Tewgave him an Account of the Disaster which had happen’d; and after having mutually condol’d their Misfortunes,Tewpropos’d their going toAmerica, whereMissonmight, with the Riches he had, pass his Life unknown, and in a comfortable Manner.
Missonanswer’d he could not yet take any Resolution, tho’ he had Thoughts of returning toEurope, and privately visiting his Family, if any where alive, and then to retire from the World.
They dined with the Quarter-Master, who press’d their Return toAmerica, to procure a Commission for the settling a Colony.
MissontoldTew, he should have one of the Sloops, and what Volunteers would keep him Company, for his Misfortunes had erased all Thoughts of future Settlements; that what Riches they had saved, he would distribute equally, nay, he would be content, if he had only a bare Support left him.
On this Answer, four of the Quarter-Master’s Company offer’d to join CaptainTew.
In the Afternoon they visited both Sloops, andMissonputting the Question to the Men, thirtywent on board of one Sloop, tho’ they parted with great Reluctance from their old Commander; and fifteen staid withMisson. The four Men who join’dTewmade the Number of his Crew 34; they staid about a Week, in hopes of theBijoux’s Return upon the Coast; but she not appearing, they set sail, CaptainMissonhaving first shared the Treasure, withTewand his other Friends and Companions, hoping to meet theBijouxon theGuineyCoast, for which they shaped their Course.
Off CapeInfantes, they were over-taken with a Storm, in which the unhappyMisson’s Sloop went down, within a Musket Shot of CaptainTew, who could give him no Assistance.
Tewcontinued his Course forAmerica, and arrived atRhode Islandwithout any Accident; his Men dispersed themselves, as they thought fit, andTewsent toBermudasfor his Owners Account fourteen Times the Value of their Sloop, and not being questioned by any, liv’d in great Tranquillity; theFrenchbelonging toMisson, took different Routs, one of whom dying atRochelle, theFrenchManuscript ofMisson’s Life was found among his Papers, and transmitted to me by a Friend and Correspondent.
CaptainTewlived unquestion’d,&c.he had an easy Fortune, and designed to live quietly at home; but those of his Men, who lived near him, having squandered their Shares, were continually solliciting him to take another Trip: He withstood their Request a considerable Time; but they having got together (by the Report they made of the vast Riches to be acquired) a Number of resolute Fellows, they, in a Body, begg’d him to head them but for one Voyage. They were so earnest in their Desire, that he could not refuse complying. They prepared a smallSloop, and made the best of their Way to theStreights, entering theRed Sea, where they met with, and attack’d a Ship belonging to the GreatMogul; in the Engagement, a Shot carried away the Rim ofTew’s Belly, who held his Bowels with his Hands some small Space; when he dropp’d, it struck such a Terror in his Men, that they suffered themselves to be taken, without making Resistance.
JohnHalseywas aBostonMan, ofNew England, commanded theCharlesBrigantine, and went out with a Commission from the Governor, to cruize on the Banks ofNewfoundland, where he took aFrenchBanker, which he appointed to meet him atFyal; but missing his Prize here, he went among theCanaryIslands, where he took aSpanish Barcalonga, which he plundered and sunk; from thence he went to the Island ofBravo, one of theCape de Verd, where he wooded and watered, turn’d ashore his Lieutenant, and several of his Men here running away from him, the Governor sent them on board again, his Commission being as yet in Force; from hence he stood away then to the Southward, and doubling theCapeofGood Hope, made forMadagascarand the Bay ofAugustine, where he took in Wood and Water, with some straggling Seamen, who were cast away in theDegrave IndiaMan, Capt.Young, Commander. After this, he shap’d his Course for theRed Sea, and met with aDutchmanof 60 Guns, coming fromMocha, whom he kept Company with a Week. Tho’ he was resolved upon turning Pyrate, he intendedto rob only theMoorShips, which occasioned a Dispute between him and his Men; they insisting on the Ship’s being aMoor, he as strenuously asserting she wasDutch, was positive in his Resolve of meddling with noEuropeanShips. The Men were for boarding, but his Obstinacy not being to be conquered, they brokeHalseyand his Gunner, confining both, and were ready to board theDutchman, when one of the Crew perceiving he was about to run out his lower Tire, knock’d down the Quarter-Master (whose Business it is to be at the Helm in Time of Chase or Engagement, according to the Rules of Pyrates) clapp’d the Helm hard a Weather, and wore theBrigantine: TheDutchmanstaid, and fired a Shot, which taking a Swivel Gun carried it aft, narrowly miss’d the Man at Helm, and shatter’d the Tafrel; the Men perceiving they had catch’d aTartar, made the best of their Way to shake her off, and some were running down between Decks, whom the Surgeon prick’d up again with his Sword, tho’ he no Way was consenting to their design’d Pyracy. The Captain and a Gunner were again reinstated after they had seen their Mistake, and then they steer’d for theNicobarIslands, where they met with a Country Ship, called theBuffalo, commanded by CaptainBuckley, anEnglishman, coming fromBengal, which they took after a short Engagement, there being only threeEuropeansaboard, the Captain and two Mates, the rest wereMoors. This Ship fell seasonably in their Way, she being bound forAchen, with Butter, Rice, and Cloath, and the Pyrates, at that Time, being in great Streights both for Provision and Cloathing. They took the two Mates to Sea with them, but left the Captain and theMoorsatCara Nicobar, at an Anchor, and then took a Cruize. CaptainBuckley, who was sick, died before their Return; inthe Cruize they met with CaptainCollinsin a Country Sloop, bound also toAchen: He had also twoEnglishMates with him, but the rest of his Company consisted ofMoors; him they carried to the same Harbour where they left theBuffalo.
Here a Dispute arose among the Pyrates, some were for returning to theWest Indies, others were against it, for they had got no Money, and that was what engaged their Search; they parted upon this; one Part went on board theBuffalo, made oneRoweCaptain, andMyers, aFrenchman, Master, whom they had pick’d up atMadagascar. The Sloop’s Deck they ripp’d up, and mended with it the Bottom of theBrigantine, whichHalseystill commanded; the Ship shaped her Course forMadagascar, and theBrigantinemade for the Streights ofMalacca, to lie in the Tract of theManilaShips. I must observe, that Capt.Buckley’s two Mates, whom they intended to force with them, were by Strength of Intreaty, permitted to go away with a Canoe. In these Streights, they met anEuropebuilt Ship, of 26 Guns, which they had not the Courage to attack, being sour’d by theDutchman. They afterwards stood in Shore, and came to an Anchor; few Days after they made a Vessel, which they supposed aChinaJonque, and gave Chase, but when they came pretty nigh, notwithstanding the Pilot assured them, she was what they supposed, they swore it was aDutchman, and would not venture upon him; so leaving off their Chase stood in Shore, and came again to an Anchor under thePeninsula; they lay here some Days, and then spied a tall Vessel, which they chased, and proved theAlbemarle East IndiaMan, CaptainBews, Commander, come fromChina; they came up with him, but thinking it too warm a Ship, after exchanging a few Shot, theBrigantinemade off, and theAlbemarlechased in her Turn: They howevergot clear, having a better Share of Heels, and came again to an Anchor, having not above 40 Hands, their Water growing scarce, and not daring to venture ashore for Fear of theDutch, a Council was called, and it was resolved to make the best of their Way toMadagascar, to pick up more Hands, refresh, and set out on new Adventures; pursuant to this Resolution, they steer’d for that Island, but fell in their Way onMascarenaswhere, making a small Present to the Governor, they were supplied with what they wanted; from hence they went to a Place onMadagascar, call’d by the PyratesHopeful Point; by the Natives,Harangby, near the Island of St.Mary’s, on the Lat. of 17. 40 S. where they met with theBuffalo, and theDorothy, a Prize, made by CaptainThomas Whiteand his Company, being about 90 or 100 Men, settled near the same Place, in petty Governments of their own, having some of them 500 or 600, some 1000 Negroe Subjects, who acknowledged their Sovereignty. Here they again repaired their Brigantine, took in Provisions and all Necessaries, augmented their Company to about 100 Men, and set out for theRed Sea; they touch’d atJohanna, and there took in a Quantity of Goats and Cocoa Nuts for fresh Provisions, and thence in eleven Days reach’d the Streights ofBabel Mandel: They had not cruised here many Days, when they spied theMoorsFleet fromMochaandJufa, consisting of 25 Sail, which they fell in with, and had been taken, if their Oars had not help’d them off, it falling a dead Calm. They had not apprehended the Danger so great, if they had not judged these Ships convoy’d by somePortugueseMen of War: Some Days after this, they met a one Mast Vessel, called a Grab, coming fromMocha, which they spied within Gun-Shot, in a thick Fog; they fired a Shot which out her Halliards, and then they tookPossession of her with their Boats; she was laden with Drugs, but they took only some Necessaries and 2000 Dollars, and having learned that 4EnglishVessels lay atMocoa, of which one was fromJufa, they let her go.
Three Days after they spied the 4 Ships, which they at first took for the Trees ofBabel Mandel; at Night they fell in with, and kept them Company till Morning, the Trumpets sounding on both Sides all the Time, for the Pyrate had two on board as well as theEnglish. When it was clear Day the four Ships drew into a Line, for they had haled the Pyrate, who made no Ceremony of owning who he was, by answering according to their MannerFrom the Seas. TheBrigantinebore up till she had slung her Garf. One of the Ships perceiving this, advised CaptainJago, who led the Van, in a Ship of 24 Guns and 70 Men, to give Chace, for the Pyrate was on the Run; but a Mate, who was acquainted with the Way of working among Pyrates, answered he would find his Mistake, and said he had seen many a warm Day, but feared this would be the hottest. TheBrigantineturn’d up again, and coming a Stern, clapp’d theRising Eagleaboard, a Ship of 16 Guns and the Sternmost; tho’ they entered their Men, theRising Eagleheld them a warm Dispute for 3 Quarters of an Hour, in which CaptainChamberlain’s chief Mate and several others were killed, the Purser was wounded, jumped over-board, and drowned: In the mean while the other Ships call’d to CaptainJagoto board the Pyrate; who bearing away, to clap him aboard, the Pyrate gave him a Shot, which raked him fore and aft, and determined CaptainJagoto get out of Danger; for he run away with all the Sail he could pack, tho’ he was fitted out to protect the Coast against Pyrates. His Example was followed by the rest, everyone steering a different Course: Thus they became Masters of theRising Eagle. I can’t but take Notice, that the second Mate of theRising Eagle, after Quarters were called for, fired from out of the Forecastle, and killed two of the Pyrates, one of whom was the Gunner’s Consort, who would have revenged his Death by shooting the Mate, but severalIrishandScots, together with one CaptainThomas White, once a Commander among the Pyrates, but then a private Man, interposed and saved him, in regard that he was anIrishman. They examined the Prisoners to know which was the Ship came fromJuffa, for that had Money on board; and having learn’d it was theEssex, they gave Chace, came up with her, hoisted the bloody Flag at the Mainmast-head, fired one single Gun, and she struck; tho’ theEssexwas fitted for close Quarters, there were not on board theBrigantineabove 20 Hands, and the Prize was a Stern so far, that her Top-mast scarce appeared out of the Water; in chacing this Ship, they pass’d the other two, who held the Fly of their Ensigns in their Hands ready to strike. When the Ship had struck, the Captain of her asked who commanded thatBrigantine, he was answered, CaptainHalsey; asking again who was Quarter-Master? He was told,Nathaniel North, to whom he called, as he knew him very well.Northlearning his Name wasPunt, said CaptainThomas Punt, I am sorry you are fallen into our Hands; he was civilly treated, and nothing belonging to himself or theEnglishGentlemen, who were Passengers, touch’d, tho’ they made bold to lay Hands on 40000 l. in Money belonging to the Ship. They had about 10000 l. in Money out of theRising Eagle. They discharged theEssex, and with the other Prize and the Brigantine, steer’d forMadagascar, where they arrived and shared their Booty. Some of the Passengers, who had been sowell treated, came afterwards with a small Ship fromIndia(with License from the Governor ofMaderas) called theGreyhound, laden with Necessaries, in Hopes to barter with the Pyrates for the dry Goods they had taken, and recover them at an easy Rate: They were received very kindly, an Invoice of their Goods was asked, the Goods agreed for, shared and paid in Money and Bale Goods. In the mean while came in a Ship fromScotland, called theNeptune, 26 Guns, 54 Men, commanded by CaptainJames Miller, with a Design to slave, and to go thence toBataviato dispose of her Negroes (having a Supercargo on board, brought up among theDutch) and thence toMalacco, to take on board the Cargo of a Ship, call’d theSpeedwell, lost on her Return fromChina; but finding here another Ship trading with the Pyrates, and having many Necessaries,FrenchBrandy,MaderaWine, andEnglishStout on board, CaptainMillerthought it better to trade for Money than Slaves. The Merchants of theGreyhoundnettled to see any but themselves take Money, for the Pyrates never haggled about a Price, told ’em,They could not do the Governor ofMaderasa more grateful Piece of Service, than to make Prize of theNeptune, which was a Ship fit for their Purpose.To which some of theScotchandIrishanswered,they had not best put such a Design on Foot, for if the Company once got it into their Heads to take one, they’d go nigh to take both Ships.In a short Time after came on a Hurricane, which obliged theNeptuneto cut away all her Masts, and lost the three Ships belonging to the Pyrates, which was their whole Fleet. They having now no Ship, and several of them no Money, having been stripp’d at Play, their Thoughts were bent on theNeptune. The Chief Mate of herDaniel Burgis, who had a Spleen to the Captain, joining privately with the Pyrates (among whom he died) gotall the small Masts and Yards ashore; and the Pyrates being requested to find him proper Trees for Masting, told CaptainMiller, they had found such as would serve his Turn, desiring he would take a Number of Hands ashore to get them down to the Water, which he (suspecting no harm) accordingly did, and he and his Men were seized, and the Long Boat detained ashore. The Captain was forced to send for the second Mate, and afterwards for the Gunner; the Mate, who was the Captain’s Brother, went, but the Gunner suspecting foul Play refused: In the EveningBurgesscame on board, and advised the Surrender of the Ship, which, tho’ but sixteen were left on board, they scrupled, and proposed going under the Cover of their own Guns to fetch their Top-masts and Yards, and with them to put to Sea; but the Chief MateBurgess, whose Villany was not then known, persuaded them to give up a Ship they could neither defend nor sail; which was no small Satisfaction to the Merchants in theGreyhound, little thinking how soon they would meet with the same Treatment; for two Days after the Pyrates mann’d theNeptune’s Pinnace, seized theGreyhound, took away all the Money they had paid, and shifting out of theNeptuneten Pipes ofMadera, with two Hogsheads of Brandy, into theGreyhound, and putting on board the Captain, second Mate, Boatswain and Gunner of theNeptune, and about 14 of her Hands, ordered her to Sea; the rest of theNeptune’s Company being young Men fit for their Purpose, they detained, most of which, by hard drinking, fell into Distempers and died. As to CaptainHalsey, while theScotchShip was fitting, he fell ill of a Fever, died and was buried with great Solemnity and Ceremony; the Prayers of the Church ofEnglandwere read over him, Colours were flying, and his Sword and Pistol laidon his Coffin, which was covered with a Ship’s Jack; as many Minute Guns fired as he was Years old,viz.46, and threeEnglishVollies, and oneFrenchVolley of small Arms. He was brave in his Person, courteous to all his Prisoners, lived beloved, and died regretted by his own People. His Grave was made in a Garden of Water Melons, and fenced in with Pallisades to prevent his being rooted up by wild Hogs, of which there are Plenty in those Parts.
P. S.TheNeptuneseized as above, was the Year after CaptainHalsey’s Death, ready to go to Sea; but a Hurricane happening she was lost, and prov’d the last Ship that Gang of Pyrates ever got Possession of.
Hewas born atPlymouth, where his Mother kept a Publick House; she took great Care of his Education and when he was grown up, as he had an Inclination to the Sea, procur’d him the King’s Letter. After he had served some Years on board a Man of War, he went toBarbadoes, where he married, got into the Merchants Service, and designed to settle in the Island: He had the Command of theMarygold Brigantinegiven him, in which he made two successful Voyages toGuineyand back toBarbadoes; in his third, he had the Misfortune to be taken by aFrenchPyrate, as were several otherEnglishShips, the Masters and inferior Officers of which they detained, being in Want of good Artists.
The Brigantine belonging toWhitethey kept for their own Use, and sunk the Vessel they before sailed in; but meeting with a Ship on theGuineyCoast more fit for their Purpose, they went on board her, and burnt the Brigantine.
It is not my Business here to give an Acount of thisFrenchPyrate, any farther than CaptainWhite’s Story obliges me, tho’ I beg Leave to take Notice of their Barbarity to theEnglishPrisoners, for they would set them up as a Butt or Mark to shoot at; several of whom were thus murdered in cool Blood, by Way of Diversion.
Whitewas marked out for a Sacrifice by one of these Villains, who, for I know not what Reason, had sworn his Death, which he escaped thus. One of the Crew, who had a Friendship forWhite, knew this Fellow’s Design, to kill him in the Night, and therefore advised him to lye between him and the Ship’s Side, with Intention to save him; which indeed he did, but was himself shot dead by the murderous Villain, who mistook him forWhite; but this by the Bye.
After some Time cruizing along the Coast, the Pyrates doubled theCapeofGood Hope, and shaped their Course forMadagascar, where, being drunk and mad, they knock’d their Ship on the Head, at theSouthEnd of the Island, at a Place called by the NativesElexa; the Country thereabouts was governed by a King, namedMafaly.
When the Ship struck, CaptainWhite, CaptainBoreman, (born in the Isle ofWhite, formerly a Lieutenant of a Man of War, but in the Merchants Service when he fell into the Hands of the Pyrates) CaptainBowenand some other Prisoners got to the Long-Boat, and with broken Oars and Barrel Staves, which they found in the Bottom of the Boat, paddled toAugustineBay; that is about 14 or 15 Leagues from the Wreck where they landed, and were kindly received by the King ofBavaw(the Name of that Part of the Island) who spoke goodEnglish.
They staid here a Year and a half at the King’s Expence, who gave them a plentiful Allowance of Provision, as was his Custom to all White Men, who met with any Misfortune on his Coast; his Humanity not only provided for all such, but the firstEuropeanVessel that came in, he always obliged them to take in the unfortunate People, let the Vessel be what it would; for he had no Notion of any Difference between Pyrates and Merchants.
At the Expiration of the above Term, a Pyrate Brigantine came in, aboard which the King obliged them to enter, or travel by Land to some other Place, which they durst not do; and of two Evils chose the least, that of going on board the Pyrate Vessel, which was commanded by oneWilliam Read, who received them very civilly.
This Commander went along the Coast, and pick’d up whatEuropeanshe could meet with; his Crew however did not exceed forty Men, he would have been glad of taking on board some of the wreck’dFrenchmen, but for the Barbarity they had used towards theEnglishPrisoners; however, it was impracticable, for theFrenchpretending to lord it over the Natives, whom they began to treat inhumanly, were set upon by them, one half of their Number cut off, and the other half made Slaves.
Read, with this Gang, and a Brigantine of 60 Tons, steer’d his Course for the Gulf ofPersia, where they met a Grabb (a one masted Vessel) of about 200 Tons, which was made Prize.
They found nothing on board but Bale Goods, most of which they threw over-board to search for Gold, and to make Room in the Vessel; but as they learned afterwards, they threw over in their Search, what they so greedily hunted after, for there was a considerable Quantity of Goldconcealed in one of the Bales they toss’d into the Sea.
In this Cruise CaptainReadfell ill and died; he was succeeded by oneJames. The Brigantine being small, crazy, and worm eaten, they shaped their Course for the Island ofMayotta, where they took out the Masts of the Brigantine, fitted up the Grabb, and made a Ship of her: Here they took in a Quantity of fresh Provision, which is in this Island very plentiful, and very cheap; and found a twelve oar’d Boat, which formerly belonged to theRuby East IndiaMan, which had been lost there.
They staid here all theMonsoon Time, which is about six Months; after which they resolved forMadagascar. As they came in with the Land, they spied a Sail coming round from theEastSide of the Island; they gave Chase on both Sides, so that they soon met: They haled each other, and receiving the same Answer from each Vessel,viz.from the Seas, they joined Company.
This Vessel was a smallFrenchShip, laden with Liquors fromMartinico, first commanded by oneFourgette, to trade with the Pyrates for Slaves, atAmbonawoula, on theEastSide the Island, in the Lat. of 17. 30. and was by them taken after the following Manner.
The Pyrates, who were headed byGeorge Booth, Commander of the Ship, went on board (as they had often done) to the Number of ten, and carried Money with them under Pretence of purchasing what they wanted. (ThisBoothhad formerly been Gunner of a Pyrate Ship, called theDolphin.) CaptainFourgettewas pretty much upon his Guard, and searched every Man as he came over the Side, and a Pair of Pocket Pistols were found upon aDutchman, who was the first enter’d; the Captain told him,he was a Rogue, and had aDesign upon his Ship, and the Pyrates pretended to be so angry with this Fellow’s offering to come on board with Arms, that they threatned to knock on the Head, and tossing him roughly into the Boat, ordered him ashore, tho’ they had before taken an Oath on the Bible, either to carry the Ship or die in the Undertaking.
They were all searched, but they however contrived to get on board 4 Pistols, which were all the Arms they had for the Enterprize, tho’Fourgettehad 20 Hands on board, and his small Arms on the Arning to be in Readiness.
The Captain invited them into the Cabbin to Dinner, butBoothchose to dine with the petty Officers, tho’ oneJohnson,Isaac, and another, went down.
Boothwas to give the Watch Word, which wasHurrah; he pretending to make Water over the Side of the Gunnel, laid his Hand on the Arning, and being a nimble Fellow, at one Spring threw himself upon it, drew the Arms to him, fired his Pistol forward among the Men, one of whom he wounded, (who jumping over-board was lost) and gave the Signal.
Three I said were in the Cabbin, and seven upon Deck, who with Handspikes and the Arms seized, secured the Ship’s Crew. The Captain and his two Mates, who were at Dinner in the Cabbin, hearing the Pistol, fell uponJohnson, and stabb’d him in several Places with their Forks, but they being Silver, did him no great Damage.Fourgettesnatch’d his Piece which he snapp’d atIsaac’s Breast several Times, but it would not go off; at last, finding his Resistance vain, he submitted, and the Pyrates set him, and those of his Men who would not join them, on Shore, allowing him to take his Books, Papers, and whatever else he claimed as belonging to himself; and besides treating him veryhumanly gave him several Casks of Liquor, with Arms and Powder, to purchase Provisions in the Country.
I hope this Digression, as it was in a Manner needful, will be excused; I shall now proceed.
After they had taken in theDolphin’s Company, which were on the Island, and encreased by that Means their Crew to the Number of 80 Hands, they sail’d to St.Mary’s, where CaptainMisson’s Ship lay at Anchor, between the Island and the Main: This Gentleman and his whole Ship’s Company had been cut off, at the Instigation ofOrt-Vantyle, aDutchmanofNew-York.
Out of her they took Water Casks and other Necessaries, which having done, they designed for the RiverMethelage, on the West SideMadagascar, in the Lat. of 16 or thereabouts, to salt up Provisions and to proceed to theEast Indies, cruize off the Islands of St.John, and lie in Wait for theMoorsShips fromMocha.
In their Way toMethelagethey fell in (as I have said) with the Pyrate, on board of which was CaptainWhite; they join’d Company, came to an Anchor together in the above-nam’d River, where they had cleaned, salted up, taken in their Provisions, and were ready to go to Sea, when a large Ship appeared in Sight, and stood into the same River.
The Pyrates knew not whether she was a Merchant Man or Man of War; she had been the latter, belonging to theFrenchKing, and could mount 50 Guns; but being taken by theEnglish, she was bought by someLondonMerchants, and fitted out from that Port, to slave atMadagascar, and go toJamaica. The Captain was a young unexperienced Man, who was put in with a Nurse.
The Pyrates sent their Boats to speak with him, but the Ship firing at them, they concluded it a Man of War, and rowed to Shore, the two Pyrates slipp’d and run ashore; the Grabb standing in, and not keeping her Wind so well as theFrenchbuilt Ship, run among a Parcel of Mangroves, and a Stump piercing her Bottom, she sunk; the other run aground, let go her Anchor, and came to no Damage, for the Tide of Flood fetch’d her off.
The Captain of theSpeaker, for that was the Name of the Ship which frighten’d the Pyrates, was not a little vain of having forced these two Vessels ashore, tho’ he did not know whether they were Pyrates or Merchant Men, and could not help expressing himself in these Words;How will my Name ring on theExchange,when it is known I have run two Pyrates aground, which gave Handle to a satyrical Return from one of his Men after he was taken, who said,Lord, How our Captain’s Name will ring on theExchange,when it is heard, he frighten’d two Pyrate Ships ashore, and was taken by their two Boats afterwards.
When theSpeakercame within Shot, she fired several at the two Vessels; and when she came to an Anchor, several more into the Country, which alarm’d the Negroes, who, acquainting their King, he would allow him no Trade, till the Pyrates living ashore, and who had a Design on his Ship, interceded for ’em, telling the King, they were their Countrymen, and what had happened was thro’ a Mistake, it being a Custom among them to fire their Guns by Way of Respect, and it was owing to the Gunner of the Ship’s Negligence, that they fir’d Shot.
The Captain of theSpeakersent his Purser ashore, to go up the Country to the King, who lived about 24 Miles from the Coast, to carry a couple of small Arms inlaid with Gold, a couple of BrassBlunderbusses, and a Pair of Pistols, as Presents, and to require Trade.
As soon as the Purser was ashore, he was taken Prisoner, by oneTom Collins, aWelchman, born inPembroke, who lived on Shore, and had belong’d to theCharming MaryofBarbadoes, which went out with a Commission, but was converted to a Pyrate; he told the Purser, he was his Prisoner, and must answer the Damage done two Merchants, who were slaving.
The Purser answer’d, that he was not Commander, that the Captain was a hot rash Youth, put into a Business by his Friends, which he did not understand; but however, Satisfaction should be made.
He was carried byCollinson boardBooth’s Ship, where, at first, he was talked to in pretty strong Terms; but after a while very civilly us’d, and the next Morning sent up to the King with a Guide, and Peace made for him, as already said.
The King allowed them Trade, and sent down the usual Presents, a couple of Oxen, between 20 and 30 People laden with Rice, and as many more with the Country Liquor, calledToke.
The Captain then settled the Factory on the Shore Side, and began to buy Slaves and Provisions; the Pyrates were among them, and had Opportunities of sounding the Men, and knowing in what Posture the Ship lay. They found by oneHugh Man, belonging to theSpeaker, that there were not above 40 Men on board, and that they had lost the second Mate and 20 Hands in the Long Boat, on the Coast, before they came into this Harbour, but that they kept a good Look-out, and had their Guns ready primed; however, he, for a hundred Pounds, undertook to wet all the Priming, and assist in the taking the Ship.
After some Days the Captain of theSpeakercame on Shore, and was received with a great Deal of Civility by the Heads of the Pyrates, having agreed before to make Satisfaction; in a Day or two after, he was invited by them to eat a Barbacute Shoot, which Invitation he accepted.
After Dinner, CaptainBowen, who was, I have already said, a Prisoner on board theFrenchPyrate, but now become one of the Fraternity, and Master of theGrab, went out, and returned with a Case of Pistols in his Hand, and told the Captain of theSpeaker, whose Name I won’t mention, that he was his Prisoner; he asked, upon what Account?Bowenanswered, they wanted a Ship, his was a good One, and they were resolved to have her, to make amends for the Damage he had done them.
In the mean while his Boats Crew, and the rest of his Men ashore, were told by other of the Pyrates, who were drinking with them, that they were also Prisoners; some of them answer’d,Z—ds, we don’t trouble our Heads what we are, let’s have t’other Bowl of Punch.
A Watch Word was given, and no Boat to be admitted on board the Ship; this Word, which was for that Night,Coventry, was known to them: At Eight a-Clock they mann’d the twelve-oar’d Boat, and that they found atMayotta, with 24 Men, and set out for the Ship.
When they were put off, the Captain of theSpeakerdesired them to come back, he wanted to speak with them; CaptainBoothasked, what he wanted? He said, they could never take his Ship, then saidBooth, we’ll die in or along Side of her; but replied the Captain, if you will go with Safety, don’t board on the Lar-board Side, for there is a Gun out of the Steerage loaden with Patridge,will clear the Decks; they thank’d him, and proceeded.
When they were near the Ship they were haled, and the Answer was,the Coventry; all well, said the Mate, get the Lights over the Side, but spying the second Boat, he asked what Boat that was? one answered, it was a Raft of Water, another, that it was a Boat of Beef; this Disagreement in the Answers made the Mate suspicious, who cried outPyrates, take to your Arms my Lads, and immediately clapp’d a Match to a Gun, which, as the Priming was before wet by the Treachery ofHugh Man, only fizz’d; they boarded in the Instant, and made themselves Masters of her, without the Loss of a Man on either Side.
The next Day they put necessary Provisions on board theFrenchbuilt Ship, and gave her to the Captain of theSpeaker, and those Men who would go off with him, among whom wasMan, who had betray’d his Ship; for the Pyrates had both paid him the 100 l. agreed, and kept his Secret. The Captain having thus lost his Ship, sail’d in that the Pyrates gave him, forJohanna, where he fell ill and died with Grief.
The Pyrates having here victualled, they sail’d for the Bay of St.Augustine, where they took in between 70 and 80 Men, who had belonged to the ShipAlexander, commanded by CaptainJames, a Pyrate; they also took up her Guns, and mounted theSpeakerwith 54, which made up their Number 240 Men besides Slaves, of which they had about 20.
From hence they sailed for theEast Indies, but stopp’d atZanguebarfor fresh Provisions, where thePortuguesehad once a Settlement, but now inhabited byArabians; some of them went ashore with the Captain to buy Provisions, the Captainwas sent for by the Governor, who went with about 14 in Company: They past thro’ the Guard, and when they were entered the Governor’s House, they were all cut off; and, at the same Time, others who were in different Houses of the Town were set upon, which made them fly to the Shore; the Long-Boat, which lay off at a Grapling, was immediately put in by those who look’d after her: There were not above half a dozen of the Pyrates who brought their Arms ashore, but they plyed them so well, for they were in the Boat, that most of the Men got into her, the Quarter-Master ran down Sword in Hand, and tho’ he was attack’d by many, he behaved himself so well, that he got into a little Canoe, put her off and reached the Long-Boat.
In the Interim, the little Fort theArabianshad, play’d upon the Ship, which returned the Salute very warmly. Thus they got on board, with the Loss of CaptainBoothand twenty Men, and set Sail for theEast-Indies.
When they were under Sail, they went to Voting for a new Captain, and the Quarter-Master, who had behaved so well in the last Affair with theArabians, was chosen; but he declining all Command, the Crew made Choice ofBowenfor Captain,Pickeringto succeed him as Master,Samuel Herault, aFrenchman, for Quarter-Master, andNathaniel North, for Captain Quarter-Master.
Things being thus settled, they came to the Mouth of theRed Sea, and fell in with 13 Sail ofMoorsShips, which they kept Company with the greater Part of the Day, but were afraid to venture on them as they took them forPortugueseMen of War; at length part were for boarding, and advised it, the Captain, tho’ he said little, did not seem inclin’d, for he was but a young Pyrate, tho’ an old Commander of a Merchant Man.
Those who push’d for boarding then, desired CaptainBoreman, already mentioned, to take the Command; but he said, he would not usurp on any, that no Body was more fit for it than he who had it, that for his Part, he would stand by his Fusil and went forward to the Forecastle with such as would have had him taken the Command, to be ready to board; on which, the Captain’s Quarter-Master said, if they were resolved to engage their Captain, (whose Representative he was) did not want Resolution, therefore, he ordered them to get their Tacks on board (for they had already made a clear Ship) and get ready for boarding; which they accordingly did, and coming up with the sternmost Ship, they fired a Broadside into her, which killed twoMoors, clapp’d her on board and carried her; but Night coming on, they made only this Prize, which yielded them 500 l.perMan.
From hence they sailed to the Coast ofMallabar; the Adventures of these Pyrates on this Coast are already set down in CaptainBowen’s Life, to which I refer the Reader, and shall only observe, CaptainWhitewas all this while afore the Mast, being a forced Man from the Beginning.
Bowen’s Crew dispersing, CaptainWhitewent toMethelage, where he lived ashore with the King, not having any Opportunity of getting off the Island, till another Pyrate Ship, called theProsperous, commanded by oneThomas Howard, who had been bred a Lighterman on the River ofThames, came in: This Ship was taken atAugustine, by some Pyrates from Shore, and the Crew of their own Long-Boat, which join’d them, at the Instigation of oneRanten, Boatswain’s Mate, who was sent for Water. They came on board in the Night and surprized her, tho’ not without Resistance, in which the Captain and chief Mate waskilled, and several others wounded, the Particulars of which will be found inHore’s Life. Those who were ashore with CaptainWhite, resolving to enter in this Ship, determined him to go also, rather than be left alone with the Natives, hoping, by some Accident or other, to have an Opportunity of returning home. He continu’d on board this Ship, in which he was made Quarter-Master, till they met with, and all went on board ofBowen, as is set down in his Life, in which Ship he continued afterBowenleft them, as shall be mentioned in the Appendix. AtPort Dolphinhe went off in the Boat to fetch some of the Crew left ashoar, the Ship being blown to Sea the Night before. The Ship not being able to get in, and he supposing her gone to the West-Side of the Island, as they had formerly proposed, he steered that Course in his Boat with 26 Men. They touch’d atAugustineexpecting the Ship, but she not appearing in a Week, the Time they waited, the King order’d ’em to be gone, telling ’em they impos’d on him with Lies, for he did not believe they had any Ship; however, he gave ’em fresh Provision. They took in Water, and made forMethelage. Here, as CaptainWhitewas known to the King, they were kindly received, and staid about a Fortnight in Expectation of their Ship, but she not appearing, they raised their Boat a-streak, salted up the Provisions the King gave ’em, put Water aboard, and stood for the North-End of the Island, designing to go round, believing their Ship might be at the Island of St.Mary. When they came to the North-End, the Current, which sets to the North-West for eight Months in the Year, was so strong they found it impossible to get round. Wherefore they got into a Harbour, of which there are many for small Vessels. Here they staid about three Weeks or a Month, when part of the Crew were for burning the Boat, and for travelling overLand to a black King of their Acquaintance, whose Name wasReberimbo, who lived at a Place calledManangaromasigh, in the Latitude of 15, or thereabouts. As this King had been several times assisted by the Whites in his Wars, he was a great Friend to them. CaptainWhitedisswaded them from this Undertaking, and, with much ado, saved the Boat; but one half of the Men being resolved to go by Land, they took what Provisions they thought necessary, and set out, CaptainWhite, and those who staid with him, convoy’d ’em a Day’s Journey, and then returning, he got into the Boat with his Companions, and went back toMethelage, fearing these Men might return, prevail with the rest, and burn the Boat.
Here he built a Deck on his Boat, and lay by three Months, in which Time there came in three Pyrates with a Boat, who had formerly been trepann’d on board theSevernandScarboroughMen of War, which had been looking for Pyrates on the East-Side; from which Ships they made their escape atMohila, in a small Canoe toJohanna, and fromJohannatoMayotta, where the King built ’em the Boat which brought ’em toMethelage. The Time of the Current’s setting with Violence to the North-West being over, they proceeded together inWhite’s Boat (burning that ofMayotta) to the North-End, where the Current running yet too strong to get round, they went into a Harbour and staid there a Month, maintaining themselves with Fish and wild Hog, of which there was great Plenty. At length, having a Slatch of fine Weather, and the Strength of the Current abating, they got round; and after sailing about 40 Mile on the East-Side, they went into a Harbour, where they found a Piece of a Jacket, which they knew belong’d to one of those Men who had left ’em to go over Land; he had been a forced Man, and a Ship Carpenter;this they supposed he had torn to wrap round his Feet, that Part of the Country being barren and rocky. As they sailed along this Coast, they came to an Anchor in convenient Harbours every Night, till they got as far asManangaromasighwhere KingReberimboresided, where they went in to enquire for their Men, who left ’em at the North-End, and to recruit with Provisions. The latter was given ’em, but they could have no Information of their Companions.
From hence they went to the Island of St.Mary, where a Canoe came off to ’em with a Letter directed to any white Man. They knew it to be the Hand of one of their former Ship-Mates. The Contents of this Letter was to advise ’em to be on their Guard, and not trust too much to the Blacks of this Place, they having been formerly treacherous. They enquired after their Ship, and was inform’d, that the Company had given her to theMoors, who were gone away with her, and that they themselves were settled atAmbonavoula, about 20 Leagues to the Southward of St.Mary, where they lived among the Negroes as so many sovereign Princes.
One of the Blacks, who brought off the Letter, went on board their Boat, carried them to the Place calledOlumbah, a Point of Land made by a River on one Side, and the Sea on the other, where twelve of ’em lived together in a large House they had built, and fortified with about 20 Pieces of Canon.
The rest of them were settled in small Companies of about 12 or 14 together, more or less, up the said River, and along the Coast, every Nation by it self, as theEnglish,French,Dutch,&c.They made Enquiry of their Consorts after the Shares of Prizes which belong’d to them, and they found all very justly laid by to be given them, if ever they return’d, as were what belong’d to the Men who went over Land. CaptainWhitehankeringafter home, proposed going out again in the Boat; for he was averse to settling with them; and many others agreed to go under his Command; and if they could not meet with a Ship to carry them toEurope, to follow their old Vocation. But the others did not think it reasonable he should have the Boat, but that it should be set to Sale for the Benefit of the Company. Accordingly it was set up, and CaptainWhitebought it for 400 Pieces of Eight, and with some of his old Consorts, whose Number was increas’d by others of the Ship’s Crew, he went back the Way he had come, toMethelage: Here he met with aFrenchShip of about 50 Tuns and 6 Guns; she had been taken by some Pyrates who lived atMaratan, on the East-Side of the Island, and some of theDegrave East-IndiaMan’s Crew, to whom the Master of her refused a Passage toEurope; for as he had himself been a Pyrate and Quarter-Master toBowenin theSpeaker, he apprehended their taking away his Ship, War being then betweenEnglandandFrance, he thought they might do it without being called in question as Pyrates. The Pyrates who had been concerned in takingHerault’s Ship, for that was his Name, had gone up the Country, and left her to the Men belonging to theDegrave, who had fitted her up, clean’d and tallow’d her, and got in some Provision, with a Design to go to theEast-Indies, that they might light on some Ship to return to their own Country.
CaptainWhitefinding these Men proposed their joining him, and going round toAmbonavoula, to make up a Company, which they agreed to, and unanimously chose him Commander. They accordingly put to Sea, and stood away round the South End of the Island, and touch’d atDon Mascarena, where he took in a Surgeon, and stretching over again toMadagascar, fell in withAmbonavoula, andmade up his Complement 60 Men. From hence he shaped his Course for the Island ofMayotta, where he cleaned his Ship, and staid for the Season to go into theRed Seas: His Provisions being taken in, the Time proper, and the Ship well fitted, he steer’d forBabelmandel, and running into a Harbour waited for theMochaShips.
He here took two Grabs laden with Provision, and having some small Money and Drugs aboard; these he plunder’d of what was for his Turn, kept ’em a Fortnight by him, and then let them go. Soon after they spied a tall Ship, upon which they put to Sea; but finding herEuropebuilt, and too strong to attempt, for it was aDutchMan, they gave over the Chace, and were glad to shake him off, and return to their Station. Fancying they were here discover’d, from the Coast ofArabia, or that the Grabs had given Information of them, they stood over for theEthiopianShore, keeping a good look out for theMochaShips.
Few Days after they met with a large Ship of about 1000 Tuns and 600 Men, called theMalabar, which they chased, kept Company with all Night, and took in the Morning, with the Loss only of their Boatswain, and two or three Men wounded. In the taking this Ship they damaged their own so much, by springing their Foremast, carrying away their Bowsprit, and beating in part of their upper Works, that they did not think her longer fit for their Use, therefore filled her with Prisoners, gave ’em Provision, and sent them away.
Some Days after this they spied aPortugueseMan of War of 44 Guns, which they chased, but gave it over, by carrying away their Main-Top-Mast, so that they did not speak with her, for thePortuguesetook no Notice of them.
Four Days after they had left this Man of War, they fell in with aPortugueseMerchant-Man, whichthey chased with theEnglishColours flying, the Chace takingWhitefor anEnglishMan of War orEast-IndiaMan, made no Sail to get from him, but on his coming up brought to, and sent his Boat on board with a Present of Sweet-Meats for theEnglishCaptain; his Boat’s Crew was detain’d, and the Pyrates getting into his Boat with their Arms, went on board, and fir’d on thePortuguese, who being surprizd, asked if War was broke out betweenEnglandandPortugal? They answer’d in the Affirmative, but the Captain could not believe ’em. However, they took what they liked, and kept him with them.
After two Days they met with theDorothy, anEnglishShip, CaptainPenruddockCommander, coming fromMocha. They exchanged several Shot in the Chace, but when they came a Long-side her, they entered their Men, and found no Resistance, she being navigated byMoors, noEuropeansexcept the Officers being on board. On a Vote they gave CaptainPenruddock(from whom they took a considerable Quantity of Money) thePortugueseShip and Cargoe, with what Bales he pleased to take out of his own, bid him go about his Business, and make what he could of her. As to theEnglishShip, they kept her for their own Use.
Soon after they plunder’d theMallabarShip, out of which they took as much Money as came to 200 l. Sterling a man, but miss’d 50000 Chequins which were hid in a Jar under a Cow’s-Stall, kept for the giving Milk to theMoorSupercargoe, an ancient Man. They then put thePortugueseandMoorPrisoners on board theMallabar, and sent them about their Business. The Day after they had sent them away, one CaptainBenjamin Stacy, in a Ketch of six Guns fell into their Hands; they took what Money he had, and what Goods and Provisions they wanted. Among the Money were 500 Dollars, a Silver Mug and two Spoons belonging to a Couple of Childrenon board, and under the Care ofStacy. The Children took on for their Loss, and the Captain asking the Reason of their Tears, was answer’d byStacy, that the above Sum and Plate was all the Children had to bring them up.
CaptainWhitemade a Speech to his Men, and told ’em, it was cruel to rob the innocent Children; upon which, by unanimous Consent, all was restor’d them again; besides, they made a Gathering among themselves, and made a Present toStacy’s Mate, and other his inferior Officers, and about 120 Dollars to the Children; they then dischargedStacyand his Crew, and made the best of their Way out of theRed Sea.
They came into the Bay ofDefarr, where they found a Ketch at an Anchor, which the People had made Prize of, by seizing the Master and Boat’s Crew ashoar. They found aFrenchGentleman, one MonsieurBerger, on board, whom they carried with ’em, took out about 2000 Dollars, and sold the Ketch to the Chief ashoar for Provisions.
Hence they sailed forMadagascar, but touch’d atMascarena, where several of ’em went ashoar with their Booty, about 1200 l. a Man. Here taking in fresh Provision,Whitesteer’d forMadagascar, and fell in withHopeful Point, where they shar’d their Goods, and took up Settlements ashoar, whereWhitebuilt a House, bought Cattle, took off the upper Deck of his Ship, and was fitting her up for the next Season. When she was near ready for Sea, CaptainJohn Halsey, who had made a broken Voyage, came in with a Brigantine, which being a properer Vessel for their Turn, they desisted from working on the Ship, and who had a Mind for fresh Adventures, went on boardHalsey, among whom CaptainWhiteenter’d afore the Mast.
At his return toMadagascar,Whitewas taken ill of a Flux, which in about 5 or 6 Months ended his Days;finding his Time was drawing nigh, he made his Will, left several Legacies, and nam’d three Men of different Nations, Guardian to a Son he had by a Woman of the Country, requiring he might be sent toEnglandwith the Money he left him, by the firstEnglishShip, to be brought up in the Christian Religion in hopes he might live a better Man than his Father. He was buried with the same Ceremony they use at the Funerals of their Companions, which is mention’d in the Account ofHalsey. Some Years after anEnglishShip touching there, the Guardians faithfully discharged their Trust, and put him on board with the Captain, who brought up the Boy with Care, acting by him as became a Man of Probity and Honour.