Chapter X: Book III (2)

This was readily granted, and they advised me to take _Le Boose_’s Brigantine, which he had then just quitted, (having fitted one of the Prizes for a Pirate-ship for him and his Crew) and carry her along the side of my Ship, in order to save the Goods then left undestroyed in her; allowing me some of my own People to do it. By this means we saved a considerable part of the Cargoe, but of my private Adventure not above thirty Pounds Sterling: for that chiefly consisting in Necessaries and Liquors, with fine Goods, was soon destroyed by them: One instance of which out of many I shall give. The Pirates took several Pieces of fine _Holland_, and opening them, spread them on the Deck; and being almost drunk, lay down on them: Then others came and threw Buckets of Claret upon them, which rousing them up, and the _Hollands_ being thereby stained, they flung the Pieces overboard.

Captain _Davis_ likewise further obtained for me, that I might lye on board the _Two Friends_ Captain _Elliot_ of _Barbadoes_; whom they had taken and forced to be their Store Ship; and that I might go on Shore when I pleased, to my Friend Captain _Glynn_’s house, on condition I should return whenever they sent for me.

And now, the Tide being turned, they were as kind to me, as they had been at first severe. So we got the Brigantine along the side of the Prize, and as Bale-goods and Cases came to hand, we got them into her; only now and then we lost some, by the ill-nature of two or three leading Pirates: For if we could not receive the Goods so fast as they expected, with the few People I had of my own then with me, they would let them drop overboard.

The same they did by a quantity of _Irish_ Beef, the first day after I was taken; for they despised it, having found so much _English_, in the several Prizes they had met with in the River. This sight moved me to intreat Captain _Cocklyn_ to give me the _Irish_ Beef they were going to throw overboard; for the use of my poor People that had not entered with them. But I being then under the high Displeasure of him and his Crew, he brutishly replied, “There is Horse-beans enough in the Prize to serve you and your People six Months.” To which I answered, “It was coarse diet.” But finding this put him into a passion, I held my Tongue, and the Beef was all cast into the Sea.

In this place I think it proper to acquaint the Reader, What danger all the Prisoners were in by a false Report brought on board the Prize Ships that afternoon. For it was confidently averred by some Negroes, “That one of their Crew was murdered, by two Captains, whose names were _Bennet_ and _Thompson_, who had been obliged to fly into the Woods from the rage of the Pirates.” And they added, “That these two Gentlemen coming to the House of one Mr. _Jones_, (who lived a great way up the River) to seek for Provisions, they there met with the person whom they had killed.” Upon this report the Pirates resolved to revenge themselves on us who were their prisoners: “Which obliged me to argue with them, and observe how great a cruelty it would be, to punish us who were wholly innocent, for the faults of others.” Moreover I said, “The report might be false, it coming from the Shore-Negroes; and I hoped at least they would defer their resentment against us, till they had a more certain account of the matter.” This calmed their Rage a little, when, to our great Joy, the Person that was reported to be killed, came on board soon after; and told his Comrades, that he had met with Captain _Bennet_ and _Thompson_ at Mr. _Jones_’s House, who threatned him; from which the report arose that they had killed him; but that they had not otherwise misused him: So on this their Passion was entirely calmed.

As I have mentioned these two Captains, _Bennet_ and _Thompson_, I shall give an account of their Misfortunes, which I had afterwards from their own Mouths. Captain _John Bennet_, being bound from _Antegoa_ to the Coast of _Guinea_, was taken at _Cape de Verd_ Islands by _Davis_. Who, after plundering him, restored him his Ship; and he went into the River _Sieraleon_, where Captain _Thompson_ was arrived before him. Upon _Cocklyn_ the Pirate’s coming into the River, they carried their Ships a good way up, to a place called _Brent’s-Island_, being the Settlement of the _Royal African Company_; where one Mr. _Plunket_ was Governour. Having got their Ships very near the Shore, they made a Battery thereon, and having landed Ammunition, resolved with their People to defend themselves to the utmost: thinking at that time they would remain faithful. _Le Boose_ being arrived in his Brigantine, and hearing that several Ships were up the River, he resolved to have one of them for his use; so he went up to attack them, and they bravely defended themselves against him: But, soon after, _Cocklyn_ coming with his Ship to the assistance of _Le Boose_, their People begun to faulter; and these gallant Captains were, for saving their Lives, obliged, with Mr. _Plunket_, and several of their Officers, to fly into the Woods: Where, for many Weeks, they remained, having nothing to subsist on but Rice, with now and then some Oysters, which they got by night from the River side: neither durst they appear near the place where the Pirates were (as long as they remained there) for they had vowed to cut them to pieces, if ever they fell into their hands. Moreover, their Ships were burnt; and _Le Boose_ took for his own use, one Captain _Lamb_’s Ship, which at that time lay farther up the River. I thought proper to relate this, in order to set the story in a better light, tho’ it happened some Weeks before I was taken.

But now, to return to my Subject. I was relating, how we were employed in saving what Goods we could. This took us up four days; and I slept every night on board their _Tender_ commanded by Captain _Elliot_, who was very kind to me, and had a great ascendant over the leading Pirates: so that he had seldom the Company of the common sort, having orders to drive them away, whenever they came on board him. And I have often been amazed, to hear and see what he has done to some of them when they were impudent; beating them, and saying, “He was sure he should see them hang’d in due time at _Execution-dock_.” However, by this means we were generally very easy on board him, which was no little satisfaction to me in my Circumstances.

About this time the Quarter-master who took me, fell sick of a Fever; which, increasing, he sent to speak with me: And having desired all present, except my self to withdraw, he told me, “That at the time I was taken, he designed to have killed me, when he presented the Pistol to my breast; begging I would forgive him for his cruel Intention:” Which I readily doing, he further said, “That he had been a most wicked Wretch, having been guilty of all manner of abominable Crimes; and that now believing he should die, his Conscience sadly tormented him, fearing he should be punished, as he deserved, in Hell-fire, which so often in their vile discourse he had made light of.” Upon hearing that, “I exhorted him to sincere Repentance; telling him, the Christian Religion assured us of God’s Mercies, if we are truly penitent; and I instanced the goodness of God to my self, in that he was graciously pleased to preserve me, the night I was taken, from being murdered by him and others; which great Mercies I believed were shown me, because I put my Hope and Trust in Almighty God; and exhorted him to do the same.” But he replied, with a sad countenance. “O, Sir, my heart is hardened; however, I will endeavour to follow your good counsel.” As he was going on, expressing his sorrow for his former course of Life, some of the Pirates broke in upon us, to ask him, “How he did?” So he called his Boy, and, as a mark of his Good-will towards me, ordered him to take the Key of his Chest, and let me take out what Necessaries I would. Accordingly I took that opportunity of providing my self with Shirts, Stockings, and several other things. As I was taking them out, a Pirate coming from the Deck, and knowing nothing of the Quarter-master’s order, called out aloud; “see how that Dog is thieving there: He does it as cleverly as any Rogue of us all.” But being told, “It was with the Quarter-master’s leave,” he came and helped me to bundle the things up, and I sent them on board the _Tender_. These were the first Necessaries which I could call my own, since my Misfortune.

The Quarter-master that evening falling into a Delirium, died before morning in terrible Agonies; cursing his Maker in so shocking a manner, that it made a great Impression on several new entered Men: and they afterwards came privately to me, begging, “that I would advise them how to get off from so vile a Course of Life, which led them into Destruction both of Body and Soul. Some of them proposed to fly into the Woods, and remain there till their Ships were gone, if I would promise to protect them afterwards; but this being too nice a matter for me to meddle with at that Juncture, I declined it; Exhorting them in general, Not to be guilty of Murder, or any other Cruelty to those they should take. For if ever they should, by a general consent, resolve to embrace the King’s Pardon, it would be a great Advantage to them, to have the unfortunate People they had taken give them a good Character in that respect.”

Having mentioned the King’s Pardon, I shall here relate what I before omitted, with relation to his late Majesty’s Proclamation, for a _Pardon to Pirates, that should surrender themselves at any of the_ British Plantations, _by the first of_ July 1719. This Proclamation I had on board, with a Declaration of War against _Spain_. The Quarter-master finding them amongst my Papers, and not being able to read, he brought them to me, the next day after I was taken, and “bid me read them aloud to all then present;” which I did: But there being Rewards offered in the Proclamation, to those that should take or destroy Pirates; so much for a Captain; and in proportion for the other Officers and common Pirates; this put them into such a Rage, that I began to apprehend my self in some Danger. But Captain _Cocklyn_ ordering silence to be made, bid me read the other Paper, which was _The Declaration of War against_ Spain. When I had read it, some of them said, “They wished they had known it before they left the _West Indies_” From thence I took occasion to observe to them, “That if they thought fit to embrace his Majesty’s most gracious Pardon, there was not only time enough for them to return to the _West Indies_, (there being still three Months to come of the time limited in the Proclamation) but now that War was declared against _Spain_, they would have an opportunity of inriching themselves in a legal way, by going a privateering, which many of them had privately done.” This seemed to be relished by many: but several old _Buccaneers_, who had been guilty of Murder and other barbarous Crimes, being no ways inclined to it, they used the King’s Proclamation with great contempt, and tore it in pieces. I thought my self well off, that no Resentment or ill-usage was shown me on this occasion.

Amongst the several Pirates, that came to consult me, “How they should get off,” There was one _Ambrose Curtis_, who was in a bad state of Health, and generally walked the Deck in a Silk Night-gown. This person finding me shy in answering his Questions, he told me, “Tho’ I had forgot him, yet he had not me; for he was eleven years ago at Sea with my Father, who had used him severely for being an unlucky Boy: That I might remember, my Father died in _Virginia_, and I commanded the Ship afterwards, and brought her home to _England_; having been very kind to him, except in one thing, which was, That he having confessed to me, he was a Servant, and run away from his Master, I refused to pay him his Wages, till he brought a person who gave me Security that I should not pay them twice; and then he had his Wages to a farthing:” Adding, “he had told this to several leading Pirates, who had persuaded him to revenge himself on me; but as I had been kind to him, and in his Conscience he believed I was in the right, to demand Security when I paid him his Wages, so he bore no ill-will to me on that account; and when my necessaries came to be sold at the Mast, he would buy some of them for me;” in which he proved as good as his word.

But as to his Questions about getting off, I replied as I had done to others; “Assuring him, if ever it came to be in my power to serve him, I would not spare for Money nor Pains to do it:” But this poor fellow died, before the Pirates left _Sieraleon_.

I hope the Reader will pardon me for mentioning several things, which are not so coherent as I could wish; as also several little Incidents. The reason why I mention them is, because I think they display the true humours and ways of these Miscreants.

Amongst my Adventure of Goods, I had in a Box three second-hand embroidered Coats. One day the three Pirate Captains, coming on board the Prize together, enquired for them, saying, “They understood by my Book such Clothes were in my Ship.” I told them, “They were in a Box under the bed place in the State-room. So they ordered them to be taken out, and immediately put them on.” But the longest Coat falling to _Cocklyn_’s share, who was a very short Man, it almost reached as low as his Ancles. This very much displeased him, and he would fain have changed with _Le Boose_, or _Davis_: But they refused, telling him, “As they were going on Shore amongst the _Negroe-Ladies_, who did not know the white Mens fashions, it was no matter. Moreover, as his Coat was Scarlet embroidered with Silver, they believed he would have the preference of them, (whose Coats were not so showy) in the opinion of their Mistresses.” This making him easy, they all went on Shore together.

It is a Rule amongst the Pirates, not to allow Women to be on board their Ships, when in the Harbour. And if they should take a Prize at Sea, that has any Women on board, no one dares, on pain of death, to force them against their Inclinations. This being a good political Rule to prevent disturbances amongst them, it is strictly observed. So now being in a Harbour, they went on Shore to the Negroe-women, who were very fond of their Company, for the sake of the great Presents they gave them. Nay, some white Men that lived there, did not scruple to lend their black Wives to the Pirates, purely on account of the great Rewards they gave.

The Pirate Captains having taken these Cloaths without leave from the Quarter-master, it gave great Offence to all the Crew; who alledg’d, “If they suffered such things, the Captains would for the future assume a Power, to take whatever they liked for themselves.” So, upon their returning on board next Morning, the Coats were taken from them, and put into the common Chest, to be sold at the Mast. And it having been reported, “That I had a hand in advising the Captains to put on these Coats,” it gained me the ill-will in particular of one _Williams_, who was Quarter-master of _Le Boose_’s Ship. He seeing me in the _Tender_’s Boat, going on board a _French_ Ship lately taken, where he then was, he swore, “That if I came there, he would cut me to pieces, for the advice I had given the Captains.” But Captain _Elliot_, who was then in the Boat, whispered me, saying, “Don’t be afraid of him, for it is his usual way of talking. But be sure call him Captain, as soon as you get on board.” It seems this Villain had been Commander of a Pirate Sloop; who, with a Brigantine, two years before, took Captain _Laurence Prince_ in the _Whidaw Galley_ near _Jamaica_; and being now Quarter-master, which he did not like, he loved to have the Title of Captain given him. So when I came into the _French_ Ship, I adressed my self to him, saying, “Captain _Williams_, pray hear me upon the Point you are so offended at.” Upon that he gave me a slight Blow on the Shoulder, with the flat of his Cutlace, swearing at the same time, “he had not the heart to hurt me;” When I had told him how the affair had really happen’d, which he had been so angry about, he gave me a Keg of Wine, and was my Friend ever after.

The _French_ Ship just now mentioned, fell into their hands about a fortnight after I was taken by them, in this manner. It was not bound to _Sieraleon_, but having not had an Observation for several days, because the Sun was near their _Zenith_, they made land unexpectedly; and not knowing certainly whereabouts they were, but seeing several Ships in the River at an Anchor, they came boldly towards them.

I was then on board Captain _Cocklyn_’s old Ship; for they had not quite fitted mine for their use, not having at that time any Guns mounted; so I saw the great fear and confusion that was amongst them. My Mate, who had entered with them, said, “He believed, by the Ship’s coming in so boldly, it was the _Launceston_ Man of War of forty Guns, whom we had left in _Holland_. For he had heard me say, she was to follow us to the Coast of _Guinea_.”

Happy would it have been for us and many more, if it had been so. For had that, or even a smaller Ship of twenty Guns, with the King’s Commission, come in at that time, or any other, whilst I was in their hands, I am persuaded they would have easily destroyed them. For the new-entered-men had little Courage; and the far greater part both of old and new Pirates, were so much in drink, that there could have been no Order or Conduct amongst them in an Engagement. So that it would have been very easy to have subdued them, and prevented that terrible Destruction, which happened to above one hundred Sail of Ships, that fell afterwards into their Hands, in their going down the Coast of _Guinea_: Together with those Damages that happened a good while after in the _East Indies_, by some of this Gang; and the great Ravage made by _Roberts_ (who rose out of _Davis_’s Ashes) the second time, on the Coast of _Guinea_, till he was happily destroyed by Sir _Chaloner Ogle_ in the _Swallow_ Man of War. But the reason why no timely care was taken to prevent so great a Destruction, is not proper for me to mention in this place.

As I had no business to be on board the Pirate Ship in time of Action, I asked Captain _Cocklyn_’s leave to go on board their _Tender_, which he readily granted. Just as I was going, several of my People who had entered with him, said, “They would go along with me, for they had never seen a Gun fired in anger.” _Cocklyn_ hearing that, told them, “That now they should learn to smell Gunpowder,” and caned them heartily.

So I went on board Captain _Elliot_, where I soon saw the _French_ Ship taken. For coming so unexpectedly into the Pirates hands, they made no Resistance: And because the Captain did not strike on their first firing, they put a Rope about his Neck, and hoisted him up and down several times to the Main-yard-arm, till he was almost dead. Captain _Le Boose_ coming at that instant, luckily saved his Life: And highly resenting this their cruel usage to his Countryman, he protested, “he would remain no longer in Partnership with such barbarous Villains.” So, to pacify him, they left the _Frenchmen_ with the Ship in his care; and after the Cargoe was destroyed, they cut the Ship’s Masts by the board, and run her on Shore, for she was very old, and not fit for their purpose.

After the affair of the _French_ Ship was over, I was employed for several days, in landing out of the Brigantine the Goods that had been given me, out of my own Ship’s Cargoe, and carrying them to my Friend Captain _Glynn_’s House; in which both he and I worked very hard. For my own People that did not enter with the Pirates, were mostly obliged to work on board the Prize, in fitting her for them; and the Natives who served Captain _Glynn_ at his House, were grown so insolent by the large quantity of Goods given them by the Pirates, that they would do nothing but what they pleased. However, at last, with much trouble we got them housed.

By this time, which was about the 20th of _April_, the Ship they had taken from me was compleatly fitted, and the next day was appointed to name her, to which Ceremony I was invited. When I came on board, the Pirate Captains told me, “It was not out of Disrespect they had sent for me, but to partake of the good Cheer provided on this occasion:” So they desired I would be chearful, and go with them into the great Cabin. When I came there, Bumpers of Punch were put into our Hands, and on Captain _Cocklyn_’s saying aloud, _God bless the_ Windham Galley, we drank our Liquor, broke the Glasses, and the Guns fired.

The Ship being Galley-built, with only two flush Decks, the Cover of the Scuttle of the Powder-room was in the great Cabin, and happened at that time to be open. One of the aftermost Guns blowing at the Touch-hole, set fire to some Cartouch-boxes, that had Cartridges in them for small Arms, the Shot and Fire of which flew about us, and made a great smother. When it was over, Captain _Davis_ observed, there had been great Danger to us from the Scuttle’s being open; there being under, in a Room, above _twenty thousand_ weight of Gunpowder. _Cocklyn_ replied, “He wished it had taken fire, for it would have been a noble blast, to have gone to Hell with.”

Then all going upon Deck, three Prizes that remained undestroyed, were ordered to be burned; upon hearing that, I privately represented to Captain _Davis_, “How hard it would be upon us who were Prisoners, to remain in that Country, without Necessaries, and without Food to subsist on: Besides, there was no manner of Prospect of our getting away quickly: That to the many Obligations I owed him, I hoped he would add one more, and, by his Interest, at least save one of the Vessels, for us to return to _England_ in: That as he had several times hinted to me, how much he disliked that course of Life, hoping he should have an opportunity of leaving it in a short time; so I wished he would put it in my power, to report to his Advantage, the good deed I then requested of him; for, in my Opinion, next to Murder and Cruelty, too often practised by Pirates, nothing could make them more odious to the World, than their destroying, out of mere Wantonness, so many Ships and Cargoes, as had been done by _Cocklyn_ and _Le Boose_’s Crews; in which I knew he had no hand: And if he would be pleased to procure my entire Liberty, at the same time that he pleaded for one of the Vessels for us, it would be a double Obligation on me to Gratitude, in case it ever fell in my power to serve him.”

This he readily promised, and by his Management the Ships were saved from being burned, and they made a Bonfire only of the old _Rising Sun_, being the Ship they had quitted for mine: And now obtaining, through Captain _Davis_’s means, my intire Liberty, I went on Shore to my friend Captain _Glynn_’s House again.

Two days after this Captain _Elliot_ sent his Boat for me, desiring I would forthwith come on board his Ship, because he wanted very much to speak with me. I had too many obligations to this Gentleman to refuse going, (tho’ I had a sort of an aversion.) Upon coming on board, he privately represented to me, “That I knew he had been obliged against his will by the Pirates, to receive into his Ship a great quantity of other People’s Goods; for which he might hereafter be called to an account; therefore he desired I would give him a Certificate, testifying the Truth of it.” Knowing this to be true, I readily complied; for he was a very honest Man, as appeared soon after. For the Pirates compelling him to go out of the River with them, as their _Tender_, he took the first opportunity of getting from them, which he did in a Tornado, or sudden Gust of Wind, that arose in the Night; and having the good fortune to succeed in his attempt, he made a good Voyage for his Owners, with Slaves to _Barbadoes_; where he fell sick and died.

While I was in his Ship, the three Pirate Captains called along the side. Not expecting to see me there, they seemed very glad of it, and invited me to go and sup with them on board Captain _Davis_. This I declined, being desirous of going on Shore to Captain _Glynn_’s. But Captain _Davis_ insisting on it, I thought it prudent to comply; that I might not lose that Gentleman’s Good-will, who had been so kind to me.

After we had been some time on board his Ship, Supper was brought up about eight a clock in the Evening; and the Musick was ordered to play, amongst which was a Trumpeter, that had been forced to enter out of one of the Prizes. About the middle of Supper, we heard upon Deck an outcry of Fire, and instantly a Person came to us, and said, “The Main-hatch-way was all in a Flame;” so we all went upon Deck.

At that time, besides the Pirates Ship’s Crew, who were mostly drunk, there was on board at least fifty Prisoners; and several Boats along the side, into which many People jumped, and put off. I being then on the Quarter-deck, with the Captains, observed this to them; but they all in confusion said, “We know not what to do in the matter:” Upon that I told them, “If the sober People were allowed to go away with the Boats, no one would endeavour to save the Ship; and we that were left should be lost, (for the other Ships were above a Mile from us, and the Tide of Flood then run so strong, that their Boats could not row against it to save us:)” So I proposed to them, “to fire the Quarter-deck Guns at the Boats that had just put off, to oblige them to come on board again;” which being instantly done, it so frightned the People in them, that they forthwith came back; and all that were able, and not drunk, lent their helping hand to put out the Fire; which by this time was come to a great head in the Ship’s hold.

After this I went down into the Steerage, where I saw one _Goulding_, who was Gunner’s Mate, and a brisk active Fellow, put his head up the After-hatchway, calling for Blankets and Water; “which if not brought immediately, (he said) the Bulk-head of the Powder-room would be fired, and the Ship soon blown up.” Observing the Stupidity of the People about me, who stood looking on one another, I caught up several Blankets and Rugs which lay scattered about, and flung them to him, and so did others by my example. Then I run out of the Steerage upon Deck, where meeting with some People that were sober, I got them to go over the side, and draw up Buckets of Water; And others handing them to _Goulding_, who had by this time placed the Blankets and Rugs against the Bulk-head of the Powder-Room, he flung this Water on them, and thereby prevented the Flames from catching the Powder, and consequently from blowing up the Ship, which must otherwise have happened: For there was then on board at least _thirty thousand_ pounds of Gunpowder, which had been taken out of several Prizes, it being a Commodity much in request amongst the _Negroes_.

There was still great Confusion amongst us, occasioned by the darkness of the Night, and the many drunken People, who were not sensible of the great Danger we were in: Moreover, the People in the Hold gave us as yet no Hopes of their getting the Mastery of the Fire. So I went again on the Quarter-deck, and considered with my self, if the fire could not be conquered, as I could not swim, I should have no chance of being saved: and even those that could, would, I knew, be exposed to be torn to pieces by voracious Sharks, which abound in that River: So I took one of the Quarter-deck Gratings, and lowered it by a Rope over the Ship’s-side, designing to get on that, if I should be forced to quit the Ship. For tho’ the Boats had been once obliged to come back, yet it being a dark Night, some People, unperceived, had slipped again away with them, and were quite gone away.

Whilst I stood musing with my self on the Quarter-deck, I heard a loud shout upon the Main-deck, with a Huzza, “_For a brave blast to go to Hell with_,” which was repeated several times. This not only much surprized me, but also many of the new entered Pirates; who were struck with a Pannick Fright, believing the Ship was just blowing up; so that several of them came running on the Quarter-deck, and accidentally threw me down, it being very dark. As soon as I got upon my Legs again, I heard these poor wretches say, in a lamentable Voice, one to another; “Oh! that we could be so foolish as to enter into this vile course of Life! The Ship will be immediately blown up, and we shall suffer for our Villanies in Hell Fire.” So that when the old hardened Rogues on the Main-deck, wish’d for a blast to go to Hell with, the other poor wretches were at the same time under the greatest Consternation at the thoughts of it.

The Apprehension of the Ship’s being just ready to blow up, was so universal, that above fifty People got on the Bolt-sprit, and Sprit-sail-yard, thinking they should have there a better chance for their Lives: But they much deceived themselves, for had so great a quantity of Powder as was at that time on board, been fired, it would have blown them up to Atoms.

There was one _Taylor_, Master of this Pirate Ship, as brisk and couragious a Man as ever I saw; (who afterwards commanded the _Cassandra_, an _English East India_ Ship, and carried her to _New Spain_, where he and his Crew separated.) This Person, with fifteen more, spared no pains to extinguish the Fire in the Hold; and tho’ they were scalded in a sad manner by the Flames, yet they never shrunk till it was conquered; which was not till near ten a clock at night, when they came upon Deck, declaring the Danger was over: So the Surgeons were called to dress their burns. This was joyful News to us all on Deck, for we little expected to escape.

I shall now relate how this Fire happened, from which our Deliverance was almost miraculous. About half an hour after eight a clock in the evening, a Negroe Man went into the Hold, to pump some Rum out of a Cask; and imprudently holding his Candle too near the Bung-hole, a Spark fell into the Hogs-head, and set the Rum on fire. This immediately fired another Cask of the same Liquor, whose Bung had been, through carelessness, left open: And both the Heads of the Hogsheads immediately flying out, with a report equal to that of a small Cannon, the fire run about the Hold. There were twenty Casks of Rum, with as many Barrels of Pitch and Tar, very near the place where the Rum lay that was fired; yet it pleased God none of these took fire, otherwise it would have been impossible for us to escape.

After this was over, I was obliged to stay on board till Morning, all the Boats being run away with. In that time _Golding_, the Gunner’s Mate, told the Pirate’s Crew several things to my Advantage: “How I had handed the Blankets to him, and ordered Water to be thrown on them; which saved the Bulk-head, where the Powder lay, from being fired, and consequently the Ship from being blown up.” So now I was more than ever in their favour: For several of them desired me to come on board the _Windham_ Galley, the day Things were sold there at the Mart, and then they would be kind to me. Likewise Captain _Davis_ press’d me to come, asking me, “Whether the Gold Watch that was taken from me was a good one?” To which I answering, “It was very good, at that time.” He then said, “He would buy it for his own use at any rate.”

While he and I were talking thus, one of the Mates came half drunk, on the Quarter-deck, saying to him; “I propose in behalf of the Ship’s Company, that this Man shall be obliged to go down the Coast of _Guinea_ with us; for I am told we cannot have a better Pilot.” This was a great surprize to me; but my generous Friend _Davis_ soon put me out of pain. For he told him, “They wanted no Pilot:” and the fellow still insisting on my going, Captain _Davis_ caned him off the Quarter-deck, and I heard no more of it: For soon after I went on Shore to my Friend Captain _Glynn_’s House.

Two days after this, a small Vessel came into the River, and was taken by them: It was called the _Dispatch_ Captain _Wilson_, belonging to the Royal _African Company_. Mr. _Simon Jones_, formerly my first Mate, who had entered with the Pirates, (as I have before related) told them, on this occasion, “That he had once commanded a Ship, which was hired and freighted by the _African_ Company; and that he had been very unjustly used by them; so he desired the _Dispatch_ might be burned, that he might be revenged of them.” This being immediately consented to, and forthwith ordered to be executed, one _John Stubbs_, a witty brisk fellow, stood up, and desired to be heard first; saying, “Pray, Gentlemen, hold a little, and I will prove to you, if this Ship is burnt, you will thereby greatly serve the _Company_’s Interest.” This drawing every one’s attention, they bid him go on: Then he said, “The Vessel has been out these two years on her Voyage, being old and crazy, and almost eaten to pieces by the Worms; besides, her Stores are worth little, and as to her Cargoe, it consists only of a little Redwood and _Melegette-pepper_; so if she should be burned, the Company will lose little; but the poor People that now belong to her, and have been so long a Voyage, will lose all their Wages, which, I am sure, is three times the Value of the Vessel, and of her trifling Cargoe; so that the Company will be highly obliged to you for destroying her.” The rest of the Crew being convinced by these Reasons, the Vessel was spared, and delivered again to Captain _Wilson_ and his People, who afterwards came safe to _England_ in it.

The 29th of _April_, such of the Pirates as were my Friends, sent me word on Shore, “That the Sale of Necessaries was to begin that day in the afternoon, in the _Windham-Galley_, Captain _Cocklyn_.” So I went on board in a large _Cannoe_, belonging to two Men that lived ashore, who went at the same time with me. At the Sale, several of the Pirates bought many Necessaries that had been mine, and gave them to me. Likewise, Mr. _James Griffin_, my Schoolfellow, was so civil as to beg from those that were not so kind to me, as he hoped they would have been. The two white Men that went with me in the Cannoe, minded their own business so well, that they got several great Bundles of Clothes and Goods, which they put into the Cannoe with mine.

By this time several Pirates being half drunk with Brandy, looked over the side, and seeing so many Bundles in the Cannoe, which they supposed to be all mine, they swore, “I was insatiable, and that it would be a good deed to throw them overboard.” This my kind Schoolfellow hearing, he came and told me of it; advising me, to go immediately on Shore; which I accordingly did; and it proved very happy for me. For soon after my Watch was put up to sale, and many bidding for it, some of them out of Spite to Captain _Davis_, it was run up to one hundred Pounds, which he paid down. One of the Pirates being greatly vexed at it, said, “He believed the Cases of the Watch were not good Gold;” and calling for a Touch-stone, he tried them on it. The Touch looking of a _copperish_ Colour, (as indeed all Gold-cases of Watches do on the touch, by reason of the quantity of Alloy put in to harden them) this pretence served the turn of this Villain; who thereupon exclaimed against me, saying, “I was a greater Rogue than any of them, who openly professed Piracy; since I was so sly, as to bring a base Metal Watch, and endeavour to put it off for a gold one.”

This Speech procured me the Anger of many, who knew no better; they believing every word of what he said to be true. And tho’ Captain _Davis_ laugh’d at it, yet several swore, “If I had not been gone on Shore, they would have whipped me:” And as their Drunkenness increased, they talked of sending for me to be punished for so great a Villany, as they called it. But my Schoolfellow, apprehending they would really offer me some Violence, was so kind as to send me word of what had pass’d, by a white Man living on Shore, who was then on board; advising me to go into the Woods, for they should sail quickly out of the River.

The next morning early, which was the last day of _April_, as I was just going to follow his advice, I was agreeably surprized with the arrival of one Mr. _James Bleau_, my Surgeon, whom they designed to take by force with them. This honest Man had been very much cast down at it, and had often desired me to intercede for his liberty. Accordingly I had done it, representing, “That he grieved himself so much, that if he did not die quickly, yet he would be of no use to them:” But this had no effect. However, at last, a fortunate accident cleared him, when he least expected it; for that very evening, after I was come on Shore, the Surgeon of the _French_ Ship entered with them; whereupon they gave Mr. _Bleau_ his Liberty the next morning.

Mr. _Bleau_ brought us the agreeable News, that the three Pirate Ships, with their _Tender_, were under sail, going out of the River. This gave us all on Shore the highest Satisfaction; for I had been then in their hands a Month, and many others much longer. Mr. _Bleau_, whom I have here mentioned, lives now at _Woodford-Row_ on _Epping-Forest_, where he follows his Business.

I shall now inform the Reader, what became of my kind Schoolfellow _Griffin_, and my generous Friend _Davis_. The first took an opportunity of getting out of the hands of the Pirates, by taking away a Boat from the Stern of the Ship he was in, when off the Road of _Annamaboe_, on the Coast of _Guinea_. He was driven on Shore there, unperceived in the night time; and from thence went to _Cape Coast Castle_, belonging to the Royal _African Company_; from which place he went Passenger to _Barbadoes_, in an _English_ Ship, where he was taken with a violent Fever and died.

As to _Davis_, having discovered, a few days after they left the River _Sierraleon_, a Conspiracy, to deprive him of his Command, which was carried on by one _Taylor_, that was Master of the Ship under him, he timely prevented it: But he and some others left their Ship, and went on board the _Windam_ Galley, Captain _Cocklyn_, by whom he found _Taylor_ had been set on to displace him. This causing him to leave their Partnership, he took a few days after one Captain _Plumb_ in the _Princess_ of _London_, whose second Mate _Roberts_, so famous afterwards for his Villanies, entered with him; and _Davis_’s Crew, after plundering the Ship, restored her to Captain _Plumb_ again. After this, Captain _Davis_ went for the Island _Princess_, belonging to the _Portuguese_, which lies in the Bay of _Guinea_. Here the Pirates gave out, “They were a King’s Ship;” but the People soon discovered what they were by their lavishness, in purchasing fresh Provisions with Goods; but the Governour winked at it, on account of the great Gains he, and others of the chief of his People made by them. But at last some putting him in mind, “That if this Affair should come to the King of _Portugal_’s ear, it might prove his ruin;” he plotted how to destroy _Davis_ and his Crew, in order to colour over what he had so basely permitted, in allowing them a free trade, after discovering they were Pirates.

Captain _Davis_ being one day on Shore with the Governor, he told him, “They designed to sail from the Island in three days, and that he would come, and take his leave of him the day before.” Accordingly he went on a Sunday morning, taking with him his first Surgeon, the Trumpeter, and some others, besides the Boat’s Crew. At their coming into the Governor’s House, they saw no body to receive them; so they went on, till they came into a long Gallery fronting the Street. Here the Governor’s _Major Domo_ presently came to them, saying, “His Master was at his Country-House, but he had sent a Messenger to him, when they saw Captain _Davis_ coming on Shore; and no doubt he would soon be in Town.” But the Surgeon observing, that many People had got together in the Street, with Arms in their hands, he said to his Captain, “I am sure we shall see no Governor to day,” and advised him immediately to go away. So _Davis_ and the Surgeon went out of the House; whereupon the _Major-Domo_ called to the People in the Street, to fire at them. The Surgeon and two more were kill’d on the Spot, and the Trumpeter was wounded in the Arm, who seeing two _Capuchin_ Friers (from whom I had this Account at the Island _Princess_) fled to them. One of them took him in his Arms to save him, but a _Portuguese_ came, and shot him dead without any regard to the Frier’s Protection. Captain _Davis_, tho’ he had four Shots in divers parts of his Body, yet continued running towards the Boat: But being closely pursued, a fifth Shot made him fall, and the _Portuguese_ being amazed at his great Strength and Courage, cut his Throat, that they might be sure of him.

The Boat’s Crew hearing the firing, put off in good time at some distance from the Shore; and seeing the _Portuguese_ advancing to fire at them, they rowed on board their Ship; where relating what had happened, as they supposed, to their Captain, and to the rest left on Shore, it set the Pirates all in a flame; and they directly chose _Roberts_ for their Commander, vowing a severe revenge on the _Portuguese_.

The Water was so shallow, that they could not get their Ship near the Town; so they prepared a Raft, on which they mounted several pieces of Cannon, with which they fired at the place: But the Inhabitants having quitted it, and all the Houses being of Timber, they did little damage to the Town. Neither durst they land to burn the Place, for fear of the great Number of People, whom they perceived in the Bushes with small Arms: So, they returned to their Ship, and the next day sailed out of the Harbour.

Thus fell Captain _Davis_, who (allowing for the Course of Life he had been unhappily engaged in) was a most generous humane Person. And thus _Roberts_ arose, who proved the reverse of him, and did afterwards a great deal of mischief in the _West Indies_, and on the Coast of _Guinea_; till he and his Crew were happily suppress’d by Sir _Chaloner Ogle_, in the _Swallow_ Man of War, and in the Engagement, _Roberts_, and several of his People were killed. But as there is _An Account of the Pirates_ published, in which the principal Actions of _Roberts_ are related, I shall say nothing more of him here; but go on to relate what is not mentioned in the aforesaid Book.

As soon as it was commonly known, that the Pirates were sailed from _Sierraleon_, Captain _Bennet_ and _Thompson_, with several others that had been obliged to keep in the Woods, as I have formerly related, came to Captain _Glynn_’s House. There we all consulted about preparing the _Bristol Snow_, which the Pirates had spared at my Intreaty, so as to make it fit for us to return to _England_ in. There was with us one Captain _David Creichton_, in the _Elizabeth_ of _London_, laden with dying Wood; whom the Pirates had taken not long before me. Him they plundered, and would have destroyed, but by the Interest of Mr. _James Griffin_, who had been chief Mate with the Captain’s Brother, the Ship was spared. In this Ship Captain _Creichton_ took as many People as he possibly could, in order to spare our Provisions, and sailed a few days after the Pirates left the River _Sierraleon_, for _London_: We that were left behind, sent notice by him to our Owners of the great Misfortunes that had befallen us.

Then applying our selves to fit the _Bristol-Snow_, whom a worthy Person, one Captain _John Morris_, commanded, we found we should be in very great want of Provisions, considering how many poor People desired to go home with us. Upon that Captain _Glynn_ sent a small Sloop belonging to him, to fetch Provisions from the River _Sherberow_, where the destroying Pirates had not been. From thence she returned in a few days, with a good quantity; and one Captain _Nisbet_ having found under his Ship’s Ballast in the Hold, several Casks of Beef; which had not come to the knowledge of the Pirates (otherwise it would no doubt have been destroyed, as most part of his Cargoe was) he was so kind as to spare me as much of this Beef as he possibly could; and I drew a Bill on my Owner for the value of it.

Moreover, we found in the _French_ Ship that had been taken, and afterwards run on Shore by the Pirates, a large quantity of good Biscuit, so that now we were sufficiently provided in all respects.

Lastly, knowing that large quantities of Goods had been given by the Pirates, to all the white Men residing on Shore upon their own accounts, we all went in a Body to demand them. Messieurs _Mead_ and _Pearce_, who were in Partnership, very readily and honourably delivered up all they were possessed of: But others did not follow their Example; for they only shewed us what Goods they thought proper, of which I allowed them one third part for salvage.

So I shipp’d what I had recovered from them, with the other Goods the Pirates had given me formerly out of Captain _Morris_’s Vessel; and then we embarked in her, being above sixty Passengers, besides six Masters of Ships, whose Vessels had been destroyed, or fitted for the use of the Pirates. We left the River _Sierraleon_ the 10th day of _May_, and, after a tedious Passage, occasioned by the Ship’s bad sailing, we came safe to _Bristol_, the first of _August_ 1719.

On my landing at the Key, Mr. _Casamajor_, Merchant of that City, came to me, and delivered me a Letter from my Owner, the late _Humphrey Morrice_ Esq; who had received mine by Captain _Creichton_, with the account of my Misfortune, a few days before we arrived at _Bristol_. Mr. _Morrice_, in his Letter, was pleased to comfort me under so severe a Trial, as I had undergone, assuring me, “He would immediately give me the Command of another Ship; (which accordingly he most generously did soon after) and that he had ordered Mr. _Casamajor_, his Correspondent, to supply me with Money, to distribute amongst my poor Sailors, who had returned with me to _Bristol_; in order to enable them to go to their several Habitations,” which was in several Parts of _England_.

_Laus DEO._

TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE

One occurrence of Dahomès (page 31) was changed to the predominant
Dahomes.
Four occurrences of Dahome (pages 2, 14, 56, 148) were changed to
the predominant Dahomè.

Except for those changes noted below, all misspellings in the text,
and inconsistent or archaic usage, have been left unchanged.

Pg 29: ‘keep the the Multitude’ replaced by ‘keep the Multitude’.
Pg 95: ‘He then ask-me’ replaced by ‘He then asked me’.
Pg 101: ‘the Linguist old me’ replaced by ‘the Linguist told me’.
Pg 219: ‘amonst most of’ replaced by ‘amongst most of’.
Pg 238: ‘Quar-master; who’ replaced by ‘Quarter-master; who’.