Chapter II: Part 2

_Massey_ was well received, and, at his own report, he was sent on board the _Happy Sloop_, to cruise off _Hispaniola_ for _Lowther_; but not meeting with him, he returned to _Jamaica_, and getting a Certificate, he came home to _England_, where, when he arrived, he writes to the _African_ Company, relating the whole transaction of his voyage, but excuses it as an inadvertency, by his being ill-used; for which, if they would not forgive him, he begged to die like a soldier, and not be hanged like a dog. This not producing so favourable an answer as he expected, he went the next day to the Lord Chief Justice Chambers, and enquired, If there had been ever a Warrant granted and against one Captain _Massey_ for Piracy. But being told, There was not, he said, He was the Man, and that the _African_ Company would soon apply to my Lord for one, which if they did, he lodged in _Aldersgate street_, where the Officer might at any time find him. This the Clerk took down in writing, and a Warrant being soon granted, the Tipstaff went accordingly, and took him without any trouble.

But still there was no person to charge him, neither could they prove the letter to be his own hand-writing, till the Justice interrogated him, _Whether he did write the letter or not_; which he readily confessed, as also gave an ample account of the whole voyage, thereupon he was committed to _Newgate_, though soon after he was admitted out upon bail.

_July_ the 5th, 1723, he was tried at the _Old-Baily_ by a Court of Admiralty, when Captain _Russell_ and others appeared against him: But he would have saved them all that trouble, for he confessed more than they knew, fixing the facts so firm upon himself, that he was found Guilty, received Sentence of Death, and was executed three weeks after at _Execution Dock_.

But to return to _Lowther_, whom _Massey_ left cruising off of _Hispaniola_, who plying to the Windward near _Porto Rico_, took two sail, one was a small _Bristol_ Ship, the other a _Spanish_ Pirate, who had taken the _Bristol_ Ship; which so provoked _Lowther_, that he threatened to put all the _Spaniards_ to Death, for daring to intermeddle in his Affairs: But at last he contented himself with burning both their ships; and the _Spaniards_ getting away in their launch, they thought they were well off.

Afterwards he took a small Sloop from _St. Christophers_, which he manned; and carried with him to an island where they cleaned, and then going aboard, they sailed towards the Bay of _Honduras_, where they met with a small vessel with 13 Hands, of the same employment, under Captain _Lowe_, whom _Lowther_ received as friends, inviting them, as they were few in number, to join their strength together; which being accepted of, _Lowther_ continued Captain, and _Lowe_ was made Lieutenant, burning his own ship. Then coming into the Bay, they fell upon a ship of two hundred tons, called the _Greyhound_; against whom _Lowther_ firing his guns, hoisted the piratical Colours, which Captain _Edward_ bravely returned; but at length finding the Pirate too strong for him he yielded, and the Pirate came on Board, and not only rifling the ship, but beat and cut the men in a cruel manner. In crusing about the Bay, they took several other vessels without any resistance, particularly a Sloop of 100 Tons, which they mounted with 8 carriages and 10 swivel guns. With this fleet, _Lowther_ in the _Happy Delivery_, _Lowe_ in the _Rhode Island_ Sloop, _Harris_ in _Hamilton's_ Sloop, left the Bay, and came to _Port Mayo_, where they made preparations to careen, carrying ashore all their sails, to lay their plunder and stores in; but when they were busy at work, a body of the natives came down and attacked the Pirates unprepared, who were glad to fly to their Sloops, and leave them masters of the field, leaving the _Happy Delivery_ behind them, contenting themselves with the _Ranger_, which had only 20 guns, and 8 swivels, taking all the men on board her, wherein they presently began to quarrel, laying the blame upon one another. Being very much in want of provisions, they got to the _West Indies_, _May_ 1722, and near the Island of _Descada_ took a Brigantine stored with provisions and necessaries, which put them in better temper. Then they watered and stood to the Northward, intending to visit the North Coast of _America_, and in Latitude 38, they took the _Rebecca_ of _Boston_, at which Time the Crews divided, _Lowe_ with 44 Hands went on board the Brigantine, and _Lowther_ with the same number, staid in the Sloop, separating that very night, being the 28th of May 1722.

_Lowther_ cruised a pretty while among the Islands to no purpose, till at length he fell in with a _Martinico_ Man, which proved a seasonable relief, he being reduced to great want of provisions, and after that a _Guinea_ Man. After which they thought it time to clean, in order to prepare for new adventures; for which purpose they sailed to the Island of _Blanco_, which is a low Island 30 leagues from the main of _Spanish America_, where he unrigged his Sloop, sending his guns, rigging, and sails ashore, and putting his vessel upon the careen. But the _Eagle_ Sloop of _Barbadoes_, coming near this Island, and seeing her, supposing her to be a Pirate, took the advantage of attacking her when unprepared, who immediately hoisted the _St. George's_ Flag at her top-mast head to bid them defiance: But when they found the _Eagle_ resolved to board them in good earnest, the Pirates cut their cable, and hawled the stern on shore, which obliged the _Eagle_ to come to an anchor athwart the hawse, where they engaged them till they cried out for Quarters. At which time _Lowther_ and 12 men made their escape, but they took the rest, and brought them to _Camena_, where the _Spanish_ Governor condemned the Sloop to the captors, and sent 23 Hands to scour the Bushes of _Blanco_ for the Pirates, when they took 40; but could not find _Lowther_, three men and a little Boy. _John Churchill_, _Edward Mackonald_, _Nicholas Lewis_, _Rich. West_, _Sam Lavercot_, _Rob. White_, _John Shaw_, _And. Hunter_, _Jonathan Delve_, _Matthew Freeborn_, and _Henry Watson_, were hanged, _Roger Granger_, _Ralph Candem_, and _Robert Willis_, were acquitted. And Captain _Lowther_, it is said, afterwards shot himself, being found dead, and a pistol burst by his side.

CAPTAIN ANSTIS, AND HIS CREW

_Thomas Anstis_ shipped himself at _Providence_, in the Year 1718, aboard the _Buck_ Sloop, and was one of the six that conspired together to get off with the vessel, along with _Howel Davis_, _Dennis Topping_, and _Walter Kennedy_, etc. I shall only observe, that this combination was the beginning of Captain _Roberts's_ company, which afterwards proved so formidable, from whom _Anstis_ separated the 18th of _April_, 1721, leaving his Commodore to pursue his adventures upon the Coasts of _Guinea_, whilst he returned to the _West Indies_, upon the same design.

About the middle of _June_, he met with one Captain _Maiston_, between _Hispaniola_ and _Jamaica_, bound to _New-York_, from which he took all the wearing apparel, liquors and provisions, and six men. Afterwards he met with the _Irwin_, Captain _Ross_ from _Cork_, on the Coast of _Martinico_, which ship had Colonel _Doyly_ of _Montserrat_ on board, and his Family, and 600 barrels of beef.

Afterwards they went into one of the Islands to clean, and thence proceeding towards _Bermudas_, they met with a stout ship called the _Morning Star_, bound from _Guinea_ to _Carolina_, which they kept for their own use. Just after, they took a ship from _Barbadoes_ bound to _New England_, from whence taking her guns, they mounted the _Morning Star_ with 32 pieces of cannon, and 100 men, appointing _John Fenn_ Captain: For _Anstis_ was so in love with his own vessel, she being a good sailor, he made it his choice to stay in her, and let _Fenn_ have the other ship. Though they were not sufficiently strong, yet being most new men, they could not agree, but resolving to break up company, sent a Petition to His Majesty by a Merchant Ship, expecting her Return at _Cuba_.

Here they staid about nine months; but not having provisions for above two, they were obliged to take what the Island afforded; which is many sorts of fish, particularly turtle; though they eat not a bit of bread, nor flesh meat, during their being on the Island.

They passed their time here in dancing, and other diversions, agreeable to these sort of folks. Among the rest, they appointed a mock Court of Judicature, to try one another for Piracy, and he that was a Criminal one day, was made a Judge another. I shall never forget one of their Trials, which for the curiosity of it, I shall relate. The Judge got up into a tree, having a dirty tarpaulin over his shoulders for a robe, and a Thrum Cap upon his head, with a large pair of spectacles upon his nose, and a monkey bearing up his train, with abundance of Officers attending him, with crows and hand-spikes instead of wands and tip-staves in their hands. Before whom the Criminals were brought out, making 1000 wry Faces; when the Attorney-General moved the Court, and said, An't please your Lordship, and you Gentlemen of the Jury, this fellow before you is a sad dog, a sad, a sad dog, and I hope your Lordship will order him to be hanged out of the way; he has committed Piracy upon the High Seas; nay, my Lord, that's not all; this fellow, this sad dog before you, has out-rid a hundred storms, and you know, my Lord, _He that's born to be hanged, will never be drowned_. Nor is this all, he has been guilty of worse villany than this, and that is of drinking of small beer; and your Lordship knows, there was never a sober fellow but what was a rogue--My Lord, I should have said more, but your Lordship knows our rum is out, and how should a Man speak that has drunk a dram to-day.

_Judge._ Harkee me, Sirrah--you ill-looked dog. What
have you to say why you may not be tucked up, and set
a-sun-drying like a scare-crow?--Are you Guilty, or not?

_Prisoner._ Not Guilty, an't please your Worship.

_Judge._ Not Guilty! say so again, and I will have you
hanged without any Trial.

_Prisoner._ An't please your Worship's Honour, my Lord,
I am as honest a fellow as ever went between stem and
stern of a ship, and can hand, reef, steer, and clap two
ends of a rope together, as well as e'er a He that ever
crossed Salt-water; but I was taken by one _George
Bradley_ (the name of the Judge) a notorious Pirate, and
a sad rogue as ever was hanged, and he forced me, an't
please your Honour.

_Judge._ Answer me, Sirrah--how will you be tried?

_Prisoner._ By God and my country.

_Judge._ The Devil you will.... Then, Gentlemen of the
Jury, we have nothing to do but to proceed to Judgment.

_Attorney-Gen._ Right, my Lord; for if the fellow should
be suffered to speak, he might clear himself; and that,
you know, is an affront to the Court.

_Prisoner._ Pray, my Lord, I hope your Lordship will
consider.

_Judge._ Consider!--How dare you talk of
considering!--Sirrah, Sirrah, I have never considered in
all my life.--I'll make it Treason to consider.

_Pris._ But I hope your Lordship will hear reason.

_Judge._ What have we to do with Reason?--I would have
you to know, Sirrah, we do not sit here to hear
Reason--we go according to Law.--Is our dinner ready?

_Attorney-General._ Yes, my Lord.

_Judge._ Then harkee you rascal at the Bar, hear me,
Sirrah, hear me.--You must be hanged for three reasons:
_First_, because it is not fit that I should sit as
Judge, and no-body to be hang'd: _Secondly_, You must be
hang'd because you have a damn'd hanging Look:
_Thirdly_, You must be hanged, because I am hungry.
There's Law for you, ye dog; take him away, Gaoler.

By this we may see how these fellows can jest upon things, the thoughts of which should make them tremble.

_August_ 1722, they made ready the Brigantine, and came out to sea, where meeting their correspondent returning, and finding nothing done, they all agreed to ply their old trade. So they sailed with the ship and Brigantine to the Southward, where they ran the _Morning Star_ upon the _Grand Carmanes_, and wrecked her; the next Day _Anstis_ went ashore to fetch the men off, who were all safe. _Anstis_ had just time to get Captain _Fenn_, and a few others on board, before the _Hector_ and _Adventure_ came down upon him; but he got to sea, and one of the Men-of-War after him, keeping within gun-shot several hours, when the wind dying away, the Pirates got to their oars, and rowed for their lives.

The _Hector_ landed her men, and took 40 of the _Morning Star's_ Crew, without any resistance, they pretending they were glad of this opportunity; the rest hid themselves in the woods.

The Brigantine after her escape, sailed to an Island, near the Bay of _Honduras_, to clean, and in her way took a Sloop, Captain _Durfey_ Commander, which they destroyed, but brought the men on board. While she was cleaning, _Durfey_ conspired with some of the prisoners, to carry off the Brigantine; but it being discovered, he and four or five more got ashore, with arms and ammunition; and when the Pirates' Canoe came in for Water, seized the boat and men; upon which, _Anstis_ sent another boat with 30 hand ashore; but _Durfey_ gave them such a warm reception that they were glad to return back again.

In _December_ 1722, _Anstis_ left this place, taking in his cruise a good ship. He mounted her with 24 Guns and made _Fenn_ Commander. From hence they went to the _Bahama_ Islands, taking what they wanted.

As they were cleaning their ship the _Winchelsea_ came down upon them, when most of them escaped to the woods; but _Anstis_ having a light pair of heels, escaped in the Brigantine. Afterwards, some of the Company, being tired of this trade, shot _Anstis_ in his Hammock, and put the rest in irons, and then carried the Brigantine to _Curacco_, a _Dutch_ Settlement, where they were hanged, and those that delivered up the vessel acquitted. _Fenn_ was soon after taken by the Man-of-War's Men, straggling in the woods, with a few more, and carried to _Antegoa_ and hanged. But some escaped among the negroes, and were never heard of since.

CAPTAIN JOHN PHILLIPS, AND HIS CREW

_John Phillips_ was bred a carpenter, but sailing in a West Country ship to _Newfoundland_, was taken by _Anstis_, who soon persuaded him to join with him, making him Carpenter of the Vessel, in which station he continued till they broke up at _Tobago_, when he came Home in a Sloop that was sunk in _Bristol_ Channel. But he did not stay long in _England_; for hearing of some of his companions being taken in _Bristol_ Gaol, he moved off to _Topsham_, and there shipped himself with one Captain _Wadham_ for _Newfoundland_, where when the ship came he ran away, and hired himself a splitter in the Fishery for the season: but he soon combined with others in the Fishery, to go off with one of the vessels that lay in the Harbour, and turn Pirate, and accordingly fixed upon the 29th of _August_, 1713, at Night; but of 16 Men that promised five only were as good as their Word. Notwithstanding, _Phillips_ was for pushing on, assuring them that they should soon increase their company. Hereupon they seized a vessel, and went out to sea, when they soon began to settle their Officers to prevent dispute, appointing, _John Phillips_, Captain; _John Nutt_, Navigator of the Vessel; _James Sparks_, Gunner; _Thomas Fern_, Carpenter; and _William White_ was only a private man among them.

Before they left the Banks, they took several small fishing vessels, out of which they took some more Hands, and then sailed to the _West-Indies_: Among those that were taken, was one _John Rose Archer_ who having been a pirate under _Blackbeard_ was made Quarter-Master to the company: They came off _Barbadoes_ in _October_, and cruised about the Islands about three Months, without meeting with a vessel, so that they were almost starved for want of provisions, when at length they fell in with a _Martinico_ Man of 12 guns and 35 hands, upon which they hoisted the Black Flag and ran up along side of the Sloop, with piratical Colours flying, swearing, If they did not strike immediately, they must expect no quarters; which so frightened the _Frenchman_, that he never fired a gun. Having got this supply, they took her provisions, and four of her men.

Having occasion to clean their vessel, _Phillips_ proposed _Tobago_; and just as they had done, a Man-of-War's boat came into the Harbour, the ship cruising to the Leeward of the Island; which was no sooner gone, but they warped out, and plied to the Windward for safety.

In a few days they took a Snow with a few Hands in it, on board of which they sent _Fern_ the Carpenter, _William Smith_, _Philips Wood_, and _Taylor_; but _Fern_ being dissatisfied at _Archer's_ being preferred before him to be Quarter-Master, persuaded the rest to go off with the prize; but _Phillips_ gave them Chase, and coming up with them, shot _Wood_, and wounded _Taylor_ in the leg; upon which the other two surrendered.

From _Tobago_ they stood away to the Northward, and took a _Portugueze_ bound for _Brazil_, and two or three Sloops for _Jamaica_, in one of which _Fern_ endeavouring to go off, was killed by _Phillips_, as was also another man for the like attempt, which made all the others more fearful of discovering their Minds, dreading the villany of a few hardened wretches, who feared neither God nor Devil, as _Phillips_ was often used blasphemously to say.

On the 25th of March, they took two ships from _Virginia_, the Master's name of one was _John Phillips_, the Pirate's Name-sake; of the other, _Robert Mortimer_, a stout young man. _Phillips_ staid on board _Mortimer's_ Ship, while they transported the crew to the Sloop, when _Mortimer_ took up a hand-spike and struck _Phillips_ over the Head; but not knocking him down, he recovered and wounded _Mortimer_ with his sword; and the other two Pirates who were on board, coming to _Phillip's_ assistance they cut _Mortimer_ to pieces, while his own two men stood and looked on. Out of the other _Virginia_ Man, they took _Edward Cheesman_, a carpenter, to supply the Place of _Fern_, who being averse to that way of life, proposed to _J. Philamore_, who was ordered to row _Cheesman_ on board _Mortimer's_ ship, to overthrow their Piratical government; which from time to time, as occasion offered, they consulted how to do. The Pirates, in the mean time, robbed and plundered 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. Towards which country, _Phillips_ making his way, took one _Salter_ in a Sloop on the Isle of _Sables_, which he kept, and gave _Mortimer's_ Ship to the Mate and crew; also a Schooner, one _Chadwell_ Master, which they scuttled in order to sink: But _Phillips_ understanding that she belonged to Mr. _Menors_ of _Newfoundland_, with whose Vessel they first went off a-Pirating, said, _We have done him injury enough already_, and so ordering his Vessel to be repaired, returned her to the Master.

In the Afternoon, they chased another vessel, whose Master was an Inward Light Man, named _Dependence Ellery_, who told _Phillips_ he took him for a Pirate as soon as he saw him, otherwise he would not have given him the Trouble of chasing him so long. This so provoked _Phillips_ and his Crew, that they made poor _Dependence_, for his Integrity, dance about the Ship till he was weary. After which they took 10 other ships and vessels; and on the 14th of _April_, they took a Sloop belonging to Cape _Anne_, _Andrew Harradine_ Master; which looking upon to be more fit for their purpose, they came on board, keeping only the Master of her Prisoner, and sending the crew away in _Salter's_ vessel. _Cheesman_ broke his mind to _Harradine_, to destroy the crew. Upon this, it was concluded to be 12 a Clock at Noon, when _Cheesman_ leaves his working-tools on the deck, as if he had been going to use them, walks off. But perceiving some signs of fear in _Harradine_, he fetches his brandy bottle, and gives him and the rest a dram, saying, _Here's to our next Meeting_; then he talks to _Nutt_, in the mean while _Philamore_ takes up an axe, while _Cheesman_ and _Harradine_ seize _Nutt_ by the Collar, and toss him over the Side of the Vessel.

By this Time the Boatswain was dead; for as soon as _Philamore_ saw the Master laid hold on, he up with the axe, and cut off the Boatswain's head, which Noise soon brought the Captain upon Deck, whom _Cheesman_ saluted with the blow of a mallet, which broke his jaw-bone, but did not knock him down; upon which _Harradine_ came to the Carpenter's aid, when _Sparks_ the Gunner interposing, _Cheesman_ trips up his Heels, and flung him into the arms of _Charles Ivemay_, who at that moment threw him into the Sea; and at the same Time _Harradine_ throws Captain _Phillips_ after him, bidding the Devil take them both. This done, _Cheesman_ jumps from the deck into the Hold, to knock _Archer_ on the Head, when _Harry Gyles_ came down after him, desired his Life might be spared; which being agreed to, he was made a Prisoner, and secured.

All being over, they altered their course from _Newfoundland_ to _Boston_, where they arrived the 3rd of _May_, to the great joy of the Province, and on the 12th of _May_, a special Court of Admiralty was held for the Trial of these Pirates, when _John Philamore_, _Edward Cheesman_, _John Cobs_, _Henry Gyles_, _Charles Joymay_, _John Bootman_, and _Henry Payne_, were honourably acquitted; as also three _French_ Men, _John Baptis_, _Peter Taffery_, and _Isaac Lassen_, as also three Negroes, _Pedro_, _Francisco_, and _Pierro_. _John Rose Archer_, the Quarter-Master, _William White_, _William Taylor_, and _William Phillips_ were condemned; altho' the two latter got a Reprieve, and the two former, _Archer_ and _White_, were executed the 2nd of _June_ following.

CAPTAIN TEACH, _ALIAS_ BLACKBEARD

_Edward Teach_ was a _Bristol_ Man, and had served many years in the late wars, in a Privateer fitted out from _Jamaica_, in which he had often distinguished himself for his boldness. He was never thought fit to be entrusted with any Command, till he went a-pirating in the Year 1716, when Captain _Benjamin Hornigold_ put him into a Prize Sloop, with whom he kept company till _Hornigold_ surrendered.

In 1727, _Teach_ and _Hornigold_ sailed from _Providence_ for _America_, where, in their way, they took a vessel with above 100 Barrels of Flour, as also a Sloop from _Bermudas_, and a Ship bound to _Carolina_; from which they had a good plunder. After cleaning at _Virginia_, they returned to the _West-Indies_, and made Prize of a _French Guinea_ Man bound to _Martinico_, which _Teach_ was made Captain of; but _Hornigold_ with his Sloop returned to _Providence_, and surrendered to mercy. Aboard the _French Guinea_ Ship, _Teach_ mounted 46 guns, and called her _Queen Anne's Revenge_. Not long after he fell in with the _Scarborough_ Man-of-War, who, after a long fight finding she could do no good with _Teach_, left him, and returned to _Barbadoes_, while _Teach_ sailed to _Spanish America_. In his way, he met with Major _Bonnet_ a Gentleman, formerly of a good estate in _Barbadoes_, in a small Sloop with which he had turned Pirate: But _Teach_ finding _Bonnet_ knew nothing of the matter, took him into his own Ship, and put one _Richards_ Captain in his room, telling the Major, _That he had not been us'd to the Fatigues of the Sea, he had better decline it, and take his pleasure aboard his Ship_. At _Turnissi_ they took in fresh water; but seeing a Sloop coming in, they ran to meet her, which struck her sail, upon the sight of the Black Flag, to _Teach_, who took the Captain and his men aboard, and put _Israel Hands_ to mann the Sloop: From thence they sailed to the Bay, where they found a ship and four Sloops. _Teach_ hoisted his Black Colours, at the Sight of which, the Captain and his men left the Ship, and ran into the woods. _Teach's_ Quarter-Master, with some of his Men, took possession of her, and _Richards_ secured the Sloops: One of which they burnt, because she belonged to _Boston_, where some of his Men had been hanged; but the others they let go after plundering them.

From hence they sailed to the _Grand Canaries_, then to the _Bahama_ Wrecks, and then to _Carolina_, where they took a Brigantine and two Sloops, lying off the Bar of _Charles Town_; as also a Ship bound for _London_, with some passengers aboard. The next Day they took another Vessel coming out, and two Pinks going in, and a Brigantine with negroes, in the Face of the Town; which put the Inhabitants into a sad fright, being in no condition to help themselves.

_Teach_, alias _Blackbeard_, sent _Richards_ along with Mr. _Mark_, one of the Prisoners, to demand a chest of medicines of the Governor, several of his Men being sick aboard; threatening otherwise to burn the Ships, and destroy all the prisoners, among whom was Mr. _Samuel Wrag_, one of his Council. Altho' this went very much against the inhabitants, yet they were forced to comply with it to save the lives of the many souls had in his custody. So sending him a chest worth about 3 or 4 hundred Pounds, _Richards_ went back safe to the ships with his booty; which as soon as _Blackbeard_ had received, (for so I shall call him for the future) he let the ships and the prisoners go, having first taken 1500_l._ Sterling, and some provisions out of her. From thence they sailed to North _Carolina_, where he had thoughts of breaking up the company, and securing the money and the best of the effects for himself and friends. Accordingly he ran a-ground, as if it had been by accident, and calling _Israel Hands_ to his assistance, he ran the Sloop ashore near the other, and so they were both lost. This done _Blackbeard_ goes into the _Revenge_ and maroons 17 men upon a desert island; where they must inevitably have perished, if _Bonnet_ had not after taken them up.

_Blackbeard_ goes straight to the Governor of _North Carolina_, with Twenty of his Men, and pleads his Majesty's Pardon, and receives Certificates thereupon. He went to his Sloop which lay at _Okere-Cock_ Inlet, and set out for Sea upon another expedition, steering his Ship towards _Bermudas_. Meeting with one or two _English Vessels_ in his way, he robb'd them only of provisions for his present occasion; but meeting with a _French_ Ship laden with sugar and cocoa, he brought her home with her cargoe to _North Carolina_, where the Governor and the Pirates shared the plunder. He had no sooner arrived there, but he and four of his Men made affidavit, That they found the _French_ Ship at Sea, without ever a Man on board; upon which she was condemned. The Governor had sixty hogheads of sugar for his dividend, his Secretary twenty, and the rest were shared amongst the other Pirates. And for fear the ship might be discovered by some that might come into the River, _Blackbeard_, under pretence that she was leaky, and might sink, obtained an order from the Governor to bring her out into the River, and burn her; which they did, and sunk her bottom.

The Sloops trading in the River, being so often pillaged by _Blackbeard_, consulted with the traders what course to take, knowing it was in vain to make any application to the Governor; therefore they sent a deputation to the Governor of _Virginia_, to sollicit a force from the Men-of-War to destroy this Pirate. Accordingly the Governor consulted with the Captains of the _Pearl_ and _Lime_ Men-of-War, which lay in _St. James's_ River; whereupon it was agreed, That the Governor should have a couple of small Sloops, and they should be mann'd out of the Men of War, the Command of which was given to Mr. _Robert Maynard_, first Lieutenant of the _Pearl_. But before they sailed, it was agreed in Council, to offer a reward of 100_l._ for _any one that should take _Edward Teach_, commonly called _Blackbeard_; _for every_ Lieutenant, Master, Quarter-Master, Boatswain, _or_ Carpenter Twenty Pounds; For every inferior Officer, Fifteen Pounds; And for every Man taken on Board each Sloop, Ten Pounds_.

Upon this, the Lieutenant sailed from _James's_ River in _Virginia_, the 17th of _November_, 1718, and the 21st in the evening came to _Okere-cock_ Inlet, where he had fight of the Pirate: And altho' this Expedition was made with all the Secrecy imaginable, yet _Blackbeard_ had notice of it from the Governor of North _Carolina_ and his Secretary: But having heard several false reports before, he gave the less credit to this, till he saw the Sloops; and then he put himself in a Posture of defence, with his 25 Men.

Lieutenant _Maynard_ came to an anchor that night, because the Channel was so intricate that there was no getting in, in the dark. In the Morning, coming within gun-shot of the Pirate, he received his fire: whereupon the _Maynard_ stood directly towards him, endeavouring to make a running fight. _Maynard's_ men being most expos'd, he lost twenty at one broadside; upon which he ordered his men under deck, and bid them get ready for close fighting upon the first signal. Then _Blackbeard's_ men pour'd in grenadoes; after which, seeing no Hands aboard, he told his men they were all kill'd; _Let's jump in, and fall to Plunder_: Which they had no sooner done, but the Lieutenant and his men gave them as unwelcome a reception as ever they met with before. The Lieutenant and _Blackbeard_ fired first at each other, and then they went to it sword in hand, whilst the men on each side were as warmly engaged as their Captains, until the vessel was all over blood. _Blackbeard_ stood it till he had received above twenty wounds, five of them being shots, before he fell down dead. Eight of his fourteen men being kill'd, and the other six being much wounded, they call'd for quarters; which was granted, and then the Lieutenant attacked with equal bravery the men that remained in the Sloop and took them.

The Lieutenant caused _Blackbeard's_ head to be cut off, and hung at the bowsprit end; with which he sailed to _Bath Town_ to get his wounded men cured, and then began to rummage the Pirate Sloop, aboard which they found several Letters of Correspondence betwixt the Governor of _North Carolina_, his Secretary, and some Traders of _New York_ and _Blackbeard_. Thereupon going to _Bath Town_ in _North Carolina_, he seized in the Governors Store-house, the Sixty Hogsheads of Sugar, and Mr. _Knight_ his Secretary's 20, which was their dividend of the plunder taken in the _French_ Ship before-mentioned.

After his Men were a little recovered, he returned to the Men-of-War in _James's_ River in _Virginia_, with _Blackbeard's_ head hanging at his bowsprit, and 15 prisoners, 13 of whom were hanged, one of them being taken but the night before out of a trading Sloop: The other, not being in the fight, was taken at _Bath Town_, being just before disabled by _Blackbeard_ in one of his drunken humours.

The night before he was killed, being ask'd if he should chance to be killed, whether his wife knew where his money was; he answered, _That no-body but himself and the Devil, knew where it was, and the longest Liver should take all_.

* * * * *

The Names of the Pirates killed in the engagement were _Edward Blackbeard_, Commander; _Philip Morton_, Gunner; _Garnet Gibbons_, Boatswain; _Owen Roberts_, Carpenter; _Thomas Miller_, Quarter-Master; _John Husk_, _Joseph Curtice_, _Joseph Brooks_, _Nath. Jackson_.

The following, except the two last, were hanged, viz.: _John Carnes_, _Jo. Brookes, jun._, _James Blake_, _John Gibbs_, _Thomas Gates_, _James White_, _Richard Styles_, _Cesar_, _Joseph Philip_, _James Robbins_, _John Martyn_, _Edward Salter_, _Stephen Daniel_, _Richard Greensarl_, _Israel Hands_, and _Samuel Odel_.

MAJOR STEDE BONNET, AND HIS CREW

The Major was a Gentleman of Fortune and Distinction in the Island of _Barbadoes_, who before his Piracy bore the character of a worthy honest _man_, and no-body could ever account for this his undertaking, for he wanted neither learning nor understanding. He fitted out a Sloop with ten guns and sixty men, which he named the _Revenge_, at his own expence, and sailed from _Barbadoes_ for the Cape of _Virginia_, where he took the _Anne_ from _Glasgow_, the _Turbet_ from _Barbadoes_, the _Endeavour_ from _Bristol_, the _Young_ from _Leith_, and many others. From thence he went to _New York_, and there took a Sloop, and then stood in at _Gardiner's_ Island where he bought provisions, and went off. _August_, 1717, he came off at the Bar of _South Carolina_, and took a Sloop and Brigantine, which they plundered, and then he dismissed the Brigantine, but took the Sloop with him to an Inlet in _North-Carolina_, where he careened, and set her on fire.

Afterwards he put to sea, but could not agree with the men what course to take; for the Major being no sailor, was obliged to submit to many things his men imposed upon him, when falling in with _Edward Teach_, alias _Blackbeard_, who was a good sailor, but a hardened villain, _Bonnet's_ Crew joined with him, and put _Bonnet_ aboard _Blackbeard's_ Ship.

But _Blackbeard_ losing his Ship at _Topsail_ Inlet, surrendered to the King's Proclamation; when _Bonnet_ re-assumed the command of his own Sloop, and sailed directly for _Bath_ Town in _North-Carolina_, where he also surrenders himself, and receives a certificate. There getting a clearance for his Sloop, he pretended to sail for the Island of _St. Thomas_, to get the Emperor's Commission to go a-Privateering upon the _Spaniards_. But returning to _Topsail_ Inlet, he found that _Blackbeard_ and his gang were gone, with their effects; and that they had set on shore, on a small sandy island about a league from the continent, seventeen men, without any provisions, or vessel to escape. There they had been two nights and one day without any sustenance, when, to their inexpressible joy, they saw Major _Bonnet_, who had been informed of their being there by two of _Blackbeard's_ crew, who had escaped to avoid his cruelty.

Then he steered his course towards _Virginia_, where meeting with a Pink having Provisions on board, and they being in want, he took out of her ten barrels of pork, and five hundredweight of bread, and gave her, in exchange, ten casks of Rice, and an old cable.

Two days after they took a Sloop of sixty tons, from which they took two hogsheads of rum, and two of molasses, and then put in her eight men, to take care of the Prize; but they not liking her new acquaintance took the first opportunity to get off with her.

After this the Major threw off all restraint, and became a downright Pirate, by the name of Captain _Thomas_, taking and plundering all the vessels he met with. He took off Cape _Henry_, two Ships from _Virginia_, bound to _Glasgow_; the next day a small Sloop from _Virginia_ bound to _Bermudas_; from which they took twenty barrels of pork, and gave her in return, two barrels of rice, and as much molasses. The next day they took another _Virginia_ man, bound to _Glasgow_, out of which they took two men, and a few small things, and gave her a barrel of pork, and another of bread. From thence they sailed to _Philadelphia_, where they took a Schooner coming from _North Carolina_ to _Boston_, from which they took two men, and two dozen of calves skins, to make covers for guns. In the latitude of 32°, off of _Delaware_ River, near _Philadelphia_, they took two Snows bound to _Bristol_, from which they took money and goods to the value of two hundred pounds; as also a Sloop of sixty tons, from _Philadelphia_ to _Barbadoes_, from which they took a few goods, and let her go. The 29th of _July_, they took a Sloop of fifty tons, bound from _Philadelphia_ to _Barbadoes_, laden with provisions, which they kept; as also another of sixty tons, from _Antegoa_ to _Philadelphia_, having on board, rum, molasses, sugar, cotton and indigo, to the value of five hundred Pounds, all of which they kept. Then they left _Delaware_ Bay, and sailed to Cape _Fear_ River, where they staid almost two months to repair their Sloop, which proved very leaky, till news came to _Carolina_ of a Pirate's Sloop, with her Prizes, being there a-careening.

Whereupon Colonel _William Rhet_ offered to go with two Sloops to attack them; which being by the Governor and Council approved of, he was commissioned on board the _Henry_, with eight guns and seventy men, commanded by Captain _John Masters_; and the _Sea Nymph_, commanded by Captain Farier-Hall, with as many guns and men; both under the Direction of the Colonel, who went on board the _Henry_ the 14th of _September_, and sailed from _Charles_ Town to _Swillivant's_ Island, in order to cruise: where he was informed, by a small ship from _Antegoa_, which in sight of the Bar, was taken and plundered by _Charles Vane_, in a Brigantine of sixteen guns, and a hundred men; that he had taken two Sloops, one Captain _Dill_, Master, from _Barbadoes_; the other Captain _Thompson_, from _Guinea_, with seventy negroes, which they put on board one _Yeats_ his consort, being a small Sloop with twenty-five men, who being weary of this course of life, ran into _Edisto_ River, and surrender'd to his Majesty's Pardon, by which the owners got their negroes again, and _Yeats_ and his men had their certificates sign'd.

_Vane_ cruised for some time thereabouts, in hopes to take _Yeats_, and be revenged on him; during which time, he took a ship bound to London, to whom he gave out, that he designed to go to the southward; which Colonel _Rhet_ hearing, sailed over the Bar the 15th with the two Sloops, and went after the Pirate _Vane_; but not meeting with him, tack'd and stood for Cape _Fear_, according to his first Design; and on the 26th following he entered the River, where he saw _Bonnet_, and the three Sloops his Prizes, at anchor; but the Pilot running the Sloops a-ground, hindered their getting up that Night. The Pirates seeing the Sloops, and not knowing who they were, mann'd three canoes, and sent them down to take them; but finding their mistake, _Bonnet_ took all the men out of the Prizes to engage them. Colonel _Rhet's_ Sloops the next morning getting under sail, stood for the Pirates, who designed only to make a running fight; but the Colonel getting upon his quarters, he edged in upon the shore, and ran his Sloop a-ground. The Colonel's Sloops were soon in the same condition: The _Henry_ grounded within pistol-shot of the Pirate, on his bow; the other, right a-head of him, almost out of gun-shot, which made it of but very little use to the Colonel. By this time the Pirate had a very great advantage: For his Sloop lifted from Colonel _Rhet's_, which converted them all over; and the Colonel's Sloop lifting the same way, was much exposed for about five hours, whilst they lay a-ground. The Colonel's Sloop being first a-float, he got into deeper water, and after mending his rigging, he stood for the Pirate, to go directly on board him; which they prevented, by hoisting a flag of truce, and surrendering soon after. The Colonel lost in this action ten men, and had fourteen wounded. The _Sea Nymph_ had two killed, and four wounded. Among the Pirates were none killed, and three were wounded. The next day the Colonel weighed from Cape _Fear_, and arrived at _Charles Town_ the 3d of _October_, to the no small joy of the people of _Carolina_.

There being no publick prison, _Bonnet_ was committed into the custody of the marshal, and his Men were kept at the Watch-house under a strict guard; a little before the trial, _David Harriot_ the Master, and _Ignatius Rathe_ Boatswain, the evidences, were removed from the Crew, to the Marshal's house, from whence on the 24th _Bonnet_ and _Harriott_ made their escape; which as soon as the Governor heard of, he published a Proclamation, promising a reward of 700_l._ to any one that would take him, and also sent several boats with armed men in pursuit of him.

_Bonnet_ stood to the northward, in a small vessel; but through stress of weather, and want of necessaries, he was forced to _Swillivant's_ Island. Of which information being given to the Governor, he sent for Colonel _Rhet_, and desired him once more to go in pursuit of him; which the Colonel readily accepted of; and having got all Things ready, went that Night for _Swillivant's_ Island, where, after a long search, he discovered them. After the Colonel's men had fired upon them, and killed _Harriott_, _Bonnet_ immediately surrendered himself, and was, next Morning, brought back to _Charles Town_, and confined under a strong guard till his trial, which was hastened for fear he should give them the slip again.

On the 28th of _October_, 1718, a Court of Vice-Admiralty was held at _Charles Town_, and, by several adjournments continued to the 12th of _November_ following, by _Nicholas Trot_, Esq; Judge of the Vice-Admiralty, and Chief Judge of _Carolina_, and other Assistant Judges; where, after the King's Commission was read, and a Grand Jury sworn, _Judge Trot_ gave them a learned Charge: And then the _Grand Jury_ went out, and found the Bills; upon which, a _Petit-Jury_ was sworn, and the following Persons were arraingn'd and try'd.

_Stede Bonnet_, alias _Edwards_, alias _Thomas_, late of
_Barbadoes_, Merchant.

_Robert Tucker_, late of _Jamaica_, Merchant.

_Edward Robinson_, late of _Newcastle_-upon-_Tine_,
Mariner.

_Neal Peterson_, late of _Aberdeen_, Mariner.

_William Scot_, late of _Aberdeen_, Mariner.

_William Eddy_, alias _Neddy_, late of _Aberdeen_,
Mariner.

_Alexander Annand_, late of _Jamaica_, Mariner.

_George Rose_, late of _Glasgow_, Mariner.

_George Dubin_, late of _Glasgow_, Mariner.

_John Ridge_, late of _London_, Mariner.

_Matthew King_, late of _Jamaica_, Mariner.

_Daniel Perry_, late of _Guernsey_, Mariner.

_Henry Virgin_, late of _Bristol_, Mariner.

_James Rattle_, alias _Robbins_, late of _London_,
Merchant.

_James Mullet_, alias _Millet_, late of _London_,
Mariner.

_Thomas Price_, late of _Bristol_, Mariner.

_James Wilson_, late of _Dublin_, Mariner.

_John Lopez_, late of _Oporto_, Mariner.

_Zachariah Long_, late of the Province of _Holland_,
Mariner.

_Job. Barley_, late of _London_, Mariner.

_John William Smith_, late of _Charles_ Town in
_Carolina_, Mariner.

_Thomas Carman_, late of _Maidstone_ in _Kent_, Mariner.

_John Thomas_, late of _Jamaica_, Mariner.

_William Morrison_, late of _Jamaica_, Mariner.

_Samuel Booth_, late of _Charles_ Town, Mariner.

_William Howet_, late of _Jamaica_, Mariner.

_John Kent_, late of _North Carolina_, Mariner.

_William Livres_, alias _Evis_, late of _Carolina_,
Mariner.

_John Brierly_, alias _Timberhead_, late of _Bath_ Town
in _North Carolina_, Mariner.

_Robert Boyd_, late of _Bath_ Town in North _Carolina_,
Mariner.

_Thomas Nicholas_, late of _London_, Mariner.

_Rowland Sharp_, late of _Bath_ Town, Mariner.

_Jonathan Clark_, late of _Charles_ Town, Mariner.

_Thomas Gerrard_, late of _Antegoa_, Mariner.

All of whom, except the four last, were found Guilty, and received Sentence of Death, upon two Indictments, for Robbing upon the High Sea the _Francis_, _Peter Manwaring_, Commander; and for seizing, in a Piratical Manner, the Sloop _Fortune_, _Thomas Read_, Commander: To which they all pleaded Not Guilty, except _James Wilson_ and _John Levit_, who pleaded Guilty to both Indictments, and _Daniel Piercy_ to one only. _Bonnet_ moved to go through both the Indictments at once; but the Court overruling it, he was found Guilty of one, and retracted his Plea to the other. They made but little Defence, pretending they were taken off a _Maroon_ Shore, and were shipped with Major _Bonnet_ to go to _St. Thomas's_, but wanting provisions they were obliged to do what they did; and the Major himself pretended it was _Necessity_ and not _Inclination_ that compelled them to do it. But that not appearing, they having all shared ten or eleven Pounds a man, except the four last, they were all found Guilty. After which the Judge set forth the enormity of their Crimes: And then pronounced Sentence of Death upon the persons aforesaid, except Major _Bonnet_, who not being brought back in time, was not tried till the 10th of _November_; and being then also found Guilty, he received Sentence in like manner as the others; before whom Judge _Trot_ made an excellent speech, saying afterwards.

_And now, having discharged my Duty as a Christian, I must do my Office as a Judge, which is_

_You the said _Stede Bonnet_ shall go from hence, to the Place from whence you came, and from thence to the Place of Execution, where you shall be hanged by the Neck till you are dead._

CAPTAIN WILLIAM KID

We are now going to give an account of one whose name is better known in _England_, than most of those whose histories we have already related; the person we mean is Captain _Kid_, whose public Trial and Execution here, rendered him the subject of all conversation.

In the beginning of King _William's_ War, Captain _Kid_ commanded a Privateer in the _West-Indies_, and by several adventurous actions acquired the reputation of a brave man, as well as an experienced seaman. About this time the Pirates were very troublesome in those parts, wherefore Captain _Kid_ was recommended by the Lord _Bellamont_, then Governor of _Barbadoes_, as well as by several other persons, to the Government here, as a person very fit to be entrusted with the command of a Government Ship, and to be employed in cruising upon the Pirates, as knowing those Seas perfectly well, and being acquainted with their lurking places; but what reasons governed the politics of those times, I cannot tell, but this proposal met with no encouragement here, though it is certain it would have been of great consequence to the subject, our merchants suffering incredible damages by those robbers.

Upon this neglect the Lord _Bellamont_, and some others who knew what great captures had been made by the Pirates, and what a prodigious wealth must be in their possession, were tempted to fit out a ship at their own private charge, and to give the command of it to Captain _Kid_; and to give the thing a greater reputation, as well as to keep their seamen under the better command, they procured the King's Commission for the said Captain _Kid_.

Captain _Kid_ had also another Commission, which was called a Commission of Reprisals; for it being then War time, this Commission was to justify him in the taking of _French_ Merchant Ships, in case he should meet with any. He sail'd out of _Plymouth_ in _May_ 1696, in the _Adventure_ Galley of thirty guns, and eighty men; the place he first design'd for was _New York_; in his Voyage thither he took a French _Banker_, but this was no Act of Piracy, he having a Commission for that purpose, as we have just observed.

When he arrived at _New York_ he put up Articles for engaging more Hands, it being necessary to his Ship's crew, since he proposed to deal with a desperate enemy: The terms he offered were, that every man should have a share of what was taken, reserving for himself and Owners forty shares. Upon this encouragement he soon increas'd his company to a hundred and fifty five men.

With this company he first sail'd for _Maderas_, where he took in wine and some other necessaries; from thence he proceeded to _Bonavist_, one of the _Cape de Verd Islands_, to furnish the ship with salt, and from thence went immediately to _St. Jago_, another of the _Cape de Verd Islands_, in order to stock himself with provisions. When all this was done, he bent his course to _Madagascar_, the known rendezvous of Pirates; in this way he fell in with Captain _Warren_, Commodore of three Men-of-War; he acquainted them with his design, kept them company two or three days, and then leaving them, made the best way for _Madagascar_, where he arrived in _February_ 1696, just nine months from his departure from _Plymouth_.

It does not appear all this while that he had the least design of turning Pirate; for near _Mahala_ and _Joanna_ both he met with several _Indian_ ships richly laden, to which he did not offer the least violence, tho' he was strong enough to have done what he pleas'd with them; and the first outrage or depredation I find he committed upon mankind, was after his repairing his ship, and leaving _Joanna_; he touch'd at a place call'd _Mabbee_, upon the _Red Sea_, where he took some _Guinea_ Corn from the natives, by force.

After this he sail'd to _Bab's Key_, a Place upon a little Island at the entrance of the _Red Sea_; here it was that he first began to open himself to his ship's company, and let them understand that he intended to change his measures; for, happening to talk of the _Moca_ Fleet, which was to sail that way, he said _We have been unsuccessful hitherto, but courage, my Boys, we'll make our fortunes out of this Fleet_: And finding that none of them appear'd averse to it, he order'd a boat out, well mann'd, to go upon the coast to make discoveries, commanding them to take a prisoner and bring to him, or get intelligence any way they could. The boat return'd in a few days, bringing him word, that they saw fourteen or fifteen ships ready to sail, some with _English_, some with _Dutch_, and some with _Moorish_ Colours. He therefore order'd a man continually to watch at the mast-head, least this Fleet should go by them; and about four days after, towards evening, it appear'd in sight, being convoy'd by one _English_ and one _Dutch_ Man-of-War. _Kid_ soon fell in with them, and getting into the midst of them, fir'd at a _Moorish_ ship which was next him; but the Men-of-War taking the Alarm, bore down upon _Kid_, and firing upon him, obliged him to sheer off, he not being strong enough to contend with them. Now he had begun hostilities, he resolv'd to go on, and therefore he went and cruis'd along the coast of _Malabar_; the first Prize he met was a small vessel belonging to _Aden_, the vessel was _Moorish_, and the Owners were _Moorish_ Merchants, but the Master was an _Englishman_, his name was _Parker_. _Kid_ forc'd him and a _Portugueze_ that was call'd _Don Antonio_, which were all the _Europeans_ on Board, to take on with them; the first he design'd as a pilot, and the last as an interpreter. He also used the men very cruelly, causing them to be hoisted up by the arms, and drubb'd with a naked cutlass, to force them to discover whether they had money on board, and where it lay; but as they had neither gold nor silver on board, he got nothing by his cruelty; however, he took from them a bale of pepper, and a bale of coffee, and so let them go.

Soon after this he came up with a _Moorish_ Ship, the Master whereof was a _Dutchman_, call'd _Schipper Mitchel_, and chased her under _French_ Colours, which they observing, hoisted _French_ Colours too: When he came up with her, he hail'd her in _French_, and they having a _Frenchman_ on board, answer'd him in the same language; upon which he order'd them to send their boat on board; they were oblig'd to do so, and having examin'd who they were, and from whence they came; he ask'd the _Frenchman_, who was a passenger, if he had a _French_ pass for himself? The _Frenchman_ gave him to understand that he had. Then he told the _Frenchman_ he must pass for Captain, _and by God_, says he, _you are the Captain_: The _Frenchman_ durst not refuse doing as he would have him: The meaning of this was, that he would seize the Ship as fair Prize, and as if she belonged to _French_ Subjects, according to a commission he had for that purpose; tho', one would think, after what he had already done, that he need not have recourse to a quibble to give his actions a colour.