Chapter XI: Part 11

They were not mistaken in this Supposition, for the Governor, according to the Power vested in him, did grant Commissions for privateering, and made Choice of some of the principal Pyrates who had continued upon the Island, in Obedience to the Pardon, for Commanders, as being Persons well qualified for such Employments, who made up their Crews chiefly of their scattered Companions, who were newly returned upon the Hopes of Preferment.

About this Time a Fishing Vessel belonging to the Island of _Providence_ brought in the Master of a Ship and a few Sailors, whom she had picked up at Sea in a Canoe; the said Master was called Captain _King_, who sailed in a Ship called the _Neptune_, belonging to _South-Carolina_, loaden with Rice, Pitch, Tar, and other Merchandizes, bound for _London_.

The Account he gave of himself was, that he was met with by _Charles Vane_ the Pyrate, who carried him into _Green Turtle_ Bay, one of the _Bahama_ Islands, by whom he was plundered of a great Part of his Cargoe, which consisting chiefly of Stores, was of great Use to them; that afterwards they cut away Part of one of the Masts of the Ship, and fired a Gun down her Hold, with Design of sinking her; that they took some of his Men into their Service, and when they were sailing off gave him and the rest a Canoe to save themselves; that with this Canoe they made shift to sail from one little Island to another, till they had the good Luck to meet the Fishing Boat which took them up; and that he believed _Charles Vane_ might still be cruising thereabouts.

Upon this Intelligence the Governor fitted out a Ship which was named the _Willing Mind_, mann'd with fifty stout Hands, well armed, and also a Sloop with thirty Hands, which he sent to cruise amongst those Islands, in search of _Vane_ the Pyrate, giving them Orders also to endeavour to recover the Ship _Neptune_, which Captain _King_ told them had still Goods of a considerable Value left in her.

They went out accordingly, but never saw _Vane_; however, they found the _Neptune_, which was not sunk as the Pyrates intended; for the Ball they fired into her stuck in the Ballast, without passing through, by Reason the Gun had not been sufficiently charged, and so they returned with her about the 10th of _November_; but an unlucky Accident happened to the Ship _Willing Mind_, occasioned either by the ignorance or Carelessness of the Pilot, which was bulged in going over the Bar.

In the mean Time _Vane_ made towards the Coast of _Hispaniola_, living riotously on Board, having store of Liquor, and plenty of fresh Provisions, such as Hogs, Goats, Sheep, Fowl, which he got upon easy Terms, for touching at a Place called _Isleatherer_, he plundered the Inhabitants of as much of their Provision as they could carry away: Here they cruised to about _February_, when, near the Windward Passage of Cape _Mase_, they met with a large rich Ship of _London_, called the _Kingston_, loaden with Bale Goods, and other rich Merchandize, and having several Passengers on Board, some _English_, and some _Jews_, besides two Women.

Towards the North-End of _Jamaica_ they also met with a Turtle Sloop, bound in for that Island, on Board of which (after having first plundered her) they put the Captain of the _Kingston_, and some of his Men, and all the Passengers, except the two Women, whom they kept for their own Entertainment, contrary to the usual Practice of Pyrates, who generally sent them away, least they should occasion Contention.

The Ship _Kingston_ they kept for their own Use; for now their Company being strengthened by a great many Recruits, some Voluntiers, and some forced Men out of the _Neptune_ and _Kingston_, they thought they had Hands enough for two Ships; accordingly they shifted several of their Hands on Board the _Kingston_, and _John Rackham_, alias _Callico Jack_, (so called, because his Jackets and Drawers were always made of Callico) Quarter-Master to _Vane_, was unanimously chosen Captain of the _Kingston_.

The Empire of these Pyrates had not been long thus divided before they had like to have fallen into a civil War amongst themselves, which must have ended in the Destruction of one of them. The fatal Occasion of the Difference betwixt these two Brother Adventurers, was this;--It happened that _Vane_'s Liquor was all out, who sending to his Brother Captain for a Supply, _Rackham_ accordingly spared him what he thought fit; but it falling short of _Vane_'s Expectation, as to Quantity, he went on Board of _Rackham_'s Ship to expostulate the Matter with him, so that Words arising, _Rackham_ threaten'd to shoot him thro' the Head, if he did not immediately return to his own Ship; and told him likewise, that if he did not sheer off, and part Company, he would sink him.

_Vane_ thought it best to take his Advice, for he thought the other was bold enough to be as good as his Word, for he had it in his Power to be so, his Ship being the largest and strongest of the two.

Accordingly they parted, and _Rackham_ made for the Island of _Princes_, and having great Quantities of rich Goods on Board, taken in the late Prizes, they were divided into Lots, and he and his Crew shared them by throwing Dice, the highest Cast being to choose first: When they had done, they packed up their Goods in Casks, and buried them on Shore in the Island of _Princes_, that they might have Room for fresh Booty. In the mean Time it happened that a Turtle Sloop belonging to _Jamaica_ came in there, _Rackham_ sent his Boat, and brought the Master on Board of him, and asking him several Questions, the Master informed him, that War with _Spain_ had been proclaimed in _Jamaica_; and that the Time appointed by the general Pardon for Pyrates to surrender, in order to receive the Benefit thereof, was not expired.

Upon this Intelligence _Rackham_ and his Crew suddenly changed their Minds, and were resolved to take the Benefit of the Pardon by a speedy Surrender; wherefore, instead of using the Master ill, as the poor Man expected, they made him several Presents, desiring him to sail back to _Jamaica_, and acquaint the Governor they were willing to surrender, provided he would give his Word and Honour they should have the Benefit of the Pardon; which, as extensive as it was, they apprehended they were not intitled to, because they had run away in Defiance of it at _Providence_. They desired the Master also to return with the Governor's Answer, assuring him he should be no Loser by the Voyage.

The Master very willingly undertook the Commission, and arriving at _Jamaica_, delivered his Message to the Governor, according to his Instructions; but it happened that the Master of the _Kingston_, with his Passengers, being come to _Jamaica_, had acquainted the Governor with the Pyracies of _Vane_ and _Rackam_, before the Turtler got thither, who was actually fitting out two Sloops, which were now just ready, in pursuit of them, so that the Governor was very glad to discover, by the Turtler's Message, where _Rackam_ was to be found.

The two Sloops, well mann'd, accordingly sailed out, and found _Rackam_ in the Station where the Turtler had described him, but altogether in Disorder, and quite unprepared, either for Sailing or for Fight, most of his Sails being on Shore erected into Tents, and his Decks lumber'd with Goods; he happen'd to be on Board himself, tho' most of his Men were ashore, and seeing the two Sloops at a Distance, bearing towards him, he observed them with his Glass, and fancied he saw on Board something like Preparations for fighting. This was what he did not expect, for he look'd for no Enemy, and while he was in Doubt and Suspence about them, they came so near that they began to fire.

He had neither Time nor Means to prepare for Defence, so that there was nothing to be done but to run into his Boat, and escape to the Shore, which he did accordingly with the few Hands he had with him, leaving the two Women on Board to be taken by the Enemy.

The Sloops seized the Ship _Kingston_, mann'd her, and brought her into _Jamaica_, having still a great part of her Cargoe left; when she arrived, the Master of her fell to examining what part of the Cargoe was lost, and what left; he searched also for his Bills of Lading and Cockets, but they were all destroyed by _Rackam_; so that the Ship being freighted by several Owners, the Master could not tell whose Property was saved, and whose lost, till he had fresh Bills of Parcels of each Owner from _England_. There was one remarkable Piece of good Luck which happened in this Affair; there were, amongst other Goods, sixty Gold Watches on Board, and thirty of Silver; the Pyrates divided the Silver Watches, but the Gold being packed up amongst some Bale Goods, were never discovered by them, and the Master, in searching, found them all safe.

In the mean Time _Rackam_ and his Crew lived in the Woods, in very great Suspence what to do with themselves; they had with them Ammunition and small Arms, and also some of the Goods, such as Bales of Silk Stockings, and laced Hats, with which, it is supposed, they intended to make themselves fine; they had also two Boats and a Canoe.

Being divided in their Resolutions, _Rackam_ with six more determined to take one of the Boats, and make the best of their Way for the Island of _Providence_, and there claim the Benefit of the King's Pardon, which they fancied they might be intitled to, by representing, that they were carried away by _Vane_, against their Wills. Accordingly they put some Arms, Ammunition and Provision, into the best Boat, and also some of the Goods, and so set Sail. They first made the Island of _Pines_, from thence got over to the North-Side of _Cuba_, where they destroyed several _Spanish_ Boats and Launces; one they took, which being a stout Sea Boat, they shifted themselves and their Cargoe into her, and sunk their own, and then stretched over to the Island of _Providence_, where they landed safely about the Middle of _May_ 1719, where demanding the King's Pardon, the Governor thought fit to allow it them, and Certificates were granted to them accordingly.

Here they sold their Goods, and spent the Money merrily; when all was gone, some ingaged themselves in Privateers, and others in trading Vessels.

But _Rackam_, as Captain, having a much larger Share than any of the rest, his Money held out a little longer; but happening about this Time to come acquainted with _Anne Bonny_, that made him very extravagant. _Anne Bonny_, as has been taken Notice of in the first Volume, was married to _James Bonny_, one of the pardoned Pyrates, a likely young Fellow, and of a sober Life, considering he had been a Pyrate; but _Anne_, who was very young, soon turned a Libertine upon his Hands, so that he once surpriz'd her lying in a Hammock with another Man. _Rackam_ made his Addresses to her till his Money was all spent; but as he found there was no carrying on an Amour with empty Pockets, he ingaged himself with Captain _Burghess_, lately a Pyrate, but pardoned, who had received a Commission to privateer upon the _Spaniards_. This Cruize proved successful; they took several Prizes, amongst the rest, two of considerable Value, one loaded with Cocoa Nut, and another with Sugar. They brought them into _Providence_, and found Purchasers amongst the Factors, who came from other Places for that Purpose. The Dividend was considerable, and as soon as possible disposed of: _Burghess_ sailed out in Quest of new Purchase; but _Rackam_, who had nothing but _Anne Bonny_ in his Head, staid behind to spend his Money, and enjoy his Mistress.

_Rackam_ lived in all Manner of Luxury, spending his Money liberally upon _Anne Bonny_, who was so taken with his Generosity, that she had the Assurance to propose to her Husband to quit him, in order to cohabit with _John Rackam_; and that _Rackam_ should give him a Sum of Money, in Consideration he should resign her to the said _Rackam_ by a Writing in Form, and she even spoke to some Persons to witness the said Writing.

The Story made some Noise, so that the Governor hearing of it, sent for her and one _Anne Fulworth_, who came with her from _Carolina_, and pass'd for her Mother, and was privy to all her loose Behaviour, and examining them both upon it, and finding they could not deny it, he threaten'd if they proceeded further in it, to commit them both to Prison, and order them to be whipp'd, and that _Rackam_, himself, should be their Executioner.

These Menaces made her promise to be very good, to live with her Husband, and to keep loose Company no more; but all this was Dissimulation, for _Rackam_ and she consulting together, and finding they could not by fair Means enjoy each other's Company with Freedom, resolved to run away together, and enjoy it in Spight of all the World.

To this Purpose they plotted together to seize a Sloop which then lay in the Harbour, and _Rackam_ drew some brisk young Fellows into the Conspiracy; they were of the Number of the Pyrates lately pardoned, and who, he knew, were weary of working on Shore, and long'd to be again at their old Trade.

The Sloop they made choice of was betwixt thirty and forty Tun, and one of the swiftest Sailors that ever was built of that Kind; she belong'd to one _John Haman_, who lived upon a little Island not far from _Providence_, which was inhabited by no humane Creature except himself and his Family, (for he had a Wife and Children) his Livelihood and constant Employment was to plunder and pillage the _Spaniards_, whose Sloops and Launces he had often surprized about _Cuba_ and _Hispaniola_, and sometimes brought off a considerable Booty, always escaping by a good Pair of Heels, insomuch that it become a Bye-Word to say, _There goes_ John Haman, _catch him if you can_. His Business to _Providence_ now was to bring his Family there, in order to live and settle, being weary, perhaps, of living in that Solitude, or else apprehensive if any of the _Spaniards_ should discover his Habitation, they might land, and be revenged of him for all his Pranks.

_Anne Bonny_ was observed to go several times on Board this Sloop; she pretended to have some Business with _John Haman_, therefore she always went when he was on Shore, for her true Errand was to discover how many Hands were aboard, and what kind of Watch they kept, and to know the Passages and Ways of the Vessel.

She discovered as much as was necessary; she found there were but two Hands on Board; that _John Haman_ lay on Shore every Night: She inquired of them, Whether they watch'd? Where they lay? And ask'd many other Questions; to all which they readily answered her, as thinking she had no Design but common Curiosity.

She acquainted _Rackam_ with every Particular, who resolved to lose no Time, and therefore, acquainting his Associates, who were eight in Number, they appointed an Hour for meeting at Night, which was at twelve o'Clock. They were all true to the Roguery, and _Anne Bonny_ was as punctual as the most resolute, and being all well armed, they took a Boat and rowed to the Sloop, which was very near the Shore.

The Night seemed to favour the Attempt, for it was both dark and rainy. As soon as they got on Board, _Anne Bonny_, having a drawn Sword in one Hand and a Pistol in the other, attended by one of the Men, went strait to the Cabin where the two Fellows lay who belonged to the Sloop; the Noise waked them, which she observing, swore, that if they pretended to resist, or make a Noise, she would blow out their Brains, (that was the Term she used.)

In the mean Time _Rackam_ and the rest were busy heaving in the Cables, one of which they soon got up, and, for Expedition sake, they slipped the other, and so drove down the Harbour: They passed pretty near the Fort, which hailed them, as did also the Guardship, asking them where they were going; they answered, their Cable had parted, and that they had nothing but a Grappling on Board, which would not hold them. Immediately after which they put out a small Sail, just to give them steerage Way. When they came to the Harbour's Mouth, and thought they could not be seen by any of the Ships, because of the Darkness of the Night, they hoisted all the Sail they had, and stood to Sea; then calling up the two Men, they asked them if they would be of their Party; but finding them not inclined, they gave them a Boat to row themselves ashore, ordering them to give their Service to _Haman_, and to tell him, they would send him his Sloop again when they had done with it.

_Rackam_ and _Anne Bonny_, both bore a great Spleen to one _Richard Turnley_, whom _Anne_ had ask'd to be a Witness to the Writing, which _James Bonny_, her Husband, was to give to _Rackam_, by which she was to be resigned to him; _Turnley_ refused his Hand upon that Occasion, and was the Person who acquainted the Governor with the Story, for which they vowed Revenge against him. He was gone from _Providence_ a turtling before they made their Escape, and they knowing what Island he was upon, made to the Place. They saw the Sloop about a League from the Shore a fishing, and went aboard with six Hands; but _Turnley_, with his Boy, by good Luck, happened to be ashore salting some wild Hogs they killed the Day before; they inquired for him, and hearing where he was, rowed ashore in Search of him.

_Turnley_ from the Land saw the Sloop boarded, and observed the Men afterwards making for the Shore, and being apprehensive of Pyrates, which are very common in those Parts, he, with his Boy, fled into a neighbouring Wood. The Surf was very great, so that they could not bring the Boat to Shore; they waded up to the Arm-Pits, and _Turnley_, peeping through the Trees, saw them bring Arms on Shore: Upon the whole, not liking their Appearance, he, with his Boy, lay snug in the Bushes.

When they had looked about and could not see him, they hollow'd, and call'd him by his Name; but he not appearing, they thought it Time lost to look for him in such a Wilderness, and therefore they returned to their Boat, but rowed again back to the Sloop, and took away the Sails, and several other Things. They also carried away with them three of the Hands, _viz._ _Richard Connor_ the Mate, _John Davis_, and _John Howel_, but rejected _David Soward_ the fourth Hand, tho' he had been an old experienced Pyrate, because he was lame, and disabled by a Wound he had formerly received.

When they had done thus much, they cut down the Main-Mast, and towing the Vessel into deep Water, sunk her, having first put _David Soward_ into a Boat to shift for himself; he made Shift to get ashore, and after some Time, having found out _Turnley_, he told him, that _Rackam_ and _Mary Stead_ were determined, if they could have found him, to have whipp'd him to Death, as he heard them vow with many bitter Oaths and Imprecations; for whipping was the Punishment the Governor had threatened her with by his Information.

From thence they stretch'd over to the _Bury Islands_, plundering all the Sloops they met, and strengthening their Company with several additional Hands, and so went on till they were taken and executed at _Port Royal_, as has been told in the first Volume.

About this Time, the Governor, in Conjunction with some Factors then residing at _Providence_, thought fit to freight some Vessels for a trading Voyage; accordingly the _Batchelor_'s _Adventure_, a Schooner, Captain _Henry White_, Commander; the _Lancaster Sloop_, Captain _William Greenway_, Commander; the _May Sloop_, Captain _John Augur_, Commander, of which last _David Soward_ was Owner, (it having been given him by some Pyrates his former Associates) in which he also sail'd this Voyage, were fitted out with a Cargo of Goods and Merchandizes, bound for _Port Prince_ on the Island of _Cuba_.

The Governor thought it adviseable, for the Benefit of the Inhabitants of _Providence_, to settle a Correspondence with some Merchants at _Port Prince_, first, in order to procure fresh Provisions, there being scarce any upon the Island at the Governor's first Arrival; and there being at _Port Prince_ great Plenty of Cows and Hogs, he proposed to get a sufficient Number of each, to stock the Island for Breed, that the People for the future might have fresh Provision of their own.

They set Sail on _Sunday_ the fifth of _October_, 1718; the next Day they arrived at an Island known by the Name of _Green Key_, lying South, South-East from _Providence_, in the Degree of 23 and 40 North Latitude, being distance about twenty five Leagues; they cast Anchor, in order to wait for Morning to carry them thro' some Rocks and Shoals which lay in their Way, and some went ashore to try to kill something for Supper, before it should be dark; they expected to meet some wild Hogs, for, some Time before, one _Joseph Bay_ and one _Sims_, put two Sows and a Boar into the said Island; for they living at that Time at _Providence_, and being continually visited by Pyrates, were always plundered of all their fresh Provisions; wherefore, they thought of settling a Breed upon _Green Key_, that they might have Recourse to in Time of Necessity.

This Island is about nine Miles in Circumference, and about three Miles broad in the widest Place; it is overgrown with wild Cabbage and Palmuta Trees, and great Variety of other Herbs and Fruits, so that there is Plenty of Food for the Nourishment of such Animals; but the Trees lying so close together, makes it but bad Hunting, so that they kill'd but one Hog, which, however was of a monstrous Size.

The Hunters returned on Board their Ships again before Seven, having first divided the Hog, and sent part on Board each Vessel for Supper that Night. After Supper, Captain _Greenway_ and Captain _White_ came on Board of Captain _Augur_'s Sloop, in order to consult together, what Time to sail, and being all of Opinion, that if they weigh'd Anchor betwixt the Hours of ten and eleven, it would be Day before they would come up with the Shoals; they agreed upon that Hour for setting Sail, and so return'd to their own Vessels.

Soon after, _Phineas Bunch_, and _Dennis Macarty_, with a great many others, came from _White_'s Sloop on Board of _Augur_'s; their Pretence was, that they came to see _Richard Turnley_ and Mr. _James Carr_, who had formerly been a Midshipman in the _Rose_ Man of War under Captain _Whitney_, and being a great Favourite of Governor _Rogers_, he had appointed him Supercargo this Voyage. They desired to be treated with a Bottle of Beer, for they knew Mr. _Car_ had some that was very good in his Care, which had been put on Board, in order to make Presents of, and to treat the _Spanish_ Merchants with.

As it was not suspected they had any Thing else in View, Mr. _Carr_ readily went down, and brought up a Couple of Bottles of Beer: They sat upon the Poop with Captain _Augur_ in their Company, and were drinking their Beer; before the second Bottle was out, _Bunch_ and _Macarty_ began to rattle, and talk with great Pleasure, and much boasting of their former Exploits when they had been Pyrates, crying up a Pyrate's Life to be the only Life for a Man of any Spirit. While they were running on in this Manner, _Bunch_ on a sudden started up, and swore damn him, he would be Captain of that Vessel; _Augur_ answered him the Vessel did not want a Captain, for he was able to command her himself, which seem'd to put an End to the Discourse for that Time.

Soon after, _Bunch_ began to tell what bright Arms they had on Board their Sloop; upon which, one of _Augur_'s Men handed up some of their Cutlashes which had been clean'd that Day; among them was Mr. _Carr_'s Silver-hilted Sword; _Bunch_ seem'd to admire the Sword, and ask'd whose it was; Mr. _Carr_ made Answer it belong'd to him; _Bunch_ replied it was a very handsome one, and drawing it out, march'd about the Poop, flourishing it over his Head, and telling Mr. _Carr_ he would return it to him as soon as he had done with it: At the same Time he began to vapour again, and to brag of his former Pyracies, and coming near Mr. _Carr_, struck him with the Sword; _Turnley_ bid him take Care of what he did, for that Mr. _Carr_ would not take such Usage.

As they were disputing upon this Matter, _Dennis Macarty_ stole off, and with some of his Associates seiz'd upon the great Cabin where all the Arms lay: At the same Time several of the Men, began to sing a Song, with these Words, _Did not you promise me, that you would marry me_ (which it seems was the Signal agreed upon among the Conspirators for seizing the Ship) _Bunch_ no sooner heard them, but he cried out aloud by G--d that will I, for I am Parson, and struck Mr. _Carr_ again several Blows with his own Sword; Mr. _Carr_ and _Turnley_ both seiz'd him, and they began to struggle, when _Dennis Macarty_, with several others, return'd from the Cabin with each a Cutlash in one Hand, and a loaded Pistol in the other, and running up to them said, _What do the Governor's Dogs offer to resist?_ And beating _Turnley_ and _Carr_ with their Cutlashes, threaten'd to shoot them: At the same Time firing their Pistols close to their Cheeks, upon which _Turnley_ and _Carr_ begg'd their Lives.

When they were thus in Possession of the Vessel, they haled Captain _Greenway_, and desired him to come on Board about earnest Business: He, knowing nothing of what had pass'd, takes his Boat, and only with two Hands rows on Board of them; as soon as he was come, _Dennis Macarty_ leads him into the Cabin, and, as soon as he was there, lays hold of him, telling him he was now a Prisoner, and must submit: He offered to make some Resistance; upon which, they told him all Resistance would be vain, for his own Men were in the Plot; and, indeed, he saw the two Hands which row'd him aboard now armed, and joining with the Conspirators; wherefore he thought it was Time to submit.

As soon as this was done, they sent some Hands on Board to seize his Sloop, or rather to acquaint his Men with what had been done, for they expected to meet with no Resistance, many of them being in the Plot, and the rest, they supposed, not very averse to it: After which, they decoy'd Captain _White_ on Board, by the same Stratagem they used to _Greenway_, and likewise sent on Board his Sloop, and found his Men, one and all, well disposed for the Design; and what was most remarkable was, that Captain _Augur_ seeing how Things were going, joined with them, shewing himself as well inclined for pyrating as the worst of them.

Thus they made themselves Masters of the three Vessels with very little Trouble. The next Thing to be done was to resolve how to dispose of those who were not of their Party; some were for killing _John Turnley_, but the Majority carried it for marrooning, that he might be starved, and die like a Dog, as they called it; their great Spleen to him was, because he was the Person who had piloted the Governor into _Providence_.

Accordingly _Turnley_, with _John Carr_, _Thomas Rich_, and some others, were stripp'd naked, and tumbled over the Vessel's Side into a Boat which lay alongside; the Oars were all taken out, and they left them nothing to work themselves ashore with but an old Paddle, which, at other Times serv'd to steer the Boat, and so they commanded them to be gone.--However, they made shift to get safe ashore to the Island, which, as we observed before, was quite uninhabited.

The next Morning _Dennis Macarty_, with several others, went on Shore, and told them they must come on Board again, and they would give them some Clothes to put on. They fancied the Pyrates began to repent of the hard Usage they had given them, and were willing to return upon such an Errand; but when they got on Board again, they found their Opinion of the Pyrates good Nature was very ill grounded, for they began with beating them, and did it as if it were in Sport, one having a Boatswain's Pipe, the rest beating them till he piped _Belay_.

The true Design of bringing them on Board again was to make them discover where some Things lay, which they could not readily find, as particularly Mr. _Carr_'s Watch and Silver Snuff-Box; but he was soon obliged to inform them in what Corner of the Cabin they lay, and there they were found, with some Journals and other Books, which they knew how to make no other Use of, but by turning into Cartridges.--Then they began to question _Thomas Rich_ about a Gold Watch which had once been seen in his Possession on Shore at _Providence_; but he protested that it belonged to Captain _Gale_, who was Commander of the Guard-Ship called the _Delicia_, to which he then belonged; but his Protestations would have availed him little, had it not been that some on Board who belonged also to the _Delicia_ knew it to be true, which put an End to his Beating; and so they were all discharged from their Punishment for the present.

Some Time after, fancying the Pyrates to be in better Humour, they begg'd for something to eat, for they had none of them had any Nourishment that Day or the Night before; but all the Answer they received was, that such Dogs should not ask such Questions: In the mean Time, some of the Pyrates were very busy endeavouring to persuade Captain _Greenway_ to engage with them, for they knew him to be an excellent Artist, but he was obstinate and would not; then it was proposed what should be done with him, and the Word went for marrooning, which was opposed by some, because he was a _Bermudian_, meaning, that he might perhaps swim away, or swim on board his Vessel again, for the _Bermudians_ are all excellent Swimmers; but as he represented, that he could not hurt them by his Swimming, he obtain'd the Favour for himself and the other Officers, to be set ashore with _Turnley_, _Carr_, and _Rich_. Accordingly they were put into the same Boat without Oars, to the Number of eight, and were ordered to make the best of their Way on Shore.

The Pyrates, the next Day, having examined all their Vessels, and finding that _Greenway_'s Sloop was not fit for their Purpose, shifted every Thing out of it; those that were sent on Shore could see from thence what they were doing, and when they saw them row off, _Greenway_ swam on Board the Sloop, it is likely, to see whether they had left any Thing behind them. They perceiv'd him, and fancied, he repented his refusing to join with them, and was come to do it now; wherefore some of them return'd back to the Sloop, to speak to him, but they found him of the same Opinion he was in before; however he wheedled them into so much good Humour, that they told him he might have his Sloop again, in which, indeed, they had left nothing except an old Main-Sail, and old Fore-Sail, four small Pieces of _Irish_ Beef, in an old Beef Barrel, and about twenty Biscuits, with a broken Bucket which was used to draw Water in, telling him that he and the rest must not go on Board till they were sail'd.

_Greenway_ swam ashore again to give Notice to his Brothers in Distress, of what had pass'd; the same Afternoon _Bunch_ with several others went on Shore, carrying with them six Bottles of Wine and some Biscuits. Whether this was done to tempt _Greenway_ again, or no, is hard to say; for tho' they talk'd to him a great Deal, they drank all the Wine themselves to the last Bottle, and then they gave each of the poor Creatures a Glass a-piece, with a Bit of Biscuit, and immediately after fell a beating them, and so went on Board.

While they were on Shore, there came in a Turtle which belong'd to one _Thomas Bennet_ of _Providence_, whereof one _Benjamin Hutchins_ was Master; they soon laid hold of her, for she went excellently well; _Hutchins_ was reputed an extraordinary good Pilot among those Islands, wherefore they tempted him to engage with them; at first he refused, but rather than be maroon'd, he afterwards consented.

It was now the ninth of _October_, and they were just preparing to sail, when they sent on Shore, ordering the _condemn'd Malefactors_ to come on Board of the _Lancaster_, that was _Greenway_'s Sloop; they did so in the little Boat they went on Shore in, by the Help of the same Paddle; they found several of the Pyrates there, who told them that they gave them that Sloop to return to _Providence_, tho' they let them have no more Stores, than what were named before; they bad them take the Fore-Sail, and bend it for a Gib, and furl it close down to the Boltsprit, and to furl the Main-Sail close up upon the Boom: They did as they were order'd, for they knew there was no disputing whether it was right or wrong.

Soon after, another Detachment came on Board, among which were _Bunch_ and _Dennis Macarty_, who being either mad or drunk, fell upon them, beating them, and cutting the Rigging and Sails to Pieces with their Cutlashes and commanding them not to sail, till they should hear from them again, cursing and damning, if they did, they would put them all to Death, if ever they met them again; and so they went off, carrying with them the Boat, which they sent them first ashore in, and sail'd away.

They left them in this miserable Condition without Tackle to go their Voyage, and without a Boat to get on Shore, and having Nothing in View but to perish for Want; but as Self-Preservation put them upon exerting themselves, in Order to get out of this deplorable State, they began to rummage and search the Vessel thro' every Hole and Corner, to see if nothing was left which might be of use to them; and it happen'd by Chance that they found an old Hatchet, with which they cut some Sticks sharp to serve for Marlenspikes; they also cut out several other Things, to serve instead of such Tools as are absolutely necessary on Board a Ship.

When they had proceeded thus far, every Man began to work as hard as he could; they cut a Piece of Cable, which they strung into Rope Yarns, and fell to mend their Sails with all possible Expedition; they also made a Kind of Fishing-Lines of the said Rope-Yarns, and bent some Nails crooked to serve for Hooks; but as they were destitute of a Boat, as well for the Use of Fishing as for going on Shore, they resolved to make a Bark Log, that is, to lay two or three Logs together, and tie them close, upon which two or three Men may sit very safely in smooth Water.

As soon as this was done, some Hands went on Shore, upon one of the said Logs (for they made two of them) who employ'd themselves in cutting wild Cabbage, gathering Berries, and a Fruit which the Seamen call Pricklie Pears, for Food, while some others went a Fishing upon another.--Those who went ashore also carried the old Bucket with them, so that whilst some were busy in gathering Things to serve for Provision, one Hand was constantly employ'd, in bringing fresh Water aboard in the said Bucket, which was tedious Work, considering how little could be brought at a Time, and that the Sloop lay near a Mile from the Shore.

When they had employ'd themselves thus, for about four or five Days, they brought their Sails and Tackle into such Order, having also a little Water, Cabbage, and other Things on Board, that they thought it was Time to venture to sail; accordingly they weigh'd their Anchor, and putting out all the Sail they had, got out to the Harbour's Mouth, when to their great Terror and Surprize, they saw the Pyrates coming in again.

They were much frighten'd at the Pyrates unexpected Return, because of the Threatnings they had used to them at parting, not to sail without further Orders; wherefore they tack'd about, and ran as close into the Shore as they could, then throwing out their Bark Logs, they all put themselves upon them, and made to Land, as fast as they could work; but before they quite reach'd it, the Pyrates got so near that they fired at them, but were too far to do Execution; however, they pursued them ashore; the poor Fugitives immediately took to the Woods, and for greater Security climb'd up some Trees, whose Branches were very thick, and by that Means concealed themselves. The Pyrates not finding them, soon return'd to their Boat, and row'd on board the deserted Sloop, whose Mast and Boltsprit they cut away, and towing her into deep Water, sunk her; after which, they made again for the Shore, thinking that the Fugitives would have been come out of their lurking Holes, and that they should surprize them; but they continued still on the Tops of their Trees and saw all that pass'd, and therefore thought it safest to keep their Posts.

The Pyrates not finding them, return'd to their Vessels, and weighing their Anchors, set sail, steering Eastward: In the mean time, the poor Fugitives were in Despair, for seeing their Vessel sunk, they had scarce any Hopes left of escaping the Danger of perishing upon that uninhabited Island; there they lived eight Days, feeding upon Berries, and Shell-Fish, such as Cockles and Perriwinckles, sometimes catching a Stingrey, a Fish resembling Mead or Thornback, which coming into Shoal Water, they could wade near them, and by the Help of a Stick sharpen'd at the End, which they did by rubbing it against the Rock, (for they had not a Knife left amongst them) they stuck them as if it had been with a Spear.

It must be observed, that they had no Means of striking a Fire, and therefore their Way of dressing this Fish was, by dipping it often in Salt Water, then laying it in the Sun, till it became both hard and dry, and then they eat it.

After passing eight Days in this Manner, the Pyrates return'd, and saw the poor Fugitives ashore, who according to Custom made to the Woods; but their Hearts began to relent towards them, and sending ashore, they ordered a Man to go into the Woods single, to call out to them, and promise them upon their Honour, if they would appear, that they would give them Victuals and Drink, and not use them ill any more.

These Promises, and the Hunger which pinch'd them, tempted them to come forth, and accordingly they went on Board with them, and they were as good as their Words, for they gave them as much Beef and Biscuit as they could eat, during two or three Days they were on Board, but would not give them a Bit to carry on Shore; they also gave them three or four Blankets amongst them, to cover their Nakedness (for as we observed, they were quite naked) and let them have some Needles and Thread, to make them into some Form.

There was on Board one _George Redding_, an Inhabitant of _Providence_, who was taken out of the _Turtle Sloop_, and who was a forced Man, being an Acquaintance of _Richard Turnley_, and knowing, that he was resolved to go ashore again, rather than engage with the Pyrates, and hearing him say, that they could find Food to keep them alive, if they had but Fire to dress it, privately gave him a Tinder-Box, with Materials in it for striking Fire, which, in his Circumstances, was a greater Present than Gold or Jewels.

Soon after, the Pyrates put the Question to them, whether they would engage, or be put ashore? And they all agreed upon the latter: Upon which a Debate arose amongst the Pyrates, whether they should comply with their Request or no? And at length it was agreed, that _Greenway_ and the other two Masters should be kept whether they would or no: And the rest, being five in Number, should be as the Pyrates express'd it, have a second Refreshment of the Varieties of the Island.

Accordingly _Richard Turnley_, _James Carr_, _Thomas Rich_, _John Cox_, and _John Taylor_, were a second Time marooned, and the Pyrates as soon as they landed them, sail'd off, steering Eastward, till they came to an Island call'd _Pudden Point_, near _Long-Island_ in the Latitude of 24, where they cleaned their Vessels.

In the mean Time _Turnley_ and his Companions made a much better Shift than they had done before, his Friend _George Redding_'s Present being of infinite Use to them, for they constantly kept a good Fire, with which they broil'd their Fish; there were Plenty of Land Crabs and Snakes in the Island, which they could eat when they were dress'd, and thus they pass'd fourteen Days: At the End of which, the Pyrates made them another Visit, and they according to Custom made for the Woods, thinking that the Reason of their Return must be, in order to force them to serve amongst them.

But here they were mistaken, for the Anger of these Fellows being over, they began to pity them, and came now with a Design to succour them; but going ashore, and not finding them, they knew they were hid for Fear: Nevertheless, they left upon the Shore, where they knew they would come, some Stores which they intended in this Fit of good Humour to present them with.

The poor Islanders were got to their Retreat, the Tops of the Trees, and saw the Pyrates go off; upon which they ventured down, and going to the Water-side, were agreeably surprized to find a small Cask of Flower, of betwixt twenty and thirty Pounds, about a Bushel of Salt, two Bottles of Gunpowder, several Bullets, besides a Quantity of small Shot, with a Couple of Musquets, a very good Axe, and also a Pot and a Pan, and three Dogs, which they took in the _Turtle Sloop_; which Dogs are bred to Hunting, and generally the Sloops which go Turtling, carry some of them, as they are very useful in tracing out the wild Hogs; besides all these, there were a dozen Horn-handled Knives, of that Sort which are usually carried to _Guiney_.

They carried all these Things into the Wood, to that Part where they had their fresh Water, and where they usually kept, and immediately went to work with their Axe; some cutting down Bows, and making Poles, so that four of them were employ'd in building a Hut, while _Richard Turnley_ taking the Dogs and a Gun, went a hunting, he understanding that Sport very well. He had not been gone long before he kill'd a large Boar, which he brought home to his Companions, who fell to cutting it up, and some they dress'd for their Dinner, and the rest they salted, for another Time.

Thus they lived, as they thought, very happy, in respect to their former Condition; but after four Days, the Pyrates made them another Visit, for they wanted to fill some Casks with Water: It happen'd when they came in, that _Turnley_ was gone a Hunting, and the rest all busy at some Work, so that they did not see them, till they just came into the Wood upon them; seeing the Hut, one of them in Wantonness set it on Fire, and it was burnt to the Ground; and they appear'd inclined to do Mischief, when _Richard Turnley_ knowing nothing of the Matter, happened to return from Hunting, with a fine Hog upon his Back, as much as he could carry; he was immediately surrounded by the Pyrates, who seized upon the fresh Meat, and which seemed to put them into better Humour, they made _Richard Cox_ carry it down to their Boat, and when he had done, they gave him a Bottle of Rum to carry back to his Companions to drink their Healths, telling him, that they might get home if they could, or if they staid there, they never would trouble them any more.

They were, indeed, as good as their Words, for sailing away immediately, they made for _Long Island_, and coming up toward the Salt Ponds there, they saw at a Distance in the Harbour, three Vessels at an Anchor, and supposing them to be either _Bermudas_ or _New-York_ Sloops lying there to take in Salt, they bore down upon them with all the Sail they could make, expecting a good Booty. The _Turtle Sloop_ taken from _Benjamin Hutchins_, was by much the best Sailor; however, it was almost dark before she came up with them, and then coming close alongside of one of them, she gave a Broadside, with a Design to board the next Minute, but received such a Volley of small Shot in return, as killed and wounded a great many of the Pyrates, and the rest, in great Surprize and Fright, jumped overboard, to save themselves by swimming ashore.

The Truth on't is, these Sloops proved to be _Spanish_ Privateers, who observing the Pyrates to bear down upon them, prepared themselves for Action: The Commander in Chief of these three Privateers was one who was called by the Name of _Turn Joe_, because he had once privateer'd on the _English_ Side; he had also been a Pyrate, and now acted by Vertue of a Commission from a _Spanish_ Governor. He was by Birth an _Irishman_, a bold enterprising Fellow, and was afterwards killed in an Engagement with one _John Bonnavee_, Captain of Privateer belonging to _Jamaica_.

But to return to our Story: The Sloop was taken, and on board her was found, desperately wounded _Phineas Bunch_, who was the Captain.--By and by a second of the Pyrate Sloops came up; she heard the Volley, and supposed it to be fired by _Bunch_, when he boarded one of the Sloops; she came also alongside of one of the _Spaniards_, and received the Welcome that was given to _Bunch_, and submitted as soon. A little after, came up the third, which was taken with the same Ease, and in the same Manner, as many of the Pyrates as could swim, jumping over board to save themselves on Shore, there not being a Man lost on the Side of the _Spaniards_.

The next Day _Turn Joe_ asked them many Questions, and finding out that several amongst them had been forc'd Men, he, with the Consent of the other _Spanish_ Officers, ordered all the Goods to be taken out of a _Spanish_ Launce, and putting some of the wounded Pyrates into the said Launce, with some Provision, Water, and other Liquors, gave it to the forced Men, to carry them to _Providence_.

Accordingly _George Redding_, _Thomas Betty_, _Matthew Betty_, _Benjamin Hutchins_, with some others, set Sail, and in eight and forty Hours arrived in the Harbour of _Providence_.

They went on Shore immediately, and acquainted the Governor with every Thing that had pass'd, from the Time of their setting out, acquainting him, that _Phineas Bunch_, who was one of the chief Authors of all the Mischief, was on board the _Launce_; the Governor, with some others, went and examined him, and he confessed all, wherefore there was no Occasion for a Trial; and as he had been pardoned before, and it was necessary to make some speedy Example, it was resolved that he should be executed the next Day, but it was prevented by his dying that Night of his Wounds.

They also informed the Governor of the Condition of _Turnley_, _Car_, and the rest, who were marooned by the Pyrates upon _Green Key_ Island; upon which the Governor sent for one _John Sims_, a Molotto Man, who had a two Mast Boat in the Harbour of _Providence_, very fit for sailing; and laying some Provisions into the said Boat, ordered him to get five or six Hands, and to sail for _Green Key_, in order to bring off the five Men there marooned.

_Sims_ accordingly made the best of his Way, and sailing out in the Morning, arrived at _Green Key_ the next Day towards Evening. The poor People on Shore saw them, and supposing them to be some of the Pyrates returned, thought it best to take to the Wood and hide, not knowing what Humour they might be in now.

_Sims_ and his Ship-Mates carried some Provision on Shore, not knowing but they might want, and searched about, and calling out to them by their Names. After wandering about some Time, they came to the Place where the Fire was constantly kept; at perceiving which, they fancied they must be thereabouts, and that it would be best to wait for them there, and accordingly they sat them down, laying the Provisions near them. _Turnley_, who was climbed to the Top of a Tree just by, saw them, and observed their Motions, and fancied they were no Enemies who were bringing them Provisions, and, looking more earnestly, he knew _Sims_ the Molotto, whom he was very well acquainted with at _Providence_; upon which he called him, who desired him to come down, telling him the comfortable News, that he was come to the Relief of him and his Companions.

_Turnley_ made what Haste he could to the Bottom, and as soon as he was down, summoned his Companions, who were climbed to the Top of some neighbouring Trees, being in Haste to communicate the glad Tidings to them; being all together, the Molotto related to them the History of what had happened to the Pyrates.

That Night they supped comfortably together upon the Provision brought ashore; but so strange an Effect has Joy, that scarce one of them slept a Wink that Night, as they declared. The next Day they agreed to go a Hunting, in order to get something fresh to carry off with them, and were so successful, that they killed three fine Hogs. When they return'd, they made the best of their Way on Board, carrying with them all their Utensils, and set Sail for _Providence_, whither they arrived in three Days; it being now just seven Weeks from the Time of their being first set on Shore by the Pyrates.

The Governor, in the mean Time, was fitting out a Sloop to send for _Long Island_, in order to take those Pyrates who had saved themselves near the Salt Ponds there, which Sloop was now ready to sail, and put under the Command of _Benjamin Horneygold_; _Turnley_ and his Companions embarked on Board of her, and Care was taken to get as many Men as they could, who were entire Strangers to the Pyrates.

When they arrived at the said Island, they run in pretty near the Shore, keeping but few Hands on Deck, that it might look like a trading Vessel, and those Men that were quite unknown to the Pyrates.

The Pyrates seeing them, came only two or three of them near the Shore, the rest lying in Ambush, not without Hopes of finding an Opportunity to seize the Sloop. The Sloop sent her Boat out towards the Shore, with Orders to lie off at a little Distance, as if she was afraid: Those in Ambush seeing the Boat so near, had not Patience to stay any longer, but flocked to the Water Side, calling out to them to come on Shore, and help them, for they were poor Ship-wreck'd Men, almost perish'd for Want. Upon which the Boat row'd back again to the Sloop.