Chapter X: Part 10

The Quarter-Master went ashore, and the black Governor examined him, for several of these Blacks speak _English_; he told the Governor they were come for Provision and to trade: Upon which he sent a Couple of Oxen on board, and then ordered some of the Inhabitants to go up with the Quarter-Master to the King. The Boat's Crew seeing a Number of Blacks come upon the Strand without the Quarter-Master, apprehended some Mischief had befallen him; but were eas'd of their Fears, when they saw two Oxen given them, and were told, the white Man, who was gone to the King, would be back next Day, it not being above 20 Miles from the Shore.

When the Quarter-Master, who carried up a Blunderbuss, a fine Gun, and a Pair of Pistols, for a Present to the King, told him they wanted Provisions, he asked where they were bound? To which he answered, to seek their Fortunes, for, at present, they were very poor. Look ye, replied the King, I require nothing of you, all white Men I look upon as my Children; they help'd me to conquer this Country, and all the Cattle in it is at their Service. I will send you down Provisions enough, and when that is spent you shall have more; he accordingly sent 1000 Head of Cattle, out of which he bid them chuse what they would, and they salted up a 100 fat Oxen.

It may be an Amusement to the Reader to have a short History of this King, who was called _Andian Chimenatto_, that is, King _Chimenatto_: He was 2d Son of _Andian Lifouchy_, whose Country lay between _Methelage_ and St. _Augustine_, his elder Brother was _Timanangarivo_.

At the Death of _Andian Lyfouchy_, _Chimenatto_, assisted by a younger Brother, and a great Number of the People, endeavour'd to wrest the Kingdom from his elder Brother _Timanangarivo_; but he was defeated, and with his Party obliged to retire, however, he still made War upon his Brother, till he was, by repeated Losses, very much weaken'd, and apprehensive of being attack'd by him; he retir'd farther Northward, where he made War on _Andian Methelage_, but without great Success, so that he settled on a Point of Land by the Sea-Coast, where the _Tyloutes_, that is, Inhabitants of the Sea, who are descended from the _Arabs_, and the _Vaujimbos_, who are esteem'd the meanest Cast on the whole Island, were very vexatious and troublesome to him, and kept him in continual Alarms.

In the mean while a couple of Ships arrived at _Yungowl_ (the Country of _Timanangarivo_) belonging to _Frederick Phillips_, of _New York_, to slave; but hearing the old King was dead, who had a great Respect for the Whites, and that _Timanangarivo_ had cut off the Crew of a Brigantine, on Pretence that they had poison'd his Father _Andian Lyfouchy_, for he drunk on board her so much Brandy that he died of it; they would not stay here, but went farther on the Coast to look for Trade.

_Andian Chimenatto_ spying them, caused a Smoak to be made, which brought one of their Boats on Shoar; _Chimenatto_ received the Crew very civilly, and invited the Ships in, promising Trade.

The Commanders ask'd if he had Slaves? He said he had but few; however, if they would allow some of their Men to go with him to War, he would slave both Ships: They answered, that _Timanangarivo_ his Brother, had murder'd some of their Countrymen, and they could put no Confidence in him; upon which he gave them the History of his Wars, said his Brother was a wicked Man for what he had done; but if they would send some Men with him, he would give his Wives and nearest Relations for Hostages, to be kept on board.

This was agreed to, and _Chimenatto_ furnished them with as much fresh Provision as they could dispose of; twenty Whites went with him to War, and they took a Town and a great Number of Slaves, out of whom he ordered the Captain to pick and cull what they pleas'd; they asked the Price, he said, he required nothing, if they would let their Men go out once more. They went on a second Expedition, took several Towns, and brought down some thousand Slaves, beside great Droves of Cattle.

The two Ships took their Choice of about 6000 Slaves, which with fresh Provision, and Provision for their Voyage, cost them only 2 or 3 Barrels of Powder, and a few Arms.

The King told them, if they would leave those Men and come again, he would again slave them for nothing; the Men being willing to stay, the Ships sail'd, came again the next Season, were slaved according to Promise, and relieved those whites, such of them as would return, and left others, who were willing, in their Steads. With this Assistance _Chimenatto_ soon conquered the _Antylouts_ and _Vaujimbos_, and afterwards made himself Master of the whole Country of _Methelage_, of such Reputation are the _Europeans_ among these People, for they who have a white Man on their Side go on as to certain Victory; and the Sight of a white Man against them is such a Damp to their Spirits, that despairing of Success, they are preparing for Flight before they engage.

But to return, besides the Present of Oxen, the King sent 100 Blacks laden with Rice. _Cornelius_ sent him a Present of 2 Barrels of Powder, and would have given him more, with small Arms in Return, but he sent them Word he would have no more, nor any of their Arms, not being in Want of either; on the contrary, if they wanted he would send them ten Barrels of Powder, as they were his Children; bid them proceed on their Voyage, and if they were richer when they came back, and would send him any Present, he would accept it, but not now that they were poor.

Here _Cornelius_ lost 70 Men by their Excesses, having been long without fresh Provision, the eating immoderately, drinking Toke (a Liquor made of Honey) to Excess, and being too free with the Women, they fell into violent Fevers, which carried them off.

The Blacks having given _Cornelius_ an Account of the _Speaker_'s being sail'd from _Methelage_ about three Months before for the _East-Indies_, he, having taken in his Provisions, steer'd the same Course, in Hopes to join in Consort with her; but the _Speaker_ lying off the _Red Sea_, and the _Morning Star_ going into the Gulf of _Persia_ they never met: They run up a pretty Way in the Gulf, and lay under _Antelope_ Island, where they kept a Look-out, and whence they made their Excursions, and took a Number of Prizes.

Here they designed to heave down and clean, and they had got a good Part of their Goods and Water Casks ashore, when the Look-out discovered two tall Ships, one of them wearing a Flag at the Foretop-Mast Head; this put them into a great Confusion, they got what Casks and Necessaries they could on board, and lay till the Ships came a-breast of them; then they got under Sail at once, their Sails being furl'd with Rope Yarns, and came close along-side the larger Ship, which was a _Portuguese_ of 70 Guns, as the other was of 26; they exchanged a Broadside with her, and the smaller Ship engaged her so close, that they threw Hand Grenades into each other; but _Cornelius_'s Business was to run, and the great Ship put a Stays twice to follow him, but missing, was obliged to Ware, which gave the Pyrate a great Advantage; the small Ship in staying, tail'd aground, she, however, gave Chase till she had run a good Way a-head of her Consort, which the Pyrate seeing, brought to, and stay'd for her, as did the _Portuguese_ for her Consort, not caring to engage him singly. When it was quite dark _Cornelius_ ran up the other Shore, pass'd the _Portuguese_ Ships (which kept down the Gulf) and came again to Anchor at his old Station, where he found his Enemies had been ashore in their Boats and staved his Casks; he here cleaned, and finding no Money to be got out of any Prizes made, and Bale Goods being of little Value to them, they from hence went away to the Island of _Johanna_, where it was designed to moroon the Blacks, who were the greater Number, and all bred among the _English_; _Joseph Williams_, fearing they would next moroon the _English_, who were not above a third of the whites, gave the Negroes Notice of the Design, who secured all the Arms of the Ship, and gave _Williams_ the Command till they should get to _Madagascar_, keeping a good Guard on the _French_ and _Dutch_. When they came to _Methelage_ they gave the Ship to the King, her Bottom being eaten so much with the Worms, that she was no longer fit for Service; and they all went and lived with the new King _Chimave_, Son to _Andian Chimenatto_, who died before their Return: About five Months after they broke up, _Cornelius_ died, and was buried with the usual Ceremony.

OF
Capt. _David Williams_,
And his CREW.

This Man was born in _Wales_, of very poor Parents, who bred him up to the Plough and the following of Sheep, the only Things he had any Notion of till he went to Sea. He was never esteem'd among the Pyrates as a Man of good natural Parts, perhaps, on account of his Ignorance of Letters, for, as he had no Education, he knew as little of the sailing a Ship, set aside the Business of a foremast Man, as he did of History, in which, and natural Philosophy, he was equally vers'd: He was of a morose, sour, unsociable Temper, very cholerick, and easily resented as an Affront what as brave and a more knowing Man would not think worth Notice; but he was not cruel, neither did he turn Pyrate from a wicked or avaritious Inclination, but by Necessity, and we may say, tho' he was no forced Man, he could not well avoid that Life he fell into.

When he was grown a lusty Lad he would see the World, and go seek his Fortune, as the Term is among the Country Youths, who think fit to withdraw themselves from the Subjection of their Parents; with this Whim in his Head he got to _Chester_, where he was received, and sailed on board a Coaster, till he had made himself acquainted with the Rigging, learned to knot, splice, and do the other Parts of a common Sailor's Duty; then coming to _London_, he shipp'd himself on board the _Mary India_ Man, bound for _Bengal_ and _Maderas_, which Voyage he performed outward, and it was not his Fault that he did not come home in the same Ship; for, in her Return, falling short of Water, they steer'd for the Island of _Madagascar_, and fell in with the East Side, in the Lat. of 20, or thereabouts. The Captain mann'd and sent ashore the Long-Boat to seek for Water, but a large Surf running, she came to an Anchor, at some little Distance from Shore, and _David Williams_ with another, being both good Swimmers, stripp'd and swam off in Search of Water: While they were ashore, the Wind which blew full upon the Island and freshning, the Surf ran too high for them to get off; and the Long-Boat, after waiting some time, seeing no Possibility of getting these Men on board, weigh'd and stood for the Ship, which filled her Sails and stood for St. _Augustine_'s Bay, where she watered and proceeded on her Voyage.

Thus our poor _Welshman_ and his Companion were left destitute on an Island altogether unknown to them, without Cloaths or Subsistance, but what the Fruits of the Trees offer'd. They rambled some little Time along the Coast, and were met with by the Natives, and by them carried up into the Country, where they were humanly treated, and provided with all the Necessaries of Life, tho' this was not sufficient to expel his Consort's Melancholy, who took his being left behind so much to Heart, that he sicken'd and died in a very little Time.

Some time after, the Prince of the Country, who entertained _Williams_, had a Quarrel with a neighbouring King, which broke into a War. _Williams_ took the Field with his Patron, but the Enemy being superior in Number, got the Victory, and took a great many Prisoners, among whom was the unfortunate _Welshman_: The King, whose Prisoner he was, treated him very kindly; and being Master of an old Musket, gave it him, saying, 'such Arms were better in the Hands of a white Man than in those of any of his Subjects, who were not so much used to them; that he should be his Friend and Companion, and should fare as well as himself, if he would assist him in his Wars.'

It will not be amiss here to take Notice, that this Island, on the East Side, is divided into a great Number of Principalities or Kingdoms, which are almost in continual War one with another; the Grounds of which are very trivial, for they will pick a Quarrel with a Neighbour, especially, if he has a Number of Cattle (in which, and Slaves, consist their Riches) on the slightest Occasion, that they may have an Opportunity of Plunder; and when a Battle or two is lost, the conquer'd makes his Peace, by delivering up such a certain Number of Bullocks and Slaves as shall be demanded by the victorious Prince. On the West Side of the Island, the Principalities are mostly reduced under one Prince, who resides near _Methelage_, and who is, as we have said in the Lives of other Pyrates, a great Friend to white Men; for his Father, who founded his Empire by the Assistance of the _Europeans_, left it in Charge with his Son, to assist them with what Necessaries they should require, and do them all friendly Offices; but if he disobeyed this Command, and should ever fall out with the white Men, or spill any of their Blood, he threaten'd to come again, turn him out of his Kingdom, and give it to his younger Brother. These Menaces had a very great Effect upon him, for he firmly believed his Father would, on his Disobedience, put them in Execution; for there is not on Earth, a Race of Men equally superstitious.

But to return to _Williams_, he lived with this Prince in great Tranquility, and was very much esteem'd by him (for Necessity taught him Complaisance) after some time, his new Patron was informed, that his vanquish'd Enemy had form'd a grand Alliance, in order to make War upon him; wherefore, he resolved to begin, and march into the Countries of the Allies, and ravage the nearest before they could join their Forces. He rais'd an Army, and accordingly march'd Southward; at the News of his Approach, the Inhabitants abandoned all the small Towns, and sending Messengers to their Friends, rais'd a considerable Body to oppose him, suffering him to over-run a great Deal of Ground without Molestation. At length being reinforced, they took their Opportunity, and setting upon him when his Men were fatigued, and his Army incumber'd with Booty, they gained a signal Victory; the King had the good Luck to get off, but _Williams_ was a second Time taken Prisoner.

He was carried before the Conqueror, who, (having been an Eye-witness of his Bravery, for _Williams_ kill'd a Number of his Enemies with his Shot, and behav'd very well, defending himself with the Butt End of his Musket for some Time, when he was surrounded) reach'd him his Hand, and told him, he made War with his Enemies only, that he did not esteem the White Men such, but should be glad of their Friendship.

Here _Williams_ was used with more Respect than he had been even by his last Patron, and lived with this Prince some Years; but a War breaking out, he was routed in a set Battle, in which _Williams_ was his Companion; in the Pursuit the poor _Welshman_ finding he could not get off, clapp'd his Musket at the Foot of a Tree, and climbing up, he capitulated: He was now terribly afraid of being cut to Pieces, for he had shot and wounded a great Number of the Enemy; they, however, promis'd him good Quarter, and kept their Word.

The King of _Maratan_, who took him, used him as well as any of the former had done; and carried him always with him to the Wars, in which Fortune was more propitious, for the Parties _Williams_ commanded had constantly the better of their Enemies, and never returned but with great Booties of Cattle and Slaves, for all the Prisoners they take are so, till redeem'd; tho' these Prisoners are, for the most part, Women and Children, they seldom giving Quarter to any other.

The Fame of his Bravery and Success, spread it self round the Country; and his Name alone was so terrible, that the giving out he was at the Head of any Party, was giving the Enemies an Overthrow without a Battle.

This reaching the Ears of _Dempaino_, a mighty Prince who lived 200 Miles from him, and who had several Petty Princes Tributaries, he sent an Embassador to demand the White Man; but his Patron, who had no Mind to part with him, denied that he had any White Man with him, that he who was called so was a Native of the Country. For the Readers better understanding this Passage, I must inform him, that there is a Race of what they call White Men, who have been settled on _Madagascar_, Time out of Mind, and are descended from the _Arabs_; but mixing with the Negroes, have propagated a Race of Molattoes, who differ in nothing from the Manner of living of the Black Natives.

To proceed, the Embassador desired to see this Man, and _Williams_ coming to him, being extremely tann'd, he had pass'd for what he was reported, had he been before apprized of what had been said, to have answered accordingly, for he spoke the Language perfectly; or had the Embassador not examined him; who, after he had some Time viewed him, ask'd of what Country he was, and whether it was true that he was one of _Madagascar_? _Williams_ answered, he was an _Englishman_, and was left in the Country, relating the Particulars, as I have already set them down, adding, he had been five Years in the Island.

The Embassador then told the King, that he must send the White Man with him, for such were the Orders of his Master the great _Dempaino_, who was Lord over most of the Kings on the Side the Country where he resided; and that it would be dangerous for him to disobey the Commands of so great a Monarch.

The King answered, those who were subject to _Dempaino_ ought to obey his Commands, but for him, he knew no Man greater than himself, therefore should receive Laws from none; and with this Answer dismiss'd the Ambassador; who, at his Return, reported to his Master the very Words, adding, they were delivered in a haughty Strain. _Dempaino_, who was not used to have his Commands disputed, order'd one of his Generals to march with 6000 Men, and demand the White Man, and in Case of Refusal, to denounce War, that he should send him back an Express of it, and he would follow in Person with an Army to enforce a Compliance.

These Orders were put in Execution with the greatest Dispatch and Secrecy; so that the Town was invested, before any Advice was given of the Approach of an Enemy. The General told the King, it was in his Choice to have Peace or War with his Master, since it depended on the Delivery of the White Man.

The King thus surpriz'd, was obliged, however contrary to his Inclinations, to give _Williams_ up to the General, who return'd with him to _Dempaino_, without committing any Hostilities; tho' he threatned to besiege the Town, and put all but the Women and Children to the Sword, if the King of _Maratan_ did not pay the Expence of his Master's sending for the White Man, which he rated at 100 Slaves, and 500 Head of Cattle, the King objected to this as a hard Condition and an unjust Imposition, but was obliged to acquiesce in it.

One Thing, remarkable enough, had like to have slipp'd me; which is, the King of _Maratan_ sent _Williams_ to the General without any Attendance, which made him ask, if the White Man was a Slave? The King answered, he had not used him like one. I may very well, said the General, be of a contrary Opinion, since you have sent no Body to wait upon him: Upon which Reprimand, the King sent _Williams_ a Present of a Slave.

He was received by _Dempaino_ with a great many Caresses, was handsomely cloathed according to the Country Manner, had Slaves allotted to wait on him, and every Thing that was necessary and convenient; so that King _Dempaino_ was at the Trouble of sending 6000 Men, one would think, for no other End than to shew the great Value and Esteem he had for the _Europeans_. He continued with this Prince till the Arrival of a Ship, which was some Years after his leaving _Maratan_; when the _Bedford_ Galley, a Pyrate, commanded by _Achen Jones_, a _Welshman_, came on the Coast, on board of which Ship _Williams_ was permitted to enter; they went to _Augustine_, where, laying the Ship on Shore, by Carelessness they broke her Back, and lost her. The Crew lived here till the Arrival of the _Pelican_, another Pyrate, mentioned in _North_'s Life; some of them went on board this Ship, and steer'd for the _East-Indies_. _Williams_ shifted out of this on board the _Mocha_ Frigate, a Pyrate, commanded by Captain _Culliford_, and made a Voyage; then, returning to St. _Mary_'s, they shared the Booty they had got in the Red Seas. I shall not here mention the Particulars of this last Expedition, designing to write Captain _Culliford_'s Life, which it more properly belongs to.

Some of the Crew, being _West Indians_, having an Opportunity, returned home; but _Williams_ remain'd here till the Arrival and taking of Capt. _Forgette_, which has been already mentioned: He was one of those who took the _Speaker_, (the Manner has been told before, in another Life) went a Voyage in her, and returned to _Maratan_, as is said in _North_'s Life. Here the King seeing him, ask'd what Present he intended to make him for former Kindness? _Williams_ answered, he had been over paid by the Prince whom he took him from and by his Services, which Answer so irritated his _Maratanian_ Majesty, that he ordered him to quit his Country; and he could hardly after that see him with Patience.

From hence he went on board the _Prosperous_, Captain _Howard_, Commander, who went to St. _Mary_'s, and thence to the Main, as is said in that Pyrate's Life, and was one of the Men left behind when they had a Design to carry off _Ort Van Tyle_. This _Dutchman_ kept him to hard Labour, as planting Potatoes, _&c._ in revenge for the Destruction and Havock made in his Plantations by the Crew of the _Prosperous_; he was here in the Condition of a Slave six Months, at the Expiration of which Time, he had an Opportunity (and embraced it) to run away, leaving his Consort, _Tho. Collins_, behind him, who had his Arm broke when he was taken by the _Dutchman_.

Having made his Escape from a rigid, revengeful Master, he got to a Black Prince, named _Rebaiharang_, with whom he lived half a Year; he from hence went and kept Company with one _John Pro_, another _Dutchman_, who had a small Settlement on Shore, till the Arrival of the Men of War, commanded by Commodore _Richards_, who took both _Pro_ and his Guest _Williams_, put them in Irons (on board the _Severn_) till they came to _Johanna_, where the Captain of the _Severn_ undertook for 2000 Dollars to go against the _Mohilians_, in which Expedition several of the Man of War's Crew were killed, and the two Pyrates made their Escape in a small Canoe to _Mohila_, where they shelter'd themselves a while in the Woods, out of which they got Provisions, and made over for _Johanna_; here they recruited themselves and went away for _Mayotta_, an Island 18 Leagues in Length. The King of this Island built them a Boat, and giving them Provisions and what Necessaries they required, they made for and arrived at _Madagascar_; where, at _Methelage_, in the Lat. of 16, 40, or thereabouts, they join'd, as has been said, Captain _White_.

Here they lay about 3 Months, then setting Fire to their Boat, they went into _White_'s, and rounding the North End came to _Ambonavoula_; here _Williams_ staid till Captain _White_ brought the Ship _Hopewell_, on board of which he entered before the Mast, made a Voyage to the Red Seas, towards the End of which he was chosen Quarter-Master. At their Return they touch'd at _Mascarenas_ for Provisions, where almost half the Company went ashore and took up their Habitations.

From _Mascarenas_ they steer'd for _Hopewell_ (by some call'd _Hopefull_) Point, on _Madagascar_, where dividing their Plunder, they settled themselves.

Twelve Months after, the _Charles_ Brigantine, Captain _Halsey_, came in, as is mentioned in his Life. _Williams_ went on board him and made a Voyage; at their Return they came to _Maratan_, lived ashore, and assisted the King in his War against his Brother, which being ended in the Destruction of the latter, and a Pyrate lying at _Ambonavoula_, sending his Long-Boat to _Manangcaro_, within ten Leagues of _Maratan_, _Williams_ and the rest went on board, and in three Months after he had been at _Ambonavoula_ he was chosen Captain of the _Scotch_ Ship, mentioned in _Halsey_'s Life.

This Ship he work'd upon with great Earnestness, and made the _Scots_ Prisoners labour hard at the fitting her up for a Voyage; and she was near ready for the Seas when a Hurricane forced her ashore, and she was wreck'd.

Some Time after this he set up and finished a Sloop, in which he and ten of his Men, design'd for _Mascarenas_, but missing the Island they went round _Madagascar_, to a Place called _Methelage_, where he laid his Vessel ashore and staid a Year; but the King being tired with his morose Temper, and he disagreeing with every Body, he was order'd to be gone, and accordingly fitting up his Vessel he put to Sea, intending to go round the North End of the Island; but the Wind being at E. S. E. and the Current setting to N. W. he put back to a Port, called the _Boyne_, within 10 Leagues of _Methelage_, in the same King's Dominions whom he had left. The Governor of this Place was descended from the _Arabs_, and it was here that the _Arabians_ traded.

When he came to an Anchor, he and three of his Men (he had but 5 with him) went on Shore, paddled by two Negroes. _David Eaton_ and _William Dawson_, two of the Men, required a Guide, to shew them the Way to the King's Town; the Governor order'd them one, and, at the same time, laid an Ambush for them in the Road, and caused them to be murdered. When they had left the _Boyn_, _Williams_ and _Meyeurs_, a _Frenchman_, who also came ashore in the Canoe, went to buy some _Samsams_, which are agate Beads; as they were looking over these Goods, a Number of the Governor's Men came about them, seiz'd them both, and immediately dispatch'd _Meyeurs_, _Williams_ they bound, and tortur'd almost a whole Day, by throwing hot Ashes on his Head and in his Face, and putting little Boys to beat him with Sticks; he offer'd the Governor 2000 Dollars for his Life, but he answer'd, he'd have both that and the Money too; and accordingly when he was near expiring, they made an End of him with their Lances.

After this barbarous Murder, the Governor thought of seizing the Sloop, on board of which were no more than two White Men, six Negroe Boys, and some Women Slaves of the same Colour; however, he thought it best to proceed by Stratagem, and therefore putting a Goat and some Calabashes of Toke on board _William_'s Canoe, with twelve Negroes arm'd, and the Sloop Negroes to paddle, he sent to surprize her. When the Canoe came pretty near the Vessel, they hal'd, and ask'd if they would let them come aboard? One of the Men ask'd _William_'s Negroes where the Captain was? He answered, drinking Toke with the Governor, and sent them Provision and Toke. A Negroe Wench advised the White Man, whose Name was _William Noakes_, not to let them come on board, for as four White Men went ashore, and none of them appear'd, she suspected some Treachery; however, on the Answer made him from the Canoe, he resolved to admit them, and giving the Wench a Kick, cryed, _D--m ye, must we have no fresh Provisions for your Whimsies_; he called them on board, and no sooner were they on Deck but one of them snatching _Noakes_ his Pistol, shot him thro' the Head, and seizing the other White Man, threw him over-board and drown'd him; after which, being Masters of the Vessel, they carried her in and rifled her.

The King was at this Time a hunting, as is his Custom to hunt Boars three Months in the Year; but the Account of these Murders soon reach'd him, however, he staid the accustom'd Time of his Diversion; but when he returned home, and the Whites, who were about him, demanded Justice, he bid them be quiet, they might depend upon his doing it: He sent to the Governor of _Boyn_, and told him, he was glad that he had cut off _Williams_ and his Crew, an Example he was resolved to follow and clear the Country of them all. That he had some Affairs to communicate to him, and desired he would come to Court as soon as possible, but take Care he was not seen by any of the Whites, for fear by his, they shou'd revenge the Death of their Companions.

The Governor on these Orders came away immediately, and stopp'd two Miles short, at a little Town two Miles distant from the King's, and sent Word he there waited for his Commands.

The King ordered him to be with him early next Morning, before the White Men were out of their Beds; he set forward accordingly the next Day betimes, but was seiz'd on the Road by Negroes placed for that Purpose, and brought bound to the King, who, after having reproach'd him with the Barbarity of his Action, sent him to the White Men, bidding them put him to what Death they pleased; but they sent Word back, he might dispose of his Subjects Lives as he thought fit, but for their Part they would never draw a Drop of Blood of any who belonged to him. Upon which Answer the King's Uncle ordered him to be speared, and he was accordingly thrust thro' the Body with Lances. The King, after this Execution, sent to _Boyn_, and had every Thing brought which had belonged to _Williams_ and his Men, and divided it among the Whites, saying, _He was sorry the Villain had but one Life to make Attonement for the Barbarity he had been guilty of_.

OF
Capt. _Samuel Burgess_,
And his CREW.

Capt. _Samuel Burgess_ was born in _New-York_, and had a good Education; he was what they call a well-set Man, and bandy legg'd; he sail'd some Time as a Privateer in the _West-Indies_, and very often, the Gang, he was with, when the Time of their cruizing was expir'd, would make no Ceremony of prolonging the Commission by their own Authority.

By his Privateering he got together some little Money, and returned home, where the Government having no Notice, or, at least, taking none, of his pyratical Practice, in staying beyond the Date of his Commission: He went out Mate of a Ship, in the Service of _Frederick Phillips_, bound to the Island of _Madagascar_, to trade with the Pyrates, where they had the Misfortune to lose their Ship, and lived eighteen Months at _Augustine_, when an _English_ Pyrate coming in, the King of the Country obliged him to go on board her, tho' much against his Inclination, for he was tired of a roving Life; but their Choice was to go or starve, for the King would keep them no longer.

He went with this free Booter to the _East Indies_, where they made several rich Prizes; returned to St. _Mary_'s, where they took in Provisions, Wood, and Water. Several of their Gang knock'd off here; but the Captain, _Burgess_, and the Remainder, went away for the _West Indies_, disposed of their Plunder on the _Spanish_ Coast, and then returning to _New York_, purposely knocked the Ship on the Head at _Sandy Hook_, after they had secur'd their Money ashore.

The Government not being inform'd of their Pyracy, they lived here without Molestation, and, in a short Time, _Burgess_ married a Relation of Mr. _Phillips_', who built a Ship, called the _Pembroke_, and sent him a second Time to _Madagascar_. In his Way to this Island, he went into the River of _Dilagou_ on the _African_ Coast, where he took in a Quantity of Elephants Teeth; and thence to _Augustine_, where he met with several of his old Ship Mates, with whom he traded for Money and Slaves. Leaving this Place he went to _Methelage_, where he also took some Money and Negroes; and from thence he shaped his Course for St. _Mary_'s, on the East Side, where he also drove a considerable Trade with his old Comrades, took several of them Passengers, who paid very generously for their Passage; and taking with him an Account of what was proper to bring in another Trip, he return'd to _New York_, without any sinister Accident: This Voyage clear'd 5,000 l. Ship and Charges paid.

His Owner encouraged by this Success, bid him chuse what Cargoe he pleas'd, and set out again; accordingly he laded with Wine, Beer, _&c._ and returning to _Madagascar_ arrived at _Maratan_ on the East Side, where he disposed of a great Part of his Cargoe at his own Rates. At _Methelage_ he disposed of the rest, and return'd, clearing for himself and Owner 10,000 l. besides 300 Slaves he brought to _New York_.

After a short Stay at home, he set out again on the old Voyage, fell in first with _Methelage_, where he victualled and traded; from thence he went round the South End, touch'd and sold Part of his Cargoe at a large Profit, to his old Acquaintance. He made a trading Voyage round the Island, and at St. _Mary_'s met another Ship belonging to his Owner, which had Order to follow his Directions; he stay'd at this Port till he had disposed of the Cargoe of both Ships; he then shaped his Course homewards, with about 20 Pyrates Passengers, who had accepted the Pardon brought by Commadore _Littleton_.

In his Way he touch'd at the _Cape_ of _Good Hope_, for Wood, Water, and fresh Provision: While he was here, the _Loyal Cook_, an _East India_ Man came in, who made Prize of _Burgess_, and carried him to the _East Indies_; he there would have delivered _Burgess_'s Ship to the Governor of _Maderass_, but the Governor would have no Hand in the Affair, and told the Captain, he must answer to the _East-India_ Company and _Burgess_'s Owner for what he had done.

Most of the Pyrate's Passengers thought themselves clear'd by the Act of Grace; but some of them, not willing to trust to it, got off with what Gold they could, in a _Dutch_ Boat; they who trusted to the Pardon were clapp'd in Goal, and died in their Irons. I cannot omit the Simplicity of one of them, who had, however, the Wit to get off: When he designed to go away, he look'd for his Comrade for the Key of his Chest, to take his Gold with him, which amounted to Seventeen hundred Pounds; but this Comrade being ashore, he would not break open Chest, for it was Pity, he said, to spoil a good new Lock, so left his Money for the Captain of the _East-India_ Man.

The News of this Capture came to the Owner before the Ship return'd, and he sued the Company; but, at their Request, staid for the Arrival of the _Loyal Cook_, which brought _Burgess_ Prisoner to _England_ soon after. The Captain finding himself in an Error, and that what he had done could not be justified, absconded; the Company made good the Ship and Cargo to the Owner. _Burgess_ was set at Liberty, continued some Time in _London_, was impeach'd, and Pyracy sworn against him by _Culliford_ (mentioned in _Williams_'s Life) who notwithstanding, he came home on the Act of Grace, was clapp'd into _Newgate_, tried and acquitted, tho' he was beggar'd.

_Burgess_'s Owner stickled very hard for him, and expended great Sums of Money to save him; however, tho' he pleaded the Necessity of his going on board the Pyrate, (as his Life shews it) he was tried and condemn'd; but by the Intercession of the Bishops of _London_ and _Canterbury_, was pardon'd by the Queen.

After this, he made a broken Voyage to the _South Sea_, Lieutenant to a Privateer, and returning to _London_, was out of Business a whole Year.

He then shipp'd himself Mate on board the _Hannah_, afterwards called the _Neptune_, and went to _Scotland_ to take in her Cargo, the Owner being of that Nation; but before she got thither he the Owner broke, and the Ship was stopp'd, and lay 18 Months before she was dispos'd of: But being set to Sale, and six _Scotch_ Gentlemen buying her, the old Officers were continued, and she proceeded on her first designed Voyage to _Madagascar_, in which the Captain and _Burgess_ quarrelling, was the Loss of the Ship; for the latter, who was acquainted with the Pyrates, when they arrived at _Madagascar_, spirited them up to surprize her: The Manner how, being already set down in _Halsey_'s Life, I need not repeat.

I shall only take Notice, that Captain _Miller_ being decoy'd ashore, under Pretence of being shew'd some Trees, fit for Masting, _Halsey_ invited him to a Surloin of Beef, and a Bowl of Arrack Punch; he accepted the Invitation, with about 20 of the Pyrates. One _Emmy_, who had been a Waterman on the _Thames_, did not come to Table, but sat by, muffled up in a great Coat, pretending he was attack'd by the Ague, tho' he had put it on to conceal his Pistols only. After Dinner, when _Halsey_ went out, as for something to entertain his Guests, (_Miller_ and his Supercargo,) _Emmy_ clapp'd a Pistol to the Captain's Breast, and told him, he was his Prisoner; at the same Instant, two other Pyrates enter'd the Room, with each a Blunderbuss in his Hand, and told the Captain and his Supercargoe, that no Harm should come to either, if they did not bring it upon themselves by an useless Resistance. While this past within Doors, the Wood being lined with Pyrates, all _Miller_'s Men, whom he had brought ashore to fell Timber, were secur'd, but none hurt, and all civilly treated. When they had afterwards got Possession of the Ship, in the Manner mention'd before, they set all their Prisoners at Liberty.

_Miller_, with eleven of his Men, was sent off, as is said in _Halsey_'s Life: The Company chose _Burgess_ Quarter-Master, and shar'd the Booty they had made out of the _Scotch_ Ship, and the _Greyhound_.

Soon after happen'd _Halsey_'s Death, who left _Burgess_ Executor in Trust for his Widow and Children, with a considerable Legacy for himself, and the other Pyrates grumbling at a new Comer's being preferr'd to all of them, took from _Burgess_ 3,000 l. of _Halsey_'s Money, and 1200 l. of his own, which was his Share of the two Prizes. Tho' he had been treated in this Manner, they were idle enough to give him the Command of the _Scots_ Ship, and order'd him to fit her out with all Expedition, and to take on board some Men and Goods left in the Brigantine: He set to work on the Ship, with full Design to run away with her; but some Pyrates, who were in another Part of the Island, being informed of these Proceedings, thought it not prudent to trust him, so he left the Ship, and getting among his old Comrades, by their Interposition, had all his Money return'd.

After this he lived five Months on the Island of St. _Mary_'s, where his House was, by Accident, burnt down, out of which he saved nothing but his Money; he then went on board _David Williams_, when he miss'd the Island of _Mascarenas_, and returned to _Methelage_, where he staid with the King, and was one of the Men among whom he divided _William_'s Effects.

From _Methelage_ he went with a Parcel of Samsams to _Augustine_, with which he bought fifty Slaves, whom he sold to the _Arabians_. In his Return to _Methelage_, he met Captain _North_ in a Sloop, with thirty of _Miller_'s Men on board; these Men propos'd the taking _Burgess_, who had, they said, betrayed, ruined, and banished them their Country, by forcing them to turn Pyrates; but _North_ would not consent: Upon which, they confined him, took _North_ and stripp'd him of all the Money, and then releasing their Captain, gave him 300 l. as his Share, which he returned to _Burgess_ on his Arrival at _Methelage_.

_Burgess_ lived here two or three Years, till he was carried off by some _Dutchmen_; they belonged to an _East-India_ Man, and were taken by two _French_ Ships, which being bound for _Mocha_, and scarce of Provisions, came into _Methelage_ to victual, where they set 80 of their Prisoners ashore. When they parted from this Port they sail'd for _Johanna_, where they left the _Dutch_ Officers, who built a Ship, and came back for their Men. _Burgess_ being of great Use to them, they took him on board, and steer'd for a Port, where some _Dutch_, taken in another Ship, were maroon'd; but they were wreck'd at _Youngoul_, where _Burgess_ continued eighteen Months. After this Time was expir'd, he was desirous of leaving the Place, and addressing himself to the King, who was Uncle to the King of _Methelage_, he requested his black Majesty to send him back to that Port, which he readily complied with, where _Burgess_ continued almost five Years, afflicted with Sickness, in which he lost one Eye. While he was here, the _Drake_ Pink, of _London_, came in for Slaves, he took _Burgess_, with Design to carry him home; but Captain _Harvey_ in the _Henry_, which belong'd to the same Owners, arriving, and being a Stranger to the Trade, at the Request of Captain _Maggot_, Commander of the _Drake_, and on Promise of a Ship when in the _West Indies_, he enter'd as third Mate, and continued with him. Captain _Harvey_ carrying it pretty high, and disagreeing with the King, lay here 9 Months before he could slave. _Burgess_ was sent up to tell the King he had not fulfill'd his Agreement with Captain _Harvey_; the King resented the being reproach'd by a Man whom he had entertained so many Years, and reviled him; he was, however, carried to Dinner with some of the principal Blacks, and drank very plentifully with them of Honey Toke, in which it is supposed he was poison'd, for he fell ill and died soon after, leaving what he had to the Care of the chief Mate, for the Use of his Wife and Children.

APPENDIX
TO THE
First VOLUME.

We have already touched upon the History of some of the Pyrates, which we shall have Occasion to name here over again; but since the printing our first Volume, the following Relations are fallen into our Hands, which being much more curious and particular than any Thing hitherto made publick upon these Affairs, we are satisfied our Readers will find their Entertainment in the Perusal of it.

About the 20th of _July_ 1718, Mr. _Woods Rogers_, Governor and Vice-Admiral of the _Bahama_ Islands, being sent from _England_ with the King's Proclamation, and Pardon for all Pyrates who had surrendered by a Time specified in the said Proclamation, arrived at _Providence_. It was Evening when the Fleet came off the Town of _Nassau_ in the said Island, when _Richard Turnley_, the Pilot, who was on board the _Delicia_, did not judge it safe to venture over the Bar that Night, wherefore it was resolved to lie bye till Morning.

In the mean Time there came some Men on board the Fleet from off a little Island, called _Harbour Island_, adjacent to _Providence_. The Advice they brought was, that there were near a thousand Pyrates on Shore upon the Island of _Providence_, waiting for the King's Pardon, which had been long expected. The principal of their Commanders were _Benj. Horneygold_, _Arthur Davis_, _Jos. Burgess_, _Tho. Carter_, and they were all in or about the Town of _Nassau_; that the Fort was extremely out of Repair, there being only one Gun mounted, a nine Pounder, and no Accommodation for Men, but one little Hut or House, which was inhabited by an old Fellow, whom the Pyrates, in Derision, called Governor _Sawney_.

The Fleet was seen from the Harbour, as well as the Town, so that Captain _Charles Vane_, who had no Design of surrendring; but, on the contrary, had fitted out his Ship with a Resolution of attempting new Adventures, took the Advantage of the Night to contrive his Escape; and though the Harbour was blocked up, and his Ship drew too much Water to get out by t'other East Passage, he shifted his Hands, and Things of most Value, into a lighter Vessel, and charging all the Guns of the Ship he quitted with Double-Round and Partridge, he set it on Fire, imagining, that some of the Ships, or their Boats, might be sent near him, and he might do some Mischief when it should burn down to them.

Those in the Fleet saw the Light, and heard the Guns, and fancied the Pyrates on Shore were making Bonfires, and firing Guns for Joy that the King's free Pardon was arrived; and Captain _Whitney_, Commander of the _Rose_ Man of War, sent his Boat with his Lieutenant on Shore, which was intercepted by _Vane_, who carried the Crew on Board, and stripped them of some Stores they had in the Boat, he kept them till he got under Sail, which was till Day-break, when there was Light enough for him to see how to steer his Way through the East Passage; which was no sooner done but he hoisted a black Flag, and fired a Gun, and then let the Lieutenant and Boat's Crew depart and join the Fleet.

The Fleet got safe into the Harbour, and as soon as the Lieutenant arrived on Board, and related what had passed, the _Buck_ Sloop was ordered to chace _Vane_; she made what Sail she could through the East Passage after him, having a Recruit of Men well armed sent to her from the other Ships; but being heavily laden with rich Goods, _Vane_ had the Heels of her, which the Commadore observing, made a Signal for her to leave off the Chace, and return, which she did accordingly.

They immediately fell to mooring and securing their Ships, which took up the Time till Night: Next Morning the Governor went on Shore, being received at his Landing by the principal People in the Government of the Place, as _Thomas Walker_, Esq; Chief Justice, and _Thomas Taylor_, Esq; President of the Council; the Pyrate Captains, _Hornygold_, _Davis_, _Carter_, _Burghess_, _Currant_, _Clark_, with some others, drew up their Crews in two Lines, reaching from the Water-Side to the Fort, the Governor and other Officers marching between them; in the mean Time, they being under Arms, made a running Fire over his Head.

Being arrived at the Fort, his Commission was opened and read, and he was sworn in Governor of the Island, according to Form.

The next Day the Governor made out a Commission to _Richard Turnley_, the chief Pilot, to Mr. _Salter_, a Factor, and some others, to go on Board and examine all suspected Ships and Vessels in the Harbour, to take an Inventory of their several Ladings, and to secure both Ship and Cargo for the Use of the King and Company, till such Time as a Court of Admiralty could be called, that they might be lawfully cleared or condemned by proving which belonged to Pyrates, and which to fair Traders.

The Day following a Court-Martial was held, in which a military Discipline was settled, in order to prevent Surprizes, both from _Spaniards_ and Pyrates, till such Time as the Fort could be repaired, and put into a Condition of Defence; for this Purpose the Governor was obliged to make Use of some of the pardoned Pyrates, such as _Hornygold_, _Davis_ and _Burghess_, to whom he gave some Commands; and _George Fetherston_, _James Bonney_, and _Dennis Macartey_, with some other Pyrates of a lower Rank, acted under them as inferior Officers.

Soon after the civil Government was also setled, some of the principal Officers being appointed Justices of the Peace, others of inferior Degree, Constables and Overseers of the Ways and Roads, which were overgrown with Bushes and Underwood, all about the Town of _Nassau_; so that if any Enemy had landed in the Night, they might lie in Ambuscade in those Covers, and surprize the Town; wherefore several of the common Pyrates were employed in clearing away the said Bushes and Underwood.

The Governor, with some Soldiers, guarded the Fort, and the Inhabitants, who were form'd into Train'd-Bands, took Care of the Town; but as there was no Sort of Accommodation to lodge such a Number of People, they were forced to unbend the Sails, and bring them on Shore, in order to make Tents, till they had Time to build Houses, which was done with all possible Expedition, by a Kind of Architecture altogether new.

Those that were built in the Fort were done by making six little Holes in the Rock, at convenient Distances, in each of which was stuck a forked Pole; on these, from one to t'other, were placed cross Poles or Rafters, which being lathed at Top, and on the Sides, with small Sticks, were afterwards covered with _Palmata_ Leaves, and then the House was finished; for they did not much trouble themselves about the Ornaments of Doors and Windows.

In the mean Time the repairing the Fort was carried on, and the Streets were ordered to be kept clean, both for Health and Conveniency, so that it began to have the Appearance of a civilized Place.

A Proclamation was published for the Encouragement of all such Persons should be willing to settle upon the Island of _Providence_, by which every Person was to have a Lot of Ground of a hundred and twenty Foot square, any where in or about the Town of _Nassau_, that was not before in the Possession of others, provided they should clear the said Ground, and build a House tenantable, by a certain Time therein limited, which might be easily done as they might have Timber for nothing. This had the Effect proposed, and a great many immediately fell to work to comply with the Conditions, in order to settle themselves there.

Many of the Pyrates were employed in the Woods in cutting down Sticks to make Pallisadoes; and all the People belonging to the Ships (Officers excepted) were obliged to work four Days in the Week upon the Fortifications, so that in a short Time a strong Entrenchment was cast round the Fort, and being well pallisadoed, it rendered the Fort tolerably strong.

But it did not much suit the Inclinations of the Pyrates to be set to work; and though they had Provision sufficient, and had also a good Allowance of Wine and Brandy to each Man, yet they began to have such a hankering after their old Trade, that many of them took Opportunities of seizing Perriaguas, and other Boats, in the Night, and making their Escapes, so that in a few Months there was not many of them left.

However, when the _Spanish_ War was proclaim'd, several of them return'd back again of their own Accords, being tempted with the Hopes of being employed upon the privateering Account, (which is something like pyrating;) for that Place lying near the Coast of _Spanish America_, and also not far from the Gulph of _Florida_, seemed to be a good Station for intercepting the _Spanish_ Vessels going to old _Spain_.