‘Bythis publick Instrument of Protest be it made known and manifest, that on the 30th Day ofAugust1718,John King, lately Commander of theNeptuneHagboat ofLondon, but now in the Island ofProvidence, one of his Majesty’sBahamaIslands, came before meWoodes Rogers, Esq; Governor,&c.and declared to me, that on the Day and Date above-written, he sailed with the said ShipNeptuneHagboat over the Bar ofCarolina, in Company with three more Ships bound forLondon,viz.theEmperor, CaptainArnold Powers, Commander, and the PinkAntamasia, CaptainDumford, Commander, and the Pink ......, CaptainEvers, Commander, and about two Hours after he was over the Bar ofSouth-Carolina, he saw four Sail of Vessels standing some one Way, some another; but one of them being a Brigantine, gave Chase, and, in about two Hours time, came up with his Ship with a black Flag flying, and after having fir’d several Guns, demanded him to strike, and to come on Board the Brigantine, commanded by oneCharles Vane, a Pyrate, who detained him andfour of his Men on board the said Brigantine, and sent several of his Men on board theNeptune; and when they came on board they commanded him to make Sail, and began to rob and rifle as they thought fit,&c.taking only theNeptuneandEmperorwith them; for by the Information of the Captain of theNeptuneandEmperor, the other two were loaded with Pitch and Tar, which was not for their Turn, so they would not give Chace to them; but in a small Time after they had held a Consultation together, they concluded to carry the ShipNeptuneandEmperor, with their Crew, toGreen Turtle Key, onAbbaco, so steered their Course accordingly for the said Place. About four Days afterJohn King, Commander of theNeptunedeclares, he fell sick of a violent Fever on board the saidVane’s Brigantine, andVaneasked him, if he would go on board his own Ship? he readily answered, Yes, if he pleased; so hoisted out his Boat, and sent him on board. And about four Days afterwards the Pyrates held a Consultation on board their own Vessel. The Captain, and most of the Officers, were for taking what they wanted out of the ShipNeptuneandEmperor, and so let them go about their Business; but the rest of the Company was not willing for it, because, they said, What should they clean their Vessel by? And what Defence should they have whilst they were cleaning? So concluded to proceed on toGreen Turtle Key, which they did, and arrived there on or about the 12th ofSeptember1718, and began to make Preparations for careening their Vessels, which held about three Weeks, and at the latter End of this Time they had taken from both Ships such Things as they wanted, and then took their Leaves of the said Ships and Captains, wishing them a good Voyagehome, so set Sail; but in a little Time after made a Sloop coming into the Harbour ofGreen Turtle Key, perceiving her to come towards them without any Fear, came to an Anchor again, and sent away the two Mast Boat after them with about twelve Men in her, expecting it was a Sloop fromProvidencewith fifty Men, according to Promise, when they leftProvidence, but in three Hours, or thereabouts, they spoke with her, which gave them Account that they came fromProvidence; and also laying down the State and Condition of that Island, it being the expected Sloop aforesaid, out of which some of the Men entered withVane, but know not how many. And likewise the saidKingfarther declares, that he heard some of the Pyrates say, that Sloop had brought Ammunition and Provisions,&c.and the Commander’s Name was oneNicholas Woodall. The saidKingasked what was the best News atProvidence? They replied, None good: But bid him ask not many Questions, but fit up his Ship, in order to go forEnglandorProvidence; if the latter, they would take Care to see us toProvidence, and did believe they should go in and surrender themselves up to the King’s Pardon. The next Morning, being very much disturb’d with the News that the Sloop brought fromProvidenceby the saidWoodall, they voted to Maroon CaptainWalker, but that did not take Place, so put it to Vote again to maroon and destroy theNeptune, which they did with cutting away the Masts, Rigging, Sails, Beams, and firing a Gun, double loaded with Shot down her Hold, and totally disabled her from ever proceeding her Voyage home toEngland. And the saidKingdoes verily believe, that the saidWoodall’s Sloop coming there, was the Occasion of all the aforesaid Mischief, believing whatwas done was to pay him for his great Favour done them. And farther, the said CaptainKingsays, that some of the Pyrates, who were his Friends, told him, that if that Sloop had not come, this Damage would not have been; and that they were very sorry for it; so by the saidVane’s Order they went to work to load thisWoodall’s Sloop with Rice, Pitch, Tar, Deer Skins, Sails, Rigging,&c.After she was loaded, being the next Day, they all sailed together as Pyrates, taking with them one of CaptainWalker’s Sons, with his Sloop, to tend on them, and as Pilot; but before they got out of the Channel, arrived to the ShipsNeptuneandEmperor, a Sloop fromProvidence, sent by the Governor to hear what was the best News there, hearing thatVanewas there. The Captains of the said Sloop,HornigoldandCockramtold the CaptainsPowersandKing, that they were come by the Governor’s Order to assist them in what they could, who accordingly did, with making Dispatch toProvidence, to acquaint his Excellency the Governor what sad Condition they were in by the Pyrates hard Usage, leaving them without Provisions,&c.So the said CaptainsHornigoldandCockramset Sail that Night, and in three or four Days after took the SloopWoolfe,Nicholas Woodall, Master, that had traded withCharles Vane, the Pyrate, and carried him to his Excellency the Governor ofProvidence, who seized his Vessel, and confined him Prisoner. By that TimeVanecame in a second time toGreen Turtle Key, and began a second Plunder, taking from the Ships Rice, Rigging, Masts, Sails,&c.from both Ships, and told the saidKing, that if he offered to touch his Prize he would burn her, and him in her, if ever he catched him again; so sailed away the second time: And about three Weeksafter arrived the said CaptainsHornigoldandCockram, with five Sloops fromProvidence, sent down by the Governor, to save what Goods they could out of theNeptune, that was in so much Danger. The next Day they began to load the Sloops, and got them loaded in two Days, so sailed away. The saidKingcame toProvidenceto consult and agree with the Governor what to do in such a Case. After some Time spent it was concluded to fit out theWilling Mindwith Guns and Men, enough to stand an Engagement withVane, and sell theNeptune; and, in a few Days after, did accordingly put her up publick to Sale, and it was thus sold to one Mr.George Hooper, for seventy one Pounds current Money ofJamaica, he being the Person that bid the most Money for her. TheWilling Mindbeing fitted, sailed fromProvidencethe 15th ofNovember1718, and arrived atGreen Turtle Keythe 19th, and took the Goods out of theNeptune, being in a very bad Condition; and after they had taken out all her Cargo, finding theNeptuneto be better than they did expect; and, having a fair Wind, brought both Ships up toProvidence, theNeptunegot in safe, but theWilling Mindstruck on the Bar, and sprung a Leak, insomuch that she was forced to unload and careen, and, when down, found her to be very bad, a Piece of her main Keel being gone, so was forced to hawl her ashore; and when the Carpenters had done what could be done to her, she could not be got up again by all the Strength that could be made, and tried for several Days, breaking and tearing all to pieces, but all to no Purpose; so the Governor order’d a Warrant of Survey on her, and was found by the Surveyors not sufficient to proceed any further, being very much damaged in her Wood-Work andIron-Work,&c.Whereupon the saidKingdesired a second Survey of his Ship and Goods, they lying in a very bad Condition. Now in the Harbour ofProvidencethere being no Vessels to carry them toEngland, he therefore is now going toCarolinato consult with Mr.Richard Splat, who shipp’d the Goods on board, and to know of him what further may be done with the said Goods, and that he may rightly apprize all they concern’d, of the present Condition of the Ship and Goods; he has further taken the Opinion of CaptainThomas Walker, CaptainRichard Thompson, and CaptainEdward Holmes, Persons who are well acquainted what sad Condition the Ship and Goods are now in; whereupon the saidKing, and one of the Mariners belonging to the ShipNeptune, did, and doth hereby protest against the saidCharles Vane, and the rest of the Mariners, Pyrates and Robbers, belonging to the Brigantine aforesaid, and for the feloniously and pyratically taking, boarding, entering and plundering, and for sinking and disabling within the Harbour ofGreen Turtle Key, the said ShipNeptune, and for all Damages and Losses accruing thereby to the Owners, Freighters, or any other Persons concern’d therein. In Testimony whereof we have hereunto set our Hand and Seals this 5th Day ofFebruary,Anno Dom.1718-9.Jurat Coram me hocdie Decem. Februaris,Woodes Rogers.John King,×The Mark ofJohn Morrison.’
‘Bythis publick Instrument of Protest be it made known and manifest, that on the 30th Day ofAugust1718,John King, lately Commander of theNeptuneHagboat ofLondon, but now in the Island ofProvidence, one of his Majesty’sBahamaIslands, came before meWoodes Rogers, Esq; Governor,&c.and declared to me, that on the Day and Date above-written, he sailed with the said ShipNeptuneHagboat over the Bar ofCarolina, in Company with three more Ships bound forLondon,viz.theEmperor, CaptainArnold Powers, Commander, and the PinkAntamasia, CaptainDumford, Commander, and the Pink ......, CaptainEvers, Commander, and about two Hours after he was over the Bar ofSouth-Carolina, he saw four Sail of Vessels standing some one Way, some another; but one of them being a Brigantine, gave Chase, and, in about two Hours time, came up with his Ship with a black Flag flying, and after having fir’d several Guns, demanded him to strike, and to come on Board the Brigantine, commanded by oneCharles Vane, a Pyrate, who detained him andfour of his Men on board the said Brigantine, and sent several of his Men on board theNeptune; and when they came on board they commanded him to make Sail, and began to rob and rifle as they thought fit,&c.taking only theNeptuneandEmperorwith them; for by the Information of the Captain of theNeptuneandEmperor, the other two were loaded with Pitch and Tar, which was not for their Turn, so they would not give Chace to them; but in a small Time after they had held a Consultation together, they concluded to carry the ShipNeptuneandEmperor, with their Crew, toGreen Turtle Key, onAbbaco, so steered their Course accordingly for the said Place. About four Days afterJohn King, Commander of theNeptunedeclares, he fell sick of a violent Fever on board the saidVane’s Brigantine, andVaneasked him, if he would go on board his own Ship? he readily answered, Yes, if he pleased; so hoisted out his Boat, and sent him on board. And about four Days afterwards the Pyrates held a Consultation on board their own Vessel. The Captain, and most of the Officers, were for taking what they wanted out of the ShipNeptuneandEmperor, and so let them go about their Business; but the rest of the Company was not willing for it, because, they said, What should they clean their Vessel by? And what Defence should they have whilst they were cleaning? So concluded to proceed on toGreen Turtle Key, which they did, and arrived there on or about the 12th ofSeptember1718, and began to make Preparations for careening their Vessels, which held about three Weeks, and at the latter End of this Time they had taken from both Ships such Things as they wanted, and then took their Leaves of the said Ships and Captains, wishing them a good Voyagehome, so set Sail; but in a little Time after made a Sloop coming into the Harbour ofGreen Turtle Key, perceiving her to come towards them without any Fear, came to an Anchor again, and sent away the two Mast Boat after them with about twelve Men in her, expecting it was a Sloop fromProvidencewith fifty Men, according to Promise, when they leftProvidence, but in three Hours, or thereabouts, they spoke with her, which gave them Account that they came fromProvidence; and also laying down the State and Condition of that Island, it being the expected Sloop aforesaid, out of which some of the Men entered withVane, but know not how many. And likewise the saidKingfarther declares, that he heard some of the Pyrates say, that Sloop had brought Ammunition and Provisions,&c.and the Commander’s Name was oneNicholas Woodall. The saidKingasked what was the best News atProvidence? They replied, None good: But bid him ask not many Questions, but fit up his Ship, in order to go forEnglandorProvidence; if the latter, they would take Care to see us toProvidence, and did believe they should go in and surrender themselves up to the King’s Pardon. The next Morning, being very much disturb’d with the News that the Sloop brought fromProvidenceby the saidWoodall, they voted to Maroon CaptainWalker, but that did not take Place, so put it to Vote again to maroon and destroy theNeptune, which they did with cutting away the Masts, Rigging, Sails, Beams, and firing a Gun, double loaded with Shot down her Hold, and totally disabled her from ever proceeding her Voyage home toEngland. And the saidKingdoes verily believe, that the saidWoodall’s Sloop coming there, was the Occasion of all the aforesaid Mischief, believing whatwas done was to pay him for his great Favour done them. And farther, the said CaptainKingsays, that some of the Pyrates, who were his Friends, told him, that if that Sloop had not come, this Damage would not have been; and that they were very sorry for it; so by the saidVane’s Order they went to work to load thisWoodall’s Sloop with Rice, Pitch, Tar, Deer Skins, Sails, Rigging,&c.After she was loaded, being the next Day, they all sailed together as Pyrates, taking with them one of CaptainWalker’s Sons, with his Sloop, to tend on them, and as Pilot; but before they got out of the Channel, arrived to the ShipsNeptuneandEmperor, a Sloop fromProvidence, sent by the Governor to hear what was the best News there, hearing thatVanewas there. The Captains of the said Sloop,HornigoldandCockramtold the CaptainsPowersandKing, that they were come by the Governor’s Order to assist them in what they could, who accordingly did, with making Dispatch toProvidence, to acquaint his Excellency the Governor what sad Condition they were in by the Pyrates hard Usage, leaving them without Provisions,&c.So the said CaptainsHornigoldandCockramset Sail that Night, and in three or four Days after took the SloopWoolfe,Nicholas Woodall, Master, that had traded withCharles Vane, the Pyrate, and carried him to his Excellency the Governor ofProvidence, who seized his Vessel, and confined him Prisoner. By that TimeVanecame in a second time toGreen Turtle Key, and began a second Plunder, taking from the Ships Rice, Rigging, Masts, Sails,&c.from both Ships, and told the saidKing, that if he offered to touch his Prize he would burn her, and him in her, if ever he catched him again; so sailed away the second time: And about three Weeksafter arrived the said CaptainsHornigoldandCockram, with five Sloops fromProvidence, sent down by the Governor, to save what Goods they could out of theNeptune, that was in so much Danger. The next Day they began to load the Sloops, and got them loaded in two Days, so sailed away. The saidKingcame toProvidenceto consult and agree with the Governor what to do in such a Case. After some Time spent it was concluded to fit out theWilling Mindwith Guns and Men, enough to stand an Engagement withVane, and sell theNeptune; and, in a few Days after, did accordingly put her up publick to Sale, and it was thus sold to one Mr.George Hooper, for seventy one Pounds current Money ofJamaica, he being the Person that bid the most Money for her. TheWilling Mindbeing fitted, sailed fromProvidencethe 15th ofNovember1718, and arrived atGreen Turtle Keythe 19th, and took the Goods out of theNeptune, being in a very bad Condition; and after they had taken out all her Cargo, finding theNeptuneto be better than they did expect; and, having a fair Wind, brought both Ships up toProvidence, theNeptunegot in safe, but theWilling Mindstruck on the Bar, and sprung a Leak, insomuch that she was forced to unload and careen, and, when down, found her to be very bad, a Piece of her main Keel being gone, so was forced to hawl her ashore; and when the Carpenters had done what could be done to her, she could not be got up again by all the Strength that could be made, and tried for several Days, breaking and tearing all to pieces, but all to no Purpose; so the Governor order’d a Warrant of Survey on her, and was found by the Surveyors not sufficient to proceed any further, being very much damaged in her Wood-Work andIron-Work,&c.Whereupon the saidKingdesired a second Survey of his Ship and Goods, they lying in a very bad Condition. Now in the Harbour ofProvidencethere being no Vessels to carry them toEngland, he therefore is now going toCarolinato consult with Mr.Richard Splat, who shipp’d the Goods on board, and to know of him what further may be done with the said Goods, and that he may rightly apprize all they concern’d, of the present Condition of the Ship and Goods; he has further taken the Opinion of CaptainThomas Walker, CaptainRichard Thompson, and CaptainEdward Holmes, Persons who are well acquainted what sad Condition the Ship and Goods are now in; whereupon the saidKing, and one of the Mariners belonging to the ShipNeptune, did, and doth hereby protest against the saidCharles Vane, and the rest of the Mariners, Pyrates and Robbers, belonging to the Brigantine aforesaid, and for the feloniously and pyratically taking, boarding, entering and plundering, and for sinking and disabling within the Harbour ofGreen Turtle Key, the said ShipNeptune, and for all Damages and Losses accruing thereby to the Owners, Freighters, or any other Persons concern’d therein. In Testimony whereof we have hereunto set our Hand and Seals this 5th Day ofFebruary,Anno Dom.1718-9.
Jurat Coram me hocdie Decem. Februaris,Woodes Rogers.
John King,×The Mark ofJohn Morrison.’
Couldthe Reader conceive the Pains we have been at, to collect Matters for the composing a genuine History of the Lives of the Pyrates, and the great Care we have taken to deliver nothing but the Truth, he would readily forgive, nay, would be apt to commend our placing those Particulars in the Appendix of the same Book, which we could not possibly obtain (notwithstanding our diligent Enquiries) before the Lives were printed, and the Book in a manner ready for Publication.
What we have said in the foregoing Part of this Volume, of CaptainBowen, may be depended on as Truth; but as we had not that Certainty of his Original we now have, we rather chose to be silent than impose on our Readers with Fables of our own Invention: We have since learn’d (and it is with Reason we can depend on our Account, having it from one who personally knew, and often convers’d with him) that he was born of creditable Parents, in the Island ofBermudas, who took Care to give him a good Education answerable to the Vocation he was design’d for, which was the Sea.
The first Voyage he made was toCarolina, where some Merchants finding him every Way capable, and that he was a sober intelligent Man, gave him the Command of a Ship, and sent him to theWest-Indies. He continued in this Employfor several Years, but one Voyage, in his Return, he had the Misfortune to fall in with, and be taken, by aFrenchPyrate, who having no Artist on board, detain’d CaptainBowento navigate their Vessel; and after cruizing some Time in theWest-Indies, shap’d their Course for theGuineyCoast, where they made several Prizes, and took several good Artists; but having Experience of CaptainBowen, he could by no Means prevail on them for a Discharge; tho’ notwithstanding the Service he was to them, they treated him as roughly as they did their other Prisoners, of which I have already taken Notice in CaptainWhite’s Life.
They (the Pyrates) doubled theCapeofGood Hope, steer’d for, refresh’d atJohanna, and having made their Voyage to theEast-Indies, lost their Ship, as is already shewn in the above Life, (and need not be here repeated) onMadagascar: The other Particularities which are not set down inBowen’s own Life, will be found in those of his Companions; as his going with CaptainRead; the taking theGrabb; the coming toMayotta, and from thence in theGrabbtoMadagascar; the joining of that Vessel andFourgette’s; the taking theSpeaker; his succeedingBoothin the Command, and his Death atMascarenas.
Wehave placed this Life in the Appendix, which will not perhaps be thought a proper Place; but we could not gather the Particulars, which were collected out of several different Journals, Time enough to insert it in the Body of the Book, and therefore, thought of reserving this Life for Part of another Volume; but when we had compiled it, and found it was a Sort of Recapitulation of the Adventures of theMadagascarPyrates which went before, we judged it more proper to give it in the Appendix than to separate this Gentleman from his Companions; and we were the rather induc’d to this, as the Reader will here find an Account ofBowen’s Death, which we had not learn’d at the Time we wrote his Life; the Papers which we got after a long Search, and which has furnish’d us with some other Particulars of that Rover’s Life, not being at that Time to be found.
CaptainNorthwas born atBermudas, and was the Son of a Sawyer, which Business he himself was bred up to, but took, at last, to the Seas, at the Age of 17 or 18, shipping himself Cookon board a Sloop, built atBermudas, for some Gentlemen ofBarbadoes, with Design to fit her out for a Privateer. She was bound to her Owners, but the Master tookSanta Vdasin the Way, and loaded with Salt. When they came toBarbadoesall the Crew was press’d, andNorthwith his Companions were put on board theReserve.
The Master applied himself to the Governor, and got all his Men clear’d,Northexcepted, who, as he was a Lad, was neglected, and left on board the Man of War, which soon after sail’d forJamaica; some Time before theReservewas relieved from this Station, he laid Hold of an Opportunity to run away, and shipp’d himself on board a Sugar Drover, in which Way of Life he continued about two Years, and being an able Sailor, tho’ no Artist, he was offer’d to go Master of one of these Coasters, which he refus’d, and went on board a Privateer.
The first Voyage he made, as a Privateer, they took a couple of good Prizes, which made every Man’s Share very considerable; butNorth, as he had got his Money lightly, so he spent it, making the Companions of his Dangers the Companions of his Diversions, or rather joining himself with them, and following their Example; which all (who are acquainted with the Way of Life of a successfulJamaicaPrivateer) know is not an Example of the greatest Sobriety and Oeconomy.
His Money being all spent, he took the same Method for a Recruit, that is, he went a second Time a Privateering, and met with such Success, that he engag’d very heartily in this Course of Life, and made several lucky Cruizes.
Some Time after he grew tir’d, thought of trading, and shipp’d himself on board a Brigantine, bound for theSpanishCoast, commanded by one CaptainReesby: This Vessel went both on theTrading and Privateer Account, so that the Men shipp’d for half Wages, and equal Shares of what Prizes they should make, in the same Manner, as to the Shares, as on board a Privateer; their trading answer’d very poorly, and their privateering Business still worse, for they return’d without making any Prize.
They were forced to leave theSpanishCoast, on Account of aSpanish Guarda la Costa, of 40 Guns and Three hundred and fiftyFrenchmen, commanded by a Captain of the same Nation. When they made the Island ofJamaica, they fell in withBluefields, off which Place twoFrenchPrivateer Sloops were cruizing, one of which was formerly a Privateer ofJamaica, called theParadox; they immediately clapp’d Capt.Reesbyon board, taking him for a Trader, come from theSpanishCoast, and weakly mann’d; however, they were soon made sensible of the Mistake, for they came to fetch Wool, and one of them went away shorn; I meanReesbytook one of them, and the other was obliged to a good Pair of Heels for his Safety.Reesbylost ten Men, killed outright in the Engagement, and had seven wounded; the latter, tho’ he had made but a broken Voyage, he put ashore atBluefields, and ordered great Care to be taken of them, at the Owners Expence: Here he took in fresh Provision, and then beat up toPort Royal, whereReesbypaid them very honourably, gave them a handsome Entertainment, and begg’d they would not leave him, as he had a very great Value for them all; but forNorthparticularly, who was a good Swimmer, manag’d a Canoe, with great Dexterity, and fear’d nothing.
Upon this Desire of the Captain’s,Northand the greater Part staid ashore till CaptainReesbywas refitted, and went a second Voyage with him to the Coast, at seventeen Dollars a Month, andno Share; they carried 300 Negroes, beside Bale Goods; they staid four Months on the Coast, and dispos’d of all the Slaves and Goods to great Advantage. Upon their Return toJamaica, after some Stay on the Island, CaptainReesbynot going out again,Northwent once more a Privateering, and made a considerable Booty. WhileNorthwas ashore after a Cruize, he was press’d on board theMaryMan of War: He made a Cruize in her to theSpanishCoast, and return’d toJamaica; but hearing theMarywas soon to go toEngland, he, and three more, resolv’d to swim ashore from the Keys, where the Men of War lie, but he was taken as he was going off the Head, and whipp’d; he, however, found Means to make his Escape, before the Ship left the Island, and went on board theNeptuneSloop, a Privateer, commanded by CaptainLycence, then Lieutenant of theReserve, who, while the Ship was in the Carpenter’s Hands, got a Commission of the Governor to take a Cruize. CaptainMoses, who commanded theReserve, went on board their Sloop, under the Command of his Lieutenant, for Diversion only: They cruized offHispaniola, where they met with aFrenchLetter of Mart Merchant Man, of 18 Guns, and 118 Men, who had the Day before engaged theSwanMan of War, and shook her off.
TheNeptuneattack’d her, and CaptainMoseswas wounded one of the first, and carried down;Lycenseorder’d to board, but the Quarter-Master, who steer’d, mistook the Helm, the Sloop fell off, and theFrenchpouring in a Volley of small Shot, CaptainLycencewas kill’d, which being told toMoses, as the Surgeon dress’d him, he order’dNorthto the Helm, bid them not be discouraged, and he would be upon Deck immediately. Accordingly he came up as soon as dress’d, laid the Ship on board, where they made a very obstinateResistance; but theFrenchCaptain being kill’d, who received eleven Shot before he dropp’d, they, at length, became Masters.
The Privateer lost ten Men, and twenty were wounded: TheFrenchhad fifty Men killed and wounded, among whom was the Captain, who had received two Shot, as he was going down to the Surgeon to get his Blood staunch’d, and came upon Deck just as he was boarded, where, encouraging his Men, he was distinguished and aimed at.
When they had brought the Prize intoJamaica, as she was anEnglishBottom, built atBristol, and called theCrown, the former Owners sued to have half the Ship and Cargo, and recovered one third.
Northwent again a Privateering, CaptainMoseshis Ship being not fitted, he would take a second Cruize, andNorthwith him. Some Time after their Return, CaptainMosesbeing a cruizing in theReserve,North, who was ashore, was press’d on board theAssistanceMan of War; and on theReserve’s coming, being recommended by CaptainMosesto his own Captain, he was handsomely treated, and made one of the Barge’s Crew: He was very easy till theAssistancewas order’d toEngland, and then, as he was apprehensive of going into a cold Climate, he took his Leave of the Man of War, and said nothing. He then went on board a Privateer again, and made several Prizes, two of which wereEnglishBottoms, and sued for by former Owners;Norththinking it hard to venture his Life, and have Part of his Prize Money taken away, and the Press being hot inJamaica, he resolved to sail no more with theEnglish; but went toCurasoeinto theDutchService, and sail’d with aSpanishTrader to the Coast ofNew Spainseveral Voyages. In the last he made,they were chased ashore by a couple ofFrenchSloops, one of which was commanded by aDutchman, namedLawrence, who, with his Comrade, took Possession of their Vessel, and rifled her; the Crew of the Prize called to them, and asked, if they would give them good Quarters? which they promis’d; took them all on board, and used ’em very handsomely.
TheFrenchgave the Prisoners a small Sloop they took a while after, and they returned toCuraso.
He having now forgot his Resentment, he return’d toJamaica, and went on board and cruiz’d in aSpanish Barca Longa, of 10 Guns, commanded by CaptainLovering, born atJamaica; they cruiz’d three Months in theWest Indies, and making but a small Hand of it, they put forNewfoundland, to try their Fortune on the Banks: Here they met a Man of War, who renew’d their Commission for six Months longer. The first Prize they made was aFrenchKetch, with aSpanishPass, and would have pass’d for aSpaniard, but by strict Search, and threatning of the Men, they discovered her to be what she really was, tho’ she had, as aSpaniard, slipp’d thro’ the Fingers of a Man of War before.
They carried their Prize into Harbour, went again upon the Cruize, met with aFrenchLetter of Mart Merchant Man, aBristolbuilt Ship, called thePelican, of 18 Guns, and Seventy five Men, half laden with Fish: This Ship stood them a long Argument; they clapp’d her on board, and two of their Men enter’d, but missing lashing, theBarca Longafell a-stern, and the two Men were made Prisoners; however, they came up with her again, clapp’d her on board a second Time, and carried her into the same Port where they had left the Ketch.
They after this put to Sea again, and being discovered by theFrenchSettlement ashore, they went into St.Mary’s Bay, where they fell in with a largeFrenchFly-Boat, of 800 Tons, eighty Men, and 18 Guns, and laden with Fish: They chased and came up with her, underFrenchColours; when they were pretty near theFrenchmanthey haled, and ask’d, whence they came? aGuernseyMan, at the Bowsprit End, answer’d, fromPetit Guavers; that they had been cruizing on the Banks, and were going into the Bay for Refreshment. TheFrenchmanbid them come no nearer, but send their Boat on board; they keeping on the Chase he fired at them, they did not mind this, but run up a long Side and boarded him; theFrenchran to their close Quarters, and disputed the Ship three Quarters of an Hour, when they all call’d for Quarters except one Man, who wou’d take none, but ran like a Madman into the Thick of theEnglish, and wounded several, tho’ he was soon dispatch’d by their Pistols.
They carried this Prize to join the others, and turning all the Prisoners ashore, except what were necessary to condemn their Prizes; they stood, with a Fleet of four Sail, forRhode Island.
Here they condemn’d the Fly-Boat and Ketch, but found a great Difficulty in getting thePelicancondemn’d, theEnglishOwners putting in their Claim; but, at length, aScotchLawyer did their Business, upon leaving 300 l. in his Hands to bear the Charge of any future Suit. CaptainLoveringdying here, the Ship’s Company bought thePelican, broke up theBarca Longa, sent her Owners their Shares, and got a Commission for the Master to cruize Southward as far as the Line, and to be valid for eighteen Months certain, two Years allowing for Accidents.
They fitted this Ship for a long Voyage, out of the Joint Stock of the Company; but Iron Hoops being scarce inNew England, they were obliged to take Casks hoop’d with Wood, which I mention, because it proved the Ruin of their Voyage to theEast Indiesfor a whole Year.
They being fitted for the Sea, they set Sail and steer’d for theCapeofGood Hope, which they doubled in the Month ofJune, made the best of their Way toMadagascar, and went intoAugustineBay, where they victualled and watered, but before this was done it wasAugust, which was too late to go to theEast-Indies; which they propos’d to do with Design, to cruize on theMoors, not intending to Pyrate among theEuropeans, but honestly and quietly to rob whatMoorsfell in their Way, and return home with clean Consciences, and clean, but full Hands, within the limited Time of their Commission.
FromAugustinethey went toJohanna, and the Provisions they had salted up atMadagascarnot being well done, it began to spoil; this and their Cloaths wanting Repair, made them desperately resolve to take the King ofJohannaand make him ransome himself, but the Master wou’d not take Charge of the Ship, being unacquainted with the Coast: They cruiz’d among the Islands, landed atComaro, and took the Town, but found no Booty, excepting some Silver Chains, and check’d Linnen. From hence they went toMayotta, where they took in aFrenchmanwho had been morooned there, and maintain’d by the King; they consulted with him about the surprizing and taking his Town. TheFrenchmanwas averse to it, as he owed him the Obligation of being preserved; however, he was in their Hands, and must do as they would have him: They surrounded the King’s House after they had been three Daysin his Town, and took him and all the Inhabitants; but the King’s Son made his Way thro’ the thickest of them with his Cutlash, tho’ he was shot afterward. The Pretence they made use of for this inhospitable Manner, was, that the King had poison’d the Crew of a Ship, which was their Consort; he denied it, as well he might, for they themselves never heard of a Ship of the Name they gave this fictitious one. The King they carried on board, the other Prisoners they put into a Sort of a Temple, with a Guard over them of 36 Men.
The Alarm being given in the Country, the Natives came down in a Body of some Thousands, and attack’d the Guard; but the Ship hearing the Fire, and seeing the Hills covered with Blacks, discharged several great Guns, loaded with Patridge, which making a very great Slaughter, obliged them to retire.
The King ransom’d himself for some Silver Chains to the Value of a thousand Dollars, and for what Provision they demanded; and at the setting him ashore, swore Allegiance to them as Masters of the Country, and took an Oath besides, never to poison any more white Men.
After this notable Expedition, they staid here a Fortnight, tho’ always on their Guard, and then went back forAugustinewith about 20 Slaves, they carried away with them for Servants.
Here a Sickness coming among them, they built Huts ashore; they lost, notwithstanding all their Care and Precaution, their Captain and thirty Men, by the Distemper which they contracted; but it abating, they thought of going to Sea again, but on examining their Water Casks, they found the Hoops all worm eaten and rotten, so that there was no Proceeding, but this Defect was repaired by their Cooper, who was an ingenious Fellow;he went into the Woods with theMayottaSlaves, and with Withies and other Stuff he gathered, fitted them up, and made them tight, in acknowledging of which Service, they chose him Captain, andNorthwas made Quarter-Master.
AtAugustinethey pick’d up some Straglers, among whom wasDavid Williams, and on a Muster, they found they had a hundred and five Men. They then made their Vessel a free Ship, that is, they agreed every Man should have an equal Share in all Prizes; and proceeded for the Mouth of theRed Seas.
In the Night, after they had reach’d their Station, they made two Ships, one was theMochaFrigate, of 40 Guns, commanded byCulliford: she had been anEast IndiaMan, and under the Command of one CaptainStout; the other Ship was called theSoldada, a Ship of 16 Guns, the Captain’s NameShivers; they haled one another, and on both Sides gave the same Answers,from the Seas, and upon Agreement, they all lay by that Night: In the Morning they consorted, and agreed to make an equal Division of all Prizes, which any of the three should take from that Time for two Months to come.
ThePelicanspared Wood, Water, and some of her Hands to CaptainCulliford, and hereWilliamsshifted on board him. About ten Days after, these three had join’d Company a largeMoor’s Ship, on which they afterwards mounted 70 Guns, hove in Sight.
They all gave Chase, but the small Ship came first up with theMoor, who exchang’d several Shot with theSoldadaandPelican; but theSoldadaclapp’d her on board, and before thePelicancould enter a Man, theMoorscall’d for Quarters: In boarding theMoor, she fired a Broadside upon theSoldada, but only two Shot hull’d her, and kill’dtwo Men, which was the only Loss they had in taking a thousand Prisoners, Passengers, and Sailors.
All the Money was carried on board theMochaFrigate, and divided between her Crew and theSoldada, excluding without other Reason thansic volumus, thePelicanfrom any Share.
The Crew of thePelicanexpostulated with them, and bid them remember they had spared both Wood and Water, or theMochacould not have kept the Station; instead of any Answer, they receiv’d a Command to be gone, or they would sink them; they answering, they could not go by themselves, wanting the Water and Wood they had spared. The two Consorts gave them a thousand Dollars, and some Water out of theMoor, bidding them buy Wood, where they could purchase it, and so left thePelicanto her self, going away for the Coast ofMalabar, where they put the Prisoners and Horses they had taken ashore, sunk theSoldada, and thence went to the Isle ofSt. Mary’s onMadagascar, where theMoor’s Ship now lies sunk. They shared out of this Prize a thousand Pounds a Man in Silver and Gold besides other Goods; and the two Pyrates amounted to the Number of 350 Men.
ThePelicankept the same Station for some Days, when a largeMoorShip hove in Sight, they gave Chase, and theMoor, not suspecting her for an Enemy, did not endeavour to get away; when thePelicancame up, she fired for theMoorto bring to, which made him set his small Sails, tho’ with the Loss of several Men; for thePelicanbeing close up, brought them down with the small Arms. When theMoorhad, at length, hove out his small Sails, thePelicancould not gain upon him enough to board, tho’ she was not a Pistol Shot a-stern; whenever she came upon hisLee Quarter, theMoorbeing a tall Ship, took away the Wind from thePelican, and she could never get to Windward of him. She ply’d her fore Chase all this while, and drove theMoorsfrom their stern Chase, but could not, as they endeavour’d to do, strike theMoorsRudder, or any other Way disable him. At length, by the Fear and bad Steerage of theMoor, thePelicanran up along Side of them, but as she miss’d lashing, she was obliged to shoot a head; in the mean while theMoorWore round, thePelicanput to Stays after him but not Staying, and they being all in Confusion, they Wore also; but in this Time theMoorhad got the Start, and setting all the Canvas he could pack on his Ship’s Back, wrong’d thePelican, and got off.
The Loss of this Ship made the Crew almost distracted, and made, for some Time, a great Division among them, some cursing the Ship for a heavy Sailor, and proposing to return home, others cursing themselves, and the ill Management by which they miss’d lashing, and propos’d going toMadagascar, and the breaking her up, since as she was a single Bottom, she must be worm-eaten; but Time, which mollifies the greatest Rage, abated these Contentions, and put an End to the Animosities which sprung from their Disappointment.
They being cool, resolved for theMalabarCoast, on which they took threeMoorShips in a little Time; the first they discharged, after taking out 6000 Dollars; the second they took for their own Use, mounted her with 26 Guns, and called her theDolphin; the third they sold on the same Coast for 18000 Dollars. Their own Ship they set adrift. From this Coast they made forMadagascar, and near the IslandMascarenaslost all their Masts in a Hurricane. They put up Jury-Masts, came toSt.Mary’s and new masted. Here they found CaptainCulliford, CaptainShivers, and their Prize, with three Merchant Men fromAmerica, which were come to trade with them, one of which was thePembrook, commanded bySamuel Burges, belonging toFrederick Phillips, Merchant atNew-York. The Captain of theDolphin, and some of the Men being weary of this Life, went home in these Merchant Ships, and the Crew chose oneSamuel Inless, who lived on the Island, for their Captain; they fitted out for theStreightsofMalacca, where they made several Prizes ofMoorShips, but of little value to them.
Northon board one of the Prizes, was separated from the rest by bad Weather, and drove to great Straights for Water. TheMoorMerchant, who was on board with him, and whom he had treated very humanely, shewed him a Draught, by which he came to a small Island not far from theDutchSettlement, and watered. TheMoortold him, that he ran the Risque of his Life should it be known that he had given him a Sight of this Draught. In return for this Service, when he met with his Companions, he got theMoor’s Ship discharged.
They, after this, made forNicobar, nearAchen, and, in the Way, met a largeDaneShip, which they plunder’d, and hove down by, clean’d, and return’d toMadagascar, where they shar’d their Booty, which was, besides Goods, between 3 and 400 l. a Man. A Month after their Arrival threeEnglishMen of War appear’d in Sight, theAnglesea, CaptainLittleton, theHastings, CaptainWhite, and theLizard, CaptainRumsey. These Ships occasioned their hawling up theDolphin, which, as they could not get her as high as they design’d, they set Fire to.
CommadoreLittletonbrought a Pardon for such of the Pyrates as would accept it, and many of them, among whom wereCullifordandShiversdid, and went home with Merchant Men.Northaccepted it also, but would not trust to it, finding the Time fixed for their Surrender was elapsed before the Men of War arrived.
Most of the Pyrates having left the Isle of St.Mary’s, where the King’s Ships lay,Norththought it not safe for him to stay, and therefore putting all he had into theDolphin’s Boat, he design’d to join his Comrades on the Main ofMadagascar; but being overset by a Squawl, all the People were lost except himself, who swam four Leagues, and a Negroe Woman, whom he put on the Bottom of the Boat.
Being now on the Main, and quite naked, he frighted the Negroes he met with, as he got out of the Water, for they took him for a Sea-Devil; but one Woman, who had been used to sell Fowls at the white Mens Houses, had the Courage not to run away, and, when he came near, knew him; she gave him half her Petticoat to cover his Nakedness, and calling a Negroe Man who carried her Things, and was run into the Woods; they help’d him to perform his Journey to the Dwelling of some white Men, which was sixteen Miles from the Place where he come on Shore; a great Journey for a Man so feeble with swimming. He was kindly received and cloathed by his Comrades, whom he staid with, till he had recovered his Strength, and then he went to a black Prince of his Acquaintance, with whom he staid till the Arrival of CaptainFourgette, which was a full Year.
In this Vessel (which I have already said inWhite’s Life was taken) he went round the North-End to the West-Side, and came intoMethelage, where they surprized theSpeaker; the Manner ofwhich Surprize is also mentioned in the same Life; and, after the Death of CaptainBooth, was chosen Captain’s Quarter-Master, byBowen, who succeeded in the Voyage, and the Consequences of it are already set down, for he was in theSpeakertill she was lost.
The next Voyage he made was in theSpeedy Return(taken from CaptainDrummond,) in the Capacity of Company’s Quarter-Master, with Design to cruise in theRed Seas; but touching at the Island ofMayotta, they consorted with CaptainHoward, whom they met with at the Island, as is already said. From thence they went and victualled atAugustine, having promised CaptainBowento meet him in two Months; accordingly returning thither, and missing him, they went toMayottato enquire after him; but hearing there that he was gone a Voyage, and as the Place of Rendezvous was off the Highlands of St.John’s, they steered their Course thither, to join him, and lie for theMoor’s Fleet fromMocoa.
In their Passage they met with a violent Storm, in which they were near foundering, it beat in their Stern, and obliged them to throw over all their Guns (two excepted, which lay in the Hold) and forced them into the Gulf ofPersia, where they took several small Vessels, which they ripp’d up to mend their Ship.
Being very much in want of Water, having staved all their Casks, to save themselves in the Storm, and meeting with little in the Vessels taken, they hoisted out the Canoe to chase a Fishing Vessel, that they might be inform’d where they should find Water. This Boat made from them with all their Force, but the Ship firing, the People all leap’d into the Water, some of whom were drowned, and the rest got ashoar, except one Man, whom they came up with; but assoon as they thought to lay hold on him, he dived, and kept them in play near an Hour and a half: They would not shoot him, because it did not answer their Ends; but, at length,North, who was in the Boat, took the Sprit, and struck at him as he rose, hoping to disable him, but he broke his Jaw. They took him by this Means, brought him on board, sent him to the Surgeon, and when they despair’d of his being able to speak, he asked for a Pipe of Tobacco, which he smoak’d, and drunk a Dram; after which he seem’d very hearty. As the Pyrates had on board several black Slaves, who spoke theEast-IndiaTongue, one of them was ordered to enquire of him where they might find Water, promising him his Liberty if he would direct them. On this Promise he carried them to a convenient landing Place, where he shewed a Well full of Dirt, out of which, after a great deal of Trouble to come at it, they drew but three Buckets of Water, which sufficed those only who went on Shoar, to the Number of 30. Enraged with this Disappointment after so much Labour, they threaten’d their Prisoner with Death, who told them, if they would have Patience till the Sun was set, they would have Plenty, for the Spring would rise, and flow all Night; which they found to be Fact, and filled twenty Tun of Water, and return’d on board, carrying the Man with them, for whom they made a gathering of some Goods, and about thirty Dollars; these they gave him, and exacted a Promise, that whenever he saw any Ship on that Coast, which made the same Signals they had made, he would go on board and render them what Service he could, assuring him he would always meet with civil Treatment, and be well rewarded.
After this they cruised on the Gulf ofPersiasome Days, in hopes of meeting their Consort, not doubting but she had some Share in the Storm.
The Time of their Consortship being now over, and she not appearing, they steered for the Highlands of St.JohnnearSurat, the Place of Rendezvous. When they made the Land they spied a tall Ship, and immediately making all clear for an Engagement, they gave chase. The other Ship doing the like, they soon met, and, to the great Joy of both Parties, she proved their Consort. Upon Enquiry they found theProsperoushad been ten Days on this Station, and had not met with the Storm which had so roughly handled theSpeedy Return, on giving an Account of their Misfortune,viz.their being obliged to throw over their Guns, and a Quantity of Provisions, CaptainHowardspared them some fresh Provisions, and expressing great Concern for the Accident, renewed his Consortship for two Months longer; that is, they agreed whatever Prizes were taken should be equally divided between the Crews of both Ships. After they had cruised here fourteen Days, they spied seven Sail of tall Ships, which proved to be theMoorsfromMocoa; they both gave Chace, but theSpeedy Returnbeing the better Sailor first came up with one of them, laid her on board, and carried her in a very little Time, with little more Damage than the Loss of her Bowsprit. TheProsperouskept on the Chace, and having CaptainWhaleyon board as a Pilot, took another at an Anchor, as is said (so need not be repeated) in CaptainHoward’s Life.
TheSpeedy Returnsteered with her Prize for the Coast ofMalabar, where, by Agreement, she was to wait ten Days for her Consort. In six Days theProsperousjoined them, but without any Prize, having rifled her, as is before said in another Life.
Here they made an equal Dividend of their Prizes, burnt theSpeedy Return, sunk theProsperous, went all on board theMoor’s Ship, put to Sea, and cruised on this Coast, where they made several Prizes. When they came over againstCachine, some black Merchants, Goldsmiths, and severalDutchMen, came on board to trade with them, bringing a great many Sequins, and other Gold Coin, to change forSpanishDollars; as many of the Pyrates designed to knock off and return home, they gave 500 Dollars for 200 Sequins, for the Conveniency of close Stowage about them. The Goldsmiths set up their Forges on board the Ship, and were fully employed in making them Buttons, Buckles, and what else they fancied, so that they had a fair Opportunity of putting what Alloy they thought proper. They here also furnished themselves with a good Quantity of Arrack, Provisions, and Stores, and then leaving the Coast, shaped their Course forMadagascar, but, in the Way, fell in with the Island ofMauritius, and put into a Port called theNorth-West Harbour. Here they wooded and watered. This Port affords great abundance of a poisonous Fish called theRed-Snapper, the Nature of which was well known to CaptainBowen, who perswaded his Men not to eat of them, but they were in Port, and then are all Commanders, so that this wholesome Advice was thrown away upon them. The Captain seeing their Obstinacy, and that they could not be disswaded, eat with them, chusing rather to share the same Fate than be left alone to the Mercy of theDutch, as he was conscious of what he merited.
They supp’d plentifully on the Fish, and drank very heartily after it. Soon after they began to swell in a frightful Manner. The next Morning some Planters came on board with Fowls, Goats,&c.and seeing the Pyrates in a miserable Condition,and some of these Fish lying on the Decks, asked if they had not eat of them? Being answer’d they had, advised their drinking plentifully of strong Liquors, which was the only way to expel the Poyson, which had dispatch’d them all in less Time, had they not done it after their unfortunate Meal. They readily followed this Advice, as the Prescription was agreeable, and by this Means, with the Care of the Surgeons, of whom they had several expert in their Business, and stock’d with good Medicines, they all recovered, four excepted, who paid their Obstinacy with their Lives.
They here heel’d their Ship, scrubb’d, tallow’d, and took in what they wanted. When they had staid three Months in this Port, the Governor sent and desired them to put to Sea, for he expected the Arrival of theDutch East-IndiaMen; they accordingly got every Thing ready, and went out, but left several of their Men behind them, as we have said inBowen’s Life.
From hence they steered forMadagascar, and in their Passage stopped atDon Mascarenas, where they took in a Quantity of Hogs, Goat, Sheep, Fowls of all Sorts, and Green Turtle. CaptainBowenhere went ashoar with 40 of his Men, having obtained the Governor’s Protection by the Force of Presents. These Men design’d to give over their Pyracy, and return home the first Opportunities offer’d them. In six Months after they had staid here, CaptainBowenwas taken ill of the dry Belly Ach, a Distemper as rife here as in theWest-IndiaIslands, and was buried in the Highway, for the Priests would not allow him holy Ground, as he was a Heretick.
But to return; whenBowenwent ashoarNorthwas chosen Captain. The Ceremony of this Installation is, the Crew having made choice of him to Command, either by an unanimous Consent, or bya Majority of Suffrages, they carry him a Sword in a very solemn Manner, make him some Complements, and desire he will take upon him the Command, as he is the most capable among them. That he will take Possession of the great Cabin; and, on his accepting the Office, he is led into the Cabin in State, and placed at a Table, where only one Chair is set at the upper End, and one at the lower End of the Table for the Company’s Quarter-Master. The Captain and he being placed, the latter succinctly tells him, that the Company having Experience of his Conduct and Courage, do him the Honour to elect him for their Head, not doubting his behaving himself with his usual Bravery, and doing every Thing which may conduce to the publick Good; in Confidence of which, he, in the Name of the Company, promised to obey all his lawful Commands, and declared him Captain. Then the Quarter-Master takes up the Sword, which he had before presented him, and he had returned, puts it into his Hand, and says,This is the Commission under which you are to act, may you prove fortunate to your self and us. The Guns are then fired round, Shot and all; he is saluted with three Chears; the Ceremony is ended with an Invitation from the Captain to such as he thinks fit to have dine with him, and a large Bowl of Punch is ordered to every Mess.
CaptainNorthleaving this Island steered forMadagascar, and came to CapeDolphinat the South End, as is said inWhite’s Life, where he came to an Anchor, and took on board some Refreshments, but it blowing hard, he was obliged to put to Sea, and leave his Boat with 30 Men behind him. He ran along the East-Side of the Island, and came to a Place calledAmbonavoula, in the Latitude of 17, 38. where they put on Shore some of their Goods, and settled themselves among the Negroes, severalliving in a House; here they lived as Sovereign Princes among the Inhabitants.
TheMoorPrisoners they kept on board, and allowed them sufficient fresh Provisions.Northprivately bid the Boatswain of theMoorstake the Advantage of the Land Breeze in the Night Time, and go off with the Ship, and what Goods were left on board; or the Pyrates would soon hawl up the Ship, take every Thing on Shore, and they (marooned there) would never see their own Country again.
Accordingly the Boatswain following this Advice, laid hold of the Opportunity of a dark Night, and communicating his Design to the otherMoors, whom he did not acquaint with this Advice, asNorthcharg’d him not, till he was on the Point of executing his Design, they weigh’d with great Silence and stood to Sea.
The next Morning some of the Pyrates propos’d to go on Board and fetch off some Iron and other Things to trade with in the Country; but they were strangely surpriz’d when they miss’d the Ship; they alarm’d the rest of their Comrades, and went in a Body to CaptainNorthto tell him what had happen’d. He answer’d, if theMoorswere gone off with the Ship, it was their own Fault; they ought to have left a sufficient Number of Hands on Board to have secur’d her; that there was now no Remedy but Patience, for they had no Vessel to pursue with, except they thought the Canoe proper.
Some of the Pyrates thought as she lay in foul Ground the Cable might be cut by some Rock, and the Ship blown off to Sea by that Accident; on starting this, some of them ran up to an Eminence, and from thence spy’d the Ship as far as they could well see, with all Sails set, which was acruel and convincing Proof that their Loss was irreparable.
They endeavoured to make themselves easy, since there was no Help; and transporting their Goods to different Abodes, at small Distances, they settled themselves, buying Cattle and Slaves, and lived in a neighbourly Manner one among another five Years; clear’d a great deal of Ground, and planted Provisions as Yamms, Potatoes,&c.The Natives among whom they fix’d, had frequent Broils and Wars among themselves, but the Pyrates interposed, and endeavoured to reconcile all differences;Northdeciding their Disputes not seldom, with that Impartiality and strict Regard to distributive Justice (for he was allowed, by all, a Man of admirable good natural Parts) that he ever sent away, even the Party who was cast, satisfied with the Reason, and content with the Equity of his Decisions.
These Inclinations which the Pyrates shewed to Peace, and the Example they set of an amicable Way of Life; for they carefully avoided all Jars, and agreed to refer all Cause of Complaint among themselves which might arise, to a cool Hearing beforeNorth, and twelve of their Companions, gave them a great Character among the Natives, who were before very much prejudiced against the White Men. Nay, in this Point of keeping up a Harmony among themselves, they were so exact, that whosever spoke but in an angry or peevish Tone, was rebuked by all the Company, especially if before any of the Country, tho’ even but a Slave, of their own; for they thought, and very justly, that Unity and Concord were the only Means to warrant their Safety; for the People being ready to make War on one another upon the slightest Occasion, they did not doubt butthey would take the Advantage of any Division which they might observe among the Whites, and cut them off whenever a fair Opportunity offered.
Northoften set this before them, and as often made them remark the Effects of their Unanimity, which were, the being treated with great Respect and Deference, and having a Homage paid them as to sovereign Princes. Nature, we see, teaches the most Illiterate the necessary Prudence for their Preservation, and Fear works Changes which Religion has lost the Power of doing, since it has been looked upon as a Trade, and debased by the scandalous Lives of those who think it their Business to teach it only, and, satisfied with the Theory, leave the practical Part to the Laity: For these Men whom we term, and not without Reason, the Scandal of humane Nature, who were abandoned to all Vice, and lived by Rapine; when they judged it for their Interest, not only (politickly) were strictly just, both among themselves, and in composing the Differences of the neighbouring Natives, but grew continent and sober, as no doubt they esteemed their Security to depend on shewing the Blacks they could govern those Passions to which they themselves were Slaves. Its true, they were all Polygamists, but that was no Scandal among a People who thought the cohabiting with a pregnant Woman a Sin against Nature in acting contrary to her Design, which is by Generation to propagate the animal Race; and who should be guilty of this Crime among them, they esteemed worse than Beasts, which following Nature, obey her Orders exactly, and set Men a Lesson of Prudence. When then, I say, they were continent, I mean they never invaded the Rights either of theirCompanions, or of the Natives.
The Reader may, perhaps, be well enough pleased to hear how on the smallest Difference they proceeded to a Reconciliation; for, as I have said, it was a Maxim with them, that the least Discord among a few Particulars would be the Ruin of a whole Body; as from a small neglected Spark, a general Conflagration may arise and lay the noblest City waste.
On any Mistake from which a Dispute arose, or on any ill-manner’d Expression let fall in Company, they all broke up, and one of the Company poured what Liquor was before them on the Ground, saying, no Contention could creep in among them without Loss; and therefore he sacrificed that Liquor to the evil Fiend, to prevent a greater Damage. Then both the contending Parties, on Pain of being banished the Society, and sent to another Part of the Island, were summon’d to appear at CaptainNorth’s, the next Morning, and, in the mean while, they were commanded to keep their respective Houses.
The next Morning both the Parties being met, and all the Whites summon’d to attend, the Captain set the Plaintiff and Defendant on one Side, and told them, that till the Aggressor had consented to do Justice, and till the Person injured had forgot his Resentment, they must esteem them both Enemies to the Publick, and not look upon them as their Friends and Companions. He then wrote down the Names of all the Assembly, roll’d them up, and put them into a Hat, out of which, each Party shaking the Hat, chose six Tickets; and these twelve Rowls or Tickets contained the Names of the assistant Judges, who, with the Captain, heard and determined in the Cause, calling and examining the Witnesses. When the Matter was fully debated, the Court was adjourned to the next Day, and the Litigators commanded to appearagain, and, in the Interim, not to stir out their Houses, to which they were respectively conducted by two or three each, lest the Slaves, or the neighbouring Blacks, should, by a greater Number, have any Suspicion of their Disagreement.
The second Day the Examination began afresh, and the Witnesses were sifted, as if they had not before been examined, and this to try if they were consistent with their former Evidence, which was noted down. Then the Court was again adjourned, and the disagreeing Parties remanded home till next Morning, when Judgment was given, which was a Fine in Proportion to the Affront.
The Reason of confining those who had Dissension was to deter them, by this small Punishment, from all future Quarrels, and to prevent any ill Accident which might happen by their being at full Liberty.
The Example they set, and the Care they took to accommodate Differences among their Neighbours, had calmed all the Country round them. After they had staid here near three Years, CaptainNorth, and some of his Companions, had a Mind to visit the Country Southward, and trade for more Slaves and Cattle; to which End taking a considerable Quantity of Powder and Arms, beside what they might use, with 50 Whites and 300 Natives, he set forward on his Journey. When they had travelled about fourscore Miles Southward, they came to a Nation rich in Slaves and Cattle, who inhabited the Banks of the largest River on the East-Side the Island, calledMangora. With these People he trafficked for a great Number of Slaves and Cattle, which he purchased for Guns and Powder: They being at War when CaptainNorthcame among them, with a neighbouring Prince, he was intreated to give his Assistance,for which they, theMangorians, promised him a hundred Slaves with 500 Head of Cattle, and all the Prisoners they should take. On these Conditions he joined them, and marched to a very large Town of the Enemy’s, which was naturally very strong, and esteemed by the Natives impregnable, being situated on a high and craggy Rock, which could be ascended by the Way only leading to the Gate, where was kept a strong Guard. The Blacks inNorth’s Army were for leaving this Town unattempted, and marching farther into the Country, in search of Booty; butNorthtold ’em it was not safe to leave a Garrison of Enemies at their Backs, which would continually infest them, by falling on their Rear, and which would be an Obstacle to their carrying off what Plunder they might get together; beside, it would be an Azyle for all the Country, which would fly thither till they had gather’d a Body considerable enough to come down and face them in the Field, which the Enemy might do with reasonable Hopes of Success, as their Men would be all fresh, while those of his Party would be fatigued with Marches, may be encumbered by Plunder, and worn down with the Inconveniencies of lying exposed in the Fields.
The chief of his Allies allowed his Reasons good, were an Attempt on the Town practicable, which Experience told him was not; for, tho’ several times besieged, it never could be taken, it would be the Loss of a great deal of Time, and many Mens Lives to offer at it.
Northdesired he would leave the Management of this Siege to him.
The Chief answered, he should do as he pleased, but it was against his Judgment to attack a Town which Nature her self had fortified, which God Almighty would never suffer to be taken, and which had, to no Purpose, cost the Lives of aNumber scarce to be told, of his Countrymen, in the several Attempts they had made to be Masters of it.
Northdisposed his Army, and invested the Rock on every Side, then sent Word to the Town, if they did not surrender he would give no Quarter to either Sex or Age. The Inhabitants laugh’d at his Message, told him, they did not believe he had learnt the Art of flying, and till he had, they thought themselves very secure from his putting such Menaces in Execution.
Out of the White Men,Northchose 30, whom he set at the Head of 3 Companies, consisting of 100 Blacks each; and as he had some Grenade-Shells with ’em, soon dispersed the Guard at the Foot of the Rock, and made a Lodgment; tho’ the Blacks were acquainted with Fire-Arms, the Shells were entirely new to them, and as they saw their terrible Effect, threw down their Arms, and gained the Middle of the Rock, where they had anotherCorps de Guarde, tho’ not without some Loss. Those who were at the Bottom of the Rock being put to flight,Northsent 10 Whites and 500 Blacks to take that Post, and Orders to the other Whites to mount the Rock, and having beat that Guard, if possible, to enter the Town with them. They accordingly ascended in this Order, as the Road was so narrow, only three could pass on a-breast, and the Enemy, when within Cast of a Dart, threw down a Shower upon them, three unarmed Blacks with their Shields march’d before three small Shot Men, and shelter’d them from the Enemies Weapons; these were followed by others, with the same Precaution, the White Men being mix’d with those who thus went up, that is to say, one White Musketeer to two Blacks.
The Enemy seem’d resolute to defend the Pass, but when they had, to no Purpose, spent a Number of Darts, and had lost some Men by the Shot, they swiftly took to the Top of the Rock, where, joined with fresh Men from the Town, they made a Stand and Shew of Resistance;North’s Men followed, and pouring in a Volley, put them into Confusion, which gave the Assailants an Opportunity to come near enough to throw in their Shells, half a dozen of which bursting with considerable Damage, and the Slaughter of several Men, they thought to shelter themselves in the Town, but the Inhabitants fearing the Enemy’s entering with them, shut the Gates against both, so that the Blacks ofNorth’s Army, notwithstanding all the Whites could do to the contrary, made a great Slaughter; however, they saved some, whom they sent Prisoners to the Camp, desiring, at the same Time, a Supply of Powder to make a Petarde.
In the mean while the Enemy from the Town threw a prodigious Quantity of Darts, which the Besiegers received upon their Shields, at least, the greater Part.
The Town was again summon’d, but they refus’d to surrender, wherefore, they were obliged to shelter themselves as well as they could, and expect the Powder from the Camp; tho’ in the mean while, the small Shot from without being warmly plied, made the throwing Darts from the Town less frequent, for none could shew his Head but with the greatest Danger.
When the Powder came, they cut down and hollowed a Tree, which they filled with Powder, and plugg’d up very tight, and under the Protection of their Shields and Muskets got it to the Gate, under which they dug a Hole large enough to receive it, then setting Fire to the Fuze, it burst with a terrible Crack, tore their Gate toShatters, and left an open Passage, which the Besiegers, who had been join’d with 500 more Blacks, who came up with the Powder, enter’d, and began a very great Slaughter; the Whites protected all they could who submitted, but notwithstanding their Diligence, the Town was strew’d with dead and dying Men. At length what with being tir’d, and what with Persuasion, the Slaughter ceas’d, the Town was reduced to Ashes, and the Conquerors return’d to the Camp with 3000 Prisoners, whom his Allies led to their own Quarters, where calling out, the old Women, Children, and useless Slaves, they sent them toNorth, as if by these, they thought themselves releas’d from the Promise made to induce his Assistance.
WhenNorthsaw the Dishonesty of these People, he sent for their Prince, and told him,‘According to Agreement all the Slaves belong’d to him; nay, according to Justice he alone had a Right to them, since he despair’d of taking the Town, so far as to dissuade his besieging it; and that he not only owed to him their Success, but even the Safety of his Army, and all the Plunder they should make in the Prosecution of the War, for Reasons already given, and by himself allow’d to be good. That he thought he had allied himself with a People of Integrity, but he was sorry to say, he found himself quite mistaken in his Opinion, since they were so far from making good their Treaty; that they sent him out of the Slaves taken, instead of all, those only whom they knew not what to do with; that they must not imagine him so blind as not to perceive how disingenuously he was dealt with; or that he wanted either Strength or Resolution to resent the Usage.’
He then ask’d what was become of a Number of young and handsome Women he had seen among the Captives?
The Prince answer’d,‘That those he enquired after were his and his Countrymens Relations, and as such they could not consent to, nor could he require their being made Slaves.’
This Answer made, the Chief left him; as it was delivered in a pretty haughty Tone, it did not a little nettle bothNorthand his Comrades; the latter were for immediately doing themselves Justice, but the former begg’d they would have Patience and rely on him; they followed his Advice, and he sent an Interpreter, who privately enquired among the Women what Relation they had to the People of the River; the Prisoners answered, that some of their Forefathers had inter-married with that Nation.
I must here take Notice, that notwithstanding the Inhabitants ofMadagascarhave but one Language which is common to the whole Island, the Difference of the Dialect in different Nations makes it very difficult for any but the Natives, or those who have been a great many Years (more thanNorthand his Companions had been) among them to understand them perfectly, which is the Reason he made use of an Interpreter, as well between him and the Chief, as between the Slaves and him.
When he had received this Answer from the Prisoners, he went to the Prince, and told him,‘It was very odd he should make War on his Relations, however, he should keep them since he declared them such, till he could prove his Right better than the Prince could his Nearness of Blood; that as he had once taken them, he would try if he could not support the Justice of his Claim, and bid him therefore beupon his Guard, for he openly declared, he was no longer the Ally, but the profess’d Enemy of faithless People.’
Saying this, he and his Blacks separated themselves from theMangorians, andNorthdivided them into Companies, with his White Men at the Head of each, and order’d them to fire Ball over the Heads of their late Allies; the first Volley was a prodigious Astonishment to theMangorians, several of whom ran away, butNorthfiring two more immediately, and marching up to them, brought the Prince and the Head Officers of his Army to him, crawling on all four; they (as the Custom of shewing the greatest Submission is among them) kiss’d the Feet of the Whites, and begg’d they would continue their Friendship, and dispose of every Thing as they thought proper.
Northtold him,‘Deceit was the Sign of a mean and coward Soul; that had he, the Prince, thought too considerable, what, however, was justly his Due, because not only promised to, but taken by him, he ought to have expostulated with him,North, and have told him his Sentiments, which might have, it was possible, made no Division, for neither he nor his Men were greedy or unreasonable; but as the Prince had not the Courage publickly to claim the Slaves, he would have basely stolen them by false Pretences of Kindred, it was a Sign he did not think such Claim justifiable, as certainly it was not, for all his Captains could witness their Prince had agreed the Prisoners taken should be given to the Whites, and his Companions, a sufficient Title, to mention no other. That he had resolved to shew them, by a severe Chastisement, the Abhorrence those of his Colour have to Ingratitude and Deceit, and what Difference there was in fighting on the Ground of Justice, andthe supporting Wrong and Injury; but as they acknowledg’d their Error, he should not only forgive but forget what was past, provided no new Treachery, in his Return, which he resolved upon, refresh’d his Memory.’He then order’d them to bring all the Slaves, and they punctually complied without Reply.
Northchose out the finest and ablest among them, and dividing the whole Number of Prisoners into two equal Bands, he kept that in which he had placed the chosen Slaves, and sent the other to the Prince, telling him,‘tho’ neither Fraud nor Compulsion could wring a Slave from him, yet Justice, as some of his Troops had shared the Danger, and a generous Temper, had sent him that Present, which was half the Spoil; tho’ he could not think of going any farther on with the War, that he ought to content himself with the taking a Town they thought impregnable, and blame his own Conduct, if he should continue in the Field, and hereafter find the Want of his Assistance.’
The Prince and his People admired the Penetration, Bravery, and Generosity of the Whites, and sent them Word,‘He was more obliged to them for the Lesson they had taught him by their Practice, than for the Slaves they had presented him, tho’ he esteem’d the Present as he ought. That for the future he should have an Abhorrence from every mean Action, since he had learned from them the Beauty of a candid open Procedure. At the same Time he thank’d him for the Present, and the not suffering his Resentment to go farther than the frightning him into his Duty; for he was sensible his Balls were not fir’d over their Heads, but by Orders proceeding from the Humanity of the Whites, who, he observed, tender over the Lives oftheir Enemies, contrary to the Custom of his Countrymen, who give Quarter to none, the Females and Infants excepted, that there may hereafter be none to take Revenge; he begg’d, that he would suffer their Submission to get the better of his Design to depart.’This could not prevail, the Whites and their Friends, who came with them, turn’d their Faces towards home, taking their Slaves and Cattle with them; tho’ theMangorianswere sensibly touch’d at the Obstinacy ofNorth’s Resolution, yet they parted very amicably.
As the Whites were returning home with their Company, they fell in with another Nation, theTimouses, whose Prince join’dNorth, with 500 Men, and swore a strict Amity with him and his Crew.
The Ceremony used among the Natives, as it is uncommon, so an Account of it may, perhaps, be agreeable to my Readers. The Parties, who swear to each other, interweave their Toes and Fingers, so that they must necessarily sit very close to each other. When they have thus knit their Hands and Feet, they reciprocally swear to do each other all friendly Offices, to be a Friend or Enemy to the Friend or Enemy of the Party to whom they swear; and if they falsify the Oath they make, they imprecate several Curses on themselves, as may they fall by the Lance, be devoured by the Alligator, or struck dead by the Hand of God; then an Assistant scarifies each of the contracting Parties on the Chest, and wiping up the Blood with a Piece of Bread, gives this bloody Bread to each of them to eat, that is, each eats the Blood of the other; and this Oath whether it be with equal Parties, or with a Prince and his Subject, where the one promises Protection, and the other Obedience (which was theNature of that taken betweenNorthand this Prince) is look’d upon inviolable, and they have few Examples of its being broken; but where any has been wicked enough to violate this solemn Oath, they say, they have been ever punish’d according to their Imprecations.
As this Prince had War with powerful Neighbours, he left his Country, taking with him all his great Men, Wives, and Relations, and with a Company of about 500 fighting Men, followedNorth, and settled by him, where he staid two Years, the TimeNorthstaid; during this Space, being supplied with Arms, Powder, and several Natives by CaptainNorth, he made several Inroads into his Enemies Countries, and made all he conquer’d, swear Allegiance to Capt.North.
At the Expiration of two Years, CaptainHalseycame in with a Brigantine, as is said in the Life of CaptainWhite.