Chapter XI (6)

_Robert Walter_, Esq; Mayor, and the Aldermen of the City of _New-York._

City of _New-York, ss._

T_O all whom these Persents shall come, send Greeting. WHEREAS, Captain_ Peter Solgard, _Commander of his Majesty's Ship the_ Greyhound, (_the present Station Ship of this Province_,) _in his Cruize, having Intelligence of two Pyrate Sloops of considerable Force in Consortship, under the Command of one_ Low, _a notorious Pyrate, that had for upward of two Years, committed many Depredations, Murders and Barbarities, upon many of his Majesty's Subjects and Allies, lately come upon this Coast, hath, with great Diligence, and utmost Application, pursued, overtaken, and after a stubborn Resistance, vanquished and overcome both of them, taking one, and driving the other from our Coast; which Action, as it is glorious in it self, so it is glorious in the publick Benefits and Advantages that flow from it_, (_to wit_) _The Safety and Freedom of our own Trade and Commerce, and of all the neighbouring Provinces on this Continent, such signal Service done against the Enemies of Mankind, merits the Applause of all good Men, but more immediately from those of this Province, who are appointed his particular Care and Charge. WE therefore, the Mayor, Aldermen and Commonalty of the City of_ New-York, _assembled in Common Council, to express our grateful Sense and Acknowledgment, to the said Captain_ Peter Solgard, _for so noble and faithful a Discharge of his Duty, and as a particular Mark of the great Esteem and just Regard we bear to his kind Acceptance of the Freedom of the Corporation of this City of_ New-York, _and that he will please to become a Fellow Citizen with us._ These are therefore _to certify and declare, that the said Captain_ Peter Solgard _is hereby admitted, received and allowed a Freeman and Citizen of the said City of_ New-York, _to have, hold, enjoy and partake of all and singular Advantages, Benefits, Liberties, Privileges, Franchises, Freedoms and Immunities whatsoever, granted or belonging to the same City_: In Testimony _thereof, the said Mayor hath hereunto subscribed his Name, and caused the Seal of the said City to be affix'd the_ 25_th Day of_ July, _in the ninth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord_ George, _by the Grace of God, King of_ Great Britain, France _and_ Ireland, _Defender of the Faith_, &c. Anno. Dom. 1723.

William Sharpas, _Clerk._

R. Walter _Mayor._

This narrow Escape of _Low_ and his Companions, one would have thought might have brought them to a little Consideration of their black and horrid Crimes, and to look upon this Interval as an Opportunity put into their Hands by Providence, to reconcile themselves to God, by a hearty and sincere Repentance. But alass they were dead to all Goodness, and had not so much as one Spark of Virtue to stir them up to be thankful for such an eminent Deliverance: But instead thereof, vented a Million of Oaths and Curses upon the Captain of the _Greyhound_, vowing to execute Vengeance upon all they should meet with afterwards, for the Indignity he put upon them.

The first Prey that they met with, after their Flight, was a small Sloop belonging to _Nantucket_, a Whale-Fishing, about 80 Miles from Land; the Master of which, one _Nathan Skiff_, a brisk young Fellow, the Pyrates cruelly whipp'd naked about the Deck, making his Torture their Sport; after which they cut of his Ears, and last of all shot him through the Head, and then sunk his Vessel; putting the rest of the Hands into their Whale-Boat, with a Compass, a little Water, and a few Biskets; and it being good Weather, they providentially got safe to _Nantucket_, beyond all Expectation.

There was another Whale-Boat belonging to this Sloop last mentioned, which happened to be at some Distance from her, and perceiving what was doing, rowed with all speed to another Sloop not far off, to acquaint her with the Misfortune, that the Men might take Care of themselves; and she happily got away in Time. Some Days after, _Low_ took a Fishing-Boat off of _Block Island_, but did not perpetrate so much Cruelty to her, contenting himself with only cutting off the Master's Head: But after taking two Whale-Boats near _Rhode Island_, he caused one of the Master's Bodies to be ripp'd up, and his Intrails to be taken out; and cut off the Ears of the other, and made him eat them himself with Pepper and Salt; which hard Injunction he comply'd with, without making a Word. Several other Persons he would have murthered, but Humanity prevailing in the tender Hearts of his Companions, they refused to put his savage Orders in Execution. From the Coast of _New-England, Low_ sailed directly for _Newfoundland_, and, near Cape _Briton_, took two or three and twenty _French_ Vessels; and one of them of 22 Guns he mann'd with Pyrates, making a sort of a Man of War of her; with which he scower'd the Harbours and Banks of _Newfoundland_, and took sixteen or eighteen other Ships and Vessels, all which they plundered, and some destroyed.

Thus these inhumane Wretches went on, who could not be contented to satisfy their Avarice only, and travel in the common Road of Wickedness; but, like their Patron, the Devil, must make Mischief their Sport, Cruelty their Delight, and damning of Souls their constant Employment. Of all the pyratical Crews that were ever heard of, none of the _English_ Name came up to this, in Barbarity; their Mirth and their Anger had much the same Effect, for both were usually gratified with the Cries and Groans of their Prisoners; so that they almost as often murthered a Man from the Excess of good Humour, as out of Passion and Resentment; and the Unfortunate could never be assured of Safety from them, for Danger lurked in their very Smiles. An Instance of this had liked to have happened to one Captain _Graves_, Master of a _Virginia_ Ship last taken; for as soon as he came aboard of the Pyrate, _Low_ takes a Bowl of Punch in his Hand, and drinks to him, saying, _Captain_ Graves, _here's half this to you._ But the poor Gentleman being too sensibly touched at the Misfortune of falling into his Hands, modestly desired to be excused, for that he could not drink; whereupon _Low_ draws out a Pistol, cocks it, and with the Bowl in 'tother Hand, told him, he should either take one or the other: So _Graves_, without Hesitation, made Choice of the Vehicle that contained the Punch, and guttled down about a Quart, when he had the least Inclination that ever he had in his Life to be merry.

The latter End of _July_, (1723,) _Low_ took a large Ship, called the _Merry Christmas_, and fitted her for a Pyrate, cut several Ports in her, and mounted her with 34 Guns. _Low_ goes aboard of this Ship, assumes the Title of Admiral, and hoists a black Flag, with the Figure of Death in red, at the Main-topmast Head, and takes another Voyage to the _Western Islands_, where he arrived the Beginning of _September._ The first Vessel he met with there, was a Brigantine, formerly an _English_ Sloop, commanded by _Elias Wild_, but lately bought by a _Portuguese_ Nobleman, and altered: She was manned partly with _English_, and partly _Portuguese_; the latter _Low_ caused to be hang'd, by Way of Reprisal, for some of his own Men sent thither in a Sloop from the _Cape de Verd_ Islands, as has been mentioned: The _English_ Men he thrust into their own Boat, to shift for themselves, and set Fire to the Vessel.

At St. _Michaels_, they sent in their Boats and cut out of the Road, a new _London_ built Ship of 14 Guns, commanded by Captain _Thompson_, who was taken there the Year before, by _Low_, in the _Rose_ Pink. The Boats had fewer Men than the Ship, and Captain _Thompson_ would have defended himself, but his Men through Cowardize, or too great an Inclination of becoming Pyrates themselves, refused to stand by him, and he was obliged to surrender; and when he came aboard the Pyrate, had his Ears cut off close to his Head, for only proposing to resist Admiral _Low_'s black Flag; they gave him one of his own Boats, and burnt his Ship.

The next was a _Portuguese_ Bark that fell into their Hands, whose Men came off somewhat better than usual, for they only cut them with their Cutlashes, out of Wantonness, turned them all into their Boat, and set their Vessel on Fire. When the Boat was going from the Side of the Ship, one of _Low_'s Men, who, we may suppose, was forced into his Gang, was drinking with a Silver Tankard at one of the Ports, and took his Opportunity to drop into the Boat among the _Portuguese_, and lye down in the Bottom, in order to escape along with them: After he had stowed himself in the Boat, so as not to be seen, it came into his Head, that the Tankard might prove of some Use to him, where he was going; so he got up again, laid hold of the Utensil, and went off, without being discover'd: In which Attempt had he failed, no doubt his Life, if not the Lives of all the People in the Boat, would have paid for it: The Name of this Man is _Richard Hains._

_Low_ took his old Tour to the _Canaries, Cape de Verd_ Islands, and so to the Coast of _Guiney_; but nothing extraordinary happened till they arrived near _Sierraleon_ in _Africa_, where they met with a Ship call'd the _Delight_, Captain _Hunt_ Commander; this Ship they thought fit for their own Purpose, for she had been a small Man of War, and carried 12 Guns; however, they mounted 16 on Board her, mann'd her with 60 Men, and appointed one _Spriggs_, who was then their Quarter-Master, to be Captain of her, who, two Days after, separated from the Admiral, and went to the _West-Indies_ a-pyrating, upon his own, and particular Company's, Account, where for the present we shall leave him.

In _January_ last, _Low_ took a Ship, called the _Squirrel_, Captain _Stephenson_; but what became of him afterwards, I can't tell; we have had no News concerning him come to _England_, since this I have now mentioned; but I have heard that he talk'd of going to _Brazil_; and if so, it is likely we may too soon hear of some Exploit or other; tho' the best Information we could receive, would be, that he and all his Crew were at the Bottom of the Sea.

CHAP. XIV. OF Capt. _JOHN EVANS_, And his CREW.

J_OHN Evans_ was a _Welch_ Man, had been formerly Master of a Sloop belonging to _Nevis_, but losing his Employ there, he sailed for some Time out of _Jamaica_ as Mate, till happening in Company of three or four of his Comrades, and Wages not being so good as formerly, and Births scarce, because of the great Number of Seamen; they agreed to go abroad in search of Adventures. They sailed, or rather rowed out of _Port Royal_ in _Jamaica_, the latter End of _September_ 1722, in a Canoa; and coming on the North-Side of the Island, went ashore in the Night, broke open a House or two, and robb'd them of some Money, and every Thing else they could find that was portable, and brought the Booty on Board the Canoa.

This was very well for the first Time, but this kind of Robbery did not please so well, they wanted to get out to Sea, but having no Vessel but their Canoa, they were prevented in their laudable Design; however, they kept a good look out, and traversed the Island, in Expectation that Providence would send some unfortunate Vessel as a Sacrifice, and in a few Days their Wishes were accomplished; for at _Duns Hole_, they found a small Sloop at an Anchor, belonging to _Bermudas_: They made bold and went aboard, and _Evans_ informed the Folks that belonged to her, that he was Captain of the Vessel, which was a Piece of News they knew not before. After they had put their Affairs in a proper Disposition aboard, they went ashore to a little Village for Refreshments, and lived jovially the remaining Part of the Day, at a Tavern, spending three Pistols, and then departed. The People of the House admired at the merry Guests they had got, were mightily pleased, and wished for their Company at another Time, which happened too soon for their Profit; for, in the middle of the Night, they came ashore all Hands, rifled the House, and carried what they could aboard their Sloop.

The next Day they weighed in the Sloop, aboard of which they mounted four Guns, called her the _Scowerer_, and sailed to _Hispaniola_; on the North Part of which Island they took a _Spanish_ Sloop, which proved an extraordinary rich Prize, as it fell among so few Persons as this Company consisted of, for they shared upwards of 150 _l._ a Man.

In Pursuance of the Game, and beating up for the Windward Islands, the _Scowerer_ met with a Ship from _New-England_, bound to _Jamaica_, 120 Tons, called the _Dove_, Captain _Diamond_ Master, off _Porto Rico_: They plundered her, and strengthened their own Company, by taking out the Mate, and two or three other Men; they discharged the Prize, and run into one of the Islands for fresh Water and Necessaries, and staid there some Time.

The next Prize they made, was the _Lucretia and Catherine_, Captain _Mills_, of 200 Ton Burthen; they came up with her near the Island _Disseada, January_ 11th. Upon seizing of this Ship, the Pyrates began to take upon themselves the Distribution of Justice, examining the Men concerning their Master's Usage of them, according to the Custom of other Pyrates; but the Captain over-hearing the Matter, put an End to the judicial Proceedings, and fell to rumaging the Ship, saying to them, _What have we to do to turn Reformers, 'tis Money we want?_ And speaking to the Prisoners, he asked them, _Does your Captain give you Victuals enough?_ And they answering in the Affirmative: _Why then_, said he, _he ought to give you Work enough._

After the taking of this Prize, they went to the little Island of _Avis_, with a Design to clean, and carried the _Lucretia_ along with them, in order to heave down the _Scowerer_ by her; but meeting there with a Sloop, the Pyrate gave Chace till the Evening, when she was within Gun-Shot of her; but fearing to lose Company with the _Lucretia_, who was a heavy Sailor, they left off, and saw her no more. This Chace brought them to Leeward of their Port, so that they were obliged to look out for another Place of Retreat, and the Island of _Ruby_ not being far distant, they steered for that, and anchored there accordingly; but the next Day a _Dutch_ Sloop coming as it were, into their Mouths, they could not forbear dealing, and so making her their Prize, they plundered her of what came, when shared, to fifty Pounds a Man.

They found this Sloop more for their Purpose than the _Lucretia_, to clean their own Sloop by, as being much lower in the Wast, and therefore capable of heaving her Bottom farther out of the Water, so she was discharged, and the _Dutch_ Man kept in her Room; but not thinking it convenient to lay up here, for fear a discovery should be made, they turned their Thoughts another Way, and steered to the Coast of _Jamaica_, where they took a Sugar Drover, and then run to the _Grand Caimanes_, about 30 Leagues to Leeward of _Jamaica_, with Intention to clean there; but an unhappy Accident put an End to their Pyracies, which hitherto had proved very successful to them.

The Boatswain of the Pyrate being a noisy surly Fellow, the Captain had at several Times Words with him, relating to his Behaviour, who thinking himself ill treated, not only returned ill Language, but also challenged the Captain to fight him on the next Shore they came to, with Pistols and Sword, as is the Custom among these Outlaws. When the Sloop arrived, as abovementioned, the Captain proposed the Duel; but the cowardly Boatswain refused to fight, or go ashore, tho' it was his own Challenge. When Captain _Evans_ saw there was nothing to be done with him, he took his Cane, and gave him a hearty drubbing; but the Boatswain not being able to bear such an Indignity, drew out a Pistol and shot _Evans_ thro' the Head, so that he fell down dead; and the Boatswain immediately jumped over-board, and swam towards the Shore; but the Boat was quickly mann'd and sent after him, which took him up and brought him aboard.

The Death of the Captain in that Manner, provoked all the Crew, and they resolved the Criminal should die by the most exquisite Tortures; but while they were considering of the Punishment, the Gunner, transported with Passion, discharged a Pistol, and shot him thro' the Body; but not killing him outright, the Delinquent in very moving Words, desired a Week for Repentance only; but another stepping up to him, told him, _that he should repent and be damned to him_, and without more ado shot him dead.

I should have observed, that when the _Lucretia_ and _Katharine_ was suffered to go away, the Pyrates detained their Mate, who was now the only Man aboard, who understood Navigation, and him they desired to take upon him the Command of the Sloop, in the Room of Captain _Evans_ deceased; but he desired to be excused that Honour, and at length positively refused it; so they agreed to break up the Company, and leave the Mate in Possession of the Vessel: Accordingly they went ashore at the _Caimanes_, carrying with them about nine thousand Pounds among thirty Persons; and it being fair Weather, the Mate and a Boy brought the Vessel into _Port Royal_, in _Jamaica._

CHAP. XV. OF Captain _John Phillips_, And his CREW.

J_OHN Phillips_ was bred a Carpenter, and sailing to _Newfoundland_ in a West-Country Ship, was taken by _Anstis_ in the _Good Fortune_ Brigantine, the next Day after he had left his Consort and Commadore, Captain _Roberts. Phillips_ was soon reconciled to the Life of a Pyrate, and being a brisk Fellow, was appointed Carpenter of the Vessel, for at first his Ambition reach'd no higher; there he remain'd till they broke up at _Tabago_, and was one of those who came home in a Sloop that we have mentioned to be sunk in _Bristol_ Channel.

His Stay was not long in _England_, for whilst he was paying his first Visits to his Friends in _Devonshire_, he heard of the Misfortune of some of his Companions, that is, of their being taken and committed to _Bristol_ Goal; and there being good Reason for his apprehending Danger from a Wind that blew from the same Quarter, he mov'd off immediately to _Topsham_, the nearest Port, and there shipp'd himself with one Captain _Wadham_, for a Voyage to _Newfoundland_, and home again; which, by the way, Mr. _Phillips_ never design'd to perform, or to see _England_ any more. When the Ship came to _Peter_ Harbour in _Newfoundland_ aforesaid, he ran away from her, and hired himself a Splitter in the Fishery, for the Season: But this was only till he could have an Opportunity of prosecuting his intended Rogueries; in order to which, he combined with several others, in the same Employ, to go off with one of the Vessels that lay in the Harbour, upon the pyratical Account; accordingly the Time was fix'd, _viz._ the 29th of _August_ 1723, at Night; but whether Remorse or Fear prevented their coming together, I know not, but of sixteen Men that were in the Combination, five only kept the Appointment: Notwithstanding which, _Phillips_ was for pushing forward with that small Number, assuring his Companions, that they should soon encrease their Company; and they agreeing, a Vessel was seiz'd on, and out of the Harbour they sailed.

The first Thing they had now to do, was to chuse Officers, draw up Articles, and settle their little Commonwealth, to prevent Disputes and Ranglings afterwards; so _John Phillips_ was made Captain, _John Nutt_, Master, (or Navigator) of the Vessel; _James Sparks_, Gunner; _Thomas Fern_, Carpenter; and _Wiliam White_ was the only private Man in the whole Crew: When this was done, one of them writ out the following Articles (which we have taken _verbatim_) and all swore to 'em upon a Hatchet for want of a Bible.

The Articles on Board the _Revenge._

1.

E_Very Man shall obey civil Command; the Captain shall have one full Share and a half in all Prizes; the Master, Carpenter, Boatswain and Gunner shall have one Share and quarter._

2.

_If any Man shall offer to run away, or keep any Secret from the Company, he shall be marroon'd, with one Bottle of Powder, one Bottle of Water, one small Arm, and Shot._

3.

_If any Man shall steal any Thing in the Company, or game, to the Value of a Piece of Eight, he shall be marroon'd or shot._

4.

_If at any Time we should meet another Marrooner_ [_that is, _Pyrate,] _that Man that shall sign his Articles without the Consent of our company, shall suffer such Punishment as the Captain and Company shall think fit._

5.

_That Man that shall strike another whilst these Articles are in force, shall receive_ Moses_'s Law_ (_that is_, 40 _Stripes lacking one_) _on the bare Back._

6.

_That Man that shall snap his Arms, or smoak Tobacco in the Hold, without a Cap to his Pipe, or carry a Candle lighted without a Lanthorn, shall suffer the same Punishment as in the former Article._

7.

_That Man that shall not keep his Arms clean, fit for an Engagement, or neglect his Business, shall be cut off from his Share, and suffer such other Punishment as the Captain and the Company shall think fit._

8.

_If any Man shall lose a Joint in time of an Engagement, shall have_ 400 _Pieces of Eight; if a Limb_, 800.

9.

_If at any time you meet with a prudent Woman, that Man that offers to meddle with her, without her Consent, shall suffer present Death._

Thus prepar'd, this bold Crew set out, and before they left the Banks they made Prize of several small Fishing-Vessels, out of which they got a few Hands, some _French_ and some _English_, and then sail'd for the _West-Indies_; in one of these Vessels they took out one _John Rose Archer_, who having been a Pyrate under the famous _Black-beard_, was immediately preferr'd over other People's Heads, to be Quarter-Master to the Company; which sudden Promotion so disgusted some of the older Standers, especially _Fern_, the Carpenter, that it occasioned some Mischief to follow, as we shall shew by and by.

The Pyrates came off _Barbadoes_ the beginning of _October_, and cruised there, and among other Islands, above three Months, without speaking with a Vessel, so that they were almost starv'd for want of Provisions, being reduc'd to a Pound of Meat a Day between ten; at length they fell in with a _Martinico_ Man of 12 Guns and 35 Hands, far superior in Force, and what they would not have ventur'd on at another Time, but _Hunger will break down Stone Walls_; they were resolved to shew the _French_ Men their black Flag; and if that would not do, they must seek out elsewhere; accordingly, they boldly ran up a-long-side of the Sloop, with their pyratical Colours flying, and told them, if they did not strike immediately, they would give them no Quarters; which so intimidated the _Frenchmen_, that they never fired a Gun. This proved a seasonable Supply; they took her Provisions, and four of her Men, and let her go. They took presently after, a Sloop belonging to _New-York_, and a _Virginia_ Man, _Huffam_ Master.

Having now occasion to clean their Vessel, _Phillips_ propos'd _Tobago_, where the Company he formerly belong'd to, under _Anstis_ and _Fenn_, broke up; to induce them to it, he told them when he left the Island, there was left behind six or eight of their Company that were not willing to go to _England_, with three Negroes: Whereupon they sail'd to the Island, and after a careful Search, found only one of the Negroes, whose Name was _Pedro_, who inform'd Captain _Phillips_, that those that were left behind were taken by a Man of War's Crew, and hang'd at _Antegoa_, among whom was _Fenn_, their Captain.

They took _Pedro_ on Board, and then fell to Business, careening their Vessel; and just as they had finished their Work, a Man of War's Boat came into the Harbour, the Ship being cruising to Leeward of the Island. It was easily guess'd upon what Errant she was sent, and therefore they lost no Time, but, as soon as the Boat went away, warp'd out, and ply'd to Windward for Security, but left the four _French_ Men, they took out of the _Martinico_ Sloop, behind.

In a few Days they took a Snow with a few Hands, and _Fern_, the Carpenter, one _William Phillips, Wood_ and _Taylor_, went aboard to take Possession of her. _Fern_, not forgetting the Affront of having _Archer_ preferr'd before him, resolv'd to go off with the Prize, and brought the rest into the same Measures; however _Phillips_, the Captain, keeping a good Look-out, perceiv'd their Design, and gave them Chace, who coming up with the Vessel, a Skirmish ensu'd, wherein _Wood_ was kill'd and _Taylor_ wounded in his Leg; upon which the other two surrender'd. There was no Surgeon aboard, and therefore it was advis'd, upon a learned Consultation, that _Phillips_'s Leg should be cut off; but who should perform the Operation was the Dispute; at length the Carpenter was appointed, as the most proper Man: Upon which, he fetch'd up the biggest Saw, and taking the Limb under his Arm, fell to Work, and separated it from the Body of the Patient, in as little Time as he could have cut a Deal Board in two; after that he heated his Ax red hot in the Fire, and cauteriz'd the Wound, but not with so much Art as he perform'd the other Part, for he so burnt his Flesh distant from the Place of Amputation, that it had like to have mortify'd; however nature perform'd a Cure at last without any other Assistance.

From _Tobago_ they stood away to the Northward and took a _Portugueze_ bound for _Brazil_, and two or three Sloops from _Jamaica_, in one of which, _Fern_ the Carpenter, endeavouring to go off, was kill'd by _Phillips_ the Captain, pursuant to their Articles; another had the same Fate some Days after for the like Attempt. These Severities made it dangerous for any to consult or project an Escape; the Terror of which made several sign their Articles and set down quietly, waiting impatiently for Redemption, which as yet they saw no great likelyhood of, and should they have been taken before such Circumstances appear'd in their Actions or Characters, as afterwards happen'd, to denote their Innocence, they might have lost their Lives upon a Tryal at a Court of Admiralty; for pretty strong Evidence is expected in their Favour, to ballance that of being taken aboard a Vessel which is prov'd to be in actual Pyracy, and they assisting therein.

Thus was many an honest Man's Case made most desperate by the consummate Villany of a few hardned Wretches, who fear neither God or Devil, as this _Phillips_ us'd often blasphemously to express himself.

On the 25th of _March_ they took two Ships from _Virginia_ for _London, John Phillips_, the Pyrate Captain's Namesake, was Master of one, and Captain _Robert Mortimer_, the other, a brisk young Fellow, that deserv'd a better Fate than he met with. _Phillips_ the Pyrate staid on Board of Captain _Mortimer_'s Ship, while they transported the Crew to the Sloop, and the Boat returning along side, one of the Pyrates therein calls to _Phillips_, and tells him, there was a Mutiny aboard their Vessel, _Mortimer_ had two Men in his Ship, and the Pyrate Captain had two, therefore thought it a good Opportunity to recover his Ship, and directly took up a Handspike and struck _Phillips_ over the Head, giving him a dangerous wound, but not knocking him down, he recovered and wounded _Mortimer_ with his Sword; and the two Pyrates that were aboard coming in to Captain _Phillips_'s Assistance, Captain _Mortimer_ was presently cut to Pieces, while his own two Men stood by and did nothing.

This was the first Voyage that _Mortimer_ had the Command of a Vessel, by whose Death is a poor disconsolate Widow made miserable, more in regard of the mutual Love and Fidelity they lived in, than the Loss of what would have been a handsome and comfortable Provision for themselves and Children, which, I think, now ought to be made up by the Publick, since 'twas in the publick Service he fell; for had his Attempt succeeded, in all Probability he would not only have regained his own Ship, but entirely subdued and destroy'd the Enemy, there being several, as it afterwards proved, that would have seconded such an Enterprize when ever they found a Beginning made.

This Affair ended without any other Consequence than a strict Search after a Brother of Captain _Mortimer_, who was on Board, in order to have put him likewise to death; but he had the good Fortune to meet with a Townsman among the Crew, who hid him for four and twenty Hours in a Stay-Sail, till the Heat of their Fury was over, and by that Means happily missed of the Fate designed him.

Out of the other _Virginia_ Man before spoken of, they took one _Edward Cheeseman_, a Carpenter, to supply the Place of their late Carpenter, _Fern._ He was a modest sober young Man, very averse to their unlawful Practice, and a brave gallant Fellow. There was one _John Philmore_ of _Ipswich_, formerly taken by them, ordered to row _Cheeseman_ aboard of _Mortimer_'s Ship, which the Pyrates possess'd themselves of, who, seeing with what Reluctance and Uneasiness _Cheeseman_ was brought away, told him, he would join with him, in some Measures, to over-throw the pyratical Government, telling him withal, their present Condition, what Difficulties _Phillips_ had met with to make up his Company, and how few voluntary Pyrates there were on Board, and the like. But, however specious this seemed, _Cheeseman_ out of Prudence rejected his Offers of Assistance, till he saw some Proofs of his Sincerity, which after a few Days he was convinced of, and then they often consulted; but as the old Pyrates were always jealous of the new Comers, and consequently observant of their Behaviour; this was done with the utmost Caution, chiefly when they were lying down together, as tho' asleep, and, at other Times, when they were playing at Cards; both which they feigned often to do for that Purpose.

The Pyrates went on all the while, plundering and robbing several Ships and Vessels, bending their Course towards _Newfoundland_, where they designed to raise more Men, and do all the Mischief they could on the Banks, and in the Harbours.

_Newfoundland_ is an Island on the North Continent of _America_, contained between the 46 and 53° of N. Latitude, discovered first by St. _Sebastion Cabot_ A. D. 1497, but never settled till the Year 1610; when Mr. _Guy_ of _Bristol_ revived the Affair, and obtained a Patent, and himself to be Governor. The Island is deserted by the Natives and neglected by us, being desolate and Woody, and the Coast and Harbour only held for the Conveniency of the Cod Fishery, for which alone they were settled.

The Bays and Harbours about it, are very numerous and convenient, and being deeply indented, makes it easy for any Intelligence quickly to pass from one Harbour to another over Land; especially the principal, St. _John_'s and _Placentia_, when the Appearance of an Enemy makes them apprehend Danger.

They are able to cure and export about 100000 Quintals (100 Weight each) of Fish, annually, which returns to _England_ in Money, or the necessary Commodities of _Portugal, Spain_ and _Italy._ As it therefore expends abundance of Rum, Molossus and Sugar, the Product of our _West-India_ Colonies, and employs a Number of Fishermen from home every Season, by whose Industry and Labour only this Fish is purchased, it may very well be reckon'd an advantagious Branch of Trade.

But the present Design of this Digression being not to give an exact Description of the Country or Fishery; but rather how it accidentally contributes to raise, or support the Pyrates already rais'd, I shall observe,

First, That our West Country Fishing-Ships, _viz._ from _Topsham, Barnstable_ and _Bristol_, who chiefly attend the Fishing Seasons, transport over a considerable Number of poor Fellows every Summer, whom they engage at low Wages, and are by their Terms to pay for Passage back to _England._ When the _Newfoundland_ Ships left that Country, towards Winter, in the Year 1720, these Passengers muster'd 1100, who, during the Season of Business, (the Hardness of their Labour, and Chilness of the Nights, pinching them very much) are mostly fond of drinking Black Strap, (a strong Liquor used there, and made from Rum, Molossus, and Chowder Beer;) by this the Majority of them out-run the Constable, and then are necessitated to come under hard Articles of Servitude for their Maintenance in the Winter; no ordinary Charge, indeed, when the Barrenness of the Country is consider'd, and the Stock of Provision laid in, happen to fall short, in Proportion to the Computation made of the People remaining there the Winter, which are generally about 17 or 1800. The Masters residing there think Advantages taken on their Necessities, no more than a just and lawful Gain; and either bind such for the next Summer's Service, or sell their Provisions out to them at extravagant Rates; Bread from 15s. to 50, immediately at the departing of the Ships, and so of other sorts of Food in Proportion; wherefore not being able to subsist themselves, or in any likely Way of clearing the Reckoning to the Masters, they sometimes run away with Shallops and Boats, and begin on pyratical Exploits, as _Phillips_ and his Companions, whom we are now treating of, had done.

And secondly (which is more opportunely for them,) they are visited every Summer, almost, by some Set of Pyrates or other, already rais'd, who call here for the same Purpose, (if young Beginners) and to lay in a Store of Water and Provisions, which they find imported, much or little, by all the Ships that use the Trade.

Towards this Country _Phillips_ was making his Way, and took on the Voyage, besides those abovementioned, one _Salter_, in a Sloop off the Isle of _Sables_, which Vessel they made use of themselves, and gave back _Mortimer_'s Ship to the Mate and Crew. The same Day, _viz._ the 4th of _April_, took a Scooner, one _Chadwell_, Master, which they scuttled, in order to sink; but Capt. _Phillips_ understanding that she belong'd to Mr. _Minors_ at _Newfoundland_, with whose Vessel they first went off a pyrating, a Qualm of Conscience came athwart his Stomach, and he said to his Companions, _We have done him Injury enough already_; so order'd the Vessel immediately to be repair'd, and return'd her to the Master.

That Afternoon they chac'd another Vessel, and at Night came up with her, the Master of which was a Saint of _New-England_, nam'd _Dependance Ellery_, who taking _Phillips_ for a Pyrate, he told him was the Reason that he gave him the Trouble of chacing so long; which being resented by these Men of Honour, they made poor _Dependance_ dance about the Deck till he was weary.

Within few Days several other Vessels had the same Misfortune, the Masters Names were as follow, _Joshua Elwell, Samuel Elwell_, Mr. _Combs_, Mr. _Lansly, James Babston, Edward Freeman_, Mr. _Start, Obediah Beal, Erick Erickson_ and _Benjamin Wheeler._

The 14th of _April_ they took a Sloop belonging to Cape _Ann, Andrew Harradine_ Master; they look'd upon this Vessel more fit for their Purpose, and so came aboard, keeping only the Master of her Prisoner, and sending _Harradine_'s Crew away in _Salter_'s Vessel, which they, till this Time, detain'd. To this _Harradine, Cheeseman_ the Carpenter, broke his Mind, and brought him into the Confederacy to destroy the Crew, which was put in Execution four Days afterwards.

_Harradine_ and the rest were for doing the Business in the Night, as believing they might be more opportunely surpriz'd; for _Nut_, the Master, being a Fellow of great Strength, and no less Courage, it was thought dangerous to attack him without Fire-Arms; however, _Cheeseman_ was resolute to have it perform'd by Day-light, as the least liable to Confusion; and as to the Master, he offer'd to lay Hands on him first: Upon this 'twas concluded on, 12 at Noon was the appointed Time; in order for the Business _Cheeseman_ leaves his working Tools on the Deck, as though he had been going to use them, and walked aft; but perceiving some Signs of Timidity in _Harradine_, he comes back, fetches his Brandy Bottle and gives him and the rest a Dram, then drank to _Burril_, the Boatswain, and the Master, _To their next merry Meeting_, and up he puts the Bottle; then he takes a Turn with _Nut_, asking what he thought of the Weather, and such like. In the mean while _Filemore_ takes up the Axe, and turns it round upon the Point, as if at Play, then both he and _Harradine_ wink at him, thereby letting him know they were ready; upon which Signal he seizes _Nut_ by the Collar, with one Hand between his Legs, and toss'd him over the Side of the Vessel, but, he holding by _Cheeseman_'s Sleeve, said, _Lord have Mercy upon me! what are you going to do, Carpenter?_ He told him it was an unnecessary Question, _For_, says he, _Master, you are a dead Man_, so strikes him over the Arm, _Nut_ looses his Hold, tumbles into the Sea, and never spoke more.

By this time the Boatswain was dead; for as soon as _Filemore_ saw the Master laid hold of, he raised up the Axe, and divided his Enemy's Head in two: The Noise brought the Captain upon Deck, whom _Cheeseman_ saluted with the Blow of a Mallet, which broke his Jaw-Bone, but did not knock him down; _Harradine_ came in then with the Carpenter's Adds, but _Sparks_, the Gunner, interposing between him and Captain _Phillips, Cheeseman_ trips up his Heels, and flung him into the Arms of _Charles Ivymay_, one of his Consorts, who that Instant discharg'd him into the Sea; and at the same Time _Harradine_ compassed his Business with the Captain aforesaid: _Cheeseman_ lost no Time, but from the Deck jumps into the Hold, and was about to beat out the Brains of _Archer_, the Quarter-Master, having struck him two or three Blows with his blunt Weapon the Mallet, when _Harry Giles_, a young Lad, came down after him, and desir'd his Life might be spar'd, as an Evidence of their own Innocence; that he having all the Spoil and Plunder in his Custody, it may appear, that these tragick Proceedings were not undertaken with any dishonest View of seizing or appropriating the Effects to themselves; which prudent Advice prevail'd, and he and three more were made Prisoners, and secured.

The Work being done, they went about Ship, altered the Course from _Newfoundland_ to _Boston_, and arrived safe the 3d of _May_ following, to the great Joy of that Province.

On the 12th of _May_, 1724, a special Court of Admiralty was held for the Tryal of these Pyrates, when _John Filmore, Edward Cheeseman, John Combs, Henry Giles, Charles Ivymay, John Bootman_, and _Henry Payne_, the seven that confederated together for the Pyrates Destruction, were honourably acquitted; as also three _French_ Men, _John Baptis, Peter Taffery_, and _Isaac Lassen_, and three Negroes, _Pedro, Francisco_, and _Pierro._ And _John Rose Archer_, the Quarter-Master, _William White, William Taylor_, and _William Phillips_, were condemned; the two latter were reprieved for a Year and a Day, in order to be recommended (though I don't know for what) as Objects of his Majesty's Mercy. The two former were executed on the 2d of _June_, and dy'd very penitently, making the following Declarations at the Place of Execution, with the Assistance of two grave Divines that attended them.

_The dying Declarations of_ John Rose Archer _and_ William White, _on the Day of their Execution at_ Boston, June 2, 1724, _for the Crimes of Pyracy._

First, separately, of _Archer._

I Greatly bewail my Profanations of the Lord's Day, and my Disobedience to my Parents.

And my Cursing and Swearing, and my blaspheming the Name of the glorious God.

Unto which I have added, the Sins of Unchastity. And I have provoked the Holy One, at length, to leave me unto the Crimes of Pyracy and Robbery; wherein, at last, I have brought my self under the Guilt of Murder also.

But one Wickedness that has led me as much as any, to all the rest, has been my brutish Drunkenness. By strong Drink I have been heated and hardened into the Crimes that are now more bitter than Death unto me.

I could wish that Masters of Vessels would not use their Men with so much Severity, as many of them do, which exposes to great Temptations.

And then of _White._

I am now, with Sorrow, reaping the Fruits of my Disobedience to my Parents, who used their Endeavours to have me instructed in my Bible, and my Catechism.

And the Fruits of my neglecting the publick Worship of God, and prophaning the holy Sabbath.

And of my blaspheming the Name of God, my Maker.

But my Drunkenness has had a great Hand in bringing my Ruin upon me. I was drunk when I was enticed aboard the Pyrate.

And now, for all the vile Things I did aboard, I own the Justice of God and Man, in what is done unto me.

Of both together.

We hope, we truly hate the Sins, whereof we have the Burthen lying so heavy upon our Consciences.

We warn all People, and particularly young People, against such Sins as these. We wish, all may take Warning by us.

We beg for Pardon, for the sake of Christ, our Saviour; and our Hope is in him alone. Oh! _that in his Blood our Scarlet and Crimson Guilt may be all washed away!_

We are sensible of an hard Heart in us, full of Wickedness. And we look upon God for his renewing Grace upon us.

We bless God for the Space of Repentance which he has given us; and that he has not cut us off in the Midst and Heighth of our Wickedness.

We are not without Hope, that God has been savingly at work upon our Souls.

We are made sensible of our absolute Need of the Righteousness of Christ; that we may stand justified before God in that. We renounce all Dependance on our own.

We are humbly thankful to the Ministers of Christ, for the great Pains they have taken for our Good. The Lord Reward their Kindness.

We don't Despair of Mercy; but hope, through Christ, that when we dye, we shall find Mercy with God, and be received into his Kingdom.

We wish others, and especially the Sea-faring, may get Good by what they see this Day befalling of us.

_Declared in the Presence of_ J. W. D. M.

CHAP. XVI. OF Captain _SPRIGGS_, And his CREW.

S_Priggs_ sailed with _Low_ for a pretty while, and I believe came away from _Lowther_, along with him; he was Quarter-Master to the Company, and consequently had a great Share in all the Barbarities committed by that execrable Gang, till the Time they parted; which was about _Christmas_ last, when _Low_ took a Ship of 12 Guns on the Coast of _Guiney_, called the _Delight_, (formerly the _Squirrel_ Man of War,) commanded by Captain _Hunt. Spriggs_ took Possession of the Ship with eighteen Men, left _Low_ in the Night, and came to the _West-Indies._ This Separation was occasioned by a Quarrel with _Low_, concerning a Piece of Justice _Spriggs_ would have executed upon one of the Crew, for killing a Man in cold Blood, as they call it, one insisting that he should be hang'd, and the other that he should not.

A Day or two after they parted, _Spriggs_ was chose Captain by the rest, and a black Ensign was made, which they called _Jolly Roger_, with the same Device that Captain _Low_ carried, _viz._ a white Skeliton in the Middle of it, with a Dart in one Hand striking a bleeding Heart, and in the other, an Hour-Glass; when this was finished and hoisted, they fired all their Guns to salute their Captain and themselves, and then looked out for Prey.

In their Voyage to the _West-Indies_, these Pyrates took a _Portuguese_ Bark, wherein they got valuable Plunder, but not contented with that alone, they said they would have a little Game with the Men, and so ordered them a Sweat, more for the Brutes Diversion, than the poor Men's Healths; which Operation is performed after this Manner; they stick up lighted Candles circularly round the Mizon-Mast, between Decks, within which the Patients one at a Time enter; without the Candles, the Pyrates post themselves, as many as can stand, forming another Circle, and armed with Pen-Knives, Tucks, Forks, Compasses, _&c._ and as he runs round and round, the Musick playing at the same Time, they prick him with those Instuments; this usually lasts for 10 or 12 Minutes, which is as long as the miserable Man can support himself. When the Sweating was over, they gave the _Portuguese_ their Boat with a small Quantity of Provisions, and set their Vessel on Fire.

Near the Island of St. _Lucia_, they took a Sloop belonging to _Barbadoes_, which they plundered, and then burnt, forcing some of the Men to sign their Articles, the others they beat and cut in a barbarous Manner, because they refused to take on with the Crew, and then sent them away in the Boat, who all got safe afterwards to _Barbadoes._

The next was a _Martinico_ Man, which they served as bad as they had done the others, but did not burn their Ship. Some Days afterwards in running down to Leeward, they took one Captain _Hawkins_, coming from _Jamaica_, loaden chiefly with Logwood; they took out of her, Stores, Arms, Ammunition, and several other Things, as they thought fit, and what they did not want they threw over-board or destroy'd; they cut the Cables to pieces, knocked down the Cabins, broke all the Windows, and in short took all the Pains in the World to be Mischievous. They took by Force, out of her, Mr. _Burridge_ and Mr. _Stephens_, the two Mates, and some other Hands; and after detaining the Ship from the 22d of _March_, to the 29th, they let her go. On the 27th they took a _Rhode Island_ Sloop, Captain _Pike_, and all his Men were obliged to go aboard the Pyrate; but the Mate being a grave sober Man, and not inclinable to stay, they told him, he should have his Discharge, and that it should be immediately writ on his Back; whereupon he was sentenced to receive ten Lashes from every Man in the Ship, which was rigorously put in Execution.

The next Day Mr. _Burridge_, Captain _Hawkins_'s Mate, sign'd their Articles, which was so agreeable to them (he being a good Artist and Sailor) that they gave three Huzza's, fir'd all the Guns in the Ship, and appointed him Master: The Day was spent in boysterous Mirth, roaring and drinking of Healths, among which was, by Mistake, that of King _George_ the II. for you must know, now and then the Gentry are provok'd to sudden Fits of Loyalty, by the Expectation of an Act of Grace: It seems Captain _Pike_ had heard at _Jamaica_ that the King was dead, so the Pyrates immediately hoisted their Ensign Half-Mast (the Death Signal) and proclaim'd his Royal Highness, saying, _They doubted not but there would be a general Pardon in a twelve Month, which they would embrace and come in upon, but damn 'em if they should be excepted out of it, they would murder every_ Englishman _that should fall into their Hands._

The second of _April_, they spy'd a Sail, and gave her Chace till 12 o'Clock at Night, the Pyrates believed her to be a _Spaniard_, when they came close up to her, they discharged a Broadside, with small and great Shot, which was follow'd by another, but the Ship making a lamentable Cry for Quarters, they ceas'd firing, and ordered the Captain to come aboard, which he did, but how disappointed the Rogues were when they found 'twas their old Friend Captain _Hawkins_, whom they had sent away three Days before, worth not one Penny? This was such a Baulk to them, that they resolved he should suffer for falling in their Way, tho' it was so contrary to his own Inclinations: About 15 of them surrounded the poor Man with sharp Cutlashes, and fell upon him, whereby he was soon laid flat on the Deck; at that Instant _Burridge_ flew amongst the thickest of the Villains, and begg'd earnestly for his Life, upon whose Request 'twas granted. They were now most of 'em drunk, as is usual at this Time of Night, so they unanimously agreed to make a Bonfire of _Hawkins_'s Ship, which was immediately done, and in half an Hour she was all of a Blaze.

After this, they wanted a little more Diversion, and so Captain _Hawkins_ was sent for down to the Cabin to Supper; what should the Provision be, but a Dish of Candles, which he was forced to eat, having a naked Sword and a Pistol held to his Breast all the while; when this was over, they buffeted him about for some Time, and sent him forward amongst the other Prisoners, who had been treated with the same Delicacies.

Two Days afterwards, they anchor'd at a little uninhabited Island, call'd _Rattan_, near the Bay of _Honduras_, and put ashore Captain _Hawkins_, and several other Men, (one of them his Passenger) who dy'd there of the Hardships he underwent. They gave them Powder and Ball, and a Musquet, with which they were to shift as they could, sailing away the next Day for other Adventures.

Captain _Hawkins_, and his unfortunate Companions, staid 19 Days upon this Island, supplying themselves with both Fish and Fowl, such as they were, at which Time came two Men in a Canoe, that had been left upon another marroon Island near _Benacca_, who carry'd the Company at several Times thither, it being more convenient in having a good Well of fresh Water, and Plenty of Fish, _&c._ Twelve Days afterwards they spy'd a Sloop off at Sea, which, upon their making a great Smoke, stood in, and took them off; she was the _Merriam_, Captain _Jones_, lately escaped out of the Bay of _Honduras_, from being taken by the _Spaniards._

At an Island to the Westward, the Pyrates clean'd their Ship, and sail'd towards the Island of St. _Christophers_, to wait for one Captain _Moor_, who commanded the _Eagle_ Sloop, when she took _Lowther_'s upon the Careen, at _Blanco_; _Spriggs_ resolved to put him to Death, whenever he took him, for falling upon his Friend and Brother, but instead of _Moor_, he found a _French_ Man of War from _Martinico_ upon the Coast, which _Spriggs_ not thinking fit to contend with, run away with all the Sail he could make, the _French_ Man crowded after him, and was very likely to speak with Mr. _Spriggs_, when unfortunately his Main-Top-Mast came by the Board, which obliged him to give over the Chace.

_Spriggs_ then stood to the Northward, towards _Burmudas_, or the _Summer Isles_, and took a Scooner belonging to _Boston_; he took out all the Men and sunk the Vessel, and had the Impudence to tell the Master, that he designed to encrease his Company on the Banks of _Newfoundland_, and then would sail for the Coast of _New-England_ in quest of Captain _Solgard_, who attack'd and took their Consort _Charles Harris, Spriggs_ being then in _Low_'s Sloop, who very fairly run for it. The Pyrate ask'd the Master if he knew Captain _Solgard_, who answering No; he ask'd another the same Question, and then a third, who said he knew him very well, upon which _Spriggs_ ordered him to be sweated, which was done in the Manner before describ'd.

Instead of going to _Newfoundland_ as the Pyrates threat'ned, they came back to the Islands, and to Windward of St. _Christophers_, on the 4th of _June_ last, took a Sloop, _Nicholas Trot_ Master, belonging to St. _Eustatia_, and wanting a little Diversion, they hoisted the Men as high as the Main and Fore Tops, and let them run down amain, enough to break all the Bones in their Skins, and after they had pretty well crippled them by this cruel Usage, and whipp'd them about the Deck, they gave _Trot_ his Sloop, and let him go, keeping back only 2 of his Men, besides the Plunder of the Vessel.