamen, who had spent so much money at his house; saying he could never expect that all his ill-gotten riches could prosper him, which so happened, as you shall hear presently. For his mother, dying soon after, the boy was left under the guardianship of one Mr. _Lightfoot_, a merchant, who, having great losses at sea, became a bankrupt, and so young _Avery_ was left to look out after himself; there he continued for many years in pilfering and stealing till the country was too hot for him, when he betook him to sea again, where in time he became as famous for robbing as _Cromwell_ for rebellion.

He entered himself on board the _Duke_, Captain _Gibson_ Commander, being one of the two ships of twenty-four guns and one hundred men which were fitted out by the merchants of _Bristol_ for the service of _Spain_, which they had no sooner done, but they were ordered by their agents at _Bristol_ to sail for the _Groyne_ to receive their orders.

On board one of which ships _Avery_, being at this time above twenty years old, entered himself, where he had not been long before he observed the Captain was much addicted to drunkenness.

He endeavoured to spirit up not only his own ship's crew, but having also given the word to part of the other ship's crew, the conspirators gave the signal.

At which the _Duchess_, as the other ship was named, put off her longboat; which the conspirators hailing were answered by the men in the boat, "Is your drunken Boatswain on board?" This being the word agreed upon, Avery answered, "All is safe;" upon which twenty lusty fellows came aboard and joined them, which they had no sooner done but they secured the hatches and went to work, putting to sea without any disorder, although there were several ships in the bay, amongst whom was a frigate of forty-four guns.

The Captain, by this time being awaked by the noise of the conspirators working the ship, rung the bell, inquiring what was the matter, to whom _Avery_ and some of the crew replied, "Nothing. Are you mutinous in your cups? Can't you lie down, sleep, and be quiet?"

"No," saith the Captain. "I am sure something's the matter with the ship. Does she drive? What weather is it? Is it a storm?"

Saith _Avery_: "Cannot you lie quiet while you are quiet? I tell you all's well; we are at sea in a fair wind and good weather."

"At sea," saith the Captain; "that can't be."

"Be not frightened," saith Avery, "and I'll tell you. You must note, I am now the Captain of the ship; nay, you must turn out, for this is my cabin, and I am bound for _Madagascar_, to make my own fortune as well as my companions."

The Captain, being more terrified than ever, did not know what to say, which _Avery_ perceiving, bid him take heart. "For," saith he, "if you will join me and these brave fellows, my companions, in time you may get some post under me. If not, step into the longboat and get about your business."

This the Captain was glad to hear, but yet began to expostulate with them upon the injustice of such doings. Saith _Avery_: "What do I care? Every man for himself. Come, come, Captain, if you will go, get you gone; the longboat waits for you, and if there be any more cowards in the ship, you may all go together." Which words so affrighted the whole crew, that there was not above nine or ten of them that durst venture, who made the best of their way to the shore as fast as they could, and thought they were well off.

The Captain was no sooner gone, but they called a Council, which agreed to own _Avery_ as their Captain; which he accepted of with all humility imaginable, seeming to excuse himself on account of his inexperience at sea. But he did it so artfully that it more confirmed them in the good opinion of their choice. "Gentlemen," said he, "what we have done we must live or die by; let us all be hearty and of one mind, and I don't question but we shall make our fortune in a little time. I propose that we sail first to _Madagascar_, where we may settle a correspondence, in order to secure our retreats, whenever we think fit to lie by."

To which they all agreed, "Nemine contradicente."

"But hold," saith _Avery_; "it is necessary that we make some order among us, for the better governing of the ship's crew." Which were in a few days drawn up by the clerk of the ship.

And _Avery_ promising them vast things, they all came into them at last, although some things went very much against the grain of many of them.

It took up all their spare time till they arrived at _Madagascar_, where they saw a Ship lying at the N.E. part of the Island, with which the men had run away from _New England_; and seeing _Avery_, they supposed that he had been sent after them to take them, but _Avery_ soon undeceived them, and promised them protection; therefore they resolved to sail together. In the whole company, there was not above ten that pretended to any skill in navigation; for _Avery_ himself could neither write nor read very well, he being chosen Captain of the _Duke_ purely for his courage and contrivance.

In the latitude of _Descada_, one of the Islands, they took two other sloops, which supplied them with provisions, and then they agreed to proceed to the _West Indies_; and coming to _Barbadoes_, they fell in with a ship for _London_ with twelve guns, from which they took some clothes and money, ten barrels of powder, ten casks of beef, and several other goods, and five of her men, and then let her go. From thence he went to the Island of _Dominico_, and watered; there he met with six _Englishmen_, who willingly entered with _Avery_. They stayed not long before they sailed for the _Granada_ Island to clean their ships; which being known to the _French_ Colony, the Governor of _Martenico_ sent four sloops well manned after them. But they stayed there not long, but made the best of their way for _Newfoundland_, entering the harbour of _Trepasse_ with black colours, drums beating, and trumpets sounding.

It is impossible to relate the havoc they made there, burning all before them. When they left _Newfoundland_ they sailed for the _West Indies_, and from thence to the Island _Descada_, it being judged the most convenient place, at that time of the year, to meet with a rich booty.

From hence they steered towards the _Arabian_ Coast, near the River _Indus_, where, spying a sail, they gave chase. At their near approach she hoisted _Mogul_ colours and seemed as if she would stand upon her defence, whilst _Avery_ contented himself by cannonading her at a distance, which made many of his men begin to mutiny, thinking him a coward.

But _Avery_ knew better, and commanding his sloops to attack her, one in the Bow, and the rest on the Quarter, clapt her on board, upon which she struck her colours and yielded. Aboard her was one of the _Mogul's_ own daughters, with several persons of distinction, who were carrying rich offerings of jewels and other valuable presents to _Mecca_; which booty was the more considerable, because these people always travel with great magnificence, having all their slaves and attendants always with them, besides jewels and great sums of money to defray the charges. But _Avery_, not content with this, seized the young Princess, and taking her with him into his own ship, made the best of his way to _Madagascar_, where she soon broke her heart and died. Also her father, the _Great Mogul_, did no sooner hear of it but he threatened all _Europe_ with revenge. And when he knew they were _Englishmen_ who had captured his daughter and robbed him, he threatened to send a mighty army, with fire and sword, to extirpate all the _English_ from their settlements on the _Indian_ Coasts, which gave no small uneasiness to the _Indian Company_ at _London_, when they heard of it.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: CAPTAIN JOHN RACKHAM]

[Illustration]

CAPTAIN JOHN RACKHAM, AND HIS CREW

John Rackham was Quarter-Master to _Vane's_ Company, till _Vane_ was turned out for not fighting the French Man-of-War, and _Rackham_ put in Captain in his place, which happened about the 24th day of _November_, 1718. His first cruise was among the _Caribbe_ Islands, where he took and plundered several vessels. Afterwards, to the windward of _Jamaica_, he fell in with a _Madeira_ Man, which he detained till he had made his market out of her, and then restored her to her Master, suffering _Hosea Tisdel_, a tavern-keeper at _Jamaica_, whom he had taken among his Prizes, to go aboard her, she being bound for that Island.

Afterwards he sailed towards the Island _Bermuda_, where he took a Ship bound to _England_ from _Carolina_, and a small Ship from _New England_, both which he carried to the _Bahama Islands_, and there clean'd. But staying too long in that Neighbourhood, Captain _Rogers_ sent out a Sloop well mann'd, which retook both the Prizes, the Pirate making his Escape.

From hence they proceeded to the Back of _Cuba_, where _Rackham_ staid a long Time with his Delilahs, till their Provision was consumed, when he concluded it Time to look out for more. As he was putting to Sea, a _Garda del Costa_ came in with a small _English_ Sloop, which he had taken as an interloper on that coast. The _Spaniards_ seeing the Pirate, attacked her; but finding he could not come to her that night, because she lay close behind a little island, he warps into the channel, to make sure of her in the morning. Upon this _Rackham_ took his Crew into the Boat, with their pistols and cutlasses, and falls aboard the _Spaniards_ in the night, without being discovered, telling them, if they spoke a word they were dead men: And so shipping their cables, drove out to sea, commanding them to take the Boat, and go aboard their Sloop immediately, or else they were all dead men. Afterwards they waking the Captain and his men in the Hammocks, who rose full of their expectation of the Prizes, they sent them aboard their empty Sloop.

In the Beginning of _September_, they went off of the French part of _Hispaniola_, where they took two or three _Frenchmen_ on board, that were looking after some cattle grazing near the waterside. Then plundered two Sloops, they returned to _Jamaica_, where they took a Schooner.

_Rackham_ continuing about this Island longer than a Man of his business ought to have done, gave time to a Canoe, which he had surprised in _Ocho_ Bay, to inform the Governor of _Jamaica_ of his civilities to all he met with going or coming from the Island. Thereupon a Sloop was sent out in quest of him, well mann'd and arm'd, under Captain _Barnet_, to repay him for all his good-natured Actions, and, if possible, to bring him into the Island. In the mean Time _Rackham_ met, near the _Negril_ Point, a small Pettiauger, which, upon sight of him, ran ashore, and landed her Men; but _Rackham_ hailing them, desired the Pettiauger's men to come aboard him, and drink a bowel of punch; swearing, _They were all Friends and would do no Harm_. Hereupon they agreed to his Request, and went aboard him, though it proved fatal to every one of them, they being nine in all. For, they were no sooner got aboard, and had laid down their muskets and cutlasses, in order to take up their pipes, and make themselves merry with their new acquaintance over a can of Flip, but Captain _Barnet's_ Sloop was in sight, which soon put a damp to all their merriment: Finding she stood directly towards them, they immediately weighed their anchor and stood off. _Barnet_ gave them chase, and having the advantage of the wind, soon came up with her, gave her a broadside or two, and, after a very small dispute, took her and his nine new guests, and brought them all together into _Port-Royal_ in _Jamaica_, in about a fortnight's time.

_November_ the 10th, 1720, a Court of Admiralty was held at _St. Jago de la Vega_, where the following Persons were tried and convicted of Piracy, and accordingly Sentence of Death was passed upon them by the Governor, viz.: _John Rackham_, Captain; _George Fetherstone_, Master; _Richard Corner_, Quarter-Master; _John Davis_, _John Howel_, _Patrick Carty_, _Thomas Earle_, _James Dobbin_, and _Noah Harwood_; Five of whom was hang'd the next day at _Gallows-point_, and the rest the day after. The three first were taken and hanged in Chains; _Rackham_ at _Plumb-point_, _Fetherstone_ at _Bush-key_, and _Corner_ at _Gun-key_.

But what was yet more strange was the conviction of the nine guests, that knew nothing of the matter, or at least they pretended so; but the People would not believe them, because it was proved that they came on board with pistols and cutlasses: However, they were so much favoured as to have the Court adjourned to the 24th of January following, to give a better Account of themselves than at the time appeared to the Court: Beside, the Jury also then wanted sufficient evidence to prove the piratical intention of going aboard the said Sloops. The two _Frenchmen_ taken by _Rackham_ from the Island of _Hispaniola_, deposed, That _John Eaton_, _Edward Warner_, _Thomas Baker_, _Thomas Quick_, _John Cole_, _Benjamin Palmer_, _Walter Rouse_, _John Hanson_, and _John Howard_, came on board the Pirate's Sloop at _Negril Point_ in _Jamaica_. Indeed they owned, That at first Sight of them, they run away from _Rackham's_ Sloop, but that he hailing them, they returned, and _Rackham_ sent his canoe ashore to fetch them aboard him, when they saw them all armed with guns and cutlasses, which they brought with them; and that when they were chased by Captain _Barnet_, they were frank and free, some drinking and walking about the deck not at all dispirited; during which time there was a great gun, and small arms, fired by the Pirate Sloop at Captain _Barnet's_ Sloop; but that they could not say that the Prisoners were any way concerned in it: However, they were certain that when Captain _Barnet's_ Sloop fired at _Rackham's_, the Prisoners at the Bar went under Deck, for cowardice, as they supposed; not so much as once peeping up during the time of the whole action: But when Captain _Barnet_ drew nigh to them to board them, all of them came up, and helped to row the sloop, in order to escape from him: And that _Rackham's_ Men and they seemed to agree very well together, and that they did verily believe they were all of a Party, having heard them say, when they came on board, _They liked them never the worse for being Pirates, since they were all honest Boys, and loved their Bottles_.

To which the Prisoners answered, in their own Defence; That they were a great way off from friends and acquaintance, and, therefore it was impossible to have any one to give an account of them. That they were very honest pains-taking men, and came out to go a-turtling to provide for their families; accordingly going ashore at _Negril_ Point they saw a Sloop, with a white pendant, making towards them, whereupon they took up their arms, which were no other but what all people carry upon such occasions, and ran into the woods, to hide themselves among the bushes, not knowing what she might be. But when they hailed them and told them they were _Englishmen_, they ventured out, and came aboard them, as they desired, to drink a bowl of punch, they being poor men, who get their livelihood very hardily, and such a thing was very acceptable to them. But when they came on board the Sloop, to their very great surprise, they found they were Pirates; upon which they begged to be released; but _Rackham_ swore, That if they did not stay and assist them against that Sloop that was coming down against them, he would cut all their throats. So being compelled thereunto by _Rackham_ and his men, to save their Lives, they did assist him, and with no other design but to prevent their being cut in pieces, but as soon as Captain _Barnet_ came up with them, they all very readily and willingly submitted.

This being all they had to say in their own Defence, the Prisoners were ordered from the Bar: The Court were divided in their Judgments; but the majority were of opinion, that they were all guilty of the Piracy and Felony they were charged with; thereupon they all received Sentence of Death, as usual in such cases, the Judge making a very pathetic Speech to them, exhorting them to bear their Sufferings patiently, assuring them, that if they were innocent, which he very much doubted, then their reward would be greater in the Other World: But everybody must own their case was very hard in this.

February the 17th, _John Eaton_, _Thomas Quick_, and _Thomas Baker_, were accordingly executed at _Gallows-Point_; and the next Day, _John Cole_, _John Howard_, and _Benjamin Palmer_, underwent the same fate at _Kingston_. The other three got a Reprieve, they being against going aboard the Pirate's Sloop, and are now living.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CAPTAIN SPRIGGS, AND HIS CREW

_Spriggs_ sailed at first with _Lowe_, and came away with him from _Lowther_. Afterwards _Lowe_ took a ship of twelve guns on the Coast of _Guinea_, called the _Delight_, which _Spriggs_ went off on board with twenty men, and leaving _Lowe_ in the night, came to the _West Indies_. In their passage they made a Black Ensign, which they called the _Jolly Roger_, with a skeleton in the middle holding a dart in one hand, striking a bleeding heart; and in the other an hour-glass; and being hoisted, they fired all their guns to salute _Spriggs_, whom they chose Captain, and then went to look out for prey.

In their voyage they took a _Portugueze_ barque, wherein they had rich plunder. Near _St. Lucia_, they took a Sloop belonging to _Barbadoes_, which they first plundered, and then burnt, forcing some of the men into their Service, and beating, in a barbarous manner, those that refused to join with them, and afterwards sent them away in the Boat, half dead with their wounds, the rest got to _Barbadoes_, with much ado, though some of them died soon after of their cuts and slashes. After this they took a _Martinico_ Man, which they used in like manner, save that they did not burn the ship. Then running down to the Leeward, they took one Captain _Hawkins_ coming from _Jamaica_, laden with Logwood; out of which, they took her stores, arms, and ammunition, and what they did not want they threw over-board; they cut the cables to pieces, knocked down the cabins, broke the windows, and did what mischief they could, taking _Burridge_ and _Stephens_, the two Mates, and some other Hands, by force; and then after keeping her a week, they let her go. On the 27th they took a _Rhode_ Island Sloop, compelling the Captain, and all his men, to go on board the Pirate: One of them not being willing to stay with them, they told him he should have a discharge presently, which was to receive ten lashes from every man on board.

The next day _Burridge_ signed their Articles; which pleased them so much, that they fired all the Guns, and made him Master, spending that day in rejoicings and drinking healths.

The First of _April_ they spied a sail, and gave her chase all night, believing she had been a _Spaniard_; but when they came up to her, and gave her a broadside, she cried out for Quarters, which made them cease firing, and ordered the Captain to come aboard, which proved to be Captain _Hawkins_, whom they had dismissed three days before, not worth a groat. Two Days after, they anchored at _Ratran_, not far from _Honduras_, and put ashore Captain _Hawkins_, and several others, giving them powder and ball, and a musquet, and then left them to shift as well as they could. Here they staid three weeks, when two men came in a canoe, that had been left in another Maroon Island near _Benecca_, and carried them thither. A fortnight after they espied a Sloop at sea, which had lately escaped from the _Spaniards_ at the Bay of _Honduras_, which, upon a signal stood in and took them all off.

At an Island to the westward, the Pirates cleaned their ship, and then sailed towards _St. Christophers_ to meet Captain _Moor_.

_Spriggs_ next stood towards _Bermudas_, where he took a Schooner belonging to _Boston_, from which he took all the Men, and sunk the Vessel.

Instead of going to _Newfoundland_, they came back to the Islands, and on the 8th of _June_, to windward of _St. Christophers_, they took a Sloop, _Nicholas Trot_, Master, belonging to _St. Eustatia_, whose men they hoisted as high as the main fore-tops, and so let them fall down again; then whipping them about the deck, they gave _Trot_ his Sloop, and let him go, keeping only two of his men, besides the plunder. Two or three days after, they took a ship coming from _Rhode Island_ to _St. Christophers_, laden with provisions and some horses, and burnt ship, men, and horses: Since when _Spriggs_ has not been heard of: though it is supposed he went to _Madagascar_, to spend, in rioting and wantonness, his ill gotten plunder; till by a letter from _Jamaica_, of the 2nd of _March_ last, we understood, That he had been again at the Bay of _Honduras_, and taken sixteen Sail.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: CAPTAIN EDWARD LOWE]

[Illustration]

CAPTAIN EDWARD LOWE, AND HIS CREW

_Edward Lowe_, born at _Westminster_, very early began the Trade of Plundering; for if any Child refused him what he had, he must fight him. When he grew bigger, he took to Gaming among Blackshoe Boys upon the _Parade_, with whom he used to play the _Whole Game_, as they call it; that is, cheat every Body, and if they refused, they had to fight him.

_Ned_ went to Sea with his eldest Brother, and leaving him in _New-England_, he worked in a Rigging House, at Boston, for some Time, when not liking that, he returned to _England_ to see his Mother, with whom he did not stay long before he took his Leave of her, for the last Time, as he said, and returned to _Boston_, where he shipped himself in a Sloop that was bound to the Bay of _Honduras_; and when he arrived there, he was made Patron of the Boat, to bring the logwood on board to lade the ship; where he differing with the Captain about the hurry of taking the logwood on board, _Lowe_ takes up a loaden Musquet, and fired at him; then putting off the Boat, he, with twelve of his companions, goes to sea. Next day they met a small vessel, which they took, made a Black Flag, and declared War against all the world. From hence they proceed to the Island of the _Grand Caimanes_, where they met with _George Lowther_, who took him under his protection as an ally, without any formal Treaty; which _Lowe_ readily agreed to. But parting with _Lowther_ on the 28th of _May_, as we have already given in an Account in _Lowther's_ Life, _Lowe_ took a Vessel belonging to _Amboy_, which he plundered, and then stood away to the South East, by which he avoided two Sloops which the Governor had sent to take him from _Rhode_ Island.

[Illustration]

_July_ the 12th, he sailed into the Harbour of Port _Rosemary_, where he found 13 small vessels at anchor, whom he told they would have no quarters if they resisted; which so frightened the Masters of the vessels, that they all yielded. Out of them he took whatever he wanted, keeping for his own Use a Schooner of 80 Tons, on board of which he put 10 Carriage Guns, and 50 men, and named her the _Fancy_ making himself Captain, and appointing _Charles Harris_ Captain of the Brigantine. Making up a complement of 80 men out of the vessels, some by force, and others by their own inclinations, he sailed away from _Mablehead_, and soon after he met two Sloops bound for _Boston_, with provisions for the garrison; but there being an officer and soldiers on board, he thought it the safest way, after some small resistance, to let them go on about their business.

They then steered for the _Leeward_ Islands; but in their voyage met with such a hurricane, as had not been known in the memory of man. After the storm was over, they got safe to one of the small Islands of the _Carribees_, and there refitted their vessels as well as they could. As soon as the Brigantine was ready, they took a short cruise, leaving the Schooner in the harbour till their return; which had not been many days at sea, before she met a ship that had lost all her masts, on board of which they went, and took, in money and goods, to the value of 1000_l._ Upon this success, the Brigantine returned to the Schooner, which being then ready to sail, they agreed to go to the _Azores_, or Western Islands, where _Lowe_ took a _French_ Ship of 32 Guns, and in _St. Michael's_ Road, he took several sail that were lying there, without firing a gun. Being in great want of water, he sent to the Governor of _St. Michael's_ for a Supply, promising upon that Condition, to release the Ships he had taken, otherwise to burn them all; which the Governor, for the sake of the Ships, agreed to. Thereupon he released six, keeping only the _Rose_ Pink, of which he took the Command.

The Pirates took several of the Guns out of the ships, and mounted them on board the _Rose_. _Lowe_ ordered the Schooner to lie in the Fare between _St. Michael's_ and _St. Mary's_, where he met with Captain _Carter_ in the _Wright_ Galley; who, defending himself, they cut and mangled him and his Men in a barbarous manner; after which, they were for burning the ship, but contented themselves with cutting her cable, rigging, and sails to pieces, and so left her to the mercy of the seas. From hence they sailed to the Island of _Maderas_, where they took a fishing boat, with two old men and a boy in her, one of whom they sent ashore, demanding a boat of water, otherwise they would kill the old man, which being complied with, the old man was discharged. From hence they sailed to the _Canaries_, and thence continued their course for the _Cape de Verde_ Islands, where they took a ship called the _Liverpool Merchant_, from which they took 300 gallons of brandy, two guns and carriages, besides six of the men, and then obliged them to go to the Isle of _May_. They also took two _Portugueze_ ships bound to _Brazil_, and three Sloops from _St. Thomas's_ bound to _Curaso_: All of which they plundered, and let them go, except one Sloop, by which they heard that two Gallies were expected at the Western Islands. Her they manned, and sent in Quest of these Ships whilst they careened the _Rose_ at _Cape de Verde_; but the Sloop missing the prey, was reduced to great want of water and provisions, so that they ventured to go ashore _St. Michael's_, and pass for Traders; where, being suspected by the Governor, they were conducted into the Castle, and provided for as long as they lived.

_Lowe's_ ship was overset a-careening, so that he was reduced to his old Schooner, aboard of which there went about an hundred as bold rogues as ever was hanged, and sailed to the _West-Indies_, where they took a rich _Portugueze_ ship bound Home from _Bahia_, putting to the torture several of the men, who confest the Captain flung into the sea a bag of 11000 Moidores. This made _Lowe_ swear a thousand oaths; and after cutting off his lips, he murdered him and all his Crew, being 36 men.

After this, they cruised to the Northward, and took several Vessels and then steered for the Bay of _Honduras_, where they took Five _English_ Sloops, and a Pink, and a _Spaniard_ of 6 Guns and 70 men, whom they killed every man; which being done they rummaged the _Spanish_ Ship, bringing all the booty on board their own vessel.

In the next cruise, between the _Leeward Islands_ and the Main, they took two Snows from Jamaica to Liverpool, and just after a Ship called the _Amsterdam Merchant_, the Captain thereof he slit his Nose, cut his Ears off, and then plundered the ship and let her go. Afterwards he took a Sloop bound to _Amboy_, of whose Men he tied lighted matches between the fingers, which burnt the flesh off the bones, and afterwards set them ashore in an uninhabited part of the country, as also other ships which fell a prey to those villains.

One of His Majesty's Men-of-War called the _Greyhound_, of 20 guns and 120 men, hearing of their barbarous actions, went in search of them and, seeing the Pirates, allowed _Lowe_ to chase them at first, till they were in readiness to engage him, and when he was within gunshot, tacked about and stood towards him. The Pirates edged away under the Man-of-War's stern, making a running fight for about two hours. But little wind happening, the Pirates gained from her; thereupon the _Greyhound_ left off firing, and turned all her hands to her oars, and came up with them, when the fight was renewed with a brisk fire on both sides, till the _Ranger's_ main-yard was shot down; upon which, the _Greyhound_ pressing close, _Lowe_ bore away and left his consort, who seeing the cowardice of his Commadore, and that there was no possibility of escaping, called out for quarters.

_Lowe's_ conduct in this engagement shewed him to be a cowardly villain; for had he fought half as briskly as _Harris_, the Man-of-War could never have taken either of them. The _Greyhound_ carried her Prize to _Rhode-Island_, which was looked upon to be of such signal Service to the Colony, that in Council they resolved to compliment _Peter Sulgard_ Captain, with the Freedom of their Corporation. They secured the prisoners under a strong guard in Jail, till a Court of Vice-Admiralty could be held for their Trials, which was on the 10th of _July_ at _Newport_, lasting three Days. The Judges were _William Dummer_, Esq; Lieutenant Governor of the _Massachusets_, President; _Nathaniel Payne_, Esq; _John Lechmore_, Esq; Surveyor General; _John Valentine_, Esq; Advocate General; _Samuel Cranston_, Governor of _Rhode Island_; _John Menzies_, Esq; Judge of the Admiralty; _Richard Ward_, Esq; Registrar; and Mr. _Jahleet Brinton_, Provost Marshal. _Robert Auchmuta_, Esq, was appointed by the Court, Counsel for the prisoners here under mentioned.

_Charles Harris_, Captain, _William Blads_, _Daniel Hyde_, _Thomas Powel_, jun., _Stephen Munden_, _Thomas Hugget_, _William Read_, _Peter Kneeves_, _James Brinkley_, _Joseph Sound_, _William Shutfield_, _Edward Eaton_, _John Brown_, _Edward Lawson_, _Owen Rice_, _John Tomkins_, _John Fitzgerald_, _Abraham Lacy_, _Thomas Linester_, _Francis Leyton_, _John Walters_, Quarter-master, _William Jones_, _Charles Church_, _Thomas Hazel_, and _John Bright_, who were all executed the 19th of _July_, 1723, near _Newport_ in _Rhode Island_; but _John Brown_ and _Patrick Cunningham_ were recommended to Mercy.

The eight following were found Not Guilty; _John Wilson_, _Henry Barnes_, _Thomas Jones_, _Joseph Switzer_, _Thomas Mumper_, Indian, _John Hencher_, Doctor, _John Fletcher_, and _Thomas Child_.

Instead of working repentance in _Lowe_, this deliverance made him ten times worse, vowing revenge upon all they should meet with for the future, which they executed upon _Nathan Skiff_, Master of a _Whale-fishing_ Sloop, whom they whipt naked about the deck, and then cut off his ears, making his torture their sport. At length being weary thereof, they shot him through the head, and sunk his vessel. Some days after, he took a fishing boat off of _Black_ Island, and only cut off the master's head; but next day taking two Whale Boats near _Rhode_ Island, he brutally killed one of the masters and cut off the ears of the other. From hence he went to _Newfoundland_, where he took 23 _French_ Vessels, and mann'd one of them of 22 Guns with pirates; after which, they took and plundered 18 ships, some of which they destroyed.

The latter end of _July_, _Lowe_ took a large ship called the _Merry Christmas_, and mounted her with 34 Guns, on which he goes aboard, taking the title of Admiral, and sails to the Western Islands, where he took a Brigantine manned with _English_ and _Portugueze_, the Latter of whom he hanged.

Afterwards _Lowe_ went to the Coast of _Guinea_, but nothing happened till he came to _Sierra Leon_, in _Africa_, when he met with the _Delight_, which he took, mounting her with 16 Guns, and 60 men, appointing _Spriggs_ Captain, and from whom two days after he separated.

In _January_ after, he took a Ship called _Squirrel_, but what came of him afterwards we cannot tell.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CAPTAIN GEORGE LOWTHER, AND HIS CREW

_George Lowther_ went second Mate on board the _Gambia Castle_, belonging to the _Royal African_ Company, on board which was Captain _Massey_, with soldiers that he was to command under Colonel _Whitney_, whom were landed on _James_ Island; but the Fort and Garrison not agreeing the Company soon after lost a Galley worth 10000_l._ by it.

[Illustration]

_Massey_ finding he must be over-ruled by the merchants, soon began to complain of their ill-treatment of his men in their allowance, saying he did not come to be a _Guinea_ Slave; and that if they did not use him and his men better, he should take other measures.

At the same time, there happened a dispute between the Captain of the ship and _Lowther_, which very much contributing to Lowther's design: For _Lowther_ finding himself neglected by the Captain, found means to ingratiate himself into the favour of the sailors, who, upon the Captain's going to punish him, swore, They would knock down the first man that should offer to lay hands on him; which _Lowther_ improved to a general disaffection of the ship's Crew. _Massey_ in the meantime, having contracted an intimacy with _Lowther_, they agreed to curb their enemies, and provide for themselves some other way; which the Captain perceiving, he goes on shore to the Governor and Factor, to consult what methods to take. But _Lowther_ apprehending it was against him, he sent a letter in the same boat to _Massey_, advising him to repair on board, to put their project in execution.

Upon which _Massey_ harangued the Soldiers, saying, _You that have a Mind to return to England_, may now do it; which they all agreed to. Then he went to the Governor's appartment, and took his bed, baggage, plate and furniture, believing the Governor would go with him, which he refused; however _Massey_ came aboard with the Governor's son. After demolishing all the guns of the Fort, they weighed anchor, and fell down, but soon ran the ship aground; upon which _Massey_ returns to the Fort, remounts the guns, and keeps garrison till the ship got clear. In the meantime Captain _Russell_ got off but was not suffered to come on board, although he offered _Lowther_ what terms he pleased. Next tide they got the ship afloat, having first nailed up and dismounted all the cannon. Then putting the Governor's son ashore, they put out to sea, when _Lowther_ called upon the men, and told them, _It was Madness to think of returning to _England_; for what they had done, would be judged a Capital Offence_; and therefore, since they had a good ship under them, he proposed that they should seek their fortunes upon the Seas, as others had done before them, which they all agreed to, calling the ship _The Delivery_, and swore to stand by one another.

_Lowther_ left the Fort the 13th of _June_, and on the 20th, near _Barbadoes_, he came up with a Brigantine, belonging to _Boston_, which he plundered, and then let go. After this he proceeded to _Hispaniola_, where he met with a _French_ Sloop loaden with wine and brandy, on board whom Captain _Massey_ went, pretending at first to be a merchant; but finding her to be a Ship of value, he told Monsieur, He must have it all without money. On board her, there was 30 casks of brandy, 5 hogsheads of wine, several pieces of chintz, and 70_l._ in money, all of which they took, only _Lowther_ return'd the French Master five pounds again.

But this good harmony did not last long amongst them, _Massey_ was uneasy, and resolved to leave them; which _Lowther_ agreed to, giving him a Sloop he had just before taken, to go where he thought fit. Accordingly _Massey_ goes aboard, with ten men, and comes in directly for _Jamaica_, where, putting a bold face on the matter, he informs Sir _Nicholas Laws_, the then Governor, how he had left _Lowther_ the pirate, and of all that had been transacted before, adding, That he assisted him at the River _Gambia_ only to save so many of His Majesty's subjects, and return to _England_.

_Massey_ was well received, and, at his own report, he was sent on board the _Happy Sloop_, to cruise off _Hispaniola_ for _Lowther_; but not meeting with him, he returned to _Jamaica_, and getting a Certificate, he came home to _England_, where, when he arrived, he writes to the _African_ Company, relating the whole transaction of his voyage, but excuses it as an inadvertency, by his being ill-used; for which, if they would not forgive him, he begged to die like a soldier, and not be hanged like a dog. This not producing so favourable an answer as he expected, he went the next day to the Lord Chief Justice Chambers, and enquired, If there had been ever a Warrant granted and against one Captain _Massey_ for Piracy. But being told, There was not, he said, He was the Man, and that the _African_ Company would soon apply to my Lord for one, which if they did, he lodged in _Aldersgate street_, where the Officer might at any time find him. This the Clerk took down in writing, and a Warrant being soon granted, the Tipstaff went accordingly, and took him without any trouble.

But still there was no person to charge him, neither could they prove the letter to be his own hand-writing, till the Justice interrogated him, _Whether he did write the letter or not_; which he readily confessed, as also gave an ample account of the whole voyage, thereupon he was committed to _Newgate_, though soon after he was admitted out upon bail.

_July_ the 5th, 1723, he was tried at the _Old-Baily_ by a Court of Admiralty, when Captain _Russell_ and others appeared against him: But he would have saved them all that trouble, for he confessed more than they knew, fixing the facts so firm upon himself, that he was found Guilty, received Sentence of Death, and was executed three weeks after at _Execution Dock_.

[Illustration]

But to return to _Lowther_, whom _Massey_ left cruising off of _Hispaniola_, who plying to the Windward near _Porto Rico_, took two sail, one was a small _Bristol_ Ship, the other a _Spanish_ Pirate, who had taken the _Bristol_ Ship; which so provoked _Lowther_, that he threatened to put all the _Spaniards_ to Death, for daring to intermeddle in his Affairs: But at last he contented himself with burning both their ships; and the _Spaniards_ getting away in their launch, they thought they were well off.

Afterwards he took a small Sloop from _St. Christophers_, which he manned; and carried with him to an island where they cleaned, and then going aboard, they sailed towards the Bay of _Honduras_, where they met with a small vessel with 13 Hands, of the same employment, under Captain _Lowe_, whom _Lowther_ received as friends, inviting them, as they were few in number, to join their strength together; which being accepted of, _Lowther_ continued Captain, and _Lowe_ was made Lieutenant, burning his own ship. Then coming into the Bay, they fell upon a ship of two hundred tons, called the _Greyhound_; against whom _Lowther_ firing his guns, hoisted the piratical Colours, which Captain _Edward_ bravely returned; but at length finding the Pirate too strong for him he yielded, and the Pirate came on Board, and not only rifling the ship, but beat and cut the men in a cruel manner. In crusing about the Bay, they took several other vessels without any resistance, particularly a Sloop of 100 Tons, which they mounted with 8 carriages and 10 swivel guns. With this fleet, _Lowther_ in the _Happy Delivery_, _Lowe_ in the _Rhode Island_ Sloop, _Harris_ in _Hamilton's_ Sloop, left the Bay, and came to _Port Mayo_, where they made preparations to careen, carrying ashore all their sails, to lay their plunder and stores in; but when they were busy at work, a body of the natives came down and attacked the Pirates unprepared, who were glad to fly to their Sloops, and leave them masters of the field, leaving the _Happy Delivery_ behind them, contenting themselves with the _Ranger_, which had only 20 guns, and 8 swivels, taking all the men on board her, wherein they presently began to quarrel, laying the blame upon one another. Being very much in want of provisions, they got to the _West Indies_, _May_ 1722, and near the Island of _Descada_ took a Brigantine stored with provisions and necessaries, which put them in better temper. Then they watered and stood to the Northward, intending to visit the North Coast of _America_, and in Latitude 38, they took the _Rebecca_ of _Boston_, at which Time the Crews divided, _Lowe_ with 44 Hands went on board the Brigantine, and _Lowther_ with the same number, staid in the Sloop, separating that very night, being the 28th of May 1722.

_Lowther_ cruised a pretty while among the Islands to no purpose, till at length he fell in with a _Martinico_ Man, which proved a seasonable relief, he being reduced to great want of provisions, and after that a _Guinea_ Man. After which they thought it time to clean, in order to prepare for new adventures; for which purpose they sailed to the Island of _Blanco_, which is a low Island 30 leagues from the main of _Spanish America_, where he unrigged his Sloop, sending his guns, rigging, and sails ashore, and putting his vessel upon the careen. But the _Eagle_ Sloop of _Barbadoes_, coming near this Island, and seeing her, supposing her to be a Pirate, took the advantage of attacking her when unprepared, who immediately hoisted the _St. George's_ Flag at her top-mast head to bid them defiance: But when they found the _Eagle_ resolved to board them in good earnest, the Pirates cut their cable, and hawled the stern on shore, which obliged the _Eagle_ to come to an anchor athwart the hawse, where they engaged them till they cried out for Quarters. At which time _Lowther_ and 12 men made their escape, but they took the rest, and brought them to _Camena_, where the _Spanish_ Governor condemned the Sloop to the captors, and sent 23 Hands to scour the Bushes of _Blanco_ for the Pirates, when they took 40; but could not find _Lowther_, three men and a little Boy. _John Churchill_, _Edward Mackonald_, _Nicholas Lewis_, _Rich. West_, _Sam Lavercot_, _Rob. White_, _John Shaw_, _And. Hunter_, _Jonathan Delve_, _Matthew Freeborn_, and _Henry Watson_, were hanged, _Roger Granger_, _Ralph Candem_, and _Robert Willis_, were acquitted. And Captain _Lowther_, it is said, afterwards shot himself, being found dead, and a pistol burst by his side.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CAPTAIN ANSTIS, AND HIS CREW

_Thomas Anstis_ shipped himself at _Providence_, in the Year 1718, aboard the _Buck_ Sloop, and was one of the six that conspired together to get off with the vessel, along with _Howel Davis_, _Dennis Topping_, and _Walter Kennedy_, etc. I shall only observe, that this combination was the beginning of Captain _Roberts's_ company, which afterwards proved so formidable, from whom _Anstis_ separated the 18th of _April_, 1721, leaving his Commodore to pursue his adventures upon the Coasts of _Guinea_, whilst he returned to the _West Indies_, upon the same design.

About the middle of _June_, he met with one Captain _Maiston_, between _Hispaniola_ and _Jamaica_, bound to _New-York_, from which he took all the wearing apparel, liquors and provisions, and six men. Afterwards he met with the _Irwin_, Captain _Ross_ from _Cork_, on the Coast of _Martinico_, which ship had Colonel _Doyly_ of _Montserrat_ on board, and his Family, and 600 barrels of beef.

Afterwards they went into one of the Islands to clean, and thence proceeding towards _Bermudas_, they met with a stout ship called the _Morning Star_, bound from _Guinea_ to _Carolina_, which they kept for their own use. Just after, they took a ship from _Barbadoes_ bound to _New England_, from whence taking her guns, they mounted the _Morning Star_ with 32 pieces of cannon, and 100 men, appointing _John Fenn_ Captain: For _Anstis_ was so in love with his own vessel, she being a good sailor, he made it his choice to stay in her, and let _Fenn_ have the other ship. Though they were not sufficiently strong, yet being most new men, they could not agree, but resolving to break up company, sent a Petition to His Majesty by a Merchant Ship, expecting her Return at _Cuba_.

Here they staid about nine months; but not having provisions for above two, they were obliged to take what the Island afforded; which is many sorts of fish, particularly turtle; though they eat not a bit of bread, nor flesh meat, during their being on the Island.

They passed their time here in dancing, and other diversions, agreeable to these sort of folks. Among the rest, they appointed a mock Court of Judicature, to try one another for Piracy, and he that was a Criminal one day, was made a Judge another. I shall never forget one of their Trials, which for the curiosity of it, I shall relate. The Judge got up into a tree, having a dirty tarpaulin over his shoulders for a robe, and a Thrum Cap upon his head, with a large pair of spectacles upon his nose, and a monkey bearing up his train, with abundance of Officers attending him, with crows and hand-spikes instead of wands and tip-staves in their hands. Before whom the Criminals were brought out, making 1000 wry Faces; when the Attorney-General moved the Court, and said, An't please your Lordship, and you Gentlemen of the Jury, this fellow before you is a sad dog, a sad, a sad dog, and I hope your Lordship will order him to be hanged out of the way; he has committed Piracy upon the High Seas; nay, my Lord, that's not all; this fellow, this sad dog before you, has out-rid a hundred storms, and you know, my Lord, _He that's born to be hanged, will never be drowned_. Nor is this all, he has been guilty of worse villany than this, and that is of drinking of small beer; and your Lordship knows, there was never a sober fellow but what was a rogue--My Lord, I should have said more, but your Lordship knows our rum is out, and how should a Man speak that has drunk a dram to-day.

[Illustration]

_Judge._ Harkee me, Sirrah--you ill-looked dog. What
have you to say why you may not be tucked up, and set
a-sun-drying like a scare-crow?--Are you Guilty, or not?

_Prisoner._ Not Guilty, an't please your Worship.

_Judge._ Not Guilty! say so again, and I will have you
hanged without any Trial.

_Prisoner._ An't please your Worship's Honour, my Lord,
I am as honest a fellow as ever went between stem and
stern of a ship, and can hand, reef, steer, and clap two
ends of a rope together, as well as e'er a He that ever
crossed Salt-water; but I was taken by one _George
Bradley_ (the name of the Judge) a notorious Pirate, and
a sad rogue as ever was hanged, and he forced me, an't
please your Honour.

_Judge._ Answer me, Sirrah--how will you be tried?

_Prisoner._ By God and my country.

_Judge._ The Devil you will.... Then, Gentlemen of the
Jury, we have nothing to do but to proceed to Judgment.

_Attorney-Gen._ Right, my Lord; for if the fellow should
be suffered to speak, he might clear himself; and that,
you know, is an affront to the Court.

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

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

_Pris._ But I hope your Lordship will hear reason.

_Judge._ What have we to do with Reason?--I would have
you to know, Sirrah, we do not sit here to hear
Reason--we go according to Law.--Is our dinner ready?

_Attorney-General._ Yes, my Lord.

_Judge._ Then harkee you rascal at the Bar, hear me,
Sirrah, hear me.--You must be hanged for three reasons:
_First_, because it is not fit that I should sit as
Judge, and no-body to be hang'd: _Secondly_, You must be
hang'd because you have a damn'd hanging Look:
_Thirdly_, You must be hanged, because I am hungry.
There's Law for you, ye dog; take him away, Gaoler.

[Illustration]

By this we may see how these fellows can jest upon things, the thoughts of which should make them tremble.

_August_ 1722, they made ready the Brigantine, and came out to sea, where meeting their correspondent returning, and finding nothing done, they all agreed to ply their old trade. So they sailed with the ship and Brigantine to the Southward, where they ran the _Morning Star_ upon the _Grand Carmanes_, and wrecked her; the next Day _Anstis_ went ashore to fetch the men off, who were all safe. _Anstis_ had just time to get Captain _Fenn_, and a few others on board, before the _Hector_ and _Adventure_ came down upon him; but he got to sea, and one of the Men-of-War after him, keeping within gun-shot several hours, when the wind dying away, the Pirates got to their oars, and rowed for their lives.

The _Hector_ landed her men, and took 40 of the _Morning Star's_ Crew, without any resistance, they pretending they were glad of this opportunity; the rest hid themselves in the woods.

The Brigantine after her escape, sailed to an Island, near the Bay of _Honduras_, to clean, and in her way took a Sloop, Captain _Durfey_ Commander, which they destroyed, but brought the men on board. While she was cleaning, _Durfey_ conspired with some of the prisoners, to carry off the Brigantine; but it being discovered, he and four or five more got ashore, with arms and ammunition; and when the Pirates' Canoe came in for Water, seized the boat and men; upon which, _Anstis_ sent another boat with 30 hand ashore; but _Durfey_ gave them such a warm reception that they were glad to return back again.

In _December_ 1722, _Anstis_ left this place, taking in his cruise a good ship. He mounted her with 24 Guns and made _Fenn_ Commander. From hence they went to the _Bahama_ Islands, taking what they wanted.

As they were cleaning their ship the _Winchelsea_ came down upon them, when most of them escaped to the woods; but _Anstis_ having a light pair of heels, escaped in the Brigantine. Afterwards, some of the Company, being tired of this trade, shot _Anstis_ in his Hammock, and put the rest in irons, and then carried the Brigantine to _Curacco_, a _Dutch_ Settlement, where they were hanged, and those that delivered up the vessel acquitted. _Fenn_ was soon after taken by the Man-of-War's Men, straggling in the woods, with a few more, and carried to _Antegoa_ and hanged. But some escaped among the negroes, and were never heard of since.

[Illustration]

[Illustration]

CAPTAIN JOHN PHILLIPS, AND HIS CREW

_John Phillips_ was bred a carpenter, but sailing in a West Country ship to _Newfoundland_, was taken by _Anstis_, who soon persuaded him to join with him, making him Carpenter of the Vessel, in which station he continued till they broke up at _Tobago_, when he came Home in a Sloop that was sunk in _Bristol_ Channel. But he did not stay long in _England_; for hearing of some of his companions being taken in _Bristol_ Gaol, he moved off to _Topsham_, and there shipped himself with one Captain _Wadham_ for _Newfoundland_, where when the ship came he ran away, and hired himself a splitter in the Fishery for the season: but he soon combined with others in the Fishery, to go off with one of the vessels that lay in the Harbour, and turn Pirate, and accordingly fixed upon the 29th of _August_, 1713, at Night; but of 16 Men that promised five only were as good as their Word. Notwithstanding, _Phillips_ was for pushing on, assuring them that they should soon increase their company. Hereupon they seized a vessel, and went out to sea, when they soon began to settle their Officers to prevent dispute, appointing, _John Phillips_, Captain; _John Nutt_, Navigator of the Vessel; _James Sparks_, Gunner; _Thomas Fern_, Carpenter; and _William White_ was only a private man among them.

Before they left the Banks, they took several small fishing vessels, out of which they took some more Hands, and then sailed to the _West-Indies_: Among those that were taken, was one _John Rose Archer_ who having been a pirate under _Blackbeard_ was made Quarter-Master to the company: They came off _Barbadoes_ in _October_, and cruised about the Islands about three Months, without meeting with a vessel, so that they were almost starved for want of provisions, when at length they fell in with a _Martinico_ Man of 12 guns and 35 hands, upon which they hoisted the Black Flag and ran up along side of the Sloop, with piratical Colours flying, swearing, If they did not strike immediately, they must expect no quarters; which so frightened the _Frenchman_, that he never fired a gun. Having got this supply, they took her provisions, and four of her men.

Having occasion to clean their vessel, _Phillips_ proposed _Tobago_; and just as they had done, a Man-of-War's boat came into the Harbour, the ship cruising to the Leeward of the Island; which was no sooner gone, but they warped out, and plied to the Windward for safety.

In a few days they took a Snow with a few Hands in it, on board of which they sent _Fern_ the Carpenter, _William Smith_, _Philips Wood_, and _Taylor_; but _Fern_ being dissatisfied at _Archer's_ being preferred before him to be Quarter-Master, persuaded the rest to go off with the prize; but _Phillips_ gave them Chase, and coming up with them, shot _Wood_, and wounded _Taylor_ in the leg; upon which the other two surrendered.

From _Tobago_ they stood away to the Northward, and took a _Portugueze_ bound for _Brazil_, and two or three Sloops for _Jamaica_, in one of which _Fern_ endeavouring to go off, was killed by _Phillips_, as was also another man for the like attempt, which made all the others more fearful of discovering their Minds, dreading the villany of a few hardened wretches, who feared neither God nor Devil, as _Phillips_ was often used blasphemously to say.

On the 25th of March, they took two ships from _Virginia_, the Master's name of one was _John Phillips_, the Pirate's Name-sake; of the other, _Robert Mortimer_, a stout young man. _Phillips_ staid on board _Mortimer's_ Ship, while they transported the crew to the Sloop, when _Mortimer_ took up a hand-spike and struck _Phillips_ over the Head; but not knocking him down, he recovered and wounded _Mortimer_ with his sword; and the other two Pirates who were on board, coming to _Phillip's_ assistance they cut _Mortimer_ to pieces, while his own two men stood and looked on. Out of the other _Virginia_ Man, they took _Edward Cheesman_, a carpenter, to supply the Place of _Fern_, who being averse to that way of life, proposed to _J. Philamore_, who was ordered to row _Cheesman_ on board _Mortimer's_ ship, to overthrow their Piratical government; which from time to time, as occasion offered, they consulted how to do. The Pirates, in the mean time, robbed and plundered several ships and vessels, bending their course towards _Newfoundland_, where they designed to raise more men, and do all the mischief they could on the Banks, and in the harbours. Towards which country, _Phillips_ making his way, took one _Salter_ in a Sloop on the Isle of _Sables_, which he kept, and gave _Mortimer's_ Ship to the Mate and crew; also a Schooner, one _Chadwell_ Master, which they scuttled in order to sink: But _Phillips_ understanding that she belonged to Mr. _Menors_ of _Newfoundland_, with whose Vessel they first went off a-Pirating, said, _We have done him injury enough already_, and so ordering his Vessel to be repaired, returned her to the Master.

In the Afternoon, they chased another vessel, whose Master was an Inward Light Man, named _Dependence Ellery_, who told _Phillips_ he took him for a Pirate as soon as he saw him, otherwise he would not have given him the Trouble of chasing him so long. This so provoked _Phillips_ and his Crew, that they made poor _Dependence_, for his Integrity, dance about the Ship till he was weary. After which they took 10 other ships and vessels; and on the 14th of _April_, they took a Sloop belonging to Cape _Anne_, _Andrew Harradine_ Master; which looking upon to be more fit for their purpose, they came on board, keeping only the Master of her Prisoner, and sending the crew away in _Salter's_ vessel. _Cheesman_ broke his mind to _Harradine_, to destroy the crew. Upon this, it was concluded to be 12 a Clock at Noon, when _Cheesman_ leaves his working-tools on the deck, as if he had been going to use them, walks off. But perceiving some signs of fear in _Harradine_, he fetches his brandy bottle, and gives him and the rest a dram, saying, _Here's to our next Meeting_; then he talks to _Nutt_, in the mean while _Philamore_ takes up an axe, while _Cheesman_ and _Harradine_ seize _Nutt_ by the Collar, and toss him over the Side of the Vessel.

By this Time the Boatswain was dead; for as soon as _Philamore_ saw the Master laid hold on, he up with the axe, and cut off the Boatswain's head, which Noise soon brought the Captain upon Deck, whom _Cheesman_ saluted with the blow of a mallet, which broke his jaw-bone, but did not knock him down; upon which _Harradine_ came to the Carpenter's aid, when _Sparks_ the Gunner interposing, _Cheesman_ trips up his Heels, and flung him into the arms of _Charles Ivemay_, who at that moment threw him into the Sea; and at the same Time _Harradine_ throws Captain _Phillips_ after him, bidding the Devil take them both. This done, _Cheesman_ jumps from the deck into the Hold, to knock _Archer_ on the Head, when _Harry Gyles_ came down after him, desired his Life might be spared; which being agreed to, he was made a Prisoner, and secured.

All being over, they altered their course from _Newfoundland_ to _Boston_, where they arrived the 3rd of _May_, to the great joy of the Province, and on the 12th of _May_, a special Court of Admiralty was held for the Trial of these Pirates, when _John Philamore_, _Edward Cheesman_, _John Cobs_, _Henry Gyles_, _Charles Joymay_, _John Bootman_, and _Henry Payne_, were honourably acquitted; as also three _French_ Men, _John Baptis_, _Peter Taffery_, and _Isaac Lassen_, as also three Negroes, _Pedro_, _Francisco_, and _Pierro_. _John Rose Archer_, the Quarter-Master, _William White_, _William Taylor_, and _William Phillips_ were condemned; altho' the two latter got a Reprieve, and the two former, _Archer_ and _White_, were executed the 2nd of _June_ following.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: CAPTAIN TEACH]

[Illustration]

CAPTAIN TEACH, _ALIAS_ BLACKBEARD

_Edward Teach_ was a _Bristol_ Man, and had served many years in the late wars, in a Privateer fitted out from _Jamaica_, in which he had often distinguished himself for his boldness. He was never thought fit to be entrusted with any Command, till he went a-pirating in the Year 1716, when Captain _Benjamin Hornigold_ put him into a Prize Sloop, with whom he kept company till _Hornigold_ surrendered.

In 1727, _Teach_ and _Hornigold_ sailed from _Providence_ for _America_, where, in their way, they took a vessel with above 100 Barrels of Flour, as also a Sloop from _Bermudas_, and a Ship bound to _Carolina_; from which they had a good plunder. After cleaning at _Virginia_, they returned to the _West-Indies_, and made Prize of a _French Guinea_ Man bound to _Martinico_, which _Teach_ was made Captain of; but _Hornigold_ with his Sloop returned to _Providence_, and surrendered to mercy. Aboard the _French Guinea_ Ship, _Teach_ mounted 46 guns, and called her _Queen Anne's Revenge_. Not long after he fell in with the _Scarborough_ Man-of-War, who, after a long fight finding she could do no good with _Teach_, left him, and returned to _Barbadoes_, while _Teach_ sailed to _Spanish America_. In his way, he met with Major _Bonnet_ a Gentleman, formerly of a good estate in _Barbadoes_, in a small Sloop with which he had turned Pirate: But _Teach_ finding _Bonnet_ knew nothing of the matter, took him into his own Ship, and put one _Richards_ Captain in his room, telling the Major, _That he had not been us'd to the Fatigues of the Sea, he had better decline it, and take his pleasure aboard his Ship_. At _Turnissi_ they took in fresh water; but seeing a Sloop coming in, they ran to meet her, which struck her sail, upon the sight of the Black Flag, to _Teach_, who took the Captain and his men aboard, and put _Israel Hands_ to mann the Sloop: From thence they sailed to the Bay, where they found a ship and four Sloops. _Teach_ hoisted his Black Colours, at the Sight of which, the Captain and his men left the Ship, and ran into the woods. _Teach's_ Quarter-Master, with some of his Men, took possession of her, and _Richards_ secured the Sloops: One of which they burnt, because she belonged to _Boston_, where some of his Men had been hanged; but the others they let go after plundering them.

From hence they sailed to the _Grand Canaries_, then to the _Bahama_ Wrecks, and then to _Carolina_, where they took a Brigantine and two Sloops, lying off the Bar of _Charles Town_; as also a Ship bound for _London_, with some passengers aboard. The next Day they took another Vessel coming out, and two Pinks going in, and a Brigantine with negroes, in the Face of the Town; which put the Inhabitants into a sad fright, being in no condition to help themselves.

[Illustration]

_Teach_, alias _Blackbeard_, sent _Richards_ along with Mr. _Mark_, one of the Prisoners, to demand a chest of medicines of the Governor, several of his Men being sick aboard; threatening otherwise to burn the Ships, and destroy all the prisoners, among whom was Mr. _Samuel Wrag_, one of his Council. Altho' this went very much against the inhabitants, yet they were forced to comply with it to save the lives of the many souls had in his custody. So sending him a chest worth about 3 or 4 hundred Pounds, _Richards_ went back safe to the ships with his booty; which as soon as _Blackbeard_ had received, (for so I shall call him for the future) he let the ships and the prisoners go, having first taken 1500_l._ Sterling, and some provisions out of her. From thence they sailed to North _Carolina_, where he had thoughts of breaking up the company, and securing the money and the best of the effects for himself and friends. Accordingly he ran a-ground, as if it had been by accident, and calling _Israel Hands_ to his assistance, he ran the Sloop ashore near the other, and so they were both lost. This done _Blackbeard_ goes into the _Revenge_ and maroons 17 men upon a desert island; where they must inevitably have perished, if _Bonnet_ had not after taken them up.

_Blackbeard_ goes straight to the Governor of _North Carolina_, with Twenty of his Men, and pleads his Majesty's Pardon, and receives Certificates thereupon. He went to his Sloop which lay at _Okere-Cock_ Inlet, and set out for Sea upon another expedition, steering his Ship towards _Bermudas_. Meeting with one or two _English Vessels_ in his way, he robb'd them only of provisions for his present occasion; but meeting with a _French_ Ship laden with sugar and cocoa, he brought her home with her cargoe to _North Carolina_, where the Governor and the Pirates shared the plunder. He had no sooner arrived there, but he and four of his Men made affidavit, That they found the _French_ Ship at Sea, without ever a Man on board; upon which she was condemned. The Governor had sixty hogheads of sugar for his dividend, his Secretary twenty, and the rest were shared amongst the other Pirates. And for fear the ship might be discovered by some that might come into the River, _Blackbeard_, under pretence that she was leaky, and might sink, obtained an order from the Governor to bring her out into the River, and burn her; which they did, and sunk her bottom.

The Sloops trading in the River, being so often pillaged by _Blackbeard_, consulted with the traders what course to take, knowing it was in vain to make any application to the Governor; therefore they sent a deputation to the Governor of _Virginia_, to sollicit a force from the Men-of-War to destroy this Pirate. Accordingly the Governor consulted with the Captains of the _Pearl_ and _Lime_ Men-of-War, which lay in _St. James's_ River; whereupon it was agreed, That the Governor should have a couple of small Sloops, and they should be mann'd out of the Men of War, the Command of which was given to Mr. _Robert Maynard_, first Lieutenant of the _Pearl_. But before they sailed, it was agreed in Council, to offer a reward of 100_l._ for _any one that should take _Edward Teach_, commonly called _Blackbeard_; _for every_ Lieutenant, Master, Quarter-Master, Boatswain, _or_ Carpenter Twenty Pounds; For every inferior Officer, Fifteen Pounds; And for every Man taken on Board each Sloop, Ten Pounds_.

Upon this, the Lieutenant sailed from _James's_ River in _Virginia_, the 17th of _November_, 1718, and the 21st in the evening came to _Okere-cock_ Inlet, where he had fight of the Pirate: And altho' this Expedition was made with all the Secrecy imaginable, yet _Blackbeard_ had notice of it from the Governor of North _Carolina_ and his Secretary: But having heard several false reports before, he gave the less credit to this, till he saw the Sloops; and then he put himself in a Posture of defence, with his 25 Men.

Lieutenant _Maynard_ came to an anchor that night, because the Channel was so intricate that there was no getting in, in the dark. In the Morning, coming within gun-shot of the Pirate, he received his fire: whereupon the _Maynard_ stood directly towards him, endeavouring to make a running fight. _Maynard's_ men being most expos'd, he lost twenty at one broadside; upon which he ordered his men under deck, and bid them get ready for close fighting upon the first signal. Then _Blackbeard's_ men pour'd in grenadoes; after which, seeing no Hands aboard, he told his men they were all kill'd; _Let's jump in, and fall to Plunder_: Which they had no sooner done, but the Lieutenant and his men gave them as unwelcome a reception as ever they met with before. The Lieutenant and _Blackbeard_ fired first at each other, and then they went to it sword in hand, whilst the men on each side were as warmly engaged as their Captains, until the vessel was all over blood. _Blackbeard_ stood it till he had received above twenty wounds, five of them being shots, before he fell down dead. Eight of his fourteen men being kill'd, and the other six being much wounded, they call'd for quarters; which was granted, and then the Lieutenant attacked with equal bravery the men that remained in the Sloop and took them.

The Lieutenant caused _Blackbeard's_ head to be cut off, and hung at the bowsprit end; with which he sailed to _Bath Town_ to get his wounded men cured, and then began to rummage the Pirate Sloop, aboard which they found several Letters of Correspondence betwixt the Governor of _North Carolina_, his Secretary, and some Traders of _New York_ and _Blackbeard_. Thereupon going to _Bath Town_ in _North Carolina_, he seized in the Governors Store-house, the Sixty Hogsheads of Sugar, and Mr. _Knight_ his Secretary's 20, which was their dividend of the plunder taken in the _French_ Ship before-mentioned.

After his Men were a little recovered, he returned to the Men-of-War in _James's_ River in _Virginia_, with _Blackbeard's_ head hanging at his bowsprit, and 15 prisoners, 13 of whom were hanged, one of them being taken but the night before out of a trading Sloop: The other, not being in the fight, was taken at _Bath Town_, being just before disabled by _Blackbeard_ in one of his drunken humours.

The night before he was killed, being ask'd if he should chance to be killed, whether his wife knew where his money was; he answered, _That no-body but himself and the Devil, knew where it was, and the longest Liver should take all_.

* * * * *

The Names of the Pirates killed in the engagement were _Edward Blackbeard_, Commander; _Philip Morton_, Gunner; _Garnet Gibbons_, Boatswain; _Owen Roberts_, Carpenter; _Thomas Miller_, Quarter-Master; _John Husk_, _Joseph Curtice_, _Joseph Brooks_, _Nath. Jackson_.

The following, except the two last, were hanged, viz.: _John Carnes_, _Jo. Brookes, jun._, _James Blake_, _John Gibbs_, _Thomas Gates_, _James White_, _Richard Styles_, _Cesar_, _Joseph Philip_, _James Robbins_, _John Martyn_, _Edward Salter_, _Stephen Daniel_, _Richard Greensarl_, _Israel Hands_, and _Samuel Odel_.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: MAJOR STEDE BONNET]

[Illustration]

MAJOR STEDE BONNET, AND HIS CREW

The Major was a Gentleman of Fortune and Distinction in the Island of _Barbadoes_, who before his Piracy bore the character of a worthy honest _man_, and no-body could ever account for this his undertaking, for he wanted neither learning nor understanding. He fitted out a Sloop with ten guns and sixty men, which he named the _Revenge_, at his own expence, and sailed from _Barbadoes_ for the Cape of _Virginia_, where he took the _Anne_ from _Glasgow_, the _Turbet_ from _Barbadoes_, the _Endeavour_ from _Bristol_, the _Young_ from _Leith_, and many others. From thence he went to _New York_, and there took a Sloop, and then stood in at _Gardiner's_ Island where he bought provisions, and went off. _August_, 1717, he came off at the Bar of _South Carolina_, and took a Sloop and Brigantine, which they plundered, and then he dismissed the Brigantine, but took the Sloop with him to an Inlet in _North-Carolina_, where he careened, and set her on fire.

Afterwards he put to sea, but could not agree with the men what course to take; for the Major being no sailor, was obliged to submit to many things his men imposed upon him, when falling in with _Edward Teach_, alias _Blackbeard_, who was a good sailor, but a hardened villain, _Bonnet's_ Crew joined with him, and put _Bonnet_ aboard _Blackbeard's_ Ship.

But _Blackbeard_ losing his Ship at _Topsail_ Inlet, surrendered to the King's Proclamation; when _Bonnet_ re-assumed the command of his own Sloop, and sailed directly for _Bath_ Town in _North-Carolina_, where he also surrenders himself, and receives a certificate. There getting a clearance for his Sloop, he pretended to sail for the Island of _St. Thomas_, to get the Emperor's Commission to go a-Privateering upon the _Spaniards_. But returning to _Topsail_ Inlet, he found that _Blackbeard_ and his gang were gone, with their effects; and that they had set on shore, on a small sandy island about a league from the continent, seventeen men, without any provisions, or vessel to escape. There they had been two nights and one day without any sustenance, when, to their inexpressible joy, they saw Major _Bonnet_, who had been informed of their being there by two of _Blackbeard's_ crew, who had escaped to avoid his cruelty.

Then he steered his course towards _Virginia_, where meeting with a Pink having Provisions on board, and they being in want, he took out of her ten barrels of pork, and five hundredweight of bread, and gave her, in exchange, ten casks of Rice, and an old cable.

Two days after they took a Sloop of sixty tons, from which they took two hogsheads of rum, and two of molasses, and then put in her eight men, to take care of the Prize; but they not liking her new acquaintance took the first opportunity to get off with her.

After this the Major threw off all restraint, and became a downright Pirate, by the name of Captain _Thomas_, taking and plundering all the vessels he met with. He took off Cape _Henry_, two Ships from _Virginia_, bound to _Glasgow_; the next day a small Sloop from _Virginia_ bound to _Bermudas_; from which they took twenty barrels of pork, and gave her in return, two barrels of rice, and as much molasses. The next day they took another _Virginia_ man, bound to _Glasgow_, out of which they took two men, and a few small things, and gave her a barrel of pork, and another of bread. From thence they sailed to _Philadelphia_, where they took a Schooner coming from _North Carolina_ to _Boston_, from which they took two men, and two dozen of calves skins, to make covers for guns. In the latitude of 32°, off of _Delaware_ River, near _Philadelphia_, they took two Snows bound to _Bristol_, from which they took money and goods to the value of two hundred pounds; as also a Sloop of sixty tons, from _Philadelphia_ to _Barbadoes_, from which they took a few goods, and let her go. The 29th of _July_, they took a Sloop of fifty tons, bound from _Philadelphia_ to _Barbadoes_, laden with provisions, which they kept; as also another of sixty tons, from _Antegoa_ to _Philadelphia_, having on board, rum, molasses, sugar, cotton and indigo, to the value of five hundred Pounds, all of which they kept. Then they left _Delaware_ Bay, and sailed to Cape _Fear_ River, where they staid almost two months to repair their Sloop, which proved very leaky, till news came to _Carolina_ of a Pirate's Sloop, with her Prizes, being there a-careening.

Whereupon Colonel _William Rhet_ offered to go with two Sloops to attack them; which being by the Governor and Council approved of, he was commissioned on board the _Henry_, with eight guns and seventy men, commanded by Captain _John Masters_; and the _Sea Nymph_, commanded by Captain Farier-Hall, with as many guns and men; both under the Direction of the Colonel, who went on board the _Henry_ the 14th of _September_, and sailed from _Charles_ Town to _Swillivant's_ Island, in order to cruise: where he was informed, by a small ship from _Antegoa_, which in sight of the Bar, was taken and plundered by _Charles Vane_, in a Brigantine of sixteen guns, and a hundred men; that he had taken two Sloops, one Captain _Dill_, Master, from _Barbadoes_; the other Captain _Thompson_, from _Guinea_, with seventy negroes, which they put on board one _Yeats_ his consort, being a small Sloop with twenty-five men, who being weary of this course of life, ran into _Edisto_ River, and surrender'd to his Majesty's Pardon, by which the owners got their negroes again, and _Yeats_ and his men had their certificates sign'd.

_Vane_ cruised for some time thereabouts, in hopes to take _Yeats_, and be revenged on him; during which time, he took a ship bound to London, to whom he gave out, that he designed to go to the southward; which Colonel _Rhet_ hearing, sailed over the Bar the 15th with the two Sloops, and went after the Pirate _Vane_; but not meeting with him, tack'd and stood for Cape _Fear_, according to his first Design; and on the 26th following he entered the River, where he saw _Bonnet_, and the three Sloops his Prizes, at anchor; but the Pilot running the Sloops a-ground, hindered their getting up that Night. The Pirates seeing the Sloops, and not knowing who they were, mann'd three canoes, and sent them down to take them; but finding their mistake, _Bonnet_ took all the men out of the Prizes to engage them. Colonel _Rhet's_ Sloops the next morning getting under sail, stood for the Pirates, who designed only to make a running fight; but the Colonel getting upon his quarters, he edged in upon the shore, and ran his Sloop a-ground. The Colonel's Sloops were soon in the same condition: The _Henry_ grounded within pistol-shot of the Pirate, on his bow; the other, right a-head of him, almost out of gun-shot, which made it of but very little use to the Colonel. By this time the Pirate had a very great advantage: For his Sloop lifted from Colonel _Rhet's_, which converted them all over; and the Colonel's Sloop lifting the same way, was much exposed for about five hours, whilst they lay a-ground. The Colonel's Sloop being first a-float, he got into deeper water, and after mending his rigging, he stood for the Pirate, to go directly on board him; which they prevented, by hoisting a flag of truce, and surrendering soon after. The Colonel lost in this action ten men, and had fourteen wounded. The _Sea Nymph_ had two killed, and four wounded. Among the Pirates were none killed, and three were wounded. The next day the Colonel weighed from Cape _Fear_, and arrived at _Charles Town_ the 3d of _October_, to the no small joy of the people of _Carolina_.

There being no publick prison, _Bonnet_ was committed into the custody of the marshal, and his Men were kept at the Watch-house under a strict guard; a little before the trial, _David Harriot_ the Master, and _Ignatius Rathe_ Boatswain, the evidences, were removed from the Crew, to the Marshal's house, from whence on the 24th _Bonnet_ and _Harriott_ made their escape; which as soon as the Governor heard of, he published a Proclamation, promising a reward of 700_l._ to any one that would take him, and also sent several boats with armed men in pursuit of him.

_Bonnet_ stood to the northward, in a small vessel; but through stress of weather, and want of necessaries, he was forced to _Swillivant's_ Island. Of which information being given to the Governor, he sent for Colonel _Rhet_, and desired him once more to go in pursuit of him; which the Colonel readily accepted of; and having got all Things ready, went that Night for _Swillivant's_ Island, where, after a long search, he discovered them. After the Colonel's men had fired upon them, and killed _Harriott_, _Bonnet_ immediately surrendered himself, and was, next Morning, brought back to _Charles Town_, and confined under a strong guard till his trial, which was hastened for fear he should give them the slip again.

On the 28th of _October_, 1718, a Court of Vice-Admiralty was held at _Charles Town_, and, by several adjournments continued to the 12th of _November_ following, by _Nicholas Trot_, Esq; Judge of the Vice-Admiralty, and Chief Judge of _Carolina_, and other Assistant Judges; where, after the King's Commission was read, and a Grand Jury sworn, _Judge Trot_ gave them a learned Charge: And then the _Grand Jury_ went out, and found the Bills; upon which, a _Petit-Jury_ was sworn, and the following Persons were arraingn'd and try'd.

_Stede Bonnet_, alias _Edwards_, alias _Thomas_, late of
_Barbadoes_, Merchant.

_Robert Tucker_, late of _Jamaica_, Merchant.

_Edward Robinson_, late of _Newcastle_-upon-_Tine_,
Mariner.

_Neal Peterson_, late of _Aberdeen_, Mariner.

_William Scot_, late of _Aberdeen_, Mariner.

_William Eddy_, alias _Neddy_, late of _Aberdeen_,
Mariner.

_Alexander Annand_, late of _Jamaica_, Mariner.

_George Rose_, late of _Glasgow_, Mariner.

_George Dubin_, late of _Glasgow_, Mariner.

_John Ridge_, late of _London_, Mariner.

_Matthew King_, late of _Jamaica_, Mariner.

_Daniel Perry_, late of _Guernsey_, Mariner.

_Henry Virgin_, late of _Bristol_, Mariner.

_James Rattle_, alias _Robbins_, late of _London_,
Merchant.

_James Mullet_, alias _Millet_, late of _London_,
Mariner.

_Thomas Price_, late of _Bristol_, Mariner.

_James Wilson_, late of _Dublin_, Mariner.

_John Lopez_, late of _Oporto_, Mariner.

_Zachariah Long_, late of the Province of _Holland_,
Mariner.

_Job. Barley_, late of _London_, Mariner.

_John William Smith_, late of _Charles_ Town in
_Carolina_, Mariner.

_Thomas Carman_, late of _Maidstone_ in _Kent_, Mariner.

_John Thomas_, late of _Jamaica_, Mariner.

_William Morrison_, late of _Jamaica_, Mariner.

_Samuel Booth_, late of _Charles_ Town, Mariner.

_William Howet_, late of _Jamaica_, Mariner.

_John Kent_, late of _North Carolina_, Mariner.

_William Livres_, alias _Evis_, late of _Carolina_,
Mariner.

_John Brierly_, alias _Timberhead_, late of _Bath_ Town
in _North Carolina_, Mariner.

_Robert Boyd_, late of _Bath_ Town in North _Carolina_,
Mariner.

_Thomas Nicholas_, late of _London_, Mariner.

_Rowland Sharp_, late of _Bath_ Town, Mariner.

_Jonathan Clark_, late of _Charles_ Town, Mariner.

_Thomas Gerrard_, late of _Antegoa_, Mariner.

All of whom, except the four last, were found Guilty, and received Sentence of Death, upon two Indictments, for Robbing upon the High Sea the _Francis_, _Peter Manwaring_, Commander; and for seizing, in a Piratical Manner, the Sloop _Fortune_, _Thomas Read_, Commander: To which they all pleaded Not Guilty, except _James Wilson_ and _John Levit_, who pleaded Guilty to both Indictments, and _Daniel Piercy_ to one only. _Bonnet_ moved to go through both the Indictments at once; but the Court overruling it, he was found Guilty of one, and retracted his Plea to the other. They made but little Defence, pretending they were taken off a _Maroon_ Shore, and were shipped with Major _Bonnet_ to go to _St. Thomas's_, but wanting provisions they were obliged to do what they did; and the Major himself pretended it was _Necessity_ and not _Inclination_ that compelled them to do it. But that not appearing, they having all shared ten or eleven Pounds a man, except the four last, they were all found Guilty. After which the Judge set forth the enormity of their Crimes: And then pronounced Sentence of Death upon the persons aforesaid, except Major _Bonnet_, who not being brought back in time, was not tried till the 10th of _November_; and being then also found Guilty, he received Sentence in like manner as the others; before whom Judge _Trot_ made an excellent speech, saying afterwards.

_And now, having discharged my Duty as a Christian, I must do my Office as a Judge, which is_

_You the said _Stede Bonnet_ shall go from hence, to the Place from whence you came, and from thence to the Place of Execution, where you shall be hanged by the Neck till you are dead._

[Illustration]

[Illustration: CAPTAIN WILLIAM KID]

[Illustration]

CAPTAIN WILLIAM KID

We are now going to give an account of one whose name is better known in _England_, than most of those whose histories we have already related; the person we mean is Captain _Kid_, whose public Trial and Execution here, rendered him the subject of all conversation.

In the beginning of King _William's_ War, Captain _Kid_ commanded a Privateer in the _West-Indies_, and by several adventurous actions acquired the reputation of a brave man, as well as an experienced seaman. About this time the Pirates were very troublesome in those parts, wherefore Captain _Kid_ was recommended by the Lord _Bellamont_, then Governor of _Barbadoes_, as well as by several other persons, to the Government here, as a person very fit to be entrusted with the command of a Government Ship, and to be employed in cruising upon the Pirates, as knowing those Seas perfectly well, and being acquainted with their lurking places; but what reasons governed the politics of those times, I cannot tell, but this proposal met with no encouragement here, though it is certain it would have been of great consequence to the subject, our merchants suffering incredible damages by those robbers.

Upon this neglect the Lord _Bellamont_, and some others who knew what great captures had been made by the Pirates, and what a prodigious wealth must be in their possession, were tempted to fit out a ship at their own private charge, and to give the command of it to Captain _Kid_; and to give the thing a greater reputation, as well as to keep their seamen under the better command, they procured the King's Commission for the said Captain _Kid_.

Captain _Kid_ had also another Commission, which was called a Commission of Reprisals; for it being then War time, this Commission was to justify him in the taking of _French_ Merchant Ships, in case he should meet with any. He sail'd out of _Plymouth_ in _May_ 1696, in the _Adventure_ Galley of thirty guns, and eighty men; the place he first design'd for was _New York_; in his Voyage thither he took a French _Banker_, but this was no Act of Piracy, he having a Commission for that purpose, as we have just observed.

When he arrived at _New York_ he put up Articles for engaging more Hands, it being necessary to his Ship's crew, since he proposed to deal with a desperate enemy: The terms he offered were, that every man should have a share of what was taken, reserving for himself and Owners forty shares. Upon this encouragement he soon increas'd his company to a hundred and fifty five men.

With this company he first sail'd for _Maderas_, where he took in wine and some other necessaries; from thence he proceeded to _Bonavist_, one of the _Cape de Verd Islands_, to furnish the ship with salt, and from thence went immediately to _St. Jago_, another of the _Cape de Verd Islands_, in order to stock himself with provisions. When all this was done, he bent his course to _Madagascar_, the known rendezvous of Pirates; in this way he fell in with Captain _Warren_, Commodore of three Men-of-War; he acquainted them with his design, kept them company two or three days, and then leaving them, made the best way for _Madagascar_, where he arrived in _February_ 1696, just nine months from his departure from _Plymouth_.

[Illustration]

It does not appear all this while that he had the least design of turning Pirate; for near _Mahala_ and _Joanna_ both he met with several _Indian_ ships richly laden, to which he did not offer the least violence, tho' he was strong enough to have done what he pleas'd with them; and the first outrage or depredation I find he committed upon mankind, was after his repairing his ship, and leaving _Joanna_; he touch'd at a place call'd _Mabbee_, upon the _Red Sea_, where he took some _Guinea_ Corn from the natives, by force.

After this he sail'd to _Bab's Key_, a Place upon a little Island at the entrance of the _Red Sea_; here it was that he first began to open himself to his ship's company, and let them understand that he intended to change his measures; for, happening to talk of the _Moca_ Fleet, which was to sail that way, he said _We have been unsuccessful hitherto, but courage, my Boys, we'll make our fortunes out of this Fleet_: And finding that none of them appear'd averse to it, he order'd a boat out, well mann'd, to go upon the coast to make discoveries, commanding them to take a prisoner and bring to him, or get intelligence any way they could. The boat return'd in a few days, bringing him word, that they saw fourteen or fifteen ships ready to sail, some with _English_, some with _Dutch_, and some with _Moorish_ Colours. He therefore order'd a man continually to watch at the mast-head, least this Fleet should go by them; and about four days after, towards evening, it appear'd in sight, being convoy'd by one _English_ and one _Dutch_ Man-of-War. _Kid_ soon fell in with them, and getting into the midst of them, fir'd at a _Moorish_ ship which was next him; but the Men-of-War taking the Alarm, bore down upon _Kid_, and firing upon him, obliged him to sheer off, he not being strong enough to contend with them. Now he had begun hostilities, he resolv'd to go on, and therefore he went and cruis'd along the coast of _Malabar_; the first Prize he met was a small vessel belonging to _Aden_, the vessel was _Moorish_, and the Owners were _Moorish_ Merchants, but the Master was an _Englishman_, his name was _Parker_. _Kid_ forc'd him and a _Portugueze_ that was call'd _Don Antonio_, which were all the _Europeans_ on Board, to take on with them; the first he design'd as a pilot, and the last as an interpreter. He also used the men very cruelly, causing them to be hoisted up by the arms, and drubb'd with a naked cutlass, to force them to discover whether they had money on board, and where it lay; but as they had neither gold nor silver on board, he got nothing by his cruelty; however, he took from them a bale of pepper, and a bale of coffee, and so let them go.

Soon after this he came up with a _Moorish_ Ship, the Master whereof was a _Dutchman_, call'd _Schipper Mitchel_, and chased her under _French_ Colours, which they observing, hoisted _French_ Colours too: When he came up with her, he hail'd her in _French_, and they having a _Frenchman_ on board, answer'd him in the same language; upon which he order'd them to send their boat on board; they were oblig'd to do so, and having examin'd who they were, and from whence they came; he ask'd the _Frenchman_, who was a passenger, if he had a _French_ pass for himself? The _Frenchman_ gave him to understand that he had. Then he told the _Frenchman_ he must pass for Captain, _and by God_, says he, _you are the Captain_: The _Frenchman_ durst not refuse doing as he would have him: The meaning of this was, that he would seize the Ship as fair Prize, and as if she belonged to _French_ Subjects, according to a commission he had for that purpose; tho', one would think, after what he had already done, that he need not have recourse to a quibble to give his actions a colour.

In short, he took the cargoe and sold it some time after, yet still he seem'd to have some fears upon him least these proceedings should have a bad end; for, coming up with a _Dutch_ Ship some time, when his men thought of nothing but attacking her, _Kid_ oppos'd it; upon which a mutiny arose, and the majority being for taking the said ship, and arming themselves to man the boat to go and seize her, he told them, such as did, never should come on Board him again; which put an end to the design, so that he kept company with the said ship some time, without offering her any violence: However, this dispute was the occasion of an accident, upon which an indictment was afterwards grounded against _Kid_; for _Moor_, the Gunner, being one day upon deck, and talking with _Kid_ about the said _Dutch_ Ship, some words arose betwixt them, and _Moor_ told _Kid_, that he had ruin'd them all; upon which, _Kid_, calling him _Dog_, took up a bucket and struck him with it, which breaking his skull, he died the next day.

But _Kid's_ penitential fit did not last long, for coasting along _Malabar_, he met with a great number of boats, all which he plunder'd. Upon the same Coast he also lit upon a _Portugueze_ Ship, which he kept possession of a week, and then having taking out of her some chests of _Indian_ goods, thirty jars of butter, and some wax, iron, and a hundred bags of rice, he let her go.

The _Adventure_ Galley was now so old and leaky, that they were forced to keep two pumps continually going, wherefore _Kid_ shifted all the guns and tackle out of her into the _Queda_ Merchant, intending her for his Man-of-War; and as he had divided the Money before, he now made a division of the remainder of the cargo: Soon after which, the greatest part of the company left him, some going on board Captain _Culliford_, and others absconding in the Country, so that he had not above forty men left.

He put to sea and happened to touch at _Amboyna_, one of the _Dutch_ Spice Islands, where he was told, that the news of his Actions had reach'd _England_, and that he was there declared a Pirate.

The truth on't is, his Piracies so alarmed our Merchants, that some motions were made in Parliament, to enquire into the commission that was given him, and the persons who fitted him out: These proceedings seem'd to lean a little hard upon the Lord _Bellamont_, who thought himself so much touch'd thereby, that he published a Justification of himself in a pamphlet after _Kid's_ execution. In the mean time, it was thought advisable, to publish a Proclamation, offering the King's free Pardon to all such Pirates as should voluntarily surrender themselves, whatever Piracies they had been guilty of at any time, before the last day of _April_, 1699--That is to say, for all Piracies committed Eastward of the _Cape of Good_ Hope, to the Longitude and Meridian of _Socatora_, and _Cape Camorin_. In which Proclamation, _Avery_ and _Kid_ were excepted by Name.

When _Kid_ left _Amboyna_ he knew nothing of this Proclamation, for certainly had he had notice of his being excepted in it, he would not have been so infatuated, to run himself into the very jaws of danger; but relying upon his interest with the Lord _Bellamont_, and fancying, that a _French_ Pass or two he found on board some of the ships he took, would serve to countenance the matter, and that part of the booty he got would gain him new friends--I say, all these things made him flatter himself that all would be hushed, and that justice would but wink at him. Wherefor he sail'd directly for _New York_, where he was no sooner arrived, but by the Lord _Bellamont's_ orders, he was secured with all his papers and effects. Many of his fellow-adventurers who had forsook him at _Madagascar_, came over from thence passengers, some to _New England_ and some to _Jersey_; where hearing of the King's Proclamation for pardoning of Pirates, they surrendered themselves to the Governor of those places: At first they were admitted to bail, but soon after were laid in strict confinement, where they were kept for some time, till an opportunity happened of sending them with their Captain over to _England_ to be tried.

Accordingly a Sessions of Admiralty being held at the _Old Baily_, in _May_, 1701, _Captain Kid_, _Nicholas Churchill_, _James How_, _Robert Lumley_, _William Jenkins_, _Gabriel Loff_, _Hugh Parrot_, _Richard Barlicorn_, _Abel Owens_, and _Darby Mullins_, were arraingn'd for Piracy and Robbery on the High Seas, and all found guilty, except three; these were _Robert Lumley_, _William Jenkins_, and _Richard Barlicorn_, who proving themselves to be apprentices to some of the officers of the ship, and producing their Indentures in Court, were acquitted.

_Kid_ was tried upon an indictment of Murder also, _viz._ for killing _Moor_ the Gunner, and found guilty of the same. _Nicholas Churchill_ and _James How_ pleaded the King's Pardon, as having surrendered themselves within the time limited in the Proclamation, and Colonel _Bass_, Governor of _West Jersey_, to whom they surrendered, being in Court, and called upon, proved the same; however, this plea was over-ruled by the Court, because there being four Commissioners named in the Proclamation, it was adjudged no other person was qualified to receive their surrender, and that they could not be intitled to the benefit.

As to Captain _Kid's_ Defence, he insisted much upon his own innocence, and the villany of his men; he said he went out in a laudable employment and had no occasion, being then in good circumstances, to go a-Pirating; that the men often mutinied against him, and did as they pleas'd; that he was threatened to be shot in his cabin, and that ninety five left him at one time, and set fire to his boat, so that he was disabled from bringing his ship home, or the Prizes he took, to have them regularly condemn'd, which he said were taken by virtue of a commission under the broad seal, they having _French_ Passes--The Captain called one Col. _Hewson_ to his Reputation, who gave him an extraordinary character, and declared to the Court, that he had served under his command, and been in two engagements with him against the _French_, in which he fought as well as any man he ever saw; that there were only _Kid's_ Ship and his own against Monsieur _du Cass_, who commanded a squadron of six sail, and they got the better of him, but this being several years before the facts mentioned in the Indictment were committed, prov'd of no manner of service to the Prisoner on his Trial.

As to the friendship shown to _Culliford_, a notorious Pirate, _Kid_ denied, and said, he intended to have taken him, but his men being a parcel of rogues and villains refused to stand by him, and several of them ran away from his ship to the said Pirate.--But the evidence being full and particular against him, he was found Guilty as before mentioned.

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

Wherefore about a week after, Capt. _Kid_, _Nicholas Churchill_, _James How_, _Gabriel Loff_, _Hugh Parrot_, _Abel Owen_, and _Darby Mullins_, were executed at _Execution Dock_, and afterwards hung up in Chains, at some distance from each other, down the river, where their Bodies hung exposed for many years.

[Illustration]

[Illustration: CAPTAIN EDWARD ENGLAND]

[Illustration]

CAPTAIN EDWARD ENGLAND, AND HIS CREW

_Edward England_ went Mate of a Sloop that sailed out of _Jamaica_, and was taken by _Winter_, a Pirate, from whom he had the Command of a Sloop just before their Settlement at _Providence_. The man was brave and good natured, and far from being cruel, as most of them are; and would not have committed such barbarous actions as he did, had not his comrades compelled him to it.

He sailed to the Coast of _Africa_, after the Island of _Providence_ was inhabited by the _English_. In his Passage he took several Ships, particularly the _Cadogan_ Snow belonging to _Bristol_, one _Skinner_ Master, who was murdered by those very men who had formerly served under him, upon a quarrel that happened between _Skinner_ and them, about their wages: He shipped them on board a Man-of-War, from whence they deserted, and went on board a ship in the _West-Indies_, where they were taken by a pirate, and brought to _Providence_, and then they sailed with Captain _England_ a-Pirating.

As soon as _Skinner_ came on board, he saw his old Boatswain, who said, _Ah! Captain Skinner is it you, I am much in your Debt, and now I shall pay you in your own Coin_. These words put the Captain in a panic Fear: And indeed he had Reason enough to be afraid, for they immediately seized him, bound him to the Windlass, pelted him with Glass Bottles, afterwards whipt him about the Deck, and then said, because he had been a good Master, he should have an easy Death, and so shot him through the Head; the vessel and her Cargoe being given to _Howel Davis_.

After this _England_ went into an _Harbour_ to clean his Ship, and also fitted up the _Peterborough_, which he called the _Victory_. Then putting out to sea, they sailed for the _East-Indies_, and took _Madagascar_, by the Way. From thence, after taking in water and provisions, they went for _Malabar_, in the Empire of the _Mogul_. Here they took several _Indian_ Vessels, and one _European_, a _Dutch_ Ship, which they exchanged for one of their own, and then came back to _Madagascar_, where they sent several Hands on shore to kill venison, and then resolved to seek out for the remains of _Avery's_ Crew; but returning without success, they being settled on the other side, they stay'd no longer than till they had cleaned their ships, and then sailed to _Juanna_.

In the Year 1720, the _Bombay_ Fleet, consisting of four _Grabs_, the _London Chandois_, and some other ships, carried 1000 Men to bombard and batter _Gapra_, a fort belonging to _Angria_, on the _Malabar_ Coast; which they not being able to do, fell in with the Pirates, in their return to _Bombay_: But Captain _Upton_ the Commodore, having no orders, would not engage them; which so provoked the Governor, for missing so favourable an opportunity of cutting the Pirates all off, that he gave the command to Captain _Mackra_, with orders to fight them wherever he met with them.

But the Pirates proceeded to the southward, and took a small ship out of _Orincro_ Road, with a _Dutch_ and two _Portugueze_ Men on board, one of which they sent to the Captain, to inform him, that if he would supply them with provisions and water he should have his ship again. But the Master would not agree to it; thereupon they sent other persons ashore, and swore he should be the last man they would give quarter to, and so put directly for _Laccadeva_ Island, and arrived there in three days. But being informed by a _Menchew_, there was no anchor-ground there, they went to the next Island, called _Melincha_, whence they were driven by a storm, leaving behind them a hundred people, and all their water-casks: But in a week's time, they regained the island, took their people on board, and filled the water-casks. Provisions being scarce, they resolved to visit the _Dutch_ at _Cochin_, and after three days sail, arrived off of _Tellechery_, where they took a small Vessel belonging to Governor _Adams_; who giving an account of Captain _Mackra's_ fitting out against them, put them into a grievous passion.

Afterward they arrived at _Mauritius_, where they refitted the _Victory_, and then sailed the 5th of April for _Madagascar_, but called first at the Island _Mascarine_, at which they found a _Portugueze_ ship of seventy guns at anchor, disabled by a violent storm, so that they easily became a Prize to the Pirates. She had on board the _Conde Ereceira_ Vice-Roy of _Goa_, also they found on board her, in diamonds only, to the value of four millions of Dollars. They made the Vice-Roy a prisoner; but in consideration of his losses, accepted of a ransom of 2000 dollars and then set him and his followers ashore. Learning that an _Ostender_ was on the leeward of that Island, they sailed and took her, and sent her to _Madagascar_ with news of their success, where they followed themselves soon after, with two hundred _Mozambique_ Negroes in the _Portugueze_ Ship.

When _Taylor_ came with the _Portugueze_ Prize to _Madagascar_, they found that the _Ostender_ had made his men drunk, and seized his ship, which they carried to the _Mozambique_; from thence the Governor ordered her to _Goa_. But the Pirates staid and clean'd the _Cassandra_, and divided very great plunder. Some, who thought they had got enough, staid at _Madagascar_, and the rest, having no occasion for two ships, burnt the _Victory_, she being leaky, and went on board the _Cassandra_, under the Command of Captain _Taylor_, designing to go for _Cochin_ to dispose of his diamonds, amongst his old Friends the _Dutch_, and also to avoid the dangers of the Men-of-War that were in pursuit of them. But as he was preparing to sail, and heard of four Men-of-War coming after him; therefore he altered his mind, and sailed for the Main of _Africa_, and put in at _Delagoa_: But the Pirates were surprized in the evening with some shot from the shore. They took it for a desert shore, but it proved otherwise; for a few months before, the _Dutch East India Company_ had settled one hundred men upon it, who, not being supplied with necessaries, were reduced to about sixteen; whom _Taylor_, upon their humble petition took aboard, and they all became Pirates with him.

Here they stayed about four months, careened their ships, and left _Delagoa_ the latter end of _December_: But not agreeing among themselves, they parted those who were weary of that sort of life, went on board the _Portugueze_ Prize, and sailed for _Madagascar_; the others went on board the _Cassandra_, and sailed for the _Spanish West Indies_. The _Mermaid_ Man-of-War, which was a convoy to some Merchant-men, about 30 leagues distance, would have gone to attack them, had not the Merchants, whom he had the care of, declar'd their protection was of more service than destroying the Pirates; and so he was oblig'd to be content with only dispatching the news of it to _Jamaica_. This brought down the _Lanceston_, though it was a day or two too late, for they had just before surrendered, with all their riches, to the Governor of _Porto-Bello_, where they now live upon their Spoils, saying, others would have done as much, had they had the same opportunity; swearing, _That whatever Robberies they had committed they are not the only Rogues in the World; for that the South-Sea[A] did more Mischief in one Year, than they were able to do in their whole Lives_.

[Illustration]

FOOTNOTE:

[A] The South-Sea Bubble.

[Illustration: CAPTAIN JOHN GOW]

[Illustration]

CAPTAIN JOHN GOW, _ALIAS_ SMITH, AND HIS CREW

_John Gow_, alias _Smith_, was born at a place called _Caristoun_, in the _Orkney_ Islands, and was brought up a sailor from his youth, having served on board several Men-of-War, and last of all on board the _Suffolk_, along with _T. Swan_, who was engaged with him in the conspiracy to murder Captain _Ferneau_, and seize the ship and cargoe, as they went off the _Texel_, but they were prevented by _James Belvin_, who was led into the secret and discovered it. Captain _Ferneau_ taking little notice of it, contented himself with turning off _Swan_, and preferred _Gow_ to be second Mate and Gunner.

They sailed on board the _George_ Galley, August the 1st, 1724, from the _Texel_ to _Santa Cruz_, having 15000_l._ on board, when Gow designed to have seized the Ship as they went out, but could not get a party strong enough to join with him, till he worked up a misunderstanding between the Captain and part of the crew, concerning the provisions of the ship, particularly _Winter_, _Peterson_, _and Mc.Cawley_, who came upon the Quarter-Deck, in presence of the Owners, just before they sailed, and made a long complaint against the Captain; who assured them that if there was any wrong done them, it was not by his consent; and that he would enquire into it as soon as they had unmoored the ship.

About eight a clock at night, Captain _Ferneau_, as usual, called them up to prayers in the great Cabin, and then set the watch, and went to sleep, little thinking his end was so near, when _Winter_, _Rawlisson_, and _Melvin_, begun the scene of blood, _Gow_ lying snug in his hammock, as if he knew nothing of the matter, till he saw whether the villany would succeed, or not. _Winter_ cut the Doctor's throat as he was asleep in his hammock, and then went up to _Melvin_ and _Rawlisson_, who in the mean time had seized the Captain and cut his throat also, but not touching the windpipe, _Gow_ stept up and shot him with a brace of bullets, and then threw him over-board. _Mc.Cawley_ cut _Stephen Algiers_ the Clerk's throat, as he lay in the hammock, and _Williams_ shot him dead afterwards. _Peterson_ cut the throat of _Bonaventure Jelphs_, the Chief Mate; and _Michael Moor_, at the Command of _Williams_, shot him.

After this _Williams_ came upon the Quarter-Deck, and saluted _Gow_ with Captain _Ferneau's_ sword, first striking it upon one of the guns, and saying, _Welcome Captain_ Gow, _welcome to your new Command_. After which, _Gow_ told the men, That if any of them durst murmur or cabal together, they must expect to meet with the same Fate; and then calling a Council, they agreed to go, _Upon the Account_, as they called it.

They called the ship the _Revenge_, and mounted six more of her guns, she being able to carry four and twenty in all. But instead of going to _Genoa_ as intended, they sailed for the coasts of _Spain_ and _Portugal_, in hopes of getting a ship laden with wine, to keep up their spirits; but all was alike they met with; and instead of wine, they contented themselves with fish, which they took out of a ship called the _Delight_ of _Poole_, _Thomas Wise_, Master, bound from _New-England_ to _Cadiz_, out of which they took the men, and what they wanted, and then sunk the Ship, to prevent their being discovered to the _English_ Men-of-War who lay in the _Straights_.

On the 18th of _December_, they took the _Snow-Galley_, out of which Crew they kept _Rob_, and discharged the Captain and the rest of the men, after having plundered the Ship of the arms, ammunition, cloth, provisions, sails, anchors, cables, and then let her go.

By this time, they were got a great way to the southward; and being in want of water as well as wind, they agreed to go to _Maderas_, which Island they made in two days, cruising about it near a week, expecting some vessel to come in or come out; but the Country discovering what they were, they were disappointed in their attempts. Then they stood away for _Porto Santa_, where they put up _British_ Colours, and sent their Boat ashore with a compliment to the Governor, desiring leave to Water, and buy some refreshments; which he readily agreed to, and went with them to pay the _English_ Captain a Visit, who received him in a very grand Manner. But the refreshments not coming as expected, he at length told him he was his Prisoner, and must remain so till the provisions were come on board, which was not till next day, when _Gow_ discharged him, giving him three Cerons of Bees-wax, and three Guns at his going away.

Having now got provisions, they agreed to return to the Coasts of _Spain_ and _Portugal_; where they had not been above two days, before they met with the _Batchelor_, _Benjamin Cross_ Master, from _New-England_ bound to _Cadiz_; out of which they took _Cross_ and his Men, and gave the Ship to Captain _Wise_, as also 24 Cerons of Bees-wax to him and his mate, and to his four men 8 Cerons. After this they took a _French_ Ship from _Cadiz_, loaded with wine, oil, and fruit, which was what they wanted, and manned her with their own men, taking on board the _Revenge_ the _French_ Master, and his 12 Men, and most Part of the cargoe, with five guns and their carriages, ammunition, small arms, and sails, and gave the ship to _Somerville_, Captain of the _Snow Galley_; and to Captain _Cross_ the _New-English_ Man, to who they gave half the ship and cargoe and _Somerville_ had all his Men, but _Alexander Rob_, whom they detained, and who was executed in 1725, for engaging along with them.

Soon after they saw a large ship to the windward bearing down upon them, which at first they thought to have been a _Portugueze_ Man-of-War; but they found afterwards, it was a _French_ Merchant Ship coming home from the _West-Indies_, which not fearing them, came on to the windward. _Gow_ perceiving she was a Ship of great strength, called all his men together, telling them they had a great many prisoners on board, and that he could not trust many of his own men; besides, six of his best Hands were on Board the other Ship, therefore he advised them not to meddle with her, she being far superior in Force. This so exasperated _Williams_, that he demanded of _Gow_ to give his orders for fighting; but he, by the advice of the whole crew, declined it; whereupon _Williams_ snapt his pistol at his Face; which not going off, made him still madder. _Winter_ and _Peterson_ standing by him fired each a Pistol at _Williams_, one shooting him through the arm, and the other in the belly; at which he fell, and they believing he was killed, were going to throw him overboard, when he leapt up, and ran into the Powder-Room, with his pistol cocked in his hand, swearing he would blow them all up; which he had certainly done, had they not prevented him that very moment, he having opened the scuttle to do it.

They immediately put him in irons, and hand-cuffed him, and then put him between decks, in a place prepared for prisoners.

Two days after this, they took the _Triumvirate_, a _Bristol_ Sloop, _Joel Davis_ Master, bound from _Newfoundland_ to _Oporto_, with fish; from whence they took all her provisions, arms, sails, and two of her men, and then let her go with the rest, and all her cargoe. Not knowing what to do with _Williams_, they resolved to put him on board them, and send him away, for fear of further danger, ordering the Master to put him on board the first _English_ man of War he should meet with, to hang him for Piracy; which when _Williams_ found they were resolved to do, he made all the submission he was able to Captain _Gow_, begging for pardon, knowing if he was carried to _Lisbon_ he should meet with his deserts. But all his entreaties would not do, he was brought up double fettered, when he begged they would throw him into the sea, and drown him, rather than give him up to be hanged in chains, which he knew he deserved from the _Portugueze_ as well as _English_. This made many of them begin to relent and pity him; but considering his savage disposition, they knew there was no safety to keep him on board, and so resolved to let him go, and give him a hearty curse at parting, wishing him a safe voyage to the gallows, not dreaming that they themselves should accompany him.

The _Bristol_ Captain obeyed their orders, and as soon as he came to _Lisbon_ put him on board the _Argyle_ man of War, Captain _Bowler_ Commander, who brought him home not above three days before Gow and his Crew came to keep him company.

In the middle of last _January_, they arrived at _Caristoun_ in the Isles of _Orkney_, when _Gow_ gave them instructions, what account they should give of themselves to the people of the country, to avoid suspicion. But now began their misfortunes, for several of their men began to think of making their escape, the first was one _Read_, who took an opportunity to get away when the boat went ashore, who went to a farm-house which lay under a hill where he hired a horse and rode to _Kirkwall_, a market town about twelve miles off, where he informed them what they were; whereupon they raised the Country to defend themselves. The Pirates soon hearing what was done, ten more of them went away with the longboat, making the best of their way for _Scotland_, who were some time after taken in the _Frith_ of _Edinburgh_, and made Prisoners.

This so provoked _Gow_, that he resolved to plunder the Country, be the consequence what it would, and in order thereto, he sent _Belvin_ his Boatswain, with _Rob_ and Four more, to Mr. _Honnyman's_ house, the Sheriff, who not being at home, his Servants let them in, not suspecting their design. They immediately fell to work, but Mr. _Honnyman's_ Daughter had the presence of mind to hide the money in a tub of feathers, till she found an opportunity to carry it away, by the contrivance of _Alexander Rob_, who was placed centinel at the door. But when the Boatswain found the treasure was gone, Gow having before told them where it lay, he swore he would burn the house, and all that was in it, which the young Lady hearing, she runs to the Charter-room where the Treasure lay, and threw it out of the Window, jumping herself after. However, they plundered the house of about fifty pounds, and some plate, and then forced a servant who played on the bag-pipes, to pipe before them to the ship, whom they also detained, and was brought along with them to the _Marshalsea_, where he was sick till his release.

The next day they weighed anchor, and came to _Calf-Sound_, where the boatswain went ashore again with four armed Men, meeting with no Plunder. From thence they went to the Island of _Eda_, to plunder the house of Mr. _Fea_, whom _Gow_ had formerly been School-fellow with, and knowing him to be a Man of Courage, believed that the Alarm at _Caristoun_ had drawn him thither: But Mr. _Fea's_ wife at that Time being very sick in Bed, kept him at home, and having notice of them he sent a letter to _Gow_ by _James Laing_, to desire him to withdraw, assuring him that most of the inhabitants were fled to the mountains on the report of his being a Pirate, desiring him to send the messenger safe back, at whose return the affrights of the people would be over. _Gow_ sent him word back, that he would write to nobody, but if Mr. _Fea_ would send his men with a Boat, he would reward them handsomely, which Mr. _Fea_ hearing, he ordered his great Boat to be staved, and sunk, and the sails to be carried out of sight. In the mean time, perceiving _Gow's_ boat come on shore, with five men in it, well armed, he met them, and said if they would go to a Publick House in the neighbourhood, and take a cup of ale with him, he would see what he could do to serve them, which they agreed to, seeing Mr. _Fea_ was all alone, not suspecting any danger. Mr. _Fea_ had before given orders for half a dozen men, well armed, to lie in ambush to surprize them, which being done, Mr. _Fea_ sent to Mr. _Gow_ to let him know, that the country was alarmed, and that it would be his best way peaceable to surrender, which _Gow_ did in a day or two, thinking thereby to make himself an evidence; but it would not do, although he complied so far as to delude all his men ashore one after another, who would certainly have cut his throat, had they known of any ways afterwards to have escaped.

They were put on board the _Greyhound_, which delivered them into the _Marshalsea_, _March_ 30, 1714, where they continued till _June_ following, when eight of them were hanged at _Execution Dock_, viz. _John Gow_, _James Williams_, _James Belvin_, _John Winter_, _Peter Rawlisson_, _Daniel Mc.Cawley_, _William Ingram_, for another Piracy under _Anstis_, and a month afterwards _Alexander Rob_ was hanged for Piracy under _Gow_.

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Transcriber's Note

Fraser notes in his foreword to this book that the original author's spelling was "indefinite even for his own day", and adds that it has "has been more or less modernized" in this edition; however, there are still many inconsistencies in spelling, use of hyphenation and italics, and capitalisation of words. These inconsistencies, along with archaic spelling, have been retained throughout.

Minor typographic errors in punctuation have been corrected without note. The word 'with' was printed as 'htiw' (page 138), and has been corrected. The word 'were' has been amended to 'where' (page 139, "... where they sent several Hands ..."), for the sentence to make sense. Two instances of transposed letters have also been corrected--sieze changed to seize, and Goaler changed to Gaoler. The original title page illustration also contained an error, Jnae, which referred to a month. This was cross-checked with the rest of the text, and has been amended to read June in the transcription of the text.

The frontispiece illustration has been moved to follow the front matter.