Weshall add here a few Particulars (not mentioned in our first Volume) of the famousBlackbeard, relating to his taking the SouthCarolinaShips, and insulting that Colony. This was at the Time that the Pyrates had obtained such an Acquisition of Strength, that they were in no Concern about preserving themselves from the Justice of Laws, but of advancing their Power, and maintaining their Sovereignty, not over the Seas only, but to stretch their Dominions to the Plantations themselves, and the Governors thereof, insomuch that when their Prisoners came aboard their Captors Ships, the Pyrates freely own’d their Acquaintance with them, and never endeavour’d to conceal their Names, or Habitations, as if they had been Inhabitants of a legal Commonwealth, and were resolved to treat with all the World on the Foot of a free State; and all judicial Acts went in the Name ofTeach, under the Title of Commodore.
All theCarolinaPrisoners were lodg’d aboard the Commodore’s Ship, after being strictly examin’d concerning the Lading of their Vessels, and the Number and Condition of other Traders in the Harbour; when they thought they would sail, and whither bound: And the Enquiry was so solemnly carried on, that the Pyrates swore, that it should be Death for that Man that told a Lye,or otherwise shifted or evaded in his Answers. At the same Time all their Papers were perused with the same Diligence as though it had been at the Secretary’s Office here inEngland. When this Business was gone through, Word was given, that all the Prisoners should be immediately turn’d aboard their own Ship, out of which they had already taken their Provisions and Stores. This was done with that Hurry and Precipitation, that it struck a great Terror in the unfortunate People, verily believing they were then going to their Destruction; and what seem’d to confirm them in this Notion was, that no Regard was had to the Qualities of the Prisoners, but Merchants, Gentlemen of Rank, and even a Child of Mr.Wragg’s, were thrust aboard in a tumultuous and confus’d Manner, and lock’d all under the Hatches, where not so much as one Pyrate stay’d amongst them.
In this melancholly Situation were these innocent People left, bewailing their Condition for several Hours, expecting every Moment that pass’d either that a Match would be laid to a Train to blow them up, or that the Ship was to be set on Fire, or sunk; no Body could tell which, but every one supposed they were, one Way or other, destin’d for a Sacrifice to their brutal Humours.
But, at length, a Gleam of Light shot in upon them, that recover’d their drooping Souls; the Hatches were unlaid, and they were immediately order’d back on board the Commodore: They began then to think the Pyrates had changed their savage Resolution; and that God had inspired them with Sentiments less shocking to Nature and Humanity, and they went aboard, as it were, with new Life. The Chief of them were brought beforeBlackbeard, the Pyrates General, who acquainted them with the Occasion of that extraordinary Procedure; and that they were only putout of the Way while a general Council was held, at which Time they suffer’d no Prisoner to be present. He told them, the Company was in want of Medicines, and must be supply’d from the Province; that their first Surgeon had drawn up a Catalogue, which he would send to the Governor and Council, by two of his own Officers, for whose safe Return, as well as for the Chest it self, they had come to a Resolution of keeping all the Prisoners as Hostages, who would all be put to Death, if such their Demands were not comply’d with punctually.
Mr.Wragganswer’d, that, perhaps, it might not be in their Power to comply with every Part of it; and, he fear’d, that some certain Drugs in the Surgeon’s List, were not to be had in the Province; and, if it should prove so, he hop’d they would be contented to have that Want made up by substituting something else in the Place. He likewise proposed, that one of them might go with the two Gentlemen that were to be sent on the Embassy, who might truly represent the Danger they were in, and induce them more readily to submit, in order to save the Lives of so many of the King’s Subjects; and further, to prevent any Insult from the common People, (for whose Conduct, on such an Occasion, they could not answer) on the Persons of his Envoys.
His ExcellencyBlackbeardthought this Advice reasonable, and therefore call’d another Council, who likewise approv’d of the Amendment; thereupon Mr.Wragg, who was the first in Authority, and known to be a Man of good Understanding among theCarolinians, was offer’d, and the Gentleman, himself, was willing to leave a young Son in the Hands of the Pyrates, till he should return, which he promis’d to do, though the Government should refuse the Terms of their Releasement:ButBlackbeardpositively deny’d this Request, saying, he knew too well of what consequence he was in theProvence, and he would be equally so to them, and therefore he should be the last Man they would part with.
After some Debate, Mr.Markswas agreed upon to accompany the Ambassadors, and accordingly they went off from the Fleet in a Canoe, and two Days were appointed for their Return; in the mean while the Commadore lay too at five or six Leagues Distance from the Land, expecting the Conditions of Peace; but the Time expiring, and nothing appearing from the Harbour, Mr.Wraggwas sent for up beforeTeach, who putting on a terrible Countenance, told him, they were not to be trifled with, that he imagined some foul Treachery was play’d them, and that nothing but immediate Death to them all should be the Consequence of it. Mr.Wraggbegg’d to respite the dreadful Execution one Day longer, for, that he was sure, the Province regarded their Lives so much, that they would be sollicitous to the last Degree to redeem them; that, perhaps, some Misfortune might have befallen the Canoe in going in, or it might be their own Men that occasioned the Delay, for either of which it would be hard for them to suffer.
Teachwas pacified for the present, and allow’d a Day more for their coming back; but at the End of that Time, how was he enraged to find himself disappointed, calling them Villains a thousand Times, and swearing, they should not live two Hours. Mr.Wragg, humour’d him all he could, and desired a good Look-out should be kept. Matters seem’d now to be coming to Extremities, and no Body thought their Lives worth a Day’s Purchase; the innocent People were under great Agonies of Mind, expecting that nothing but aMiracle could preserve them from being crush’d by the Weight of the Enemy’s Power, when Word was given from the Forecastle, that a small Boat appear’d in Sight. This raised their drooping Spirits, and reviv’d their Hopes;Blackbeardwent forward himself with his Spying-Glass, and declared he could perceive his own Scarlet Cloak he lent Mr.Marksto go ashore in; this was thought to be a sure Reprieve, till the Boat came aboard, and then their Fears returned, seeing neither the Pyrates, Mr.Marks, nor the Chest of Medicines in the Boat.
This Boat, it seems, was sent off by Mr.Marksvery discreetly, lest a Misconstruction should be put upon the Stay, that an unfortunate Accident had occasioned, and which the Men that belong’d to her acquainted the Commodore of,viz.That the Boat they had sent ashore was cast away, being overset by a sudden Squall of Wind, and the Men with great Trouble had got ashore at the uninhabited Island of ...... three or four Leagues from the Main, that having staid there some time till reduced to Extremity, there being no Provision of any Kind, and fearing what Disaster might befal the Prisoners aboard; the Persons belonging to their Company, set Mr.Marksupon a Hatch, and floated it upon the Sea, after which, they stripp’d and flung themselves in, and swiming after it, and thrust the Float forward, endeavouring, by that means, to get to Town. This prov’d a very tedious Voiture, and in all Likelihood they had perished, had not this Fishing Boat sail’d by in the Morning, and perceiving something in the Water, made to it, and took them in, when they were near spent with their Labour.
When they were thus providentially preserv’d, Mr.Markswent into ...... and there hired a Boat which carried them toCharles Town; in the mean time he had sent this Boat to give them an Account of the Accident. Mr.Teachwas pacified with this Relation, and consented to stay two Days longer, since there appeared no Fault of theirs in causing this Delay. At the End of two Days, they lost all Patience, and the Commodore could not be prevail’d on to give them any longer Time than the next Morning to live, if the Boat did not return by that Time. Still expecting and still disappointed, the Gentlemen knew not what to say, nor how to excuse their Friends at Land; some of them told the Pyrates, that they had equal Reason with them to blame their Conduct; that they doubted not, by what had already happen’d, of Mr.Mark’s doing his Duty faithfully; and since they had received Notice of the Boat’s going safe intoCharles Town, they could not conceive what should hinder the Execution of the Business, unless they put a greater Value on the Chest of Medicines, than on the Lives of fourscore Men now on the Verge of Destruction.Teach, for his Part, believed they had imprisoned his Men, and refused the Condition of the Prisoner’s Enlargement, and swore a thousand Times, that they should not only die, but everyCarolinaMan that hereafter should fall into his Hands. The Prisoners, at last, petitioned to have this one Favour granted,viz.That the Fleet should weigh and stand off the Harbour, and if they should not then see the Boat coming out, that they the Prisoners would pilot them in before the Town, which, if they pleased to batter down, they would stand by them to the last Man.
This Proposal of taking Revenge for the supposed Treachery (as the Commodore was pleased to term it) suited well enough the Savage Temper of the General and his Brutes, and he acquiesc’d at once. The Project was likewise approv’d on by the Myrmidons, and accordingly they weigh’d Anchor, being in all eight Sail of Ships, which were the Prizes they had in Custody, and rang’d along the Town; the Inhabitants then had their Share of the Fright, expecting nothing less than a general Attack; the Men were brought all under Arms, but not in so regular a manner as might have been done, had the Surprize been less; but the Women and Children ran about the Street like mad Things. However, before Matters came to Extremities, the Boat was seen coming out, which brought Redemption to the poor Captives, and Peace to all.
The Chest was brought aboard, and accepted of, and it further appear’d, that Mr.Markshad done his Duty, and the Blame of the Delay was deservedly thrown on the two Pyrates that were sent on the Embassy; for while the Gentlemen attended the Governor and Council upon the Business, the other fine Gentlemen were visiting and drinking with theirquondamFriends and Acquaintance, and going from House to House, so that they were not to be found when the Medicines were ready to go aboard; and Mr.Marksknew it were Death to them all to go without them, for the Commodore would not easily have believ’d, had they not returned, that there had been no foul Play acted by them. But now none but smiling Countenances were seen aboard; the Storm that threatned the Prisoners so heavily, blew over, and a Day of Sun-shine succeeded; in short,Blackbeardreleased them as he had promised, and sent them away in the Ships after he had donewith them, and then sail’d off the Coast, as has been mentioned inVol.I.page 73.
What follows, contains Reflections on a Gentleman now deceas’d, who was Governor ofNorth Carolina, namely,Charles Eden, Esq; which, we apprehend, by Accounts since receiv’d, to be without just Grounds, therefore, it will be necessary to say something in this Place, to take off the Calumny thrown on his Character, by Persons who have misjudged of his Conduct by the Height Things appeared in at that time.
Upon a Review of this Part ofBlackbeard’s Story, it does not seem, by any Matters of Fact candidly considered, that the said Governour held any private or criminal Correspondence with this Pyrate; and I have been inform’d since, by very good Hands, that Mr.Edenalways behaved, as far as he had Power, in a manner suitable to his Post, and bore the Character of a good Governor, and an honest Man.
But his Misfortune was, the Weakness of the Colony he commanded, wanting Strength to punish the Disorders ofTeach, who lorded it at Pleasure, not only in the Plantation, but in the Governor’s own Habitation, threatening to destroy the Town with Fire and Sword, if any Injury was offer’d to him or his Companions, insomuch, that he sometimes drew up his Vessel against the Town, and once, when he suspected that there was a Design of seizing him, he went ashore to the Governor well armed, and left Orders with his Men on board, that in Case he should not return in an Hour’s Time (as he determined, if at Liberty) to batter down the House about their Ears, without any more to do, notwithstanding he himself were to be in it. Such were the outragious Insolencies of this Villain, who was so big withMischief, that he resolved to be revenged upon his Enemies at all Events, even tho’ he should give up his own Life, as a Sacrifice, to obtain those wicked Ends.
It is to be observed, thatBlackbeard, nevertheless, as to his Pyracies, had comply’d with the Proclamation, and thereby satisfied the Law, and having a Certificate thereof from under the Hand of his Excellency, he could not be prosecuted for any of those Crimes committed heretofore, because they were wiped off by the said Proclamation of Pardon: And as to condemning theFrench MartinicoMan thatBlackbeardbrought in toNorth Carolinaafterwards, the Governor proceeded judicially upon her. He called a Court of Vice Admiralty, by virtue of his Commission; at which four of the Crew swore they found the Ship at Sea with no Person on board her, so the Court condemn’d her, as any other Court must have done, and the Cargo was disposed of according to Law.
As to the secret Expedition fromVirginia, undertaken by the Governor and the two Captains of Men of War, they had their secret Views in it: The Men of War had lain up these ten Months whilst the Pyrates infested the Coast, and did great Mischief, for which, ’tis likely, they might have been called to an Account; but the Success of the Enterprize againstTeach, aliasBlackbeard, perhaps prevented such Enquiry, tho’ I am at a Loss to know what Acts of Pyracy he had committed after this Surrender to the Proclamation; theFrenchShip was lawfully condemned, as has been said before, and if he had committed any Depredations amongst the Planters, as they seem’d to complain of, they were not upon the high Sea, but either in the River, or on Shore, and could not come within the Jurisdiction of the Admiralty, nor under any Laws of Pyracy. The GovernorofVirginiafound his Interest in the Affair; for he sent, at the same time, a Force by Land, and seiz’d considerable Effects ofBlackbeard’s inEden’s Province, which was certainly a new Thing for the Governor of one Province, whose Commission was limited to that Jurisdiction, to exercise Authority in another Government, and the Governour himself upon the Spot. Thus was poor Mr.Edeninsulted and abused on all Sides, without having the Power of doing himself Justice, and asserting his lawful Rights.
In fine, to do Justice to GovernorEden’s Character, who is since dead, there did not appear from any Writings or Letters found inBlackbeard’s Sloop, or from any other Evidence whatsoever, that the said Governor was concerned at all in any Male Practice; but on the contrary, that during his Continuance in that Post, he was honour’d and beloved by his Colony, for his Uprightness, Probity, and prudent Conduct in his Administration; what Affairs were carried on privately by his then Secretary I know not; he died a few Days afterBlackbeard’s Destruction, and no Enquiry was made; perhaps there might be no Occasion for it.
Ihave but few Words to add to MajorBonnet’s Life and Actions; when his Dissolution drew nigh, all his Resolution fail’d him, and his Fears and Agonies so wrought upon him, that he was scarce sensible when he came to the Place of Execution. His piteous Behaviour under Sentence, very much affected the People of the Province, particularly the Women, and great Application was made to the Governor for saving his Life, but in vain; not that his Excellency ColonelJohnsonpleased himself in Acts of severe Justice, but he knew his Duty too well to be misled by the Tears and Prayers of weak and inconsiderate People, when the publick Good, as well as his own Honour, stood in Question. Had notBonnetescap’d out of his Keeper’s Hand, after he was taken, and occasioned the Death of his Fellow-PrisonerHarriot, by resisting the Governor’s Authority, and therein given a new Specimen of his disloyal Intentions, something might have been done in his Favour; but he was become too notorious, and too dangerous a Criminal, to give Life to. However, the Governor who conducted himself in his Post as well as in his private Capacity, with great Probity, Honour, and Candour, hearkened to a Proposal ofBonnet’s Friends, which was to send him Prisoner toEngland, that his Case might be referr’d to his Majesty. Col.Rhetoffer’d to go with him, and sufficient Securitywas to be given for yielding him up there, to be dealt with according to his Majesty’s Pleasure; but the Major’s Friends considered, at last, that it would be a great Expence and Trouble to no manner of purpose, except the lengthening out a wretched Life some small Time longer; for they conceived as little Hope of obtaining a Pardon inEnglandas inSouth Carolina; so they even submitted to the Execution of that Sentence upon the Major, that had with so much Justice pass’d upon him. I shall subjoin here a Copy of a Letter, writ to the Governor from the Prisoner sometime before he died.
Honoured Sir,
‘IHave presumed, on the Confidence of your eminent Goodness, to throw my self, after this manner, at your Feet, to implore you’ll graciously be pleased to look upon me with tender Bowels of Pity and Compassion; and believe me to be the most miserable Man this Day breathing: That the Tears proceeding from my most sorrowful Soul may soften your Heart, and incline you to consider my dismal State, wholly, I must confess, unprepared to receive so soon the dreadful Execution you have been pleas’d to appoint me; and therefore beseech you to think me an Object of your Mercy.‘For God Sake, good Sir, let the Oaths of three Christian Men weigh something with you, who are ready to depose, when you please to allow them the Liberty, the Compulsions I lay under in committing those Acts, for which I am doom’d to die.‘I intreat you not to let me fall a Sacrifice to the Envy and ungodly Rage of some few Men, who, not being yet satisfied with Blood,feign to believe, that if I had the Happiness of a longer Life in this World, I should still employ it in a wicked Manner; which, to remove that and all other Doubts with your Honour, I heartily beseech you’ll permit me to live, and I’ll voluntarily put it ever out of my Power, by separating all my Limbs from my Body, only reserving the Use of my Tongue, to call continually on, and pray to the Lord, my God, and mourn all my Days in Sack-cloth and Ashes to work out confident Hopes of my Salvation, at that great and dreadful Day, when all righteous Souls shall receive their just Rewards: And to render your Honour a further Assurance of being incapable to prejudice any of my Fellow-Christians, if I was so wickedly bent; I humbly beg you will (as a Punishment of my Sins for my poor Soul’s Sake) indent me a menial Servant to your Honour and this Government, during my Life, and send me up to the farthest Inland Garrison or Settlement in the Country, or any otherways you’ll be pleased to dispose of me; and likewise that you’ll receive the Willingness of my Friends to be bound for my good Behaviour, and constant Attendance to your Commands.‘I once more beg for the Lord’s Sake, dear Sir, that as you are a Christian, you will be so charitable to have Mercy and Compassion on my miserable Soul, but too newly awaked from an Habit of Sin, to entertain so confident Hopes and Assurance of its being received into the Arms of my blessed Jesus, as is necessary to reconcile me to so speedy a Death; wherefore, as my Life, Blood, Reputation of my Family, and future happy State lies entirely at your Disposal; I implore you to consider me with a christian and charitable Heart, and determinemercifully of me, that I may ever acknowledge and esteem you next to God my Saviour; and oblige me ever to pray, that our heavenly Father will also forgive your Trespasses.‘Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the Dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the Sheep, thro’ the Blood of the everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in every good Work to do his Will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his Sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for ever and ever, is the hearty Prayer ofYour Honour’sMost miserable, andAfflicted Servant,STEDE BONNET.’
‘IHave presumed, on the Confidence of your eminent Goodness, to throw my self, after this manner, at your Feet, to implore you’ll graciously be pleased to look upon me with tender Bowels of Pity and Compassion; and believe me to be the most miserable Man this Day breathing: That the Tears proceeding from my most sorrowful Soul may soften your Heart, and incline you to consider my dismal State, wholly, I must confess, unprepared to receive so soon the dreadful Execution you have been pleas’d to appoint me; and therefore beseech you to think me an Object of your Mercy.
‘For God Sake, good Sir, let the Oaths of three Christian Men weigh something with you, who are ready to depose, when you please to allow them the Liberty, the Compulsions I lay under in committing those Acts, for which I am doom’d to die.
‘I intreat you not to let me fall a Sacrifice to the Envy and ungodly Rage of some few Men, who, not being yet satisfied with Blood,feign to believe, that if I had the Happiness of a longer Life in this World, I should still employ it in a wicked Manner; which, to remove that and all other Doubts with your Honour, I heartily beseech you’ll permit me to live, and I’ll voluntarily put it ever out of my Power, by separating all my Limbs from my Body, only reserving the Use of my Tongue, to call continually on, and pray to the Lord, my God, and mourn all my Days in Sack-cloth and Ashes to work out confident Hopes of my Salvation, at that great and dreadful Day, when all righteous Souls shall receive their just Rewards: And to render your Honour a further Assurance of being incapable to prejudice any of my Fellow-Christians, if I was so wickedly bent; I humbly beg you will (as a Punishment of my Sins for my poor Soul’s Sake) indent me a menial Servant to your Honour and this Government, during my Life, and send me up to the farthest Inland Garrison or Settlement in the Country, or any otherways you’ll be pleased to dispose of me; and likewise that you’ll receive the Willingness of my Friends to be bound for my good Behaviour, and constant Attendance to your Commands.
‘I once more beg for the Lord’s Sake, dear Sir, that as you are a Christian, you will be so charitable to have Mercy and Compassion on my miserable Soul, but too newly awaked from an Habit of Sin, to entertain so confident Hopes and Assurance of its being received into the Arms of my blessed Jesus, as is necessary to reconcile me to so speedy a Death; wherefore, as my Life, Blood, Reputation of my Family, and future happy State lies entirely at your Disposal; I implore you to consider me with a christian and charitable Heart, and determinemercifully of me, that I may ever acknowledge and esteem you next to God my Saviour; and oblige me ever to pray, that our heavenly Father will also forgive your Trespasses.
‘Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the Dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the Sheep, thro’ the Blood of the everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in every good Work to do his Will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his Sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for ever and ever, is the hearty Prayer of
Your Honour’sMost miserable, andAfflicted Servant,STEDE BONNET.’
TheHistory of the Pyrates being an Undertaking of great Length and Variety, the Author readily owns, that in some Parts, he may not be so exact, as they who have been occasionally upon the Spot when these particular Incidents have happen’d. But in any Circumstances he has omitted or misrepresented, he applies to such Persons for better Information; which Correction or Addition (as several others have been) shall be inserted as a Supplement to the whole.
And he hereby acknowledges himself much obliged to the worthy Gentleman who sent the following Letter, for his kind Assistance, in promoting his chief Design, which is to render as compleat as possible, a Work of so difficult a Nature.
To Mr.Johnson,Author of the Lives of the Pyrates.
SIR,
Inperusing your Book, Entitled,A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the most notorious Pyrates, &c. I find there an Account of the taking CaptainWorleyand his Crew, in many Particulars of which you have been very much misinformed, and consequently the Publick is so; that Pyrate having been taken off the Bar ofCharles TowninSouth Carolinaby Col.Robert Johnson,the then Governor, in Person; to whom to do Justice, I have sent you the following Account of the taking him; for, as to his Beginning and Rise, I cannot say but your Account may be right, as you have set it forth in your aforesaid Book.
InOctober, 1718, GovernorJohnsonwas informed, that there was a Pyrate Ship off the Bar ofCharles Town, commanded by oneMoody, carrying 50 Guns, and near 200 Men, that he had taken two Ships bound to that Port fromNew England, and was come to an Anchor with them to the Southward of the Bar; whereupon, he called his Council and the principal Gentlemen of the Place, and proposed to them, to fit out a proper Force to go out and attack him, fearing he might lie there some Time, asThatchandVanehad done before, and annoy the Trade; which they unanimously agreeing, and there being, at that Time, 14 or 15 Ships in the Harbour, he impress’d theMediterraneanGally,Arthur Loan, and the KingWilliam,John Watkinson, Commanders; and two Sloops, one of which was theRevenge, taken fromStede Bonnet, the Pyrate, and another fromPhiladelphia; the former, CaptainJohn Masterscommanded, and the latter, CaptainFayrer Hall; which two Captains had lately commanded the same Sloops that tookBonnetatCape Fear, about a Month before. On board theMediterraneanwas put 24 Guns, and 30 on Board the KingWilliam; theRevengeSloop had 8, and the other Sloop 6 Guns; and being thus equipp’d, the Governor issued a Proclamation, to encourage Voluntiers to go on Board, promising ’em all the Booty to be shar’d among them, and that he himself would go in Person with ’em; but the Ships and Sloops before-mentioned being impress’d, it was natural for the Commanders to desire some Assurance of Satisfaction to be made the Owners, in Case of a Misfortune; so that the Governorfound it necessary to call the General Assembly of the Province, without whom it was impossible for him to give them the Satisfaction they desired, and who, without any Hesitation, pass’d a Vote, that they would pay for the said Vessels, in Case they were lost, according to an Appraisement then made of them, and what other Expences accrued to carry on this necessary Expedition. This Way of Proceeding took up a Week’s Time, during which, the Governor ordered Scout Boats to ply up and down the River, as well to guard the Port from any Attempts the Pyrates might make to Land, as to hinder them from having Advice of what was doing, and also laid an Embargo on the Shipping.
About three Days before the Governor sail’d, there appear’d off the Barr a Ship, and a Sloop, who came to an Anchor, and made a Signal for a Pilot; but they being suppos’d to beMoody, and a Sloop that had join’d him (as it was said he expected) no Pilot was permitted to go near them, and thus they rid for four Days, once or twice attempting to send their Boat on Shore, to an Island, call’d,SuilivantsIsland (as they afterwards confess’d) to fetch Water, of which they were in great Want; but they were prevented by the Scout Boats before-mentioned: And, for Want of which, they were obliged to continue in the same Station, in hopes some Ship would be coming in or going out, to relieve their Necessities, they being very short also of Provisions.
And now all Things being ready, and about Three hundred Men on Board the four Vessels, the Governor thought himself a Match forMoodyin his 50 Gun Ship, although he should be, as they thought he was, join’d by a Sloop: And therefore, he sail’d with his Fleet belowJohnson’s Fort over Night, and the next Morning by Breakof Day, weigh’d Anchor, and by Eight in the Morning, they were over the Bar.
The Pyrate Sloop immediately slipt her Cable, hoisted a black Flag, and stood to get between the Bar and the Governor’s Ships, to prevent their going in again, as they expected they would have done; and in a small Time after, the Pyrate Ship also hoisted a black Flag, and made Sail after the Sloop; during all this Time, the Men on Board the Governor’s Vessels did not appear, nor was there any Shew of Guns, until they came within half Gun-shot; when the Governor hoisted a Flag at the Main-top-mast Head of theMediterranean, they all flung out their Guns, and giving them their Broad-sides, the Pyrates immediately run, whereupon, the Governor ordered the two Sloops after the Pyrate Sloop, who stood in towards the Shore, while himself and the KingWilliamfollowed the Ship who stood the contrary Way to Sea. She seemed to have many Ports, and very full of Men, tho’ she had fir’d but from two Guns, which occasion’d no small Wonder on Board the Governor, why she had not flung open her Ports, and made Use of more Guns, she being imagined all this while to beMoody.
The Sloop, which proved to beWorley, was attacked by the two Sloops so warmly, that the Men run into the Hold, all exceptWorleyhimself and some few others, who were killed on the Deck; and being boarded, they took her within Sight ofCharles Town: The People seeing the Action from the Tops of their Houses, and the Masts of the Ships in the Harbour, where they had placed themselves for that Purpose; but it was Three in the Afternoon before the Governor and the KingWilliamcame up with the Ship, who, during the Chase, had taken down her Flagg, and wrapping the small Arms in it, had thrown themover-board; and also flung over her Boat and what other Things they thought would lighten her, but all would not do: The KingWilliamcame first up with her, and firing his Chase Guns, killed several of the People on board, and they immediately struck; when, to the no small Surprize of the Governor and his Company, there appeared near as many Women on board as Men, who were not a few neither. The Ship proving to be theEagle, bound fromLondontoVirginia, with Convicts; but had been taken byWorleyoff theCapeofVirginia, and had upwards of 100 Men and 30 Women on board. Many of the Men had taken on with the Pyrates, and as such, found inCarolinathe Fate they had deserved at home, being hang’d atCharles Town; the virtuous Ladies were designed to have been landed on one of the uninhabitedBahamaIslands, where there was a proper Port for these Rovers to put in, at any Time, to refresh themselves, after the Fatigue of the Sea. And thus a most hopeful Colony would have commenced, if they had had but Provisions and Water sufficient to have carried them to Sea; but their Fate kept them so long before the Port ofCharles Town, until they were destroyed, and an End put to their wicked Lives, in the Manner before-mentioned.
Notwithstanding all the Governor’s Care, that no Advice should be givenMoodyof the Preparations making for him, some People from the Shore were so wicked, as to go off in the Night and give him a particular Account of the Ships, Sloops, and Men, that were preparing to go out against him; whereupon, he having taken (about three Days before the Governor went) theMinerva, CaptainSmyter, from theMaderas, laden with Wine, he immediately weighed Anchor and took his Prize with him, and stood out above one hundred Leagues toSea, where he plundered her, and named to the Master not only the Vessels, but some of the very Persons were coming out to attack him, by which Advice he escaped, andWorleycoming just as the other was gone, met the Fate designed forMoody; who having taken out most of the Wine from on board theMinerva, and plundered her, he discharged, and sail’d forProvidence, and soon after took the Benefit of his Majesty’s Royal Proclamation.
The Governor kept the Ships and Vessels in sailing Order some Time, in HopesMoodymight have come off the Bar again; but being informed by theMinervahe was sailed forProvidence, he discharged them, giving the small Booty taken to the Men who were the Captors, as he had promised them.
Your Account of the taking ofBonnetis pretty just, which was done by GovernorJohnson’s Direction and Commission also.
To CaptainJohnson.
SIR,
ThoughI can contribute nothing to your Second Volume of Pyrates you have (as I hear) in Hand, yet, by your Character of Veracity, I perswade my self I shall oblige you, in rectifying a Mistake you made in your first. In the Life of CaptainMartelyou say, theGreyhoundGalley ofLondon, which I then commanded, fell into the Hands of that Pyrate, who plunder’d her of some Gold Dust, Elephants Teeth, and 40 Slaves. The latter Part of this is just, except the Elephants Teeth, of which I lost, I think, none; but you are misled in the former, forMartel’s Company had deposed him, on Account, as they themselves told me, of his Cruelty; had given him, and those who were willing to follow his Fortunes, a Sloop, and, sending him away, chose a more righteous in his Place, whose Name wasKennedy, by Descent anIrishman, by Birth aSpaniardofCuba, and a Hunter. On my coming on Board the Pyrate, CaptainSaundersof theWeymouth, who was taken the Day before, was the first Man who spoke to me, telling me, he was sorry for my Misfortune. I took him for the Commander of the Pyrate; but I soon found my Mistake, by his carrying me aft to the Captain, who bid me welcome, and drank to me in a Can of Wine; and some of the Crew told me, that it was happy for me I didnot fall into the Hands of their late Captain; for a Ship withMaderaWine thought fit to give them the Trouble to lose some Time, and fire a couple of Chase-Guns before she shorten’d Sail, which CaptainMarteltook for so great an Affront, that all the Company was cut off. But I shall now give you the Particulars of my being taken. As I have said, I commanded theGreyhoundGalley, on board of which I had 250 Slaves, bound from the Coast ofGuineytoJamaica, and consign’d to MessieursFeakandAldcroft, on Account of Mr.Bignelland others. On the 16th ofOctober1716, about 10 Leagues S. S. W. from the Island ofMonna, in the grey of the Morning, my second Mate came down and acquainted me, that a Ship was almost on board us. We then steer’d about W. half South, and the Pyrate stood to the S. E. His coming very near us made us edge away from him, and call out to desire he would keep his Luff, or he would be on board us. No Answer was given, and not a Soul appear’d on his Decks, but the Man at the Helm, and about two more; however theGreyhoundgot clear, and crowded, as usual, for a Market. As soon as the Pyrate got into our Wake, she wore, and made all the Sail she could, by which Means she soon came up with us (for she was clean, and we foul) and clewing up her Sprit-Sail, fir’d a Gun with Shot, and at the same Time let fly her Jack, Ensign and Pendant, in which was the Figure of a Man, with a Sword in his Hand, and an Hour-Glass before him, with a Death’s Head and Bones. In the Jack and Pendant were only the Head and Cross Bones. I did not think fit to shorten Sail, which occasioned a second Shot from the Pyrate, which went through our Main Top-Sail. Upon this I consulted my Officers, and they advised the shortning Sail, as we were no Way in a Capacity to make any Defence.I followed their Advice, and was order’d on board the Pyrate, who ask’d me, pretty civily, the usual Questions, Whence I came? Whether bound?&c.My second Mate, and some of my Men, were soon shifted into the Pyrate, with 40 of the best Men Slaves; the Women Slaves they diverted themselves with, and took off the Irons from all the Negroes I had on board. The Captain asked me if I had no Gold? I assured him I had not; and, indeed, I had no more than 100 Ounces, which, before I went on board the Pyrate, my Carpenter had let into the Ceiling of the great Cabbin. He answer’d only, it was very strange that I should take no Gold on the Coast. I answer’d, I had taken a considerable Quantity, but as I took it in one Place, I parted with it in another; which, if he would inspect my Books, he would find exactly as I said. We had no more Discourse then on the Subject, but a while after, I and my Mate were sent for into the great Cabbin, where the Council sat. Immediately cock’d Pistols were clapp’d to our Breasts, and we were threaten’d with Death, in Case we did not confess what Gold we had on board, and where it was hid. I deny’d that we had any, and desir’d he would satisfy himself of the Truth, by examining my Books. The Mate answer’d, he knew nothing of my Dealings on the Coasts, and therefore could give no Answer. He knew, indeed, I had received Gold on the Coast, as he had seen it brought on board; but he had seen a considerable Quantity carry’d out of the Ship. Upon this, we were order’d to withdraw, and nothing more was said; but I hearing their Design was to torture me with lighted Matches between my Fingers, I thought the Loss of the Use of my Hands would be but poorly compensated with the saving 100 Ounces of Gold, and therefore desired to speak to theCaptain himself; to him I discover’d what I had, and where it was concealed. He immediately sent his Boat on board theGreyhound, with my Carpenter and half a dozen of his own Crew, who were so impatient to be at the Gold, they made a meer Pincushion of the Fellow’s Breech, continually pricking his Backside with their Swords, to hasten him. My Lodging was in the Hold, where oneTaffier, the Gunner, came down to me, and snapp’d a Pistol at my Breast, which he fired afterwards upon Deck; and the same Man one Day, as I was on the Quarter-Deck, struck me, in the Presence of his Captain, with his Cutlass, after having reproach’d me with my private Confession, and asking, if every Man there had not as good and just Pretension to the Gold as the Captain. Whether it was by Accident or Design that he struck with the Flat of his Cutlass, I know not, but the Blow knock’d me down, and depriv’d me of my Senses for some Time.
CaptainKennedy, who seem’d to have more Humanity than is commonly found in Men of his Profession, resented this Treatment of me so far, that he got into his Yawl, and put off from the Ship, swearing he would not sail with Men who so barbarously abused their Prisoners. He, however, returned on board at their Perswasions, and on their Promise, that nothing like it should happen for the future. The Night of the Day in which we were taken, the Pyrate came to an Anchor under the Island ofSavona, where he kept us till the 20th, and then let us go in Company with CaptainSaunders, of the ShipWeymouth, fromBoston, laden with Fish and Lumber forJamaica, at which Island we arrived and anchor’d atPort Royalthe 25th in the Morning.
The Pyrate, a little before I was taken, had met with two interlopingDutchMen, supposed to be bound for the Main, who gave him a rough Entertainment, and made him glad to sheer off.
TheWeymouthhad two Women Passengers on board; how they pass’d their Time I need not say; though, I fancy, as they had formerly made a Trip or two to the Bay, there was no Rape committed.
Notwithstanding the melancholy Situation I was in, I could not refrain laughing when I saw the Fellows who went on board theGreyhound, return to their own Ship; for they had, in rummaging my Cabbin, met with a Leather Powder Bag and Puff, with which they had powder’d themselves from Head to Foot, walk’d the Decks with their Hats under their Arms, minced their Oaths, and affected all the Airs of a Beau, with an Aukwardness would have forced a Smile from a Cynick.
When I was permitted to return on board theGreyhound, and prosecute my Voyage, I found all my Papers torn, and every Thing turn’d topsy-turvy; but this was nothing to their leaving all my Negroes out of Irons, of whom I was more in fear than I had been of the Pyrates; for, among them, the Captain’s Humanity protected us; but we could expect no Quarter from the Negroes should they rebel; and, in such Case, we had no Prospect of quelling them, for the Pyrates had taken away all our Arms, and by opening a Cask of Knives, which they had scatter’d about the Ship, they had armed the Negroes, one of whom had the Insolence to collar and shake one of my Men. I therefore called my People aft, and told them, our Security depended altogether on our Resolution; wherefore armingselves with Handspikes, we drove the Negroes into the Hold, and afterwards calling them up one by one, we put on their Irons, which the Pyrates had not taken with them, took away their Knives, and, by these Means, arrived safely at our Port. If this Detail is of any Service to you, I have my Ends. I hope, if you intend a third Volume, it may induce others who have had the same Misfortune of falling into the Hands of Pyrates, to assist you with their Minutes.
I am,SIR,Your very humble Servant,J. EVANS.
Feb.2.1727-8.
P.S.Four of my Men took on with the Pyrates, though I remember the Names of two only,Bryant Ryley,John Hammond.
To CaptainJohnson.
SIR,
AsI am credibly informed you intend to oblige the Publick with a Second Volume ofThe Lives and Actions of the Pyrates, and are now actually collecting Matter; I was of Opinion, that the sending you some Minutes I have by me, which are authentick, would be no unacceptable Office; and I hope, the Gentleman who was then Governor of theBahama Islands, will not take the Publication of the following Tryals in ill Part, for I am informed he is in Town. Before I would send them to you, I examined very thoroughly whether he could have any Ground to be offended; but, as I find them Marks of his Prudence and Resolution, and that in the Condemnation and Execution of the Pyrates, he had a just Regard to the publick Good, and was not to be deterr’d from vigorously pursuing it, in Circumstances which would have intimidated many brave Men: I think the Publication will do him both Honour and Justice, and therefore shall make no Apology, but come to the Point.
At a private Consultation, held onFridaythe 28th ofNovember, 1718, at theSecretary’s Office in the City ofNassau.
New Providencess.
TheGovernor acquainting us, That CaptainCockremand CaptainHornigoldhave, by Virtue of a Commission, issued and directed to them for the apprehending of certain Pyrates, had the Success to bring ten of them Prisoners to this Part, who were now confined by an especialMittimuson board the ShipDelicia; therefore, desired we might agree to join in one Opinion concerning the said Prisoners ...... which being maturely debated and considered, and that as the necessary Guards set on the Prisoners for Want of a Goal, very much fatigued both the Soldiers and Seamen, who equally guarded the Fort and Ship; and as many as could be spar’d, daily work’d on the Fortifications, and did the Duty of Centinels at Night, thereby harrassing our small Numbers of Men, and hindering the publick Work. And there being suspected Persons still remaining in these Islands, who may give frequent Intelligence of our Condition; should any Fear be shewn on our Part, it might animate several now here, to invite the Pyrates without, to attempt the Rescue of these in Custody: Therefore, we do believe it most for the publick Good, when the Fort is in a better State of Defence, and CaptainBeauchampsandBurgis, with about 60 Soldiers and Seamen, at this time gone to prevent the Designs ofVanethe Pyrate, are returned to strengthen us: The Governor ought then as soon as possible(notwithstanding he has made known to us, that hehas no direct Commission for Trial of Pyrates; yet according to the Intent and Meaning of the sixth Article of the Governor’s Instructions, which, in this Case, refers to the fourth Article in those given to the Governor ofJamaica, a Copy of whose Instructions he has for his Directions to govern himself by, as near as the Circumstances of the Place will admit. This corroborated with the Power in the Governor’s Commission of Governor, Captain General, and Vice-Admiral of theBahama Islands, shew the Intention of his Majesty, for such Authority here; and having an Account that the Proprietory Government ofCarolinahad executed 22 Pyrates, lately carried in there, which together with the provoking ill Example and Behaviour of these Prisoners, who have all accepted his Majesty’s Act of Grace, and afterwards turned Pyrates again, and considering it would be a great Risque and Trouble to send so many toGreat Britain, and much greater to keep them Prisoners here; we are entirely of Opinion, his Majesty will approve of the Necessity for the Governor’s judicial Proceeding with these Pyrates, by a Trial in the best Manner we can according to Law; and do verily believe the speediest Execution for those who shall be found guilty, will conduce most to the Welfare of this Government.
TheGovernor acquainting us, That CaptainCockremand CaptainHornigoldhave, by Virtue of a Commission, issued and directed to them for the apprehending of certain Pyrates, had the Success to bring ten of them Prisoners to this Part, who were now confined by an especialMittimuson board the ShipDelicia; therefore, desired we might agree to join in one Opinion concerning the said Prisoners ...... which being maturely debated and considered, and that as the necessary Guards set on the Prisoners for Want of a Goal, very much fatigued both the Soldiers and Seamen, who equally guarded the Fort and Ship; and as many as could be spar’d, daily work’d on the Fortifications, and did the Duty of Centinels at Night, thereby harrassing our small Numbers of Men, and hindering the publick Work. And there being suspected Persons still remaining in these Islands, who may give frequent Intelligence of our Condition; should any Fear be shewn on our Part, it might animate several now here, to invite the Pyrates without, to attempt the Rescue of these in Custody: Therefore, we do believe it most for the publick Good, when the Fort is in a better State of Defence, and CaptainBeauchampsandBurgis, with about 60 Soldiers and Seamen, at this time gone to prevent the Designs ofVanethe Pyrate, are returned to strengthen us: The Governor ought then as soon as possible(notwithstanding he has made known to us, that hehas no direct Commission for Trial of Pyrates; yet according to the Intent and Meaning of the sixth Article of the Governor’s Instructions, which, in this Case, refers to the fourth Article in those given to the Governor ofJamaica, a Copy of whose Instructions he has for his Directions to govern himself by, as near as the Circumstances of the Place will admit. This corroborated with the Power in the Governor’s Commission of Governor, Captain General, and Vice-Admiral of theBahama Islands, shew the Intention of his Majesty, for such Authority here; and having an Account that the Proprietory Government ofCarolinahad executed 22 Pyrates, lately carried in there, which together with the provoking ill Example and Behaviour of these Prisoners, who have all accepted his Majesty’s Act of Grace, and afterwards turned Pyrates again, and considering it would be a great Risque and Trouble to send so many toGreat Britain, and much greater to keep them Prisoners here; we are entirely of Opinion, his Majesty will approve of the Necessity for the Governor’s judicial Proceeding with these Pyrates, by a Trial in the best Manner we can according to Law; and do verily believe the speediest Execution for those who shall be found guilty, will conduce most to the Welfare of this Government.
N. B.Thus this stands in the Council-Book, the Governor’s Secretary is answerable for Want of Connexion, or the Secretary of the Islands; for I cannot find what these Words can refer to,the Governor ought then as soon as possible, what ought he? But may be, it is an Error in my Friend, who himself brought over this Copy, written in his own Hand, which with the following, I found among his Papers after his Decease.
ToWilliam Fairfax, Esq; CaptainRobert Beauchamps,Tho. Walker, Esq; Capt.Wingate Gale,Nathaniel Taylor, Esq; Capt.Josias Burgiss, and Capt.Peter Courant.
Providence, ss.