Chapter VI: Part 6

From hence they sailed to the Coast of _Mallabar_; the Adventures of these Pyrates on this Coast are already set down in Captain _Bowen_'s Life, to which I refer the Reader, and shall only observe, Captain _White_ was all this while afore the Mast, being a forced Man from the Beginning.

_Bowen_'s Crew dispersing, Captain _White_ went to _Methelage_, where he lived ashore with the King, not having any Opportunity of getting off the Island, till another Pyrate Ship, called the _Prosperous_, commanded by one _Thomas Howard_, who had been bred a Lighterman on the River of _Thames_, came in: This Ship was taken at _Augustine_, by some Pyrates from Shore, and the Crew of their own Long-Boat, which join'd them, at the Instigation of one _Ranten_, Boatswain's Mate, who was sent for Water. They came on board in the Night and surprized her, tho' not without Resistance, in which the Captain and chief Mate was killed, and several others wounded, the Particulars of which will be found in _Hore_'s Life. Those who were ashore with Captain _White_, resolving to enter in this Ship, determined him to go also, rather than be left alone with the Natives, hoping, by some Accident or other, to have an Opportunity of returning home. He continu'd on board this Ship, in which he was made Quarter-Master, till they met with, and all went on board of _Bowen_, as is set down in his Life, in which Ship he continued after _Bowen_ left them, as shall be mentioned in the Appendix. At _Port Dolphin_ he went off in the Boat to fetch some of the Crew left ashoar, the Ship being blown to Sea the Night before. The Ship not being able to get in, and he supposing her gone to the West-Side of the Island, as they had formerly proposed, he steered that Course in his Boat with 26 Men. They touch'd at _Augustine_ expecting the Ship, but she not appearing in a Week, the Time they waited, the King order'd 'em to be gone, telling 'em they impos'd on him with Lies, for he did not believe they had any Ship; however, he gave 'em fresh Provision. They took in Water, and made for _Methelage_. Here, as Captain _White_ was known to the King, they were kindly received, and staid about a Fortnight in Expectation of their Ship, but she not appearing, they raised their Boat a-streak, salted up the Provisions the King gave 'em, put Water aboard, and stood for the North-End of the Island, designing to go round, believing their Ship might be at the Island of St. _Mary_. When they came to the North-End, the Current, which sets to the North-West for eight Months in the Year, was so strong they found it impossible to get round. Wherefore they got into a Harbour, of which there are many for small Vessels. Here they staid about three Weeks or a Month, when part of the Crew were for burning the Boat, and for travelling over Land to a black King of their Acquaintance, whose Name was _Reberimbo_, who lived at a Place called _Manangaromasigh_, in the Latitude of 15, or thereabouts. As this King had been several times assisted by the Whites in his Wars, he was a great Friend to them. Captain _White_ disswaded them from this Undertaking, and, with much ado, saved the Boat; but one half of the Men being resolved to go by Land, they took what Provisions they thought necessary, and set out, Captain _White_, and those who staid with him, convoy'd 'em a Day's Journey, and then returning, he got into the Boat with his Companions, and went back to _Methelage_, fearing these Men might return, prevail with the rest, and burn the Boat.

Here he built a Deck on his Boat, and lay by three Months, in which Time there came in three Pyrates with a Boat, who had formerly been trepann'd on board the _Severn_ and _Scarborough_ Men of War, which had been looking for Pyrates on the East-Side; from which Ships they made their escape at _Mohila_, in a small Canoe to _Johanna_, and from _Johanna_ to _Mayotta_, where the King built 'em the Boat which brought 'em to _Methelage_. The Time of the Current's setting with Violence to the North-West being over, they proceeded together in _White_'s Boat (burning that of _Mayotta_) to the North-End, where the Current running yet too strong to get round, they went into a Harbour and staid there a Month, maintaining themselves with Fish and wild Hog, of which there was great Plenty. At length, having a Slatch of fine Weather, and the Strength of the Current abating, they got round; and after sailing about 40 Mile on the East-Side, they went into a Harbour, where they found a Piece of a Jacket, which they knew belong'd to one of those Men who had left 'em to go over Land; he had been a forced Man, and a Ship Carpenter; this they supposed he had torn to wrap round his Feet, that Part of the Country being barren and rocky. As they sailed along this Coast, they came to an Anchor in convenient Harbours every Night, till they got as far as _Manangaromasigh_ where King _Reberimbo_ resided, where they went in to enquire for their Men, who left 'em at the North-End, and to recruit with Provisions. The latter was given 'em, but they could have no Information of their Companions.

From hence they went to the Island of St. _Mary_, where a Canoe came off to 'em with a Letter directed to any white Man. They knew it to be the Hand of one of their former Ship-Mates. The Contents of this Letter was to advise 'em to be on their Guard, and not trust too much to the Blacks of this Place, they having been formerly treacherous. They enquired after their Ship, and was inform'd, that the Company had given her to the _Moors_, who were gone away with her, and that they themselves were settled at _Ambonavoula_, about 20 Leagues to the Southward of St. _Mary_, where they lived among the Negroes as so many sovereign Princes.

One of the Blacks, who brought off the Letter, went on board their Boat, carried them to the Place called _Olumbah_, a Point of Land made by a River on one Side, and the Sea on the other, where twelve of 'em lived together in a large House they had built, and fortified with about 20 Pieces of Canon.

The rest of them were settled in small Companies of about 12 or 14 together, more or less, up the said River, and along the Coast, every Nation by it self, as the _English_, _French_, _Dutch_, _&c._ They made Enquiry of their Consorts after the Shares of Prizes which belong'd to them, and they found all very justly laid by to be given them, if ever they return'd, as were what belong'd to the Men who went over Land. Captain _White_ hankering after home, proposed going out again in the Boat; for he was averse to settling with them; and many others agreed to go under his Command; and if they could not meet with a Ship to carry them to _Europe_, to follow their old Vocation. But the others did not think it reasonable he should have the Boat, but that it should be set to Sale for the Benefit of the Company. Accordingly it was set up, and Captain _White_ bought it for 400 Pieces of Eight, and with some of his old Consorts, whose Number was increas'd by others of the Ship's Crew, he went back the Way he had come, to _Methelage_: Here he met with a _French_ Ship of about 50 Tuns and 6 Guns; she had been taken by some Pyrates who lived at _Maratan_, on the East-Side of the Island, and some of the _Degrave East-India_ Man's Crew, to whom the Master of her refused a Passage to _Europe_; for as he had himself been a Pyrate and Quarter-Master to _Bowen_ in the _Speaker_, he apprehended their taking away his Ship, War being then between _England_ and _France_, he thought they might do it without being called in question as Pyrates. The Pyrates who had been concerned in taking _Herault_'s Ship, for that was his Name, had gone up the Country, and left her to the Men belonging to the _Degrave_, who had fitted her up, clean'd and tallow'd her, and got in some Provision, with a Design to go to the _East-Indies_, that they might light on some Ship to return to their own Country.

Captain _White_ finding these Men proposed their joining him, and going round to _Ambonavoula_, to make up a Company, which they agreed to, and unanimously chose him Commander. They accordingly put to Sea, and stood away round the South End of the Island, and touch'd at _Don Mascarena_, where he took in a Surgeon, and stretching over again to _Madagascar_, fell in with _Ambonavoula_, and made up his Complement 60 Men. From hence he shaped his Course for the Island of _Mayotta_, where he cleaned his Ship, and staid for the Season to go into the _Red Seas_: His Provisions being taken in, the Time proper, and the Ship well fitted, he steer'd for _Babelmandel_, and running into a Harbour waited for the _Mocha_ Ships.

He here took two Grabs laden with Provision, and having some small Money and Drugs aboard; these he plunder'd of what was for his Turn, kept 'em a Fortnight by him, and then let them go. Soon after they spied a tall Ship, upon which they put to Sea; but finding her _Europe_ built, and too strong to attempt, for it was a _Dutch_ Man, they gave over the Chace, and were glad to shake him off, and return to their Station. Fancying they were here discover'd, from the Coast of _Arabia_, or that the Grabs had given Information of them, they stood over for the _Ethiopian_ Shore, keeping a good look out for the _Mocha_ Ships.

Few Days after they met with a large Ship of about 1000 Tuns and 600 Men, called the _Malabar_, which they chased, kept Company with all Night, and took in the Morning, with the Loss only of their Boatswain, and two or three Men wounded. In the taking this Ship they damaged their own so much, by springing their Foremast, carrying away their Bowsprit, and beating in part of their upper Works, that they did not think her longer fit for their Use, therefore filled her with Prisoners, gave 'em Provision, and sent them away.

Some Days after this they spied a _Portuguese_ Man of War of 44 Guns, which they chased, but gave it over, by carrying away their Main-Top-Mast, so that they did not speak with her, for the _Portuguese_ took no Notice of them.

Four Days after they had left this Man of War, they fell in with a _Portuguese_ Merchant-Man, which they chased with the _English_ Colours flying, the Chace taking _White_ for an _English_ Man of War or _East-India_ Man, made no Sail to get from him, but on his coming up brought to, and sent his Boat on board with a Present of Sweet-Meats for the _English_ Captain; his Boat's Crew was detain'd, and the Pyrates getting into his Boat with their Arms, went on board, and fir'd on the _Portuguese_, who being surprizd, asked if War was broke out between _England_ and _Portugal_? They answer'd in the Affirmative, but the Captain could not believe 'em. However, they took what they liked, and kept him with them.

After two Days they met with the _Dorothy_, an _English_ Ship, Captain _Penruddock_ Commander, coming from _Mocha_. They exchanged several Shot in the Chace, but when they came a Long-side her, they entered their Men, and found no Resistance, she being navigated by _Moors_, no _Europeans_ except the Officers being on board. On a Vote they gave Captain _Penruddock_ (from whom they took a considerable Quantity of Money) the _Portuguese_ Ship and Cargoe, with what Bales he pleased to take out of his own, bid him go about his Business, and make what he could of her. As to the _English_ Ship, they kept her for their own Use.

Soon after they plunder'd the _Mallabar_ Ship, out of which they took as much Money as came to 200 l. Sterling a man, but miss'd 50000 Chequins which were hid in a Jar under a Cow's-Stall, kept for the giving Milk to the _Moor_ Supercargoe, an ancient Man. They then put the _Portuguese_ and _Moor_ Prisoners on board the _Mallabar_, and sent them about their Business. The Day after they had sent them away, one Captain _Benjamin Stacy_, in a Ketch of six Guns fell into their Hands; they took what Money he had, and what Goods and Provisions they wanted. Among the Money were 500 Dollars, a Silver Mug and two Spoons belonging to a Couple of Children on board, and under the Care of _Stacy_. The Children took on for their Loss, and the Captain asking the Reason of their Tears, was answer'd by _Stacy_, that the above Sum and Plate was all the Children had to bring them up.

Captain _White_ made a Speech to his Men, and told 'em, it was cruel to rob the innocent Children; upon which, by unanimous Consent, all was restor'd them again; besides, they made a Gathering among themselves, and made a Present to _Stacy_'s Mate, and other his inferior Officers, and about 120 Dollars to the Children; they then discharged _Stacy_ and his Crew, and made the best of their Way out of the _Red Sea_.

They came into the Bay of _Defarr_, where they found a Ketch at an Anchor, which the People had made Prize of, by seizing the Master and Boat's Crew ashoar. They found a _French_ Gentleman, one Monsieur _Berger_, on board, whom they carried with 'em, took out about 2000 Dollars, and sold the Ketch to the Chief ashoar for Provisions.

Hence they sailed for _Madagascar_, but touch'd at _Mascarena_, where several of 'em went ashoar with their Booty, about 1200 l. a Man. Here taking in fresh Provision, _White_ steer'd for _Madagascar_, and fell in with _Hopeful Point_, where they shar'd their Goods, and took up Settlements ashoar, where _White_ built a House, bought Cattle, took off the upper Deck of his Ship, and was fitting her up for the next Season. When she was near ready for Sea, Captain _John Halsey_, who had made a broken Voyage, came in with a Brigantine, which being a properer Vessel for their Turn, they desisted from working on the Ship, and who had a Mind for fresh Adventures, went on board _Halsey_, among whom Captain _White_ enter'd afore the Mast.

At his return to _Madagascar_, _White_ was taken ill of a Flux, which in about 5 or 6 Months ended his Days; finding his Time was drawing nigh, he made his Will, left several Legacies, and nam'd three Men of different Nations, Guardian to a Son he had by a Woman of the Country, requiring he might be sent to _England_ with the Money he left him, by the first _English_ Ship, to be brought up in the Christian Religion in hopes he might live a better Man than his Father. He was buried with the same Ceremony they use at the Funerals of their Companions, which is mention'd in the Account of _Halsey_. Some Years after an _English_ Ship touching there, the Guardians faithfully discharged their Trust, and put him on board with the Captain, who brought up the Boy with Care, acting by him as became a Man of Probity and Honour.

OF
Captain _CONDENT_,
And his CREW.

Captain _Condent_ was a _Plymouth_ Man born, but we are as yet ignorant of the Motives, and Time of his first turning Pyrate; he was one of those who thought fit to retire from _Providence_ (on Governor _Roger_'s Arrival at that Island) in a Sloop belonging to Mr. _Simpson_, of _New York_, a _Jew_ Merchant, of which Sloop he was then Quarter-Master. Soon after they left the Island, an Accident happened on board, which put the whole Crew into Consternation; they had among them an _Indian_ Man, whom some of them had beat; in revenge, he got most of the Arms forward into the Hold, and designed to blow up the Sloop. Upon which, some advised scuttling the Deck and throwing Grenade Shells down, but _Condent_ said, that was too tedious and dangerous, since the Fellow might fire thro' the Decks and kill several of them; he, therefore, taking a Pistol in one Hand, and his Cutlash in the other, leaped into the Hold; the _Indian_ discharged a Piece at him, which broke his Arm, but, however, he ran up to and shot the _Indian_. When he was dead the Crew hack'd him to Pieces, and the Gunner ripping up his Belly, tore out his Heart, broiled and eat it.

After this, they took a Merchant Man, called, the _Duke of York_; and some Disputes arising among the Pyrates, the Captain, and one half of the Company, went on board the Prize; the other half, who continued in the Sloop, chose _Condent_ Captain; he shaped his Course for the _Cape de Verd_ Islands, and in his Way, took a Merchant Ship from _Maderas_, laden with Wine, bound for the _West Indies_, which he plundered and let go; then coming to the Isle of _May_, one of the said Islands, he took the whole Salt Fleet, consisting of about 20 Sail; he wanting a Boom, took out the Mainmast of one of these Ships, to supply the Want: Here he took upon him the Administration of Justice, enquiring into the Manner of the Commander's Behaviour to their Men, and those, against whom Complaint was made, he whipp'd and pickled. He took what Provisions and other Necessaries he wanted, and having augmented his Company, by Voluntiers and forced Men, he left the Ships and sailed to St. _Jago_, where he took a _Dutch_ Ship, which had formerly been a Privateer; this prov'd also an easy Prize, for he fired but one Broadside, and clapping her on board, carried her without Resistance, for the Captain and several Men were killed, beside some wounded by his great Shot.

This Ship proving for his Purpose, he gave her the Name of the _Flying Dragon_, went on board with his Crew, and made a Present of his Sloop to a Mate of an _English_ Prize, whom he had forced with him; from hence he stood away for the Coast of _Brazil_, and in his Cruize, took several _Portuguese_ Ships, which he plundered and let go.

After these, he fell in with the _Wright_ Galley, Captain _John Spelt_, Commander, hired by the _South-Sea_ Company, to go to the Coast of _Angola_ for Slaves, and thence to _Buenos Ayres_. This Ship he detained a considerable Time, and the Captain being his Townsman, treated him very civilly; few Days after he took _Spelt_, he made Prize of a _Portuguese_, laden with Bale Goods and Stores; he new rigg'd the _Wright_ Galley, and put on board her several Goods.

Soon after he had discharged the _Portuguese_, he met with a _Dutch East-India_ Man of 26 Guns, whose Captain was kill'd the first Broadside, and took her with little Resistance, for he had hoisted the Pyrates Colours on board _Spelt_'s Ship.

He now, with three Sail, steer'd for the Island of _Ferdinando_, where he hove down and clean'd the _Flying Dragon_; having careen'd, he put 11 _Dutchmen_ on board Captain _Spelt_, to make Amends for the Hands he had forced from him, and sent him away, making him a Present of the Goods he took from the _Portuguese_ Ship. When he sail'd himself, he ordered the _Dutch_ to stay at _Ferdinando_ 24 Hours after his Departure; threatning, if he did not comply, to sink his Ship; if he fell a second Time into his Hands, and to put all the Company to the Sword. He then stood for the Coast of _Brazil_, where he met a _Portuguese_ Man of War of 70 Guns, which he came up with; the _Portuguese_ hal'd him, and he answer'd, _from London_, bound for _Buenos Ayres_: The _Portuguese_ mann'd his Shrouds and chear'd him, when _Condent_ fired a Broadside and a Volley of small Arms, which began a smart Engagement for the Space of 3 Glasses; but _Condent_ finding himself over-match'd, made the best of his Way, and, being the better Sailor, got off.

Few Days after he took a Vessel of the same Nation, who gave an Account, that he had killed above 40 Men in the _Guarda del Costa_, beside a Number wounded; he kept along the Coast to the Southward, and took a _French_ Ship of 18 Guns, laden with Wine and Brandy, bound for the _South-Sea_, which he carried with him into the River of _Plate_. He sent some of his Men ashore to kill some wild Cattle, but they were taken by the Crew of a _Spanish_ Man of War; on their Examination before the Captain, they said they were two _Guiney_ Ships, with Slaves belonging to the _South-Sea_ Company, and on this Story were allowed to return to their Boats: Here five of his forced Men ran away with his Canoe, he plundered the _French_ Ship, cut her adrift, and she was stranded. He proceeded along the _Brazil_ Coast, and hearing a Pyrate Ship was lost upon it, and the Pyrates imprisoned, he used all the _Portuguese_, who fell into his Hands, who were many, very barbarously, cutting off their Ears and Noses; and as his Master was a Papist, when they took a Priest, they made him say Mass at the Main-mast, and would afterwards get on his Back and ride him about the Decks, or else load and drive him like a Beast. He from this went to the _Guiney_ Coast, and took Captain _Hill_ in the _Indian Queen_.

In _Luengo_ Bay he saw two Ships at Anchor, one a _Dutchman_ of 44 Guns, the other an _English_ Ship, called the _Fame_, Captain _Bowen_, Commander; they both cut and ran ashore, the _Fame_ was lost, but the _Dutch_ Ship, the Pyrate, got off and took with him. When he was at Sea again he discharged Captain _Hill_, and stood away for the _East-Indies_. Near the Cape he took an _Ostend East-India_ Man, of which Mr. _Nash_, a noted Merchant in _London_, was Supercargo. Soon after he took a _Dutch East-India_ Man, discharged the _Ostender_, and made for _Madagascar_; at the Isle of St. _Mary_, he met with some of Captain _Halsey_'s Crew, whom he took on board with other Stragglers, and shaped his Course for the _East-Indies_, and in the Way, at the Island of _Johanna_, took, in Company of two other Pyrates he met at St. _Mary_'s, the _Cassandra East-India_ Man, commanded by Captain _James Macragh_; he continued his Course for the _East-Indies_, where he made a very great Booty, and returning, touch'd at the Isle of _Mascarenas_, where he met with a _Portuguese_ Ship of 70 Guns, with the Vice-Roy of _Goa_, on board. This Ship he made Prize of, and hearing she had Money on board, they would allow of no Ransom, but carried her to the Coast of _Zanguebar_, where was a _Dutch_ Fortification, which they took and plunder'd, razed the Fort, and carried off several Men who enter'd voluntarily. From hence they stood for St. _Mary_'s, where they shared their Booty, broke up their Company, and settled among the Natives: Here a _Snow_ came from _Bristol_, which they obliged to carry a Petition to the Governor of _Mascarenas_ for a Pardon, tho' they paid the Master very generously. The Governor returned Answer, he would take them into Protection if they would destroy their Ships, which they agreed to, and accordingly sunk the _Flying Dragon_, &c. _Condent_ and some others went to _Mascarenas_, where _Condent_ married the Governor's Sister-in-Law, and stay'd some Time; but as I have been credibly inform'd, he is since come to _France_, settled at St. _Maloes_, and drives a considerable Trade as a Merchant.

A DESCRIPTION of _MAGADOXA_,
taken partly from the Journal
of Captain _Beavis_, and also from
an original Manuscript of a Molotto,
who was taken by the Natives, and
lived amongst them sixteen Years.

In the Year 1700, Capt. _William Beavis_, Commander of the Ship, called the _Albemarle_, then in the Service of the _East-India_ Company, sail'd from _England_, bound for _Surrat_, in the _East-Indies_, but after having been some Months at Sea, having the Misfortune to meet with contrary Masorns, he lost his Passage, so that he was forced on the Coast of _Zanguebar_, in the higher _Ethiopia_, or the Continent of _Africk_, where he endeavoured to find out some Place of Safety, that the Ship might ride secure, and where he might meet with some Necessaries for refreshing his Company, while he waited for the Change of Winds, which he could not expect in less than three or four Months.

They came in with the Land, and cast Anchor on the ninth of _November_, the Year before-mentioned; the Tenth it blew hard, but on the Eleventh the Weather being pretty fair, the Captain sent the Yawl on Shore, in two different Places, at considerable Distance from each other, they found the Land every where sandy, and all over green with Shrubs, but saw no Houses, nor could they discover the least Track of any human Creature; however, they saw Deer, but could not come near enough to have a Shot at them; they also found the Dung of Wolves, Hares, and some other Animals, but saw none; and near the Water-side they found the Shells of a great Number of Craw-Fish, but met with none alive; wherefore, they guessed that they were left here by some Creatures, who fished them up and usually fed upon them.

Finding this Place altogether inhospitable, they weigh'd Anchor and sail'd along the Shore, till the 17th of the same Month, when the Captain looking thro' his Spying-glass, saw three or four Men walking along the Sea-Side, and sometimes sitting down, but could not discern any House, Fire, or Smoak, but when they had sail'd about a League farther, they perceived an Inlet or Bay, where the Captain fancied there might be a River; he could also perceive several tall Trees, which were the first they had seen since they came upon the Coast, which made the Captain conjecture, that there must be some Inhabitants.

Upon this, they came to an Anchor, and manning out the Boat, the Captain sent Mr. _Baldwin_ the third Mate in her, to go into the Bay, in order to discover whether there was any River which discharged itself into it; when they were in with the Shore, they perceived about fifty or sixty People standing upon a Bank near the Water-side, and one separating himself from the Rest, approached nearer to them, and held up a white Piece of Linnen at the End of a Stick, and waved it at them, which they understood to be a Flag of Friendship, and which the Boat answered by the like Signal; then the Person on Shore beckon'd to them with his Hand, which they took to be an Invitation to come on Shore, and accordingly they ventured; there were two of the Boat's Men who spoke a little _Portuguese_, who saluted this Man in that Language; as soon as they came near him, his Gesture appeared very civil, but they could not understand a Syllable of what he said in Answer, but by his Signs, they fancied he invited them to come to their Huts, in order to eat and drink.

However, they did not think fit to stay longer at this Time, but returned on Board, to give the Captain an Account of what had pass'd, and to let him know, that they could discover no River in the Bay; they described the People to be pretty tall and well made, their Colour jet black, their Heads and Beards close shaved, wearing upon their Heads Turbants made of a Kind of Linnen, and a Sort of Sash made of Dungeree Linnen about their Wastes, the Rest of their Bodies being quite naked; whereupon, consulting with a Molotto, one of the Ship's Company, who understood the _Turkish_ and _Arabian_ Languages, what he thought the Language of these People might be, he judg'd it to be a Kind of corrupted _Arabick_, because their Dress was not unlike that of the _Arabians_ of the Desert, and that it was not unlikely, but that they might be some Way descended from them; wherefore, the Captain resolved to mann the Boat again, and to send the Molotto ashore with them, to try if he could so far understand their Language, as to learn from them, where there was fresh Water, or any other Refreshments to be had; and also to enquire for some Port or Bay, where the Ship might be with Safety till the breaking up of those Easterly Winds.

The Wind blew so fresh all that Day, which was the 19th, that they could not send the Boat on Shore. At Night they watched to see if they could discover any Appearance of Fire any where upon Land, but they could discern nothing like it; wherefore, it seemed strange to them, that in a Country inhabited, there should be neither Smoak by Day, nor Fire by Night, which made them suppose, the Huts of the Natives were far up the Country.

However, the next Day the Boat was sent on Shore with the Molotto Interpreter, and Mr. _Courser_ the fourth Mate; and for Fear of any Surprize, the Captain ordered them to carry Arms in the Boat. When they approach'd near the Shore, several of the Natives made towards the Waterside, but seeing the Boat's Men take their Arms in their Hands at their Landing, they fled affrighted up the Country, nor would they ever come near them after; the Men went a little Way up the Land and met with some Huts, which were covered with the Shells of Turtles, which Creatures it is supposed the Natives catch in their proper Season for Food, and then making a Covering of their Shells for their Houses; they also saw several Cows, at some Distance, which are very swift at running, and not larger than our Deer; they saw some other Animals, but took none, and so returned on Board without gaining any Intelligence.

The Mistake here was, that they did not lye off with their Boat, and make a Signal as they did at first, which would have disposed the Natives to have staid for them, as they did before, but going ashore abruptly with Arms in their Hands, frighten'd the Natives, as if they had come to kill them; wherefore, there was no Expectation of making any Discovery here, which induced the Captain to weigh Anchor, and steer a little farther Westward.

The next Morning, which was the twenty second, they came to an Anchor, and sent their Boat on Shore again, with Mr. _Baldwin_ the third Mate, and the Gunner; there being some high Hills not far from the Place where they landed, the Mate and Gunner resolved to walk to the Top of one of the highest of those Hills, in order to take a View of the Country beneath. About four in the Afternoon they returned again to the Ship, bringing Word, that there was a pleasant Valley on the other Side, about five Miles in Length, and near as far in Breadth, but that they could see no Houses or other Signs of Inhabitants, but that the Valley seemed to abound with Deer, and several other Creatures; they brought on Board three Antilopes, and two large Guiney Hens, which they shot, and saw great Numbers of both these Creatures about the Bushes on the Sides of those Hills; the Antilopes were small, but extreamly beautiful, their Bodies no bigger than that of a Hare, but their Legs much longer, their Colour was a Mixture of black and white, very smooth, and very bright, with Horns about three Inches long.

They weigh'd and crept along ashore to the Westward, and next Day, which was the Twenty third, the Captain with his Spying-glass saw seven or eight Men near the Shore; wherefore, he sent the Boat to endeavour to speak with them. As soon as they saw the Boat approach them, they went off; the Men however went on Shore, and at some Distance saw two Camels and two Asses loaden, pass along with Men attending them; they did what they could to speak with these too, but when they perceived the Boat's Men to make towards them, they drove so fast there was no coming near them.

The next Morning the Weather being clearer than ordinary, the Captain looking thro' his Glass, fancied he saw several tall Spires to the Westward; he weigh'd Anchor, and stood away for them; by four in the Afternoon, he plainly perceived a large Town, and by six came to an Anchor right over against it; however, he did not send the Boat on Shore that Night, but next Morning he ordered Mr. _Baldwin_ the third Mate, Mr. _Sale_ the Purser, with the Molotto before-mentioned, who spoke the _Turkish_ and _Arabian_ Languages, to take the Yawl with four Hands, and to carry with them a white Flag, that they might appear to come in a friendly and peaceable Manner, charging them at the same Time to say or do nothing which might appear harsh or offensive. The Boat was no sooner in with the Shore, but the Natives flock'd as it were to meet them, and appeared very courteous: The Molotto spoke to them in _Arabian_ Tongue, giving them to understand, that they were driven upon their Coasts by the Misfortune of having lost their Voyage, that they were in Want of Water, and begg'd they would shew them where they might be supplied, and that if they would think fit to furnish them with fresh Provision they would pay them in Money, or any Goods or Curiosities of _Europe_.

It happened the Language they spoke was a Kind of _Arabick_, so that the Molotto could discourse with them perfectly well; they answered him, that the King was absent from the City, and that they could do nothing till his Return, but that he would be there as that Night, for they had sent him Word of the coming of a Ship, as soon as it appeared in Sight. That however, they might assure themselves, that all they requested should be granted, and shewed them where there were several fine Springs of Water: These Springs being a pretty Way from the Water-side, and the Ground near them craggy and uneven; the Molotto told them it would be difficult to rowl their Casks so long a Way, and over such bad Ground, and ask'd them if there were not any Spring nearer the Sea. They answered them no, but that the King would give them Oxen to draw their Casks to the Boat; and so they returned on Board with a Present from the King's Son of a Sarne of mash'd Dates, a matted Jar of Sweet-Meats, and four Sheep.

Betimes the next Morning, being the 26th, the Captain sent the Yawl on Shore again with the same Officers, to know if the King was come, and to beg Leave to bring on Board some fresh Water, ordering them to make a Signal for the Long-Boat to be sent on Shore, in Case they obtained the Permission to water; the Yawl had not been long gone before the appointed Signal was made, and the Long-Boat was accordingly sent immediately; after which, the Captain perceived the Yawl was returning back again to the Ship: She came with four Hands in her to advise the Captain, that the Long-Boat would immediately return with a Cow as a Present to him, and to put him in Mind, that it would be proper to send something back for a Present to the _Shubander_, (the Name by which they call the King's Son) with whom they, _viz._ the third Mate Mr. _Baldwin_, the Gunner, and the Molotto Interpreter, who served in the Ship as a Quartier, were gone to dine.

The Captain was surprized at their Indiscretion, and the more because he had ordered them, to be upon their Guard for Fear of Treachery, having furnished them with Arms for that Purpose, and charged them not to stir far from their Boat; however, there was no Remedy now, so that he sent the Yawl back again with a Present of a small Looking-glass (a great Curiosity there) for the Prince, ordering one Man to carry it, and to tell the Mate, Gunner, and Molotto to come off as soon as they could, the rest to lye a little off with the Yawl, their Arms ready, but out of Sight.

The Captain observing the Yawl with his Glass, perceived the Men contrary to his Orders were gone on Shore, and looking again a little after, saw the Boat without a Mast, or so much as one Hand in her, drag'd towards the Town quite on Shore, and in a little Time after she was hawl'd out of Sight.

This Rashness of his Men gave him a great Deal of Uneasiness, he apprehended some fatal Consequence from it, (and indeed he had Reason) for he knew the Natives of some Part of the Coast were Cannibals; therefore, for Fear of venturing too much at once, he resolved not to trust the Long-Boat on Shore, till he had some Tideings from the Yawl.

All that Day he pass'd with the utmost Uneasiness, keeping a Man continually on the Watch, looking towards the Shore with a Spying-glass, to try if any Thing could be discovered of his Men on the Shore, but all to no Purpose; for nothing could be discerned either of them or the Boat the whole Day. That Night was spent in many doubtful Reflections, and Tears for the Condition of those who were on Shore. Next Morning the Captain resolved to send the Long-Boat towards the Land, with Mr. _Nyn_ his first Mate, and some other of his Officers in her, ordering them to shew a white Flag, as soon as they should discover any People to come near them; but not to venture to go ashore, but to talk and make Signs to the Natives out of the Boat, and to try to discover the Reason of our Mens being detained; and in Case they found they kept them Prisoners, or intended them for Slaves, to try by Means of the Molotto Interpreter to treat with them for their Ransom.

Mr. _Nyn_ obey'd his Orders punctually, and when he came near the Land he lay by, with a white Flag display'd at the End of a Mast, at which Time he observed a great Body of People coming from the Town towards the Sea-Side; the Captain could also discern them from the Ship with his Spying-glass, and judg'd them to be betwixt four and five Thousand, but instead of coming to parley, they marched in a Body behind a Bank, which stood opposite the Boat, where they lay in a Kind of Ambuscade, without returning any Signal, or shewing any Inclination to speak with the Boat.

This look'd plainly, as if they intended to surprize the Men, in Case they should venture to land; wherefore Mr. _Nyn_ resolved to return on Board, and plying along Shore, in order to find the Passage thro' the Ridge of Rocks of Coral, which runs along ashore, the Natives let fly a Shower of Arrows at the Boat, which however did no Harm, because they fell short; upon which Mr. _Nyn_ commanded his Men to fire their Arms towards the Banks, in order to frighten them, for being so intrench'd, he knew he could do them no Harm; after which he returned on Board.

The Captain now began to despair of ever seeing his Men more; the best he could think which could befal them, was, to be made Slaves, for still he did not apprehend that they had met with so melancholy and cruel a Fate, as their Confidence in the Natives had really brought upon them; he therefore resolved to make one Attempt more, in order to learn some News of what had befallen them: In order to which, he thought of a Stratagem, by which he should run no Hazard of losing any more of his Men, and by which it seemed probable he must hear of them if they were alive. He writ a Letter, which Letter he caused to be fix'd to the Top of a long Pole, which he ordered to be carried on Shore in the Silence of the Night; the Men were to fix the Pole in the Ground, and to make it the more conspicuous, there was a Flag also fastened to the Pole.

He did not doubt, but that if any of his Men had the Liberty of walking about, they would come for the Letter which they must see, and if they had not that Liberty, the Natives not being able to read it themselves, would carry it to them.

In this Letter he advised Mr. _Baldwin_, and Mr. _Sale_, the third Mate and Purser, to treat about their own Ransom themselves, and that of the five Men with them (including the Molotto) and since there was no other Way of procuring their Liberty, he would comply with the Terms, let them be what they would; he directed them to fix their Answer upon the same Pole, and least they should want Pen and Ink, he inclosed a Pencil, and also a Sheet of Paper. And in Hopes an Answer should be left, he commanded the Pole to be fix'd just at the Waters Edge, where there was no Bank near, that it might be taken off without the Danger of an Ambuscade.

This was the best Expedient he could think of, for relieving his unhappy Countrymen, who now, alas! were past all Relief. Accordingly the Boat was sent with the said Letter, and two of the Men went on Shore and fixed it, and having returned into the Boat, the Boat put off, and came to an Anchor at some Distance from the Shore, in order to observe what should become of the Letter; they waited till Noon to no Purpose, then taking up their Anchor, in order to come on Board for some Refreshment, they were but a little while under Sail, when they saw a Man come and carry off the Pole; a little while after which, as they ply'd along the Shore, and were opposite to the Bank before described, they were saluted with a Volley of Musquet-Shot, one Ball falling into the Boat, and several others come very near it; wherefore, they made all the Sail they could to give the Captain an Account of what had pass'd.

The Fire Arms they made use of were these they found in the Boat, where they also met with six Cartouch Boxes full of Charges, and their making use of them in this Manner, convinced the Captain that they had no Mind to come to any Parley with them, or to listen to any Terms about the Release of their unhappy Ship Mates; however they were continually upon the Watch, looking out with wishing Eyes, in Expectation of seeing the appointed Signal made for the Answer of the Letter; long they expected to no Purpose, which made the Captain think something very fatal had happened to them, and that he should never see them more; but in the midst of his Despair, a Thought came into his Head, which administred to him a little Comfort, he fancied that perhaps they might be carried up the Country, to the Place where the King at that Time was gone, and that the Natives might send the Letter after them, which might be the Reason there was no Answer yet left. Upon this little Glimmering of Hope, he resolved to wait some Days longer, for he was willing to lay Hold of any Hope, rather than bear the Thoughts of going away without them.

Thus Day after Day they waited in Expectation of some Answer, sending the Boat to lye off near the Shore, to be ready in Case any Signal should be made.--One Day they perceived a great Number of People to come out of the Town, and make towards the Shore, which gave them an Expectation that the Delivery of their Friends was at Hand; they watched their Motions with earnest Eyes, hoping every Minute to see a Flag of Truce, instead of which, they observed them to march directly behind the Bank, where they seem'd to place themselves in a Kind of Ambuscade.

Now there seem'd to be an End of all their Hopes, the Boat return'd on Board, and made a Report to the Captain of what they saw, who calling a Consultation of all his Officers to hear if any Thing could be offered for the Relief of their Companions; it was proposed by one to send the Boat on Shore, to burn some Junks which were hawl'd up about a Musquet-Shot from the Water-side, but the Captain considered, that tho' this might gratifie their Revenge, it would bring no Relief to their poor captive Friends: On the contrary, the Natives might be provoked to destroy them for it, if they had not done it already, besides as these Junks lay not far from the Bank, their Men might be exposed to the Arrows of the Natives (who now lay in continual Ambuscade) and so they might run the Hazard of losing more Men without the least Advantage to themselves, or unhappy Companions.

Wherefore, this Project was laid aside, and the Winds often blowing hard, and the Captain not judging it safe to lye any longer in that open Road, he weighed Anchor on the fourth of _December_, steering along ashore, in Search of some Bay or Inlet, where they might ride shelter'd from the Wind and Weather; and still with a View that if either their Companions might have an Opportunity of making their Escape, or the Natives should relent and think of letting them go for a Ransom, they might be near enough to receive them. After about three or four Hours gentle Sail he dropp'd an Anchor, the Town of _Magadoxa_ then bearing N E b'E of them, they perceived it was all along a flat smooth Shore, without any Bay or other Shelter, for Ships to ride; wherefore, the next Day, which was the fifth of _December_, they stood off to Sea, and then came to a Consultation, what Measures to take in their present Condition; and having considered that they had met with no Place where they could ride with any Safety, and if they should meet with a convenient Bay much farther down the Coast, it would be of no Service to their unhappy Companions, who would never hear of them; and besides they could not venture to traffick with the Natives for Refreshments, for Fear of Surprize and Treachery; and their Men beginning to grow weak and distempered for want of fresh Provisions, they resolved to make for the Island of _Joanna_, being forced to leave their Companions to Providence, in great Trouble and Anxiety for their unhappy Fate.

We shall leave them to pursue their Voyage, which was happy enough, bating this Accident, and relate what had pass'd on Shore, as we had it from a Manuscript, written by the Molotto Interpreter, who was the only Person who escaped, and return'd to _England_, after he had lived sixteen Years amongst the Barbarians.

It has been already taken Notice that Mr. _Baldwin_ the third Mate, and Mr. _Sale_ the Purser (unhappily for them) not observing the Cautions the Captain gave them to be upon their Guard, were so indiscreet, to be tempted to accept of an Invitation to dine with the King's Son; so that having sent the Yawl on Board again, for a Present as has been related, they with the Molotto Interpreter went towards the Town, accompanied by several of the Natives, who made them the Invitation in the Name of the King's Son. They were no sooner arrived at the first Gate of the City, but they were surrounded by a great Multitude of People, and violently dragg'd into a little Door under the Gateway, and shut up in a dark Hole. When they had remained here about the Space of two Hours, they heard a very great Noise without; soon after which, the Doors leading to their Dungeon were all opened, and they were dragg'd out again; when they were out, they found that what occasioned that great Noise, was the Return of their Men, whom they had sent on Board for a Present for the King's Son, who were seized in the same Manner they had been, and being encompassed by such a Number of People, they lost them in a Minute; they were also separated from one another, and the Molotto desiring to know of them the Meaning of all this, and in what they had offended them, they only answered him, that they must go before the _Accabo_, (the Name by which they call the King, who had not been out of Town as they gave out before) accordingly he was conducted with a sufficient Guard, expecting there to meet his Companions again.

When he arrived at the King's House (which shall be hereafter described) he was led thro' several Rooms to that where the King was present, whom he found sitting upon the Ground, the Floor being matted; he was dress'd in a long Pair of Drawers of blewish purple Silk, which reach'd down to his Toes, having neither Shoes nor Stockings on, a large Mantle of the same Silk, and a white Turbant on his Head; there were eight others who sat about him, whose Dress was the same with his, as to Form and Fashion, but their Drawers and Mantles were made of a blew and white strip'd Dungeree Stuff, instead of Silk; these were his Councellors and Favourites. The King spoke to him in a Kind of _Arabick_, asking of what Country he was? he answered of _Canton_ in _China_. Then he ask'd him, how he came to associate himself with those horrid white Men? The poor Molotto began to tremble at this Question, but excus'd himself by speaking in their Favour, highly extolling them for their Civility of Behaviour, as well as Generosity, and praising them in all Things to the King, telling him, he was sure the Captain would ransom them, if it was his Pleasure to consent to it; to which he returned no Answer, but ask'd what the Ship had in her, the Molotto gave him an Account of her Lading; then he desired to know whether the rest of the Men would come on Shore, he answered, he could not tell, but in Case they were suffered to return again on Board, he was sure they would come on Shore, and that the Captain himself designed to come and see the King, as soon as they should return; but the King made no Offer of suffering that, but commanded him to be carried back to Prison.

The Prison which they call _Haulaub_, is a square Stone-Building, about twenty Foot high, and flat at Top, fronting one of their broadest Streets; there are no Windows or Iron Bars, as we see in our Prisons, but there are several little Holes about eight or nine Inches square, quite thro' the Wall, thro' which, the Place within receives both Light and Air. Here the poor Molotto was put, very anxious about the Fate of his poor Companions, whom he had not seen since their being separated at their first coming out of the Dungeon; wherefore, seeing an old Man looking thro' one of the Holes before described, he enquired of him what was become of them, who gave him this melancholy Account; that those who came last out of the Boat, which were the four Sailors sent on Board the Ship for the Present for the King's Son, were kill'd in the Streets by the Multitude, and that making some Resistance, they were torn to Pieces, every Man thinking himself happy that could procure a Piece of their Flesh, shewing a Bit of about two Ounces, which he begg'd of one who had got a great Piece, which many of them eat; that they were all from their Childhood taught to have an Aversion to white Men, and that these were the first that had been seen in the Memory of Man, that as to the tall Man and the little Man which had been in the Dungeon with him (which were Mr. _Baldwin_ and Mr. _Sale_, the Mate and Purser) they were by the King's Order carried to the _Boderzau_ (a Place where Tygers and other fierce Beasts are kept for the King's Pleasure) and delivered up to be torn to Pieces by those Animals.