A General History of the Pyrates E-Book

Daniel Defoe

• Herausgeber: E-BOOKARAMA
• Kategorie: Geisteswissenschaft
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Beschreibung

Originally published with the title " A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the most notorious Pyrates",  "A General History of the Pyrates" is a 1724 book containing biographies of contemporary pirates.
It's author uses the name Captain Charles Johnson, generally considered a pseudonym, but he real identity of the author was thought to be Daniel Defoe. 
"A General History of the Pyrates" is an immensely readable history by the author of "Robinson Crusoe" that incorporates the author's celebrated flair for journalistic detail, and represents the major source of information about piracy in the early 18th century. Defoe recounts the daring and bloody deeds of such outlaws as Edward Teach (alias Blackbeard), Captain Kidd, Mary Read, Anne Bonny, many others.
The book was influential in shaping popular notions of piracy and provided the standard account of the lives of these individuals still famous in the 21st century.

Leseprobe

Daniel Defoe

A General History of the Pyrates

Table of contents

A GENERAL HISTORY OF THE PYRATES

Of Captain Misson.

Of Capt. JOHN Bowen.

Of Capt. William Kid.

Of Captain Tew, And his Crew.

Of Capt. Halsey, And his Crew.

Of Captain Thomas White, And his Crew.

Of Captain Condent, And his Crew.

A Description of Magadoxa.

Of Capt. Bellamy.

Of Captain William Fly, And his Crew.

Of Capt. Thomas Howard, And his Crew.

Of Captain Lewis. And his Crew.

Of Captain Cornelius, And his Crew.

Of Capt. David Williams, And his Crew.

Of Capt. Samuel Burgess, And his Crew.

Appendix to the First Volume.

Of Captain Teach.

Of Major Bonnet.

Of Captain Worley.

Of Captain Martel.

The Trial of the Pyrates at Providence.

Of Captain Vane.

Of Captain Bowen.

Of Capt. Nathaniel North, And his Crew.

A GENERAL HISTORY OF THE PYRATES

Daniel Defoe

A Map of the Middle Part of America

A GENERAL HISTORY OF THE pyrates,

Containing the LIVES of Captain Misson. Captain Bowen. Captain Kidd. Captain Tew. Captain Halsey. Captain White. Captain Condent. Captain Bellamy. Captain Fly. Captain Howard. Captain Lewis. Captain Cornelius. Captain Williams. Captain Burgess. Captain North. And their several CREWS.

Intermix'd with a Description of Magadoxa in Ethiopia; the natural Hatred and Cruelty of the Inhabitants to all Whites; their Laws, Manners, Customs, Government and Religion: With a particular ACCOUNT of the beautiful Tombs, and their Ceremony of guarding them, taken from Captain Beavis's Journal; and that of a Molotto, who belong'd to the said Captain, was taken by, and lived several Years with the MAGADOXIANS

To the Whole is added An APPENDIX, which compleats the Lives of the first Volume, corrects some Mistakes; and contains the Tryal and Execution of the pyrates at Providence; under Governor Rogers; with some other necessary Insertions, which did not come to Hand till after the Publication of the first Volume, and which makes up what was defective Collected from Journals of pyrates, brought away by a Person who was taken by, and forc'd to live with them 12 Years; and from those of Commanders, who had fallen into their Hands, some of whom have permitted their Names to be made use of, as a Proof of the Veracity of what we have published. The Whole instructive and entertaining.

VOL. II.

By Capt. Charles Johnson, Author of Vol. I. Omne tulit punctum, qui misouit utile dulci.Hor.

The Contents.

Of Captain Misson.

HIS Birth and Education. He goes on board the Victoire. Visits Rome, is acquainted with a lewd Priest. The Saying of a Cardinal. Misson carries Caraccioli to Leghorn. The Victoire engages two Sally Men, Caraccioli wounded. Misson returns home; a short Description of Marseilles; Misson and his Companion go on board the Triumph. The Mayflower, Capt. Balladine taken; the French Captain's Behaviour to the English Prisoners; his remarkable Speech. The Port Royal, an English Jamaica Man, chas'd; the Triumph returns to Brest, strikes on a Rock; a short Description of the Town and Harbour; she goes thence to Rochel; Misson and his Companion take their Departure for the West Indies. The Reason for Circumcision,. New Thoughts of a future State. The first Foundation of Monarchy. The Winchelsea, an English Man of War, blown up; Misson saluted Captain. Caraccioli chosen Lieutenant; the Captain harangues his Crew; the Resolution taken by all to turn pyrates. The Character of a good and bad Magistrate. A Defence of Pyracy; the black Ensign rejected, a new one devised; a Present of Plate made to Misson. Misson's Speech to his Men. He declares War against all the World; they take a Boston Sloop off St. Christophers. A Jamaica Privateer taken by Stratagem. The Privateer discharged; meets with and turns back the Diana; the Victoire engages two Dutchmen between Carthagena and Porto Bello. One of the Dutchmen sunk, the other taken; Caraccioli goes ashore at Carthagena. The Prize sold to the Spaniards. Two English Men of War on the Point of engaging each other. Misson goes in the Pursuit of a Galleon but misses her; Men out of the Dutch Prize take on with the pyrates; they take a Jamaica Merchant Man in the Gulf of Florida, discharge the Ship with little Damage. 12 French Prisaners out of the Prize join Misson; his Generosity to the Prisoners; heaves down his Ship. The Course they should steer put to the Vote, and resolved for the Guiney Coast. The Niewstadt taken and detain'd; the Captain's Speech, the Slaves made free. Misson goes into Logoa Bay, cleans the Victoire and his Prize. His Speech to the Dutch. The pyrates take another Dutch Ship on the Coast of Angola, plunders and sink her; he sends away his Prisoners in the first Prize; 11 Dutch take on with Misson. He takes an English Ship, the Captain killed in the Engagement, and buried in Soldinia Bay; the Ceremony of his Funeral; 30 English enter with the pyrates. Caraccioli made Captain of the Prize; the rest of the English come over, Officers excepted; they cruize off Johanna; save the Crew of an English Ship; they are kindly received at Johanna. The Policy of the pyrates; Misson, Caraccioli, and several of their Men take Wives; some stay on this, others join Misson; the King of Mohila invades the Johannians. The Mohilians defeated; Misson sails for Mohila. Lands and does great Damage; the Queen of Johanna's Request contrary to Misson's Views, . Ambassadors from Mohila; a remarkable Speech of one of them. Treachery of the Mohilians. Caraccioli wounded. Stratagem of the King of Mohila to excuse himself; the Opinion of the Johannians; a second Landing. The pyrates return to Johanna; the conjugal Affection of a Johanna Woman. The Manner of her Suicide. They resolve for the Coast of Mohila. They take a Portuguese Ship; Caraccioli looses his right Leg; they return to Johanna; Misson sails for Madagascar, enters the Bay to the Northward of Diego Suarez. Pitches on a Place for settling, and return to Johanna. His Demand of the Johannians, and their Compliance, . They go to Madagascar; begin to settle; meet with a Native. They come with a Village.

Of Captain Bowen.

TAKES the Coneway near Collequilon. Steers for Madagascar, looses his Ship off, and is entertain'd by the Governor at, Mauritius; buys a Vessel, goes to Madagascar, settles at Maritan . Surprizes the Speedy Return, a Scots Ship. Captain Green driven into Scotland, suspected of pyratically taking the Scots Ship. The Evidence against Green . That Evidence refuted, . Captain Green, &c. condemned. Their Treatment after Sentence. Haines and Linseys forced Confession. The Roper Galley brings home two of the Speedy Return's Crew; the Commotions among the common people, and Execution of Green, Madder, Sympson. Captain Green's speech. Bowen sails for Mascarenas, is disappointed in his Hopes. Looses Company of his Brigantine; sails for Mauritius; comes back to Madagascar join'd by the Brigantine, which they condemn and burn; hears of Captain Howard. Sails in Search of Howard, meets with him at Mayotta; they take the Pembroke, and after plundering let her go, . Capt. Whaley, falsely printed Woolley, detain'd; the Speedy Return goes to Madagascar to clean; coming back and missing their Comrade they steer for the Red Sea. Join the Prosperous off the Highland of St. John; Bowen takes a Moor Ship; the Prosperous separated by the Chase joins them, both Ships burnt, and both Crews go on board the Prize, The Villany of a Dutchman. Captain Whaley discharged; the Pembroke a second Time plunder'd; the pyrates go to Mauritius; two of Drummond's Crew get away, who were fruitless Evidences for Capt. Green.

Of Captain William Kid.

Commanded a Privateer in the West-Indies, recommended to the Government by Lord Bellamont, &c. . Not encouraged, he is sent out in a private Man of War with the King's Commission. He sails for New York, in his Way takes a French Banker arrived there, ships more Hands. Sails to Maderas, Bonavista, Cape de Verd Islands, and Madagascar; meets 3 English Men of War; meets with nothing at Madagascar; goes to the Malabar Coast, cruizes about Mohila and Johanna, borrows Money and repairs his Ship. At Mabbee he takes some Corn; from thence steers for Bab's Key; he sends a Boat along the Coast, and gains Intelligence. He falls in with a Fleet, but is obliged to sheer off; goes to the Malabar Coast, takes a Moorish Vessel; treats the Men cruelly, and discharges the Vessel; touches at Carawar, and is suspected of Pyracy. Engages a Portuguese Man of War sent after him and gets off; takes a Moor Ship, under Pretence of her being French. Keeps Company with a Dutch Ship; quarrels with and kills his Gunner; plunders a Portuguese Ship on the Malabar Coast and lets her go; his Cooper is murder'd in one of the Malabar Islands; he burns and pillages several Houses; commands a Native to be shot. He takes the Queda, and shares l. a Man amongst his Crew. He cheats the Indians; goes to Madagascar; meets there Culliford the Pyrate, shifts into the Queda, and shares the rest of her Cargo. His Men desert from him ; goes to Amboyna, hears he is declared a Pyrate in England; Lord Bellamont prints his Justification; a Pardon granted to pyrates, Avery and Kid excepted. Kid goes to, and is secured at New York; some of his Crew depending on the Pardon, are confined; sent to England and condemn'd, excepted. A Distinction of the Lawyers; Kid found guilty of the Murder of his Gunner; some plead the King's Pardon to no Purpose. Mullins his Plea. Kid's Plea useless, he and his Men indicted, executed.

Of Captain Tew.

REason for breaking off Capt. Misson's Life, his Adventures continued. Misson's Crew correspond with the Natives; Misson goes to Sea again, meets a Portuguese Ship of Guns. After an obstinate Engagement makes her Prize. He meets Captain Tew. Tew set out by the Governor of Bermudas, with Captain Drew; they are parted in a Storm; he proposes to his Men the going on the Account. Tew steers for the Red Seas; meets with and takes a rich Prize, . The pyrates share out of her l. a Man; the Quarter Master and Men settle at Madagascar; Tew goes with Misson. Account of Proceedings ashore. The Prisoners discharged. Tew goes to the Guiney Coast, makes two Prizes and returns. Misson builds two sloops. Some Natives settle among those of the Colony, Caraccioli goes to Mascarenas returns with a Dutch Prize; Misson sails to the Northward, meets a Ship of the great Mogul's. Shapes his Course with his Prize for Madagascar; is overtaken with a Storm. Arrive at their Settlement; the Victoire rebuilt; the Settlement attack'd. The Disposition of their Forces; they repel and pursue the Invaders, . The pyrates take a Ship and execute two Prisoners. Caraccioli's Speech. Some Difference arises among the French and English, and is accommodated; a general Assembly called, . A Form of Government propos'd and enter'd upon; a Council chosen and a Council-house built; Caraccioli opens the Session with a Speech. Great Officers and a privy Council chosen. Tew goes to Sea; speaks with his old Quarter-Master. The Quarter Master's Discourse to him. The Quarter Master's Reasons for settling at Madagascar. The Victoire and her Crew lost: Tew stays Months with his old Companions; meets Captain Misson. He tells Tew the Misfortune of the Colony offers him one of the Sloops. Misson shares the Treasure they shape their course for the Guiney Coast; Misson perishes in a Storm; Tew arrives at Rhode Island; satisfies his Owners; how these Papers came to the Author's Hand; Tew persuaded to go out again. He meets a Ship in the Streights of the Red Sea; is kill'd in the Engagement, and his Men surrender.

Of Captain Halsey.

HIS Birth; he goes out with a Commission; takes a French Banker, goes to Fial and the Canary Islands; makes Prize at ; goes to Bravo, turns his Lieutenant ashore, steers for Madagascar, takes in some Ship-wreck'd Men; makes for the Red Seas. Meets with and keeps Company with a Dutch Ship; is broken by his Crew; is reinstated in his Command; steers for Nicobar Island; takes the Buffalo; Captain Buckley dies . Takes Captain Collins; on a Dispute his Crew divides; Part go for Madagascar; Halsey steers for the Streights of Malacca; wants Courage to attack two different Ships; he chases and is chased by the Albemarle. Makes for Madagascar, falls in with Mascarenas; arrives at Madagascar, meets with the Buffalo and Captain White; augments his Company: sets out again for the Red Seas; stops at Johanna; narrowly escapes being taken; takes a Grab. Takes the Rising Eagle, the Captain of her, chief Mate, and Purser, killed; Capt. Jago's Cowardice, . The second Mate of the Prize shoots a Pyrate after striking; they chase and take the Essex; make a great Booty in Money; discharge the Prizes, are civil to the Passengers, and return to Madagascar. A Ships comes from Maderass, another from Scotland to trade with, and the latter is surprized by the pyrates; a Hurricane happens; Burgiss's Treachery. The Maderass Ship seized, and afterwards sent away; Halsey's Death. His funeral Ceremony.

Of Captain Thomas White.

HIS Birth and Education; his first Employment; he is taken by a French Pyrate and detain'd; they sink their own Vessel, and afterwards burn White's Brigantine. Cruelty of the pyrates to the English Prisoners; White narrowly escapes being shot; his Protector murder'd; the pyrates steer for Madagascar, loose their Ship at Elexa; Thomas White and some other Prisoners get to Augustine Bay. They are obliged by the King of Bavaw to enter on board Read the Pyrate; a Number of the French pyrates cut off, the rest made Slaves by the Natives; Read goes to the Gulf of Persia, takes a Grab; throws over board a Quantity of Gold. Read dies; succeeded by James; the Grab turn'd into a Ship at Mayotta. The Ruby East-India Man lost; the pyrates go for Madagascar; meet Fourgette's Vessel. The Manner of taking this Vessel, . They go to St. Mary's; Captain Mosson and his Crew cut off; the two Ships join Company; come to an Anchor in Methelage, a large Ship enters the River. Freights the pyrates; one of their Ships sunk; the Vanity and Behaviour of the Captain of the Speaker. The Purser of the Speaker taken Prisoner and released; Treachery of Hugh Man. The Speaker surpriz'd. Fourgette's Ship given to the Captain of the Speaker; the Punctuality of the pyrates; Death of the Captain of the Speaker; the pyrates make for the East Indies; stop on the Coast of Zanguebar. Capt. Booth and twenty other pyrates murdered, Bowen succeeds him; in the Mouth of the Red Seas fall in with Sail,. A Dispute arises; they take a Moor's Ship; they go to the Malabar Coast; White goes on board the Prosperous; the Boatswain's Mates Treachery; the Captain and Chief Mate of the Prosperous kill'd. White left ashore; goes for Methelage. Some of his Comrades leave him; he returns to Methelage, join'd by three other pyrates. They hear of their Comrades in the Ship at St. Mary's and go to Olumbah, where they fortify themselves; Honesty of the pyrates among themselves. White buys a Boat; goes to Methelage; meets some of the Degraves's Men in a French Prize; is chosen Captain; goes to Ambonavoula. Sails for Mayotta; thence to Babel Mandel; lies for the Mocha Ships; takes two Grabs; dares not venture on a Dutchman; stands for the Ethiopian Coast; takes the Malabar; chases a Portuguese Man of War; spies a Merchant Man of the same Nation. Takes this Ship; takes Captain Penruddock; gives him the Portuguese Ship; made him some Presents; sends him away; share l. a Man; miss a great Booty; send away their Prisoners; takes Captain Stacy. The Generosity of the pyrates; they discharge Stacy; they take a Ketch in the Bay of Defarr; steer for Madagascar; touch at Mascarenas; some of the Crew stay here, the rest settle at Madagascar; Captain Halsey comes in; White makes a Voyage with Halsey; White's Death. His Will.

Of Captain Condent.

HIS Birth; he leaves Providence; Resentment of an Indian; Condent's Bravery; he is wounded,. A shocking Piece of Inhumanity; the Duke of York taken; the Crew divides; Condent chosen Captain of one Party; makes for the Cape de Verd Islands; takes a Ship from Maderas; arrives at the Isle of May, and takes Sail; turns Justice of Peace; sails to St. Jago, takes and goes on board a Dutch Ship; makes several Prizes on the Brazil Coast. Takes the Wright Galley, a Portuguese and a Dutch East India Man; steers for the Island Ferdinando, discharges Captain Spelt; sails again for the Brazil Coast; engages a Gun Ship; takes another Portuguese and a Frenchman. Some of his Men seized in the River of Plate; forc'd Men get away; Cruelty to the Portuguese, and the Reason; goes to the Guiney Coast, and takes Captain Hill; stands away for the East Indies; takes an Oftender; arrives at Madagascar; meets with some of Halsey's Crew which increases his Number, goes for the East Indies; stops at Johanna. Assists in taking the Cassandra; touches at Mascarenas, takes a Gun Ship; goes to the Coast of Zanguebar, razes a Dutch Fortification, makes Conditions with the Governor of Mascarenas, marries his Sister, comes to Europe, settles at St. Maloes.

Description of Magadoxa.

THE Reason of Captain Beavis's coming on the Zanguebar Coast. His third Mate goes ashore, . He describes the People at his Return on board. The fourth Mate and a Molatto go ashore and return; he goes further to the Westward. The third Mate and Gunner land again, come back with Antilopes and two Guiney Hens; the Ship weighs, they spy some Men; but they avoid the Boat's Crew. They discover, and anchor before a Town; the Men sent, civilly treated. They return to the Ship with a Present from the King's Son; the third Mate, Gunner, and Molotto, ensnared. The Ship's Boat seized. The first Mate goes towards the Shore, the Natives discharge their Arrows at the Boat, and he returns to the Ship,. The Captain's Method to be inform'd of his People. The Natives fire at the Boat. The Captain despairing of his Men, weighs and keeps along Shore. Sails for Johanna. The Manner of the Mate, &c. being betray'd; the Molotte is carried before the King. His Examination; Description of the Prison. The Molatto is inform'd of the cruel Death of his Companions. He is carried again before the King; what past between the King and him, . He is remanded to Goal; his Conversation with the Jaylor and another. Sent for by the King; to what End; Description of the Coway,. His Treatment in the Goal better'd. He receives News of the Ship's Departure. He is taken into the King's Service; his Business; the Diet of the People. His Manner of Life. Description of the Town, &c. The Manner of the King's taking the Air, . The Death of Malefactors. The Augazet describ'd; the Bozee a monstrous amphibious Creature; the Massau and Sachew described. The King's Diversions; the Genius of the People; a Tradition among them. Description of the Pyone; the Molatto is question'd for going out of the Town. He attends the King to the Moorzacks; what they are; the Conversation of the Day. The Molotto under great Appreprehensions; he is order'd to the Moorzacks. He is taught his Duty. Description of a Pohalick. He is sent for to the City, clapp'd into Prison; the Reason of it. His Conversation with the Jaylor, and afterwards with the King. The Manner of his passing his Time, being remanded back to the Moorzacks. By what Accident he comes into Favour. He teaches the Way of Fishing with a Line, The Execution of a Passau. A particular Description of the Moorzacks. The Funeral Ceremony of the Magadoxians. The Religion . A Rebellion; a Ship appears; the Molotto brought to the Army. Treachery of the King. A great Slaughter; the Molotto bears of a Ship; meditates his Escape. He gets away in the Night. He comes comes up to a large River; discovers six Men in his Pursuit; swims over the River. Escapes a large Alligator; spies the Ship. Is taken on board a Dutch Boat. Two of his Pursuers swim on board the Boat; give an Account of one being devour'd by an Alligator. The Molotto goes to Batavia; sails in the Dutch Service; from Holland comes to England.

Of Captain Bellamy.

TURNS Pyrate with Williams, they take Captain Prince; Bellamy is made Captain of the Prize; infest the Coast of Virginia. A great Storm. Captain Beer taken. Bellamy's Speech to Beer. An odd Accident. Williams takes a Vessel off Cape Cod. Description of Nova Scotia; the pyrates careen in the River Mechises. A Sailor's Advice, . A smart Engagement. The Mary Anne taken. the Whidaw lost; Cruelty of the pyrates; Execution of of them.

Of Captain Fly.

HE is shipp'd by Captain Green. Conspiracy against, and barbarous Murder of, Captain Green, &c. Fly chosen Captain; Fulker taken. Barbarity used towards Fulker. Captain Gale taken. A florid Speech of Fly's. Harris taken. A Schooner taken. Fly surprized and taken. He &c. are executed.

Of Captain Howard.

HE sets out a Pyrating in a Canoe. Takes an Irish Brigantine, and several other Prizes,. The Cowardice of a Portuguese Captain. Mr. Godly of Bristol his Ship plunder'd. Howard like to be carried off; the pyrates loose their Ship; Howard robs his Comrades. The pyrates taken off the Island by another Pyrate. Howard himself robb'd, . The Thief robb'd by his Comrades. Howard goes on board the Speaker; declared Captain of the Prosperous. His Design on a Dutchman; Howard wounded. He is joined by Bowen. Two Moor Ships taken. Howard's Death.

Of Captain Lewis.

SETS out in a Canoe. He makes several Prizes; Folly of the Bermudas Men, Bravery of one Tucker. Lewis's Justice. His Cruelty to the English, takes the Herman, his Quarter-Masier seized ashore. He is released; the Sheerness Man of War narrowly miss the pyrates. Takes a large Frenchman by Stratagem. A remarkable Accident; Captain Smith taken; the Company parts; the Consequence to the French. Lewis murther'd.

Of Captain Cornelius.

MAKES many Prizes; burns most of the Portuguese Vessels. Sinks a Guiney Man in an Engagement. The firing Minute Guns, the Loss of a Ship. The fatal Consequence of Revenge; the pyrates arrive at Madagascar. The History of King Chimenatto. The pyrates in Danger of being taken. Cornelius his Death.

Of Captain Williams.

HIS Birth. He is left on Madagascar. He is taken Prisoner. Taken a second Time, . He is a third Time taken. King Dempaino sends for Williams. The King of Maratan refuses to send him. He is obliged to give Williams up. Williams makes a Voyage to the Red Sea. He is carried Prisoner on board the Severn. He is chosen Captain of the Scots Ship. He is put to a cruel Death. His Men on Board murder'd. His and his Mens Blood reveng'd.

Of Captain Burgess.

HE sets out to trade with the pyrates looses his Ship, stays at Madagascar, and is forced on board a Pyrate, . Makes a Voyage to the East Indies, and gets home; he makes two Voyages to Madagascar from New York. Is taken by an East-India Man in returning on the second Voyage. Is condemn'd for Pyracy and pardon'd; goes on Board the Neptune. Betrays the Ship, and is chosen Quarter-Master, . He is stripp'd by his Comrades, recovers his Money, is stripp'd again. Goes on board the Henry. Is poyson'd.

Contents of the Appendix.

THE Reception of Captain Rogers, Governor of, and at Providence. Rackham and Vane part. Rackham's Ship taken, he and his Crew escape ashore. Rackham gets to Providence, and is allowed the Benefit of the King's Pardon. Anne Bonny proposes to her Husband his selling her to Rackham. Rackham seizes a Sloop. He forces some of Turnley's Men. Governor Rogers his Sloops seized. Turnley, &c. maroon'd. Their Hardships, to . The pyrates catch a Tartar. They are all taken, the forced Men sent to Providence. Governor Rogers sends to fetch the maroon'd Men. The pyrates who escaped on Shore intrap'd by Governor Rogers. Rounsival's Generosity. Teach sends Mr. Mark for Druggs, Wragg, &c. left Hostages. The Hostages in Jeopardy of their Lives; a Boat coming on board saves them. Teach draws up before Charles Town. The Hostages released,. A Vindication of Governor Eden to . Major Bonnet's Letter to the Governor. The manner of taking Captain Worley. The Particulars of Captain Evan's his being taken, from his own Letter, . Tryal of the pyrates. Their Behaviour and Execution, . Captain Vane's Procedure at Providence. His Letter to Governor Rogers. Captain King's Protest, to . Captain Bowen's Birth and first Employment. He is taken by a French Pyrate.

Of Captain North.

HIS Birth. He's press'd; runs away; goes a Privateering. Press'd a second Time; runs away again; Captain Lycence killed. North is again press'd and escapes. The Temerity of a Frenchman. He &c. turn pyrates. Take the King of Mayotta. Stand for the Red Seas Consort with Culliford and Shivers, take a Moors Ship. Roguery among the pyrates. A Moor Ship escapes; they take three others of the same Nation,. The Captain of the Dolphin gives over Pyrating and returns home; North separated by bad Weather, they plunder a Dane, set Fire to the Dolphin, the Reason. North overset and swims to Shore. The pyrates throw over their Guns in a Storm. They are shew'd a Well of Water of a strange Nature. They meet the Prosperous, and soon after Moor Ships. They burn the Speedy Return; sink the Prosperous; they are all poisoned. Four only die; Bowen's Death; North made Captain. Ceremony of making their Captain. By North's Advice the Moors go off with their Ship. The pyrates settle on Madagascar; their Way of Life. North travels Southward to trade. He joins and goes to War with the Mangorians. He besieges a Town, the Manner of the Siege. North's Allies design to deceive him. His Proceedings upon the Discovery. North returns homewards, join'd by the Timouses, the Ceremony of swearing among those of Madagascar. Halsey comes in, North and Company go on board him. North drives out the Timouses. North's Humanity to a Frenchman. North revenges the Barbarity of the Mayottans towards some English. North murder'd.

Of Captain Misson.

WE can be somewhat particular in the Life of this Gentleman, because, by very great Accident, we have got into our Hands a French Manuscript, in which he himself gives a Detail of his Actions. He was born in Provence, of an ancient Family; his Father, whose true Name he conceals, was Master of a plentiful Fortune; but having a great Number of Children, our Rover had but little Hopes of other Fortune than what he could carve out for himself with his Sword. His Parents took Care to give him an Education equal to his Birth. After he had passed his Humanity and Logick, and was a tolerable Mathematician, at the Age of Fifteen he was sent to Angiers, where he was a Year learning his Exercises. His Father, at his Return home, would have put him into the Musketeers; but as he was of a roving Temper, and much affected with the Accounts he had read in Books of Travels, he chose the Sea as a Life which abounds with more Variety, and would afford him an Opportunity to gratify his Curiosity, by the Change of Countries. having made this Choice, his Father, with Letters of Recommendation, and every Thing fitting for him, sent him Voluntier on board the Victoire, commanded by Monsieur Fourbin, his Relation. He was received on Board with all possible Regard by the Captain, whose Ship was at Marseilles, and was order'd to cruize soon after Misson's Arrival. Nothing could be more agreeable to the Inclinations of our Voluntier than this Cruize, which made him acquainted with the most noted Ports of the Mediterranean, and gave him a great Insight into the practical Part of Navigation. He grew fond of this Life, and was resolved to be a compleat Sailor, which made him always one of the first on a Yard Arm, either to Hand or Reef, and very inquisitive in the different Methods of working a Ship: His Discourse was turn'd on no other Subject, and he would often get the Boatswain and Carpenter to teach him in their Cabbins the constituent Parts of a Ship's Hull, and how to rigg her, which he generously paid ’em for; and tho’ he spent a great Part of his Time with these two Officers, yet he behaved himself with such Prudence that they never attempted at a Familiarity, and always paid the Respect due to his Family. The Ship being at Naples, he obtained Leave of his Captain to go to Rome, which he had a great Desire to visit. Hence we may date his Misfortunes; for, remarking the licentious Lives of the Clergy (so different from the Regularity observ'd among the French Ecclesiasticks,) the Luxury of the Papal Court, and that nothing but Hulls of Religion was to be found in the Metropolis of the Christian Church, he began to figure to himself that all Religion was no more than a Curb upon the Minds of the Weaker, which the wiser Sort yielded to, in Appearance only. These Sentiments, so disadvantageous to Religion and himself, were strongly riveted by accidentally becoming acquainted with a lewd Priest, who was, at his Arrival (by meer Chance) his Confessor, and after that his Procurer and Companion, for he kept him Company to his Death. One Day, having an Opportunity, he told Misson, a Religious was a very good Life, where a Man had a subtle enterprising Genius, and some Friends; for such a one wou'd, in a short Time, rise to such Dignities in the Church, the Hopes of which was the Motive of all the wiser Sort, who voluntarily took upon them the sacerdotal Habit. That the ecclesiastical State was govern'd with the same Policy as were secular Principalities and Kingdoms; that what was beneficial, not what was meritorious and virtuous, would be alone regarded. That there were no more Hopes for a Man of Piety and Learning in the Patrimony of St. Peter, than in any other Monarchy, nay, rather less; for this being known to be real, that Man's rejected as a Visionary, no way fit for Employment; as one whose Scruples might prove prejudicial; for its a Maxim, that Religion and Politicks can never set up in one House. As to our Statesmen, don't imagine that the Purple makes ’em less Courtiers than are those of other Nations; they know and pursue the Reggione del Stato (a Term of Art which means Self-Interest) with as much Cunning and as little Conscience as any Secular; and are as artful where Art is required, and as barefaced and impudent when their Power is great enough to support ’em, in the oppressing the People, and aggrandizing their Families. What their Morals are, you may read in the Practice of their Lives, and their Sentiments of Religion from this Saying of a certain Cardinal, Quantum Lucrum ex ista fabula Christi! which many of ’em may say, tho’ they are not so foolish. For my Part, I am quite tir'd of the Farce, and will lay hold on the first Opportunity to throw off this masquerading Habit; for, by Reason of my Age, I must act an under Part many Years; and before I can rise to share the Spoils of the People, I shall, I fear, be too old to enjoy the Sweets of Luxury; and, as I am an Enemy to Restraint, I am apprehensive I shall never act up to my Character, and carry thro’ the Hypocrite with Art enough to rise to any considerable Post in the Church. My Parents did not consult my Genius, or they would have given me a Sword instead of a Pair of Beads.

Misson advised him to go with him Voluntier, and offer'd him Money to cloath him; the Priest leap'd at the Proposal, and a Letter coming to Misson from his Captain, that he was going to Leghorn, and left to him either to come to Naples, or go by Land; he chose the latter, and the Dominican, whom he furnish'd with Money, clothing himself very Cavalierly, threw off his Habit, and preceeded him two Days, staying at Pisa for Misson; from whence they went together to Leghorn, where they found the Victoire, and Signor Caraccioli, recommended by his Friend, was received on Board. Two Days after they weigh'd from hence, and after a Week's Cruize fell in with two Sally Men, the one of twenty, the other of twenty four Guns; the Victoire had but thirty mounted, though she had Ports for forty. The Engagement was long and bloody, for the Sally Man hop'd to carry the Victoire; and, on the contrary, Captain Fourbin, so far from having any Thoughts of being taken, he was resolutely bent to make Prize of his Enemies, or sink his Ship. One of the Sally Men was commanded by a Spanish Renegade, (though he had only the Title of a Lieutenant) for the Captain was a young Man who knew little of Marine Affairs.

This Ship was called the Lyon; and he attempted, more than once, to board the Victoire; but by a Shot betwixt Wind and Water, he was obliged to sheer off, and running his Guns, &c. on one Side, bring her on the careen to stop his Leak; this being done with too much Precipitation, she overset, and every Soul was lost: His Comrade seeing this Disaster, threw out all his small Sails, and endeavour'd to get off, but the Victoire wrong'd her, and oblig'd her to renew the Fight, which she did with great Obstinacy, and made Monsieur Fourbin despair of carrying her if he did not board; he made Preparations accordingly. Signior Caraccioli and Misson were the two first on board when the Command was given; but they and their Followers were beat back by the Despair of the Sally Men; the former received a Shot in his Thigh, and was carried down to the Surgeon. The Victoire laid her on board the second time, and the Sally Men defended their Decks with such Resolution, that they were cover'd with their own, and the dead Bodies of their Enemies. Misson seeing one of ’em jump down the Main-Hatch with a lighted Match, suspecting his Design, resolutely leap'd after him, and reaching him with his Sabre, laid him dead the Moment he was going to set Fire to the Powder. The Victoirepouring in more Men, the Mahometans quitted the Decks, finding Resistance vain, and fled for Shelter to the Cook Room, Steerage and Cabbins, and some run between Decks. The French gave ’em Quarters, and put the Prisoners on board the Victoire, the Prize yielding nothing worth mention, except Liberty to about fifteen Christian Slaves; she was carried into and sold with the Prisoners at Leghorn. The Turks lost a great many Men, the French not less than 35 in boarding, for they lost very few by the great Shot, the Sally Men firing mostly at the Masts and Rigging, hoping by disabling to carry her. The limited Time of their Cruize being out, the Victoire returned to Marseilles, from whence Misson, taking his Companion, went to visit his Parents, to whom the Captain sent a very advantageous Character, both of his Courage and Conduct. He was about a Month at home when his Captain wrote to him, that his Ship was order'd to Rochelle, from whence he was to sail for the West-Indies with some Merchant Men. This was very agreeable to Misson and Signior Caraccioli, who immediately set out for Marseilles. This Town is well fortified, has four Parish Churches, and the Number of Inhabitants is computed to be about 120,000; the Harbour is esteemed the safest in the Mediterranean, and is the common Station for the French Gallies.

Leaving this Place, they steer'd for Rochelle, where the Victoire was dock'd, the Merchant Ships not being near ready. Misson, who did not Care to pa's so long a Time in Idleness, proposed to his Comrade the taking a Cruize on board the Triumph, who was going into the English Channel; the Italian readily consented to it.

Between the Isle of Guernsey and the Start Point, they met with the Mayflower, Captain Balladine Commanded, a Merchant Ship of 18 Guns, richly laden, and coming from Jamaica. The Captain of the English made a gallant Resistance, and fought his Ship so long, that the French could not carry her into Harbour, wherefore they took the Money, and what was most valuable, out of her; and finding she made more Water than the Pumps could free, quitted, and saw her go down in less than four Hours after. Monsieur le Blanc, the French Captain, received Captain Balladine very civilly, and would not suffer either him or his Men to be stripp'd, saying, None but Cowards ought to be treated after that Manner; that brave Men ought to treat such, though their Enemies, as Brothers; and that to use a gallant Man ( who does his Duty) ill, speaks a Revenge which cannot proceed but from a Coward Soul. He order'd that the Prisoners should have their Chests; and when some of his Men seem'd to mutter, he bid ’em remember the Grandeur of the Monarch they serv'd; that they were neither pyrates nor Privateers; and, as brave Men, they ought to shew their Enemies an Example they would willingly have follow'd, and use their Prisoners as they wish'd to be us'd.

They running up the English Channel as high as Beachy Head, and, in returning, fell in with three fifty Gun Ships, which gave Chace to the Triumph; but as she was an excellent Sailor, she run ’em out of Sight in seven Glasses, and made the best of her Way for the Lands-End; they here cruized eight Days, then doubling Cape Cornwall, ran up the Bristol Channel, near as far as Nash Point, and intercepted a small Ship from Barbadoes, and stretching away to the Northward, gave Chase to a Ship they saw in the Evening, but lost her in the Night. The Triumph stood then towards Milford, and spying a Sail, endeavour'd to cut her off the Land, but found it impossible; for she got into the Haven, though they came up with her very fast, and she had surely been taken, had the Chase had been any thing longer.

Captain Balladine, who took the Glass, said it was the Port Royal, a Bristol Ship which left Jamaica in Company with him and the Charles. They now return'd to their own Coast, and sold their Prize at Brest, where, at his Desire, they left Captain Balladine, and Monsieur le Blanc made him a Present of Purse with 40 Louis's for his Support; his Crew were also left here.

At the Entrance into this Harbour the Triumph struck upon a Rock, but received no Damage: This Entrance, called Gonlet, is very dangerous on Account of the Number of Rocks which lie on each Side under Water, though the Harbour is certainly the best in France. The Mouth of the Harbour is defended by a strong Castle; the Town is well fortified, and has a Citadel for its farther Defence, which is of considerable Strength. In 1694 the English attempted a Descent, but did not find their Market, for they were beat off with the Loss of their General, and a great many Men. From hence the Triumph return'd to Rochel, and in a Month after our Voluntiers, who went on board the Victoire, took their Departure for Martineco and Guadalupa; they met with nothing in their Voyage thither worth noting.

I shall only observe, that Signior Caraccioli, who was as ambitious as he was irreligious, had, by this Time, made a perfect Delft of Misson, and thereby convinc'd him, that all Religion was no other than human Policy, and shew'd him that the Law of Moses was no more than what were necessary, as well for the Preservation as the Governing of the People; for Instance, said he, the African Negroes never heard of the Institution of Circumcision, which is said to be the Sign of the Covenant made between God and this People, and yet they circumcise their Children; doubtless for the same Reason the Jews and other Nations do, who inhabit the Southern Climes, the Prepuce consolidating the perspired Matter, which is of a fatal Consequence. In short, he ran through all the Ceremonies of the Jewish, Christian and Mahometan Religion, and convinced him these were, as might be observed by the Absurdity of many, far from being Institutions of Men inspired; and that Moses, in his Account of the Creation, was guilty of known Blunders; and the Miracles, both in the New and Old Testament, inconsistent with Reason. That God had given us this Blessing, to make Use of for our present and future Happiness, and whatever was contrary to it, notwithstanding their School Distinctions of contrary and above Reason, must be false. This Reason teaches us, that there is a first Cause of all Things, an Ens Entium, which we call God, and our Reason will also suggest, that he must be eternal, and, as the Author of every Thing perfect, he must be infinitely perfect.

If so, he can be subject to no Passions, and neither loves nor hates; he must be ever the same, and cannot rashly do to Day what he shall repent to Morrow. He must be perfectly happy, consequently nothing can add to an eternal State of Tranquillity, and though it becomes us to adore him, yet can our Adorations neither augment, nor our Sins take from this Happiness.

But his Arguments on this Head are too long, and too dangerous to translate; and as they are work'd up with great Subtlety, they may be pernicious to weak Men, who cannot discover their Fallacy; or, who finding ’em agreeable to their Inclinations, and would be glad to shake off the Yoke of the Christian Religion, which galls and curbs their Passions, would not give themselves the Trouble to examine them to the Bottom, but give into what pleases, glad of finding some Excuse to their Consciences. Though as his Opinion of a future State has nothing in it which impugns the Christian Religion, I shall set it down in few Words.

‘That reasoning Faculty, says he, which we perceive within us, we call the Soul, but what that Soul is, is unknown to us. It may die with the Body, or it may survive. I am of Opinion its immortal; but to say that this Opinion is the Dictate of Reason, or only the Prejudice of Education, would, I own, puzzle me. If it is immortal, it must be an Emanation from the Divine Being, and consequently at its being separated from the Body, will return to its first Principle, if not contaminated. Now, my Reason tells me, if it is estranged from its first Principle, which is the Deity, all the Hells of Man's Invention can never yield Tortures adequate to such a Banishment.

As he had privately held these Discourses among the Crew, he had gained a Number of Proselytes, who look'd upon him as a new Prophet risen up to reform the Abuses in Religion; and a great Number being Rochellers, and, as yet, tainted with Calvanism, his Doctrine was the more readily embrac'd. When he had experienced the Effects of his religious Arguments, he fell upon Government, and shew'd, that every Man was born free, and had as much Right to what would support him, as to the Air he respired. A contrary Way of arguing would be accusing the Deity with Cruelty and Injustice, for he brought into the World no Man to pass a Life of Penury, and to miserably want a necessary Support; that the vast Difference between Man and Man, the one wallowing in Luxury, and the other in the most pinching Necessity, was owing only to Avarice and Ambition on the one Hand, and a pusilanimous Subjection on the other; that at first no other than a Natural was known, a paternal Government, every Father was the Head, the Prince and Monarch of his Family, and Obedience to such was both just and easy, for a Father had a compassionate Tenderness for his Children; but Ambition creeping in by Degrees, the stronger Family set upon and enslaved the Weaker; and this additional Strength over-run a third, by every Conquest gathering Force to make others, and this was the first Foundation of Monarchy. Pride encreasing with Power, Man usurped the Prerogative of God, over his Creatures, that of depriving them of Life, which was a Privilege no one had over his own; for as he did not come into the World by his own Election, he ought to stay the determined Time of his Creator: That indeed, Death given in War, was by the Law of Nature allowable, because it is for the Preservation of our own Lives; but no Crime ought to be thus punished, nor indeed any War undertaken, but in Defence of our natural Right, which is such a Share of Earth as is necessary for our Support.

These Topicks he often declaimed on, and very often advised with Misson about the setting up for themselves; he was as ambitious as the other, and as resolute. Caraccioli and Misson were by this expert Mariners, and very capable of managing a Ship: Caraccioli had sounded a great many of the Men on this Subject, and found them very inclineable to listen to him. An Accident happen'd which gave Caraccioli a fair Opportunity to put his Designs in Execution, and he laid Hold of it; they went off Martinico on a Cruize, and met with the Winchelsea, an English Man of War of 40 Guns, commanded by Captain Jones; they made for each other, and a very smart Engagement followed, the first Broadside killed the Captain, second Captain, and the three Lieutenants, on Board the Victoire, and left only the Master, who would have struck, but Misson took up the Sword, order'd Caraccioli to act as Lieutenant, and encouraging the Men fought the Ship six Glasses, when by some Accident, the Winchelsea blew up, and not a Man was saved but Lieutenant Franklin, whom the French Boats took up, and he died in two Days. None ever knew before this Manuscript fell into my Hands how the Winchelsea was lost; for her Head being driven ashore at Antegoa, and a great Storm having happen'd a few Days before her Head was found, it was concluded, that she founder'd in that Storm. After this Engagement, Caraccioli came to Misson and saluted him Captain, and desired to know if he would chuse a momentary or a lasting Command, that he must now determine, for at his Return to Martinico it would be too late; and he might depend upon the Ship he fought and saved being given to another, and they would think him well rewarded if made a Lieutenant, which Piece of Justice he doubted: That he had his Fortune in his Hands, which he might either keep or let go; if he made Choice of the latter, he must never again expect she would court him to accept her Favours: That he ought to set before his Eyes his Circumstances, as a younger Brother of a good Family, but nothing to support his Character; and the many Years he must serve at the Expence of his Blood before he could make any Figure in the World; and consider the wide Difference between the commanding and being commanded: That he might with the Ship he had under Foot, and the brave Fellows under Command, bid Defiance to the Power of Europe, enjoy every Thing he wish'd, reign Sovereign of the Southern Seas, and lawfully make War on all the World, since it wou'd deprive him of that Liberty to which he had a Right by the Laws of Nature: That he might in Time, become as great as Alexander was to the Persians; and by encreasing his Forces by his Captures, he would every Day strengthen the Justice of his Cause, for who has Power is always in the Right. That Harry the Fourth and Harry the Seventh, attempted and succeeded in their Enterprizes on the Crown of England, yet their Forces did not equal his. Mahomet with a few Camel Drivers, founded the Ottoman Empire; and Darius, with no more than six or seven Companions got Possession of that of Persia.

In a Word he said so much that Misson resolved to follow his Advice, and calling up all Hands, he told them, ‘That a great Number of them had resolved with him upon a Life of Liberty, and and had done him the Honour to create him Chief: That he designed to force no Man, and be guilty of that Injustice he blamed in others; therefore, if any were averse to the following his Fortune, which he promised should be the same to all, he desired they would declare themselves, and he would set them ashore, whence they might return with Conveniency;’ having made an End, they one and all cryed, Vive le Capitain Misson et son Lieutenant le Scavant Caraccioli, God bless Capt. Misson and his learned Lieutenant Caraccioli. Misson thanked them for the Honour they conferr'd upon him, and promised he would use the Power they gave for the publick Good only, and hoped, as they had the Bravery to assert their Liberty, they would be as unanimous in the preserving it, and stand by him in what should be found expedient for the Good of all; that he was their Friend and Companion, and should never exert his Power, or think himself other than their Comrade, but when the Necessity of Affairs should oblige him.

They shouted a second Time, vive le Capitain; he, after this, desired they would chuse their subaltern Officers, and give them Power to consult and conclude upon what might be for the common Interest, and bind themselves down by an Oath to agree to what such Officers and he should determine: This they readily gave into. The School-Master they chose for second Lieutenant, Jean Besace they nominated for third, and the Boatswain, and a Quarter-Master, named Matthieu le Tondu, with the Gunner, they desired might be their Representatives in Council.

The Choice was approved, and that every Thing might pass methodically, and with general Approbation, they were called into the great Cabbin, and the Question put, what Course they should steer? The Captain proposed the Spanish Coast as the most probable to afford them rich Prizes: This was agreed upon by all. The Boatswain then asked what Colours they should fight under, and advised Black as most terrifying; but Caraccioli objected, that they were no pyrates, but Men who were resolved to assert that Liberty which God and Nature gave them, and own no Subjection to any, farther than was for the common Good of all: That indeed, Obedience to Governors was necessary, when they knew and acted up to the Duty of their Function; were vigilant Guardians of the Peoples Rights and Liberties; saw that Justice was equally distributed; were Barriers against the Rich and Powerful, when they attempted to oppress the Weaker; when they suffered none of the one Hand to grow immensely rich, either by his own or his Ancestors Encroachments; nor on the other, any to be wretchedly miserable, either by falling into the Hands of Villains, unmerciful Creditors, or other Misfortunes. While he had Eyes impartial, and allowed nothing but Merit to distinguish between Man and Man; and instead of being a Burthen to the People by his luxurious Life, he was by his Care for, and Protection of them, a real Father, and in every Thing acted with the equal and impartial Justice of a Parent: But when a Governor, who is the Minister of the People, thinks himself rais'd to this Dignity, that he may spend his Days in Pomp and Luxury, looking upon his Subjects as so many Slaves, created for his Use and Pleasure, and therefore leaves them and their Affairs to the immeasurable Avarice and Tyranny of some one whom he has chosen for his Favourite, when nothing but Oppression, Poverty, and all the Miseries of Life flow from such an Administration; that he lavishes away the Lives and Fortunes of the People, either to gratify his Ambition, or to support the Cause of some neighbouring Prince, that he may in Return, strengthen his Hands should his People exert themselves in Defence of their native Rights; or should he run into unnecessary Wars, by the rash and thoughtless Councils of his Favourite, and not able to make Head against the Enemy he has rashly or wantonly brought upon his Hands, and buy a Peace (which is the present Case of France, as every one knows, by supporting King James, and afterwards proclaiming his Son) and drain the Subject; should the Peoples Trade be wilfully neglected, for private Interests, and while their Ships of War lie idle in their Harbours, suffer their Vessels to be taken; and the Enemy not only intercepts all Commerce, but insults their Coasts: It speaks a generous and great Soul to shake off the Yoak; and if we cannot redress our Wrongs, withdraw from sharing the Miseries which meaner Spirits submit to, and scorn to yield to the Tyranny. Such Men are we, and, if the World, as Experience may convince us it will, makes War upon us, the Law of Nature empowers us not only to be on the defensive, but also on the offensive Part. As we then do not proceed upon the same Ground with pyrates, who are Men of dissolute Lives and no Principles, let us scorn to take their Colours: Ours is a brave, a just, an innocent, and a noble Cause; the Cause of Liberty. I therefore advise a Thomas White Ensign, with Liberty painted in the Fly, and if you like the Motto, a Deo a Libertate, for God and Liberty, as an Emblem of our Uprightness and Resolution.

The Cabbin Door was left open, and the Bulk Head which was of Canvas rowled up, the Steerage being full of Men, who lent an attentive Ear, they cried, Liberty, Liberty; we are free Men: Vive the brave Captain Misson and the noble Lieutenant Caraccioli. This short Council breaking up, every Thing belonging to the deceas'd Captain, and the other Officers, and Men lost in the Engagement, was brought upon Deck and over-hawled; the Money ordered to be put into a Chest, and the Carpenter to clap on a Padlock for, and give a Key to, every one of the Council: Misson telling them, all should be in common, and the particular Avarice of no one should defraud the Publick.

When the Plate Monsieur Fourbin had, was going to the Chest, the Men unanimously cried out avast, keep that out for the Captain's Use, as a Present from his Officers and Fore-mast Men. Misson thanked them, the Plate was returned to the great Cabbin, and the Chest secured according to Orders: Misson then ordered his Lieutenants and other Officers to examine who among the Men, were in most Want of Cloaths, and to distribute those of the dead Men impartially, which was done with a general Consent and Applause of the whole Crew: All but the wounded being upon Deck. Misson from the Baracade, spoke to the following Purpose, ‘That since they had unanimously resolved to seize upon and defend their Liberty, which ambitious Men had usurped, and that this could not be esteemed by impartial Judges other than a just and brave Resolution, he was under an Obligation to recommend to them a brotherly Love to each other; the Banishment of all private Piques and Grudges, and a strict Agreement and Harmony among themselves: That in throwing off the Yoak of Tyranny of which the Action spoke an Abhorrence, he hoped none would follow the Example of Tyrants, and turn his Back upon Justice; for when Equity was trodden under Foot, Misery, Confusion, and mutual Distrust naturally followed. — He also advised them to remember there was a Supream, the Adoration of which, Reason and Gratitude prompted us, and our own Interests would engage us (as it is best to be of the surest Side, and after-Life was allowed possible) to conciliate. — That he was satisfied Men who were born and bred in Slavery, by which their Spirits were broke, and were incapable of so generous a Way of thinking, who, ignorant of their Birth-Right, and the Sweets of Liberty, dance to the Musick of their Chains, which was, indeed, the greater Part of the Inhabitants of the Globe, would brand this generous Crew with the invidious Name of pyrates, and think it meritorious, to be instrumental in their Destruction. — Self-Preservation therefore, and not a cruel Disposition, obliged him to declare War against all such as should refuse him the Entry of their Ports, and against all, who should not immediately surrender and give up what their Necessities required; but in a more particular Manner against all European Ships and Vessels, as concluded implacable Enemies. And I do now, said he, declare such War, and, at the same time, recommend to you my Comrades a humane and generous Behaviour towards your Prisoners; which will appear by so much more the Effects of a noble Soul, as we are satisfied we should not meet the same Treatment should our ill Fortune, or more properly our Disunion, or want of Courage, give us up to their Mercy.

After this, he required a Muster should be made, and there were able Hands two Hundred, and thirty five sick and wounded; as they were muster'd they were sworn. After Affairs were thus settled, they shaped their Course for the Spanish West-Indies, but resolved, in the Way, to take a Week or ten Days Cruize in the Windward Passage from Jamaica, because most Merchant Men, which were good Sailors and did not stay for Convoy, took this as the shorter Cut for England.

Off St. Christophers they took an English Sloop becalmed, with their Boats; they took out of her a couple of Puncheons of Rum, and half a dozen Hogsheads of Sugar (she was a New England Sloop, bound for Boston) and without offering the least Violence to the Men, or stripping them, they let her go. The Master of the Sloop was Thomas Butler, who owned, he never met with so candid an Enemy as the French Man of War, which took him the Day he left St. Christophers; they met with no other Booty in their Way, till they came upon their Station, when after three Days, they saw a Sloop which had the Impudence to give them Chace; Captain Misson asked what could be the Meaning that the Sloop stood for them? One of the Men, who was acquainted with the West-Indies, told him, it was a Jamaica Privateer, and he should not wonder, if he clapp'd him aboard. I am, said he, no Stranger to their Way of working, and this despicable Fellow, as those who don't know a Jamaica Privateer may think him, it is ten to one will give you some Trouble. It now grows towards Evening, and you'll find as soon as he has discovered your Force, he'll keep out of the Reach of your Guns till the 12 a-Clock Watch is changed at Night, and he'll then attempt to clap you aboard, with Hopes to carry you in the Hurry: Wherefore Captain, if you will give me Leave to advise you, let every Man have his small Arms; and at twelve, let the Bell ring as usual, and rather more Noise than ordinary be made, as if the one Watch was turning in, and the other out, in a Confusion and Hurry, and I'll engage he will venture to enter his Men. The Fellow's Advice was approved and resolved upon, and the Sloop work'd, as he said she would, for upon coming near enough to make distinctly the Force of the Victoire, on her throwing out French Colours, she, the Sloop, clapp'd upon a Wind, the Victoire gave Chace, but without Hopes of gaining upon her; she went so well to Windward, that she cou'd spare the Ship some Points in her Sheet, and yet wrong her: At Dusk of the Even, the French had lost Sight of her, but about Eleven at Night, they saw her hankering up their Windward Bow, which confirmed the Sailors Opinion, that she would attempt to board them, as she did at the pretended Change of the Watch; there being little or no Wind, she lashed to the Bow-Sprit of the Victoire, and enter'd her Men, who were very quietly taken, as they enter'd and tumbled down the Forehatch, where they were received by others, and bound without Noise, not one of the Privateers killed, few hurt, and only one Frenchman wounded. The Victoire seeing the better Part of the Sloop's Men secured, they boarded in their Turn, when the Privateer's suspecting some Stratagem, were endeavouring to cut their Lashing and get off: Thus the Englishman caught a Tartar. The Prisoners being all secured, the Captain charged his Men not to discover, thro’ a Desire of augmenting their Number, the Account they were upon.

The next Morning Monsieur Misson called for the Captain of the Privateer, he told him, he could not but allow him a brave Fellow, to venture upon a Ship of his Countenance, and for that Reason he should meet Treatment which Men of his Profession seldom afforded the Prisoners they made. He asked him how long he had been out, what was his Name, and what he had on Board? He answered he was but just come out, that he was the first Sail he had met with, and shou'd have thought himself altogether as lucky not to have spoke with him; that his Name was Harry Ramsey, and what he had on Board were Rags, Powder, Ball, and some few half Anchors of Rum. Ramsey was ordered into the Gun-Room, and a Council being held in the publick Manner aforesaid, the Bulk Head of the great Cabbin rowled up. On their Conclusion, the Captain of the Privateer was called in again, when Captain Misson