Chapter IX: Part 9

Here a Bowl of Punch being made, _Morice Cundon_ was called down, and one _John Fitzherbert_ set to the Helm in his Place. At the same Time the Carpenter and _Thomas Streaton_ were brought before the Captain, who told them they were three Rascals, and richly deserved to be sent after the Captain and Mate, but that they were willing to shew them Mercy, and not put them to Death in cold Blood, and he would therefore only put them in Irons, for the Security of the Ship's Crew; they were accordingly ordered out, and iron'd. _Fly_ then told his Comrades it was convenient to resolve on some Course, when Word was brought them, that a Ship was very near them. The Council broke up, and made a clear Ship, when, in a very little while after, they found it was the _Pompey_, which had left _Jamaica_ in Company with the Snow; the _Pompey_ standing for the Snow, which did not make from her, soon haled, and asked how Captain _Green_ did, and was answered by _Fly_, that he was very well. They did not think fit to attack this Ship, but returning to hold their Consultation, it was resolved to steer for _North Carolina_.

Upon their Arrival on that Coast they spied a Sloop at Anchor within the _Bar_; she was call'd the _John_ and _Hannah_, and commanded by Captain _Fulker_, who thinking the Snow might want a Pilot stepp'd into his Boat with his Mate, Mr. _Atkinson_, and Mr. _Roan_, two Passengers, and a young Lad, in order to bring her in. When they came on board, they were told, that the _Snow_ was come with a Cargoe from _Jamaica_; Captain _Fulker_ and Mr. _Roan_ were desired to walk down to the Captain, who was in the Cabbin; _Fly_ received them very civilly, ordered a Bowl of Punch, and hearing Captain _Fulker_ had brought another Passenger on Board, Mr. _Atkinson_ was also invited down.

The Punch being brought in, Captain _Fly_ told his Guest, that he was no Man to mince Matters; that he and his Comrades were Gentlemen of Fortune, and should make bold to try if Captain _Fulker_'s Sloop was a better Sailor than the _Snow_, if she was, she would prove much fitter for their Business, and they must have her: The _Snow_ came to an Anchor about a League off the Sloop, and _Fly_ ordered _Fulker_, with six of his own Hands, into the Boat, to bring her alongside of the _Snow_; but the Wind proving contrary, their Endeavours proved also vain, and they returned again in the Boat, bringing Captain _Fulker_ back with them.

As soon as they came on board the _Snow_, _Fly_ fell into a violent Passion, cursing and damning _Fulker_ for not bringing off the Sloop; he gave him his Reason, and said, it was impossible. _Damn ye_, replied the Pyrate, _you lie you Dog, but d--n my B--d, your Hide shall pay for your Roguery, and if I can't bring her off I'll burn her where she lies_. He then order'd Captain _Fulker_ to the Geers; no Reason, no Arguments, could prevail; he was stripp'd and lash'd after a very inhuman Manner: And the Boat's Crew being sent again, with much ado carried her off as far as the Barr, where she bilged and sunk. The Pyrates then endeavoured to set what remained of her out of Water on Fire, but they could not burn her.

The _Snow_ getting under Sail to look out for some Booty, _Fulker_ and the others desired they might be set at Liberty, but it was denied them for the present, tho' not without a Promise that they should be released the first Vessel they took.

The fifth of _June_ they left _Carolina_, and the next Day they spied a Sail, which prov'd the _John_ and _Betty_, commanded by Capt. _Gale_, bound from _Barbadoes_ to _Guiney_. _Fly_ gave Chase, but finding the Ship wronged him, he made a Signal of Distress, hoisting his Jack at the main Top-Mast Head; but this Decoy did not hinder the Ship making the best of her Way. _Fly_ continued the Chace all Night, and the Wind slackening, he came within Shot of the Ship, and fir'd several Guns at her under his black Ensign; the Ship being of no Force, and the Pyrates ready to board, the Captain struck; and _Fly_ manning his Long-Boat, which carried a Pateraro in the Bow, the Crew being well armed with Pistols and Cutlashes went on Board the Prize, and sent Capt. _Gale_, after having secured his Men, Prisoner on board the _Snow_.

This Prize was of little Value to the Pyrates, who took nothing but some Sail-Cloaths and small Arms, and after two Days let her go, but took away six of his Men, setting on board Capt. _Fulker_ and a Passenger (Mr. _Atkinson_ was detained) and Capt. _Green_'s Surgeon; they kept this Gentleman, Mr. _Atkinson_, knowing he was a good Artist, and lately Master of the _Boneta_ Brigantine, as a Pilot for the Coast of _New England_, which they were satisfied he was well acquainted with.

Upon Mr. _Atkinson_'s desiring to have his Liberty with the others, Captain _Fly_ made him the following Speech: Look ye, Captain _Atkinson_, it is not that we care a T--d for your Company, G--d d--n ye; G--d d--n my Soul, not a T--d by G--d, and that's fair; but G--d d--n ye, and G--d's B--d and W--ds, if you don't act like an honest Man G--d d--n ye, and offer to play us any Rogues Tricks by G--d, and G--d sink me, but I'll blow your Brains out; G--d d--n me, if I don't. Now, Capt. _Atkinson_, you may do as you please, you may be a Son of a Whore and pilot us wrong, which, G--d d--n ye, would be a rascally Trick by G--d, because you would betray Men who trust in you; but, by the eternal J--s, you shan't live to see us hang'd. I don't love many Words, G--d d--n ye, if you have a Mind to be well used you shall, G--d's B--d; but if you will be a Villain and betray your Trust, may G--d strike me dead, and may I drink a Bowl of Brimstone and Fire with the D--l, if I don't send you head-long to H--ll, G--d d--n me; and so there needs no more Arguments by G--d, for I've told you my Mind, and here's all the Ships Crew for Witnesses, that if I do blow your Brains out, you may blame no Body but your self, G--d d--n ye.

Mr. _Atkinson_ answered, it was very hard he should be forced to take upon him the Pilotage, when he did not pretend to know the Coast, and that his Life should answer for any Mistake his Ignorance of the Coast might make him guilty of, and therefore begg'd he might be set on board Capt. _Gale_; and that they would trust to their own Knowledge, since he did not doubt there being better Artists on Board. No, No, replied _Fly_, that won't do by G--d, your palavring won't save your Bacon. _Muchas palabras no valen nada_, as the _Spaniards_ say; so either discharge your Trust like an honest Man, for go you shan't by G--d, or I'll send you with my Service to the D--l; so no more Words, G--d d--n ye.

There was no Reply made, and they stood for the Coast of _New England_; off _Delaware_'s Bay they made a Sloop, commanded by one _Harris_, bound from _New York_ to _Pensilvania_: She had on Board about fifty Passengers; _Fly_ gave Chase, and coming up with her, hoisted his black Ensign, and ordered her to strike, which she immediately did; and _Fly_ sent Capt. _Atkinson_ on Board with three of his Hands, to sail her, tho' he would not allow him, (_Atkinson_) any Arms: They, the Pyrates, ransack'd this Prize, but not finding her of any Use to them, after a Detention of 24 Hours, they let her go, with her Men, excepting only a well made young Fellow, whose Name was _James Benbrooke_, whom they kept.

_Fly_, after having releas'd the Prize, ordered Captain _Atkinson_ to carry the _Snow_ into _Martha_'s Vineyard, but, he willfully miss'd this Place. _Fly_ finding himself beyond _Nantuckets_, and that his Design was baulk'd, called to _Atkinson_, and told him, _he was a rascally Son of an envenom'd Bitch, and d--n his Blood it was a Piece of Cruelty to let such a Son of a Whore live, who design'd the Death of so many honest Fellows_. _Atkinson_, in his Defence said, he never pretended to know the Coast, and that it was very hard he should die for being thought an abler Man than he really was; had he pretended to be their Pilot, and did not know his Business, he deserved Punishment; but when he was forc'd upon a Business which he before declared he did not understand, it would be certainly cruel to make him suffer for their Mistake.--_G--d d--n ye_, replied _Fly_, _you are an obstinate Villain, and your Design is to hang us; but, B--d and W--ds you Dog, you shan't live to see it_, and saying this, he ran into his Cabbin and fetch'd a Pistol with Design to shoot _Atkinson_; but by the Interposition of _Mitchell_, who thought him innocent of any Design, he escaped.

_Atkinson_, who perceived his Life every Minute in Danger, began to ingratiate himself with the Pyrates, and gave them Hopes, that with good and gentle Usage, he might be brought to join them; this he did not say in express Terms, but by Words he now and then let drop, as by Accident: They were not a little rejoiced at the View of having so good an Artist to join them; nay, some of them hinted to him, that if he would take upon him the Command, they were ready to dispossess Capt. _Fly_, who carried his Command too high, and was known to all the Crew to be no Artist, and to understand nothing beyond the Business of a Boatswain. _Atkinson_ thought it his Interest to keep them in the Opinion that he would join; but always declined hearing any Thing as to the Command.

This made him less severely us'd, and protected him from the Insults of _Fly_, who imagined he would betray them the first Opportunity, and therefore more than once proposed his being thrown over Board, which was never approved by the _Snow_'s Company.

From _Nantuket_ they stood to the Eastward, and off _Brown_'s _Bank_ made a Fishing Schooner. _Fly_ coming up with her fired a Gun, and hoisting his black Ensign, swore, _d--n his Blood, if they did not instantly bring to, and send their Boat on Board, he would sink her_: The Schooner obeyed, and sent away her Boat on Board the _Snow_; he examined the Captain what Vessels were to be met with, and promised, if he could put him in the Way of meeting with a good Sailor, to let him go, and give him his Vessel, or he should otherwise keep her: The poor Man told him, he had a Companion which would soon be in Sight, and was a much better Vessel; accordingly about 12 at Noon the same Day, which was the 23d of _June_, the other Schooner hove in Sight; upon which, _Fly_ mann'd this Prize with six Pyrates, and a Prisoner nam'd _George Tasker_, and sent her in Chase, having himself on Board the _Snow_, no more than three Pyrates, Captain _Atkinson_, (who had work'd himself into some Favour with him) and fifteen forced Men; but he took Care to have his Arms upon Deck by him.

The Men who had not taken on with _Fly_, were, _Atkinson_, Capt. _Fulker_'s Mate, and two Youths belonging to him; the Carpenter and Gunner belonging formerly to Captain _Green_; six of Captain _Gate_'s Men, and the aforesaid _Benbrooke_, who belonged to Captain _Harris_, with three of the Men out of the Schooner. _Atkinson_ seeing the Prisoners and forced Men were five to one of the Pyrates, thought of delivering himself from the Bondage he was in; and, as by good Luck, several other Fishing Vessels hove in Sight, right a-head of the _Snow_, he call'd to Captain _Fly_, and told him, he spied several other Vessels a-head, desiring, he would come forward and bring his Glass; _Fly_ did so, and leaving his Arms on the Quarter-Deck, sat him on the Windlass to see if he could make what they were. _Atkinson_, who had concerted his Measures, with one _Walker_ and the above-mention'd _Benbrooke_, secured the Arms on the Quarter-Deck, and gave them a Signal to seize _Fly_, which they did, with very little Trouble, and after made themselves Masters of the other three Pyrates and the _Snow_; the rest of the Prisoners, not knowing any Thing of, or what the Design might be, remaining altogether inactive, and brought the _Snow_ and Pyrates to _Great Brewster_, where a Guard was put on Board _June_ 28, 1726.

Soon after, the said Pyrates were brought to their Trial, that is, on the fourth of _July_ following, before the Honourable _William Dummer_, Esq; Lieutenant Governor and Commander in chief, of the Province of _Massachuset_'s Bay, President of the special Court of _Admiralty_, held at the Court-house of _Boston_, assisted by 18 Gentlemen of the Council, before whom they were found guilty of Murder and Pyracy, condemn'd to be executed, and accordingly were executed the 12th of _July_; _Fly_ was order'd to be hang'd in Chains at the Entrance of the Harbour of _Boston_. Thus ended the short Reign of an obdurate Wretch, who only wanted Skill and Power to be as infamous as any who had scoured the Seas; the Names of the three Pyrates, executed with him, were _Samuel Cole_, _George Condick_ and _Henry Greenvill_.

OF
Capt. _Thomas Howard_,
And his CREW.

We have said in another Life, _viz._ _White_'s, that he was a Lighterman on the River _Thames_, his Father was of the Business, and had the Character of a very honest Man. After his Father's Decease, he grew very extravagant, and squander'd away not only what he had left his Son, but what he had allotted for his Widow Mother to our Adventurer, whose Indulgence putting every Thing into her Son's Hands, was follow'd by being her self turn'd out of Doors, for he sold the House over her Head. After having ruin'd himself and Mother, his Friends fearing the Wickedness of his Inclinations would bring a Scandal upon them, persuaded him to go to Sea, and procur'd him a Voyage to _Jamaica_, on board a Merchant Ship. At this Island he ran away from his Ship, and associating himself with some desperate Fellows, they stole a Canoe, and went away to the grand _Camanas_ to join some others of their own Stamp, who lurked thereabouts, with Design to go on the _Account_, the Term for Pyrating: They met those they look'd for, made up a Company of 20 Men, surprized and made themselves Masters of a Turtling Sloop, and set out in Search of Booty.

The first Prizes they made were only Turtlers, which, however, encreas'd the Number of their Crew, some being willing to join them, others being forced, with Threats of being set ashore on some desolate Key.

They after some Time cruizing met with an _Irish_ Brigantine, who had Provisions and Servants on board. They made an Exchange with the Master, gave him Provision to carry him to _Jamaica_, and allow'd five Hands to go with him; the rest (except the Servants, who readily took on with the Pyrates) were all forced.

Not long after, they surprized a Sloop which had been trading on the _Spanish_ Coast; as she had 6 Guns, and was a fit Vessel for their Turn, they chang'd her against the Brigantine; several Hands belonging to this Sloop enter'd Voluntiers, and several more were obliged to join them by Compulsion.

After this Capture, they steer'd for the Coast of _Virginia_, and, in their Way, met with a large _New England_ Brigantine, laden with Provisions, bound for _Barbadoes_. This they made Prize of; and shifting their own Guns on board her, sent the Master away in the Sloop; after forcing some of his Men with them. They had now a Vessel of 10 Guns, and a Crew of 80 Men, of whom one _James_ was Captain, and _Howard_ Quarter-Master.

While they lay on the Coast of _Virginia_, they made Prize of several Ships from _England_, out of which they took Men, Liquors, Provisions, Cloaths, and whatever else they either liked or thought necessary. As these Ships had several Felons on board, who were Transports, they had out of them a Number of Voluntiers, beside forced Men; so that they had a large Complement. Among other _Virginia_ Ships which fell into their Hands, they made Prize, with little Trouble, of a fine Galley, mounted with 24 Guns, which afforded them a great many Voluntiers, as she had a Number of transported Malefactors and Servants on board. They changed their Brigantine for this Ship, and soon after, the Man of War, which waited on this Coast, heaving in Sight, they thought proper to take their Departure.

From the Coast of _Virginia_, they shap'd their Course for that of _Guiney_, where they took a great many Ships of different Nations, all which they rifled of what they thought fit: Out of these Ships they forced on board a Number of Men, equal to the Number of those formerly compell'd, who desired, and whom they permitted, to be discharged, after much Entreaty.

After they had been some Months on the Coast, they spied a large three deck'd _Portuguese_ Ship from _Brazil_, mounted with 36 Guns; they gave Chase and came up with her: The Captain would make no Resistance, but his Mate, who was an _Englishman_, named _Rutland_, thinking it Shame to give up such a Ship, resolved to defend her; which the _Portuguese_ Captain consented to, but went himself out of Harm's Way. _Rutland_, who had been Master of an _English_ Brigantine, taken from him on the same Coast by another Gang of Pyrates, fought them the better Part of a Forenoon; but the _Portuguese_ flying the Decks, and only thirty Men, who were _English_, _Dutch_, and _French_, standing by him, he was obliged to ask Quarters, which were given. When the Pyrates came on board, they asked _Rutland_, if he was Commander? he answer'd, No. They enquired after him, and being told, he was somewhere in the Hold, they search'd, and found him hid in the Powder-Room; whence they hawled him up, and whipp'd him round the Deck for his Cowardice. _Rutland_, and those who fought the Ship, they forced on board, and their Complement being now 180 Men, they exchanged their Galley for the _Portuguese_ Ship, carried her in Shore, and ripping off her upper Deck, made her deep wasted, and much snugger, by cutting down some of her Gunnel. This Prize they named the _Alexander_.

They went down the Coast in this Ship, and made several Prizes, some of which they discharged, and put on board such of their forced Men as begg'd their Discharge; others, they sunk, and burnt others; but forced on board all Carpenters, Cawlkers, Armorers, Surgeons, and Musicians. In their Way to _Cape Lopez_, where they designed, and afterwards did clean, they found a large _Bristol_ Ship at an Anchor, which had lost a great many Men by Sickness, and had then but few healthy on board, who got into the Boat, and endeavoured to get to Shore, but were prevented by the Pyrates: Here they changed some more of their forced Men, and did intend to change their Ship; but on a Survey, found the _Bristol_ Man too old for their Purpose, and therefore left her at an Anchor, after they had taken what they thought of Use to them; this Ship belong'd to one Mr. _Godly_ of _Bristol_.

They met with nothing else in their Way to _Cape Lopez_, where they clean'd their Ship, took in Wood and Water, and then stood away to Sea again.

At their leaving _Cape Lopez_, they spied an _English_ Ship, which they came up with and engaged; the Merchant Man made an obstinate Defence, and finding the Design to board, made to close Quarters. _Howard_ and seven or eight more entered, but the Pyrate's Boatswain not having secured his lashing, they fell a-stern, and left these Men on board the Merchant-Ship, who seeing themselves in Danger, hawl'd up the Boat, which the Chace had a-stern, and, cutting the Rope, got on board the _Alexander_, which being considerably the larger Ship, and drawing a great deal more Water, stuck on an unknown Bank, which the Merchant Man went over, and by this lucky Accident escaped.

This obliged the Pyrates to start their Water, and throw over the Wood to get the Ship off, which put 'em under a Necessity of going back to _Cape Lopez_ to take in those Necessaries. After having a second time wooded and water'd, they put again to Sea, fell in with and took two _Portuguese_ Brigantines, which they burnt, and setting the Men on Shoar, they made for, and doubled the Cape of _Good Hope_, and shap'd their Course for _Madagascar_, where to the Northward of, and forty Mile from, the Bay of _Augustine_, and near a small Island, they run the Ship on a Reef, where she stuck fast. The Captain being then sick in his Bed, the Men went ashoar on the small adjacent Island, and carried off a great deal of Provision and Water to lighten the Ship, on board of which none but the Captain, the Quarter-Master, and about eleven more were left.

The Quarter-Master, who was _Howard_, with the others, took all the Treasure, and put it on board the Boats, made off for the Main of _Madagascar_; the Captain, hearing no Body stir upon Deck, made shift to crawl out of his Cabbin, and seeing 'em put off, fir'd the two fore chace Guns at 'em, which alarm'd (to no Purpose) the Men ashoar; as the Sea ebb'd, the Ship lay dry, and they could walk to her from the Island. She might have been saved had they had the Boats to carry out an Anchor; but for want of them they brought every Thing ashoar, at Tide of Flood, upon Rafts. As the Ship lay in a quiet Place, they had Opportunity to rip her up, and build a Vessel out of her Wreck. The major Part of the Crew being _English_ and _Dutch_, who sided together, they forced about 36 _Portuguese_ and _French_ (thinking the Crew too numerous for their Provisions in their present Circumstances) to get upon a Raft, and take their Chance with the Sea-Breeze to get to the Island of _Madagascar_, about 3 Leagues from them. They finish'd a Vessel of 60 Tuns, but the Day they design'd to have launch'd her, a Pyrate Brigantine hove in Sight, who took 'em on board.

_Howard_ and his Consorts stood along the West-Side of the Island, with Design to round the North End, and to go to St. _Mary_'s, but finding the Current too strong to stem, they lay there about a Fortnight; in the Interim they spied three Sail of tall Ships, which were Men of War under Commadore _Littleton_, (_viz._ the _Anglesea_, _Hastings_ and _Lizard_,) who had carried a Pardon to the Island of St. _Mary_, accepted of by many of the Pyrates. Thinking these might be also Pyrates, they made a Smoak, which brought the Boats ashoar; but finding they were Men of War's Boats, the Pyrates thought fit to abscond, wherefore finding nothing, nor any Body, the said Men of War's Boats return'd, and the Ships kept their Cruise.

They had here plenty of Fish and wild Hogs, which they found in the Wood. One Day, when _Howard_ was Hunting, his Comrades took the Opportunity, went off, rounded the North End, and left Mr. _Howard_ to provide for himself.

About four or five and twenty Leagues from the Cape, they went into a fine Harbour on the East Side, not frequented nay, hardly known to the _European_ Ships. They were here received handsomely, treated and provided with fresh Meat, and what Necessaries they wanted, by the King of this District, whose Name was _Mushmango_, who had formerly been driven from _Augustine_ by War, and travelling thro' the Heart of the Country, had here fixed his Settlement. When the Boats were victualled, and while _Johnson_, who took on him the Command after they had deserted _Howard_, was ashoar with three more, the rest went off with the Boats and Booty, and stood away to the Southward, along the Coast, designing for St. _Mary_'s, going every Night into some Harbour, or coming to an Anchor under some Point when the Winds proved contrary.

_Johnson_ addressed himself to the King, and told him the Boat and Goods were his Property; upon which he went along Shore with a Number of Men, and found the Boat at an Anchor, and all asleep, except one to look out, at whom the King fired his Blunderbuss, and kill'd him; the Report of the Piece awaken'd the others, who cut and stood off the Coast. The King return'd, gave _Johnson_ an Account of his Expedition, and furnish'd him a Canoe, some Calabashes of fresh Water, Provisions and Launces, that he might pursue after his People.

_Johnson_ kept the Shoar on Board till he came to the Island of St. _Mary_'s, where he heard his Comrade Fugitives were gone to, and settled at _Ambonavoula_, in a Village belonging to the Natives on the River of _Manansallang_; leaving his Canoe, he went into one belonging to an Inhabitant, who carried him to his Companions.

After he had been here some few Months _Fourgette_, already mention'd in _White_'s Life, came in with his Ship from _Martinico_: With this Vessel they sail'd to the West-Side, and came to an Anchor at an Island called _Anquawla_, 30 Leagues from the Place where they left _Howard_.

Some of the Subjects of the King of _Anquawla_ had before met with, and brought hither, Captain _Howard_, who seeing the Ship at an Anchor near Shore, haled her, and desired the Boat might be sent to fetch him off, which was accordingly done, and he joined the rest of the Crew.

Here two Boys ran away from them, whom they demanded of the King; but he not delivering them, they went ashore by Day-Break, surpriz'd his Town, and brought off 12 of his Concubines, whom they detain'd on board, till their Boys, who were Blacks, were returned, and then delivered them back. From this Ship he went on board the _Speaker_, where he continued till she was lost on _Mauritius_, when he came back to _Madagascar_, and settled at _Augustine_, here he staid till the _Prosperous_, a Ship of 36 Guns, commanded by Captain _Hilliard_, came in; which _Howard_ and some other Pyrates, (with the Assistance of the Boatswain and some of the Crew belonging to the Ship) seized. In the taking of this Ship, the Captain and his chief Mate were killed, and several others wounded. _Howard_ was by the Company declared Captain.

Several of the Ship's Crew took on with them, and they went round the South End to the East Side, till they came the Length of _Maritan_, where they found some of the _Speaker_'s Company, whom they took on board, and made up their Complement about 70 Men.

From hence they steer'd for the Island of St. _Mary_, where they heel'd their Ship, water'd, wooded, and shipp'd some more Hands: Here they had an Invitation from one _Ort Van Tyle_, who liv'd on the Main of _Madagascar_, to come to the Ceremony of christening two of his Children; they were kindly received and treated by him, but it having been reported, that this _Ort Van Tyle_ had murdered some Pyrates, they in Revenge, tho' they had no Certainty of the Fact, took him Prisoner, plunder'd his House, and what Goods they could not take off in a great Canoe belonging to him, they threw into the River or burnt. _Ort Van Tyle_ they design'd to carry on board, and hang at a Yard Arm, but one of the Pyrates help'd him to escape, and he took into the Woods, where meeting some of his Blacks, he way-laid his Canoe, and _Howard_'s Pinnace by the River Side; besides what Goods they had on board of this _Dutchman_'s, they had several Women and Children belonging to him, and some white Men, who had left them under his Care. The Pyrates set the Women to the Paddles, and the Canoe was over-set on the Bar; _Ort Van Tyle_ fired on the Men, and shot one thro' the Arm and thro' the Thigh, whom with his Comrade, he took Prisoner, and kept with him: The rest of the Men got ashore on the South-Side the River and escaped him; the Women on the North-Side, and returned home. When the _Pinnace_ came down, he fir'd and shot the Captain thro' the Arm, but he got on board, where his Arm was set. After this, the _Prosperous_ sail'd for _Methelage_, where they victualled, with a Design to go to the _East-Indies_; while he lay here, came in a large _Dutch_ Ship, well mann'd, and of 40 Guns; the _Prosperous_ was not strong enough to attack her, and the _Dutch_ fearing he should spoil his Trade, would not meddle with Captain _Howard_, tho' hard Words pass'd, and the _Dutchmen_ threatned to fall foul on him if he did not leave the Place, which _Howard_ thought fit to do, and sail'd to _Mayotta_.

Few Days after the Departure of the _Prosperous_, Captain _Bowen_, in the _Scotch_ Ship, came in, anchored within small Arm-Shot, and right a-head of the _Dutchman_, whom he saluted with 11 Guns Shot and all, which the other returned, with 15 after the same Manner; Drums beating, and Trumpets sounding, on both Sides. The _Dutchman_, however, was surprized, and under Apprehensions; he hal'd the Pyrate, and answer was return'd, _From the Seas_; he then bid 'em send their Boat on Board, which accordingly went with the Quarter-Master, who told the Captain, that they had no Design on him, but were going against the _Moors_, and came in for Provision; he replied, they could get none there, and the best Way was to be gone; however the Quarter-Master went ashore (where the _Dutch_ had made his Factory, and had some Goods) and shot down three Oxen, which he ordered the Natives to help to cut in Pieces; the _Dutchman_ perceiving a Friendship between the Natives and Pyrates, seeing _Bowen_ full of Men, and hearing two more Pyrates were expected, thought fit to go off in the Night, and leave the Goods he had put on shore.

Few Days after _Bowen_ seizing the Goods left, went for _Mayotta_, where he join'd the _Prosperous_, and lay for the Season to go to the _East-Indies_. After some Stay here, their Salt Provisions perishing, they return'd to _Madagascar_ to revictual, _Bowen_ to St. _Augustin_'s, and _Howard_ (on board of whose Ship was Captain _Whaley_, taken as is said in _Bowen_'s Life) to _Methelage_, agreeing to meet at the Island of St. _John_'s, to lie for the _Moors_ Fleet; where, after some Disappoints, they met, and got Sight of the _Moors_ Fleet, one of which fell a Prize to _Bowen_; but the _Prosperous_ being a heavy Sailor, did not come up with them till they were at an Anchor at the Bar of _Surat_, where they waited to lighten. The _Moors_, seeing few Hands on board, for _Howard_ concealed his Men; and not imagining a Pyrate would venture up, they concluded him an _English East-India_ Man: _Howard_ clapp'd the largest on board, which stood him a smart Engagement, and killed him about 30 Men. At length the Pyrates forced Captain _Whaley_, who spoke the _Moors_ Language, to go on board and offer Quarter, which they accepted: There was on board this Prize a Nobleman belonging to the Great _Mogul_, who had been at _Juffa_ to buy Horses for his Master; the Prize yielded them a great Booty, tho' they found but Part of the Money which was on board. They intended to carry her to _Madagascar_, but her Bowsprit being wounded in the boarding, she lost all her Masts, wherefore, they set her a-drift, and she ran ashore at _Deman_, belonging to the _Portuguese_.

From hence he steer'd to the _Malabar_ Coast, where he met _Bowen_ in his Prize, which mounted 56 Guns; here a Dispute arose, as shall be mention'd in the Appendix of _Bowen_'s Life, both Crews went on board _Bowen_, sunk the _Prosperous_, and burnt the _Scotch_ Ship, called the _Speedy Return_: Hence they stood along the Coast of _India_, and _Howard_, with about 20 more, landed with what they had, and retired among the Natives, where _Howard_ married a Woman of the Country, and being a morose ill natur'd Fellow, and using her ill, he was murder'd by her Relations.

OF
Captain _LEWIS_.
And his CREW.

This worthy Gentleman was an early Pyrate; we first find him a Boy on Board the Pyrate _Banister_, who was hang'd at the Yard Arm of a Man of War in sight of _Port-Royal_ in _Jamaica_. This _Lewis_ and another Boy were taken with him, and brought into the Island hanging by the Middle at the Mizzen-Peak. He had a great Aptitude for Languages, and spoke perfectly well that of the _Mosquill Indians_, the _French_, _Spanish_ and _English_. I mention our own, because it is doubted whether he was _French_ or _English_, for we cannot trace him back to his Original.

He sailed out of _Jamaica_ till he was a lusty Lad, and was then taken by the _Spaniards_ at the _Havana_, where he staid some Time; but at length he and six more ran away with a small Canoe, and surprized a _Spanish_ Periagua, out of which two Men joined them, so that they were now nine in Company: With this Periagua they suprized a Turtleing Sloop, and forced some of the Hands to take on with them, the others they sent away in the Periagua.

He play'd at this small Game, surprising and taking Coasters and Turtlers, till with forced Men and Voluntiers he made up a Complement of 40 Men.

With these he took a large Pink built Ship, bound from _Jamaica_ to the Bay of _Campeachy_, and after her several others bound to the said Bay; and having Intelligence that there lay in the Bay a fine _Bermudas_ built Brigantine of 10 Guns, commanded by Captain _Tucker_; he sent the Captain of the Pink to him with a Letter, the Purport of which was, that he wanted such a Brigantine, and if he would part with her, he would pay him honestly 10000 Pieces of Eight; if he refused this, he would take Care to lie in his Way, for he was resolved, either by fair or foul Means, to have the Vessel. Captain _Tucker_ having read the Letter, sent for the Masters of Vessels then lying in the Bay, and told them, after he had shewn the Letter, that if they would made him up 54 Men (for there were about 10 _Bermudas_ Sloops) he would go out and fight the Pyrates. They said, No, they would not hazard their Men, they depended on their Sailing, and every one must take Care of himself as well as he could.

However, they all put to Sea together, and spied a Sail under the Land, which had a Breeze while they lay becalmed; some said he was a Turtler, others, the Pyrate, and so it proved; for it was honest Captain _Lewis_, who putting out his Oars, got in among them. Some of the Sloops had four Guns, some two, some none. _Joseph Dill_ had two, which he brought on one Side, and fired smartly at the Pyrate, but unfortunately one of them split, and killed him three Men. _Tucker_ called to all the Sloops to send him Men, and he would fight _Lewis_, but to no Purpose; no Body came on board him. In the mean while a Breeze sprung up, and _Tucker_ trimming his Sails left them, who all fell a Prey to the Pyrate; into whom however he fired a Broadside at going off. One Sloop, whose Master I won't Name, was a very good Sailer, and was going off; but _Lewis_ firing a Shot at him, brought her to, and he lay by till all the Sloops were visited and secured. Then _Lewis_ sent on board him, and ordered the Master into his Sloop. As soon as he was aboard, he asked the Reason of his lying by, and betraying the Trust his Owners had reposed in him, which was doing like a Knave and Coward, and he would punish him accordingly; for, he said, you might have got off, being so much a better Sailer than my Vessel. After this Speech he fell upon him with a Rope's End, and then snatching up his Cane, drove him about the Decks without Mercy. The Master, thinking to pacify him, told him he had been out trading in that Sloop several Months, and had on board a good Quantity of Money, which was hid, and which, if he would send on board a Black belonging to the Owners, he would discover it to him.

This had not the desired Effect, but one quite contrary; for _Lewis_ told him he was a Rascal and Villain for this Discovery, and, by G--d, he would pay him for betraying his Owners, and redoubled his Strokes. However, he sent and took the Money and Negroe, who was an able Sailor. He took out of his Prizes what he had occasion for, 40 able Negroe Sailors, and a white Carpenter; the largest Sloop, which was about 90 Tuns, he took for his own Use, and mounted her with 12 Guns; his Crew was now about 80 Men, Whites and Blacks.

After these Captures he cruised in the Gulf of _Florida_, lying in wait for the _West-India_ homeward bound Ships which took the Leeward Passage, several of which falling into his Hands were plundered by him, and released; from hence he went to the Coast of _Carolina_, where he cleaned his Sloop, and a great many Men, whom he had forced, ran away from him; however, the Natives traded with him for Rum and Sugar, and brought him all he wanted, without the Government's having any Knowledge of him, for he had got into a very private Creek; tho' he was very much on his Guard, that he might not be surprized from the Shoar.

From _Carolina_ he cruized on the Coast of _Virginia_, where he took and plunder'd several Merchant Men, and forced several Men, and then return'd to the Coast of _Carolina_, where he did abundance of Mischief.

As he had now abundance of _French_ on board who had entered with him, and _Lewis_ hearing the _English_ had a Design to Maroon them, he secured the Men he suspected, and put them in a Boat, with all the other _English_, 10 Leagues from Shoar, with only 10 Pieces of Beef, and sent them away, keeping none but _French_ and Negroes; these Men, it is supposed, all perished in the Sea.

From the Coast of _Carolina_ he shaped his Course for the Banks of _Newfoundland_, where he overhawled several Fishing Vessels, and then went into a commodious Harbour, where he cleaned his Sloop, and went into _Trinity Harbour_ in _Conception Bay_, where there lay several Merchants, and siezed a 24 Gun Galley, called the _Herman_: The Commander, Captain _Beal_, told _Lewis_, if he would send his Quarter-Master ashoar he would furnish him with Necessaries. He being sent ashoar, a Council was held among the Masters, the Consequence of which was, the seizing the Quarter-Master, whom they carried to Captain _Woodes Rogers_; he chained him to a Sheet Anchor which was ashoar, and planted Guns at the Point, to prevent the Pyrate getting out, but to little Purpose; for the People from one of these Points firing too soon, _Lewis_ quitted the Ship, and, by the Help of Oars and the Favour of the Night, got out in his Sloop, though she received many Shot in her Hull. The last Shot that was fired at the Pyrate did him considerable Damage.

He lay off and on the Harbour, swearing he would have his Quarter-Master, and intercepted two fishing Shallops, on board of one was the Captain of the Galley's Brother; he detained them, and sent Word, if his Quarter-Master did not immediately come off, he would put all his Prisoners to Death; he was sent on board him without Hesitation. _Lewis_ and the Crew enquired, how he had been used? and he answered, very civilly. Its well, said the Pyrate; for had you been ill treated, I would have put all these Rascals to the Sword. They were dismiss'd, and the Captain's Brother going over the Side, the Quarter-Master stopp'd him, saying, he must drink the Gentlemens Health ashoar, in particular Captain _Rogers_', and, whispering him in the Ear, told him, if the Crew had known of his being chain'd all Night, he would have been cut in Pieces, with all his Men. After this poor Man and his Shallop's Company were gone, the Quarter-Master told the Usage he had met with, which enraged _Lewis_, and made him reproach his Quarter-Master, whose Answer was, that he did not think it just the Innocent should suffer for the Guilty.

The Masters of the Merchant Men sent to Captain _Tudor Trevor_, who lay at St. _John_'s in the _Sheerness_ Man of War; he immediately got under Sail, and miss'd the Pyrate but four Hours.

She kept along the Coast, and made several Prizes, _French_ and _English_, and put into a Harbour where a _French_ Ship lay making Fish: She was built at the latter End of the War for a Privateer, was an excellent Sailer, and mounted 24 Guns. The Commander haled him; the Pyrate answered, from _Jamaica_ with Rum and Sugar. The _French_ Man bid him go about his Business; that a Pyrate Sloop was on the Coast, and he might be the Rogue; if he did not immediately sheer off he would fire a Broadside into him. He went off and lay a Fortnight out at Sea, so far as not to be descry'd from Shoar, with Resolution to have the Ship. The _French_ Man being on his Guard, in the mean while raised a Battery on the Shoar, which commanded the Harbour. After a Fortnight, when he was thought to be gone off, he return'd, and took two of the fishing Shallops belonging to the _French_ Man, and manning them with Pyrates, they went in; one Shallop attack'd the Battery, the other surpriz'd, boarded, and carry'd the Ship, just as the Morning Star appear'd, for which Reason he gave her that Name. In the Engagement the Owner's Son was kill'd, who made the Voyage out of Curiosity only. The Ship being taken, 7 Guns were fired, which was the Signal, and the Sloop came down and lay a Long-side the Ship. The Captain told him, he suppos'd he only wanted his Liquor; but _Lewis_ made Answer, he wanted his Ship, and accordingly hoisted all his Ammunition and Provision into her. When the _French_ Man saw they would take away his Ship, he sold her Trim, and _Lewis_ gave him the Sloop; and, excepting what he took for Provision, all the Fish he had made. Several of the _French_ took on with him, who, with others, _English_ and _French_, had by Force or voluntarily, made him up 200 Men.

From _Newfoundland_ he steer'd for the Coast of _Guiney_, where he took a great many Ships, _English_, _Dutch_, and _Portuguese_; among these Ships was one belonging to _Carolina_, commanded by Captain _Smith_. While he was in Chace of this Vessel an Accident happen'd, which made his Men believe he dealt with the Devil; for he carried away his Fore and Main-Top Mast; and he, _Lewis_, running up the Shrouds to the Main-Top, tore off a Handful of Hair, and throwing it into the Air, used this Expression, _Good Devil take this till I come_: And, it was observed, that he came afterwards faster up with the Chace than before the Loss of his Top-Masts.

_Smith_ being taken, _Lewis_ used him very civilly, and gave him as much, or more in Value, than he took from him, and let him go, saying, he would come to _Carolina_ when he had made Money on the Coast, and would rely on his Friendship.

They kept some Time on the Coast, when they quarrell'd among themselves, the _French_ and _English_, of which the former was more numerous, and they resolved to part: The _French_ therefore chose a large Sloop newly taken, thinking the Ship's Bottom, which was not Sheath'd, damaged by the Worms.

According to this Agreement they took on board what Ammunition and Provision they thought fit out of the Ship, and put off, chusing one _le Barre_ Captain. As it blew hard, and the Decks were encumbered, they came to an Anchor under the Coast, to stow away their Ammunition, Goods, _&c._ _Lewis_ told his Men, they were a Parcel of Rogues, and he would make 'em refund; accordingly run a Long-side his Guns, being all loaded and new primed, and ordered him to cut away his Mast, or he would sink him. _Le Barre_ was obliged to obey. Then he ordered them all ashoar; they begged to have Liberty of carrying their Arms, Goods, _&c._ with 'em, but he allow'd 'em only their small Arms, and Cartridge Boxes. Then he brought the Sloop a Long-side, put every Thing on board the Ship, and sunk the Sloop.

_Le Barre_ and the rest begg'd to be taken on board; however, though he denied 'em, he suffered _le Barre_ and some few to come, with whom he and his Men drank plentifully. The Negroes on board _Lewis_ told him, the _French_ had a Plot against him. He answer'd, he could not withstand his Destiny; for the Devil told him in the great Cabin, he should be murdered that Night.

In the dead of Night came the rest of the _French_ on board in Canoes, got into the Cabbin and killed _Lewis_; they fell on the Crew, but, after an Hour and Half's Dispute, the _French_ were beat off, and the Quarter-Master, _John Cornelius_, an _Irish_ Man, succeeded _Lewis_.

OF
Captain _Cornelius_,
And his CREW.

Having now the Command of the _Morning Star_, _Cornelius_ kept on the Coast, and made several Prizes both _English_ and _Portuguese_; the former he always discharged, after he had taken what he thought fitting, but the latter he commonly burnt.

While he was thus ravaging the Coast, two _English_ Ships which had slaved at _Whydah_, one of 36 Guns, and the other of 12, which fought close, were ready to sail; and having Notice of a Pyrate, who had done great Mischief, resolved to keep Company together for their Defence. The Captain of the small Ship lay sick in his Cabbin, and she was left to the Care of the Mates. When they had got under Sail, 200 Negroes jump'd over board from the larger Ships, which obliged her to bring to and get out her Boats; the Mate of the other went into the Cabbin, told the Accident, and advised lying by, and sending their Boats to assist their Consort; but the Captain being ill, and willing to get off the Coast, bid him keep on his Way, for it would be dangerous, having 400 Slaves on board, and being but weakly mann'd, when the Boats were gone they might rise upon him. The Mate urged the Danger of the Pyrates, should they leave their Consort. The Captain answered, the Seas were wide, and he would not bring to; accordingly they kept on their Way with a fresh Gale.

Two Days after, the Mate about Eight in the Morning, ordered a Man to the Mast-head, who spied a Sail, which made them prepare for an Engagement. There was on board one _Joseph Williams_, who had served the _African_ Company three Years on the _Guiney_ Coast, who spoke the Negroe Tongue very well; he told the Slaves he had pick'd out to the Number of 50, that the Ship in Sight he believed would fight them, and if they got the better, would certainly, as they were Cannibals, kill and eat them all, and therefore it behoved them to fight for their Lives; they had Lances and small Arms given them.

About Ten _Cornelius_ came up with them, and being haled, answered, he was a Man of War, in Search of Pyrates, and bid them send their Boat on board; but they refusing to trust him, tho' he had _English_ Colours and Pendent aboard, the Pyrate fired a Broadside, and they began a running Fight of about 10 Hours, in which Time the Negroes discharged their Arms so smartly, that _Cornelius_ never durst attempt to board. About 8 at Night the Ship blew up abaft, they immediately cut the Lashings of the Long-Boat, but the Ship going down they had not Time to get her out, and barely enough to launch the Yawl, which lay on the Forecastle. The Ship went down on one Side, and _Joseph Williams_ running on the other was hook'd by the Mizzen-Truss, and was carried down with her; but having his Knife in his Hand, and a great Presence of Mind, he cut the Wast-band of his Trowzers where he was catch'd, got clear, and swam after the Boat, into which about 16 had gotten, and either knock'd those on the Head, or cut off their Hands, who laid hold on it; however, with much Entreaty, he was permitted to lay one Hand on to ease him: They made to the Pyrate, who refused to receive them, without they would enter with him, which, to save their Lives, they all agreed to, and was then civilly received, and dry Cloaths given them; these and one Negroe were all the Souls saved.

In a little Time after this he took two _Portuguese_ Ships, which he plundered and kept with him; and one foggy Morning hearing the firing of Guns, which, by the distance of Time, he judg'd to be Minute Guns, as they really were, for the Death of an _English_ Commander; he called his Men on board from the Prizes, sent them about their Business, and directed his Course by the Report of the Canon he had heard.

In about two Hours he spied the Ship that had fired, came up with her very soon, and took her without Resistance. The Officers of the Ship which blew up, finding this Prize _English_, and that the Pyrate did not intend to detain it, begg'd to be discharged, as they had all large Families, which must perish without their Support.

_Cornelius_ taking them into Consideration, discharged Mr. _Powis_ of _Limehouse_, who has since been a Commander, and raised a Fortune; the then chief Mate, Mr. _George Forelong_, the Boatswain, Carpenter, and other married Men, set them on board the Prize, and was very generous to them out of the Plunder of the _Portuguese_ Ships, because they had made a broken Voyage; but _Joseph Williams_ and the Batchelors he detained, and forced some out of the Prize, which he let go.

After this he took three _Portuguese_ Ships at an Anchor, which he plundered and burnt, after he had hove down by one of them; he continued some Time longer on the Coast, did a great Deal of Mischief to the Trade, and forced a great many Men: These he put to do all the Slavery of the Ship, and they were beat about the Decks, without daring to strike again. I shall take Notice of an Instance of this Kind, to shew how far Revenge will carry a Man. One _Robert Bland_ was at Helm, and called _Joseph Williams_ to take the Whipstaff, till he went to play, _Williams_ refused it; upon which _Bland_ drubb'd him with the Lanyard of the Whipstaff very severely, _Williams_ that he might revenge himself, and have Liberty to fight _Bland_, went that Instant and entered himself a Voluntier in the Ships Books, and ask'd Leave to fight _Bland_, which was allowed him, but with no other Weapons than his Fists; he, however, challenged his Antagonist, who was too hard for him; so that he turned Pyrate to be heartily thresh'd.

_Cornelius_ thinking they had been long enough on the _Guiney_ Coast, doubled the Cape, off which he spied the _Lizard_ and two more Men of War, under the Command of Commadore _Littleton_; _Cornelius_ was for giving Chase, but finding his Men unwilling, there being, as they gave for Reason, 70 forc'd Men on board, and these Ships being, as they suspected, Men of War, he made the best of his Way for _Madagascar_, went up the River _Methelage_, on the West Side, and anchored against _Pombotoque_, a small Village of Blacks.