Chapter XIV: Part 14

They (the Pyrates) doubled the _Cape_ of _Good Hope_, steer'd for, refresh'd at _Johanna_, and having made their Voyage to the _East-Indies_, lost their Ship, as is already shewn in the above Life, (and need not be here repeated) on _Madagascar_: The other Particularities which are not set down in _Bowen_'s own Life, will be found in those of his Companions; as his going with Captain _Read_; the taking the _Grabb_; the coming to _Mayotta_, and from thence in the _Grabb_ to _Madagascar_; the joining of that Vessel and _Fourgette_'s; the taking the _Speaker_; his succeeding _Booth_ in the Command, and his Death at _Mascarenas_.

OF
Capt. _Nathaniel North_,
And his CREW.

We have placed this Life in the Appendix, which will not perhaps be thought a proper Place; but we could not gather the Particulars, which were collected out of several different Journals, Time enough to insert it in the Body of the Book, and therefore, thought of reserving this Life for Part of another Volume; but when we had compiled it, and found it was a Sort of Recapitulation of the Adventures of the _Madagascar_ Pyrates which went before, we judged it more proper to give it in the Appendix than to separate this Gentleman from his Companions; and we were the rather induc'd to this, as the Reader will here find an Account of _Bowen_'s Death, which we had not learn'd at the Time we wrote his Life; the Papers which we got after a long Search, and which has furnish'd us with some other Particulars of that Rover's Life, not being at that Time to be found.

* * * * *

Captain _North_ was born at _Bermudas_, and was the Son of a Sawyer, which Business he himself was bred up to, but took, at last, to the Seas, at the Age of 17 or 18, shipping himself Cook on board a Sloop, built at _Bermudas_, for some Gentlemen of _Barbadoes_, with Design to fit her out for a Privateer. She was bound to her Owners, but the Master took _Santa Vdas_ in the Way, and loaded with Salt. When they came to _Barbadoes_ all the Crew was press'd, and _North_ with his Companions were put on board the _Reserve_.

The Master applied himself to the Governor, and got all his Men clear'd, _North_ excepted, who, as he was a Lad, was neglected, and left on board the Man of War, which soon after sail'd for _Jamaica_; some Time before the _Reserve_ was relieved from this Station, he laid Hold of an Opportunity to run away, and shipp'd himself on board a Sugar Drover, in which Way of Life he continued about two Years, and being an able Sailor, tho' no Artist, he was offer'd to go Master of one of these Coasters, which he refus'd, and went on board a Privateer.

The first Voyage he made, as a Privateer, they took a couple of good Prizes, which made every Man's Share very considerable; but _North_, as he had got his Money lightly, so he spent it, making the Companions of his Dangers the Companions of his Diversions, or rather joining himself with them, and following their Example; which all (who are acquainted with the Way of Life of a successful _Jamaica_ Privateer) know is not an Example of the greatest Sobriety and Oeconomy.

His Money being all spent, he took the same Method for a Recruit, that is, he went a second Time a Privateering, and met with such Success, that he engag'd very heartily in this Course of Life, and made several lucky Cruizes.

Some Time after he grew tir'd, thought of trading, and shipp'd himself on board a Brigantine, bound for the _Spanish_ Coast, commanded by one Captain _Reesby_: This Vessel went both on the Trading and Privateer Account, so that the Men shipp'd for half Wages, and equal Shares of what Prizes they should make, in the same Manner, as to the Shares, as on board a Privateer; their trading answer'd very poorly, and their privateering Business still worse, for they return'd without making any Prize.

They were forced to leave the _Spanish_ Coast, on Account of a _Spanish Guarda la Costa_, of 40 Guns and Three hundred and fifty _Frenchmen_, commanded by a Captain of the same Nation. When they made the Island of _Jamaica_, they fell in with _Bluefields_, off which Place two _French_ Privateer Sloops were cruizing, one of which was formerly a Privateer of _Jamaica_, called the _Paradox_; they immediately clapp'd Capt. _Reesby_ on board, taking him for a Trader, come from the _Spanish_ Coast, and weakly mann'd; however, they were soon made sensible of the Mistake, for they came to fetch Wool, and one of them went away shorn; I mean _Reesby_ took one of them, and the other was obliged to a good Pair of Heels for his Safety. _Reesby_ lost ten Men, killed outright in the Engagement, and had seven wounded; the latter, tho' he had made but a broken Voyage, he put ashore at _Bluefields_, and ordered great Care to be taken of them, at the Owners Expence: Here he took in fresh Provision, and then beat up to _Port Royal_, where _Reesby_ paid them very honourably, gave them a handsome Entertainment, and begg'd they would not leave him, as he had a very great Value for them all; but for _North_ particularly, who was a good Swimmer, manag'd a Canoe, with great Dexterity, and fear'd nothing.

Upon this Desire of the Captain's, _North_ and the greater Part staid ashore till Captain _Reesby_ was refitted, and went a second Voyage with him to the Coast, at seventeen Dollars a Month, and no Share; they carried 300 Negroes, beside Bale Goods; they staid four Months on the Coast, and dispos'd of all the Slaves and Goods to great Advantage. Upon their Return to _Jamaica_, after some Stay on the Island, Captain _Reesby_ not going out again, _North_ went once more a Privateering, and made a considerable Booty. While _North_ was ashore after a Cruize, he was press'd on board the _Mary_ Man of War: He made a Cruize in her to the _Spanish_ Coast, and return'd to _Jamaica_; but hearing the _Mary_ was soon to go to _England_, he, and three more, resolv'd to swim ashore from the Keys, where the Men of War lie, but he was taken as he was going off the Head, and whipp'd; he, however, found Means to make his Escape, before the Ship left the Island, and went on board the _Neptune_ Sloop, a Privateer, commanded by Captain _Lycence_, then Lieutenant of the _Reserve_, who, while the Ship was in the Carpenter's Hands, got a Commission of the Governor to take a Cruize. Captain _Moses_, who commanded the _Reserve_, went on board their Sloop, under the Command of his Lieutenant, for Diversion only: They cruized off _Hispaniola_, where they met with a _French_ Letter of Mart Merchant Man, of 18 Guns, and 118 Men, who had the Day before engaged the _Swan_ Man of War, and shook her off.

The _Neptune_ attack'd her, and Captain _Moses_ was wounded one of the first, and carried down; _Lycense_ order'd to board, but the Quarter-Master, who steer'd, mistook the Helm, the Sloop fell off, and the _French_ pouring in a Volley of small Shot, Captain _Lycence_ was kill'd, which being told to _Moses_, as the Surgeon dress'd him, he order'd _North_ to the Helm, bid them not be discouraged, and he would be upon Deck immediately. Accordingly he came up as soon as dress'd, laid the Ship on board, where they made a very obstinate Resistance; but the _French_ Captain being kill'd, who received eleven Shot before he dropp'd, they, at length, became Masters.

The Privateer lost ten Men, and twenty were wounded: The _French_ had fifty Men killed and wounded, among whom was the Captain, who had received two Shot, as he was going down to the Surgeon to get his Blood staunch'd, and came upon Deck just as he was boarded, where, encouraging his Men, he was distinguished and aimed at.

When they had brought the Prize into _Jamaica_, as she was an _English_ Bottom, built at _Bristol_, and called the _Crown_, the former Owners sued to have half the Ship and Cargo, and recovered one third.

_North_ went again a Privateering, Captain _Moses_ his Ship being not fitted, he would take a second Cruize, and _North_ with him. Some Time after their Return, Captain _Moses_ being a cruizing in the _Reserve_, _North_, who was ashore, was press'd on board the _Assistance_ Man of War; and on the _Reserve_'s coming, being recommended by Captain _Moses_ to his own Captain, he was handsomely treated, and made one of the Barge's Crew: He was very easy till the _Assistance_ was order'd to _England_, and then, as he was apprehensive of going into a cold Climate, he took his Leave of the Man of War, and said nothing. He then went on board a Privateer again, and made several Prizes, two of which were _English_ Bottoms, and sued for by former Owners; _North_ thinking it hard to venture his Life, and have Part of his Prize Money taken away, and the Press being hot in _Jamaica_, he resolved to sail no more with the _English_; but went to _Curasoe_ into the _Dutch_ Service, and sail'd with a _Spanish_ Trader to the Coast of _New Spain_ several Voyages. In the last he made, they were chased ashore by a couple of _French_ Sloops, one of which was commanded by a _Dutchman_, named _Lawrence_, who, with his Comrade, took Possession of their Vessel, and rifled her; the Crew of the Prize called to them, and asked, if they would give them good Quarters? which they promis'd; took them all on board, and used 'em very handsomely.

The _French_ gave the Prisoners a small Sloop they took a while after, and they returned to _Curaso_.

He having now forgot his Resentment, he return'd to _Jamaica_, and went on board and cruiz'd in a _Spanish Barca Longa_, of 10 Guns, commanded by Captain _Lovering_, born at _Jamaica_; they cruiz'd three Months in the _West Indies_, and making but a small Hand of it, they put for _Newfoundland_, to try their Fortune on the Banks: Here they met a Man of War, who renew'd their Commission for six Months longer. The first Prize they made was a _French_ Ketch, with a _Spanish_ Pass, and would have pass'd for a _Spaniard_, but by strict Search, and threatning of the Men, they discovered her to be what she really was, tho' she had, as a _Spaniard_, slipp'd thro' the Fingers of a Man of War before.

They carried their Prize into Harbour, went again upon the Cruize, met with a _French_ Letter of Mart Merchant Man, a _Bristol_ built Ship, called the _Pelican_, of 18 Guns, and Seventy five Men, half laden with Fish: This Ship stood them a long Argument; they clapp'd her on board, and two of their Men enter'd, but missing lashing, the _Barca Longa_ fell a-stern, and the two Men were made Prisoners; however, they came up with her again, clapp'd her on board a second Time, and carried her into the same Port where they had left the Ketch.

They after this put to Sea again, and being discovered by the _French_ Settlement ashore, they went into St. _Mary_'s Bay, where they fell in with a large _French_ Fly-Boat, of 800 Tons, eighty Men, and 18 Guns, and laden with Fish: They chased and came up with her, under _French_ Colours; when they were pretty near the _Frenchman_ they haled, and ask'd, whence they came? a _Guernsey_ Man, at the Bowsprit End, answer'd, from _Petit Guavers_; that they had been cruizing on the Banks, and were going into the Bay for Refreshment. The _Frenchman_ bid them come no nearer, but send their Boat on board; they keeping on the Chase he fired at them, they did not mind this, but run up a long Side and boarded him; the _French_ ran to their close Quarters, and disputed the Ship three Quarters of an Hour, when they all call'd for Quarters except one Man, who wou'd take none, but ran like a Madman into the Thick of the _English_, and wounded several, tho' he was soon dispatch'd by their Pistols.

They carried this Prize to join the others, and turning all the Prisoners ashore, except what were necessary to condemn their Prizes; they stood, with a Fleet of four Sail, for _Rhode Island_.

Here they condemn'd the Fly-Boat and Ketch, but found a great Difficulty in getting the _Pelican_ condemn'd, the _English_ Owners putting in their Claim; but, at length, a _Scotch_ Lawyer did their Business, upon leaving 300 l. in his Hands to bear the Charge of any future Suit. Captain _Lovering_ dying here, the Ship's Company bought the _Pelican_, broke up the _Barca Longa_, sent her Owners their Shares, and got a Commission for the Master to cruize Southward as far as the Line, and to be valid for eighteen Months certain, two Years allowing for Accidents.

They fitted this Ship for a long Voyage, out of the Joint Stock of the Company; but Iron Hoops being scarce in _New England_, they were obliged to take Casks hoop'd with Wood, which I mention, because it proved the Ruin of their Voyage to the _East Indies_ for a whole Year.

They being fitted for the Sea, they set Sail and steer'd for the _Cape_ of _Good Hope_, which they doubled in the Month of _June_, made the best of their Way to _Madagascar_, and went into _Augustine_ Bay, where they victualled and watered, but before this was done it was _August_, which was too late to go to the _East-Indies_; which they propos'd to do with Design, to cruize on the _Moors_, not intending to Pyrate among the _Europeans_, but honestly and quietly to rob what _Moors_ fell in their Way, and return home with clean Consciences, and clean, but full Hands, within the limited Time of their Commission.

From _Augustine_ they went to _Johanna_, and the Provisions they had salted up at _Madagascar_ not being well done, it began to spoil; this and their Cloaths wanting Repair, made them desperately resolve to take the King of _Johanna_ and make him ransome himself, but the Master wou'd not take Charge of the Ship, being unacquainted with the Coast: They cruiz'd among the Islands, landed at _Comaro_, and took the Town, but found no Booty, excepting some Silver Chains, and check'd Linnen. From hence they went to _Mayotta_, where they took in a _Frenchman_ who had been morooned there, and maintain'd by the King; they consulted with him about the surprizing and taking his Town. The _Frenchman_ was averse to it, as he owed him the Obligation of being preserved; however, he was in their Hands, and must do as they would have him: They surrounded the King's House after they had been three Days in his Town, and took him and all the Inhabitants; but the King's Son made his Way thro' the thickest of them with his Cutlash, tho' he was shot afterward. The Pretence they made use of for this inhospitable Manner, was, that the King had poison'd the Crew of a Ship, which was their Consort; he denied it, as well he might, for they themselves never heard of a Ship of the Name they gave this fictitious one. The King they carried on board, the other Prisoners they put into a Sort of a Temple, with a Guard over them of 36 Men.

The Alarm being given in the Country, the Natives came down in a Body of some Thousands, and attack'd the Guard; but the Ship hearing the Fire, and seeing the Hills covered with Blacks, discharged several great Guns, loaded with Patridge, which making a very great Slaughter, obliged them to retire.

The King ransom'd himself for some Silver Chains to the Value of a thousand Dollars, and for what Provision they demanded; and at the setting him ashore, swore Allegiance to them as Masters of the Country, and took an Oath besides, never to poison any more white Men.

After this notable Expedition, they staid here a Fortnight, tho' always on their Guard, and then went back for _Augustine_ with about 20 Slaves, they carried away with them for Servants.

Here a Sickness coming among them, they built Huts ashore; they lost, notwithstanding all their Care and Precaution, their Captain and thirty Men, by the Distemper which they contracted; but it abating, they thought of going to Sea again, but on examining their Water Casks, they found the Hoops all worm eaten and rotten, so that there was no Proceeding, but this Defect was repaired by their Cooper, who was an ingenious Fellow; he went into the Woods with the _Mayotta_ Slaves, and with Withies and other Stuff he gathered, fitted them up, and made them tight, in acknowledging of which Service, they chose him Captain, and _North_ was made Quarter-Master.

At _Augustine_ they pick'd up some Straglers, among whom was _David Williams_, and on a Muster, they found they had a hundred and five Men. They then made their Vessel a free Ship, that is, they agreed every Man should have an equal Share in all Prizes; and proceeded for the Mouth of the _Red Seas_.

In the Night, after they had reach'd their Station, they made two Ships, one was the _Mocha_ Frigate, of 40 Guns, commanded by _Culliford_: she had been an _East India_ Man, and under the Command of one Captain _Stout_; the other Ship was called the _Soldada_, a Ship of 16 Guns, the Captain's Name _Shivers_; they haled one another, and on both Sides gave the same Answers, _from the Seas_, and upon Agreement, they all lay by that Night: In the Morning they consorted, and agreed to make an equal Division of all Prizes, which any of the three should take from that Time for two Months to come.

The _Pelican_ spared Wood, Water, and some of her Hands to Captain _Culliford_, and here _Williams_ shifted on board him. About ten Days after, these three had join'd Company a large _Moor_'s Ship, on which they afterwards mounted 70 Guns, hove in Sight.

They all gave Chase, but the small Ship came first up with the _Moor_, who exchang'd several Shot with the _Soldada_ and _Pelican_; but the _Soldada_ clapp'd her on board, and before the _Pelican_ could enter a Man, the _Moors_ call'd for Quarters: In boarding the _Moor_, she fired a Broadside upon the _Soldada_, but only two Shot hull'd her, and kill'd two Men, which was the only Loss they had in taking a thousand Prisoners, Passengers, and Sailors.

All the Money was carried on board the _Mocha_ Frigate, and divided between her Crew and the _Soldada_, excluding without other Reason than _sic volumus_, the _Pelican_ from any Share.

The Crew of the _Pelican_ expostulated with them, and bid them remember they had spared both Wood and Water, or the _Mocha_ could not have kept the Station; instead of any Answer, they receiv'd a Command to be gone, or they would sink them; they answering, they could not go by themselves, wanting the Water and Wood they had spared. The two Consorts gave them a thousand Dollars, and some Water out of the _Moor_, bidding them buy Wood, where they could purchase it, and so left the _Pelican_ to her self, going away for the Coast of _Malabar_, where they put the Prisoners and Horses they had taken ashore, sunk the _Soldada_, and thence went to the Isle of _St. Mary_'s on _Madagascar_, where the _Moor_'s Ship now lies sunk. They shared out of this Prize a thousand Pounds a Man in Silver and Gold besides other Goods; and the two Pyrates amounted to the Number of 350 Men.

The _Pelican_ kept the same Station for some Days, when a large _Moor_ Ship hove in Sight, they gave Chase, and the _Moor_, not suspecting her for an Enemy, did not endeavour to get away; when the _Pelican_ came up, she fired for the _Moor_ to bring to, which made him set his small Sails, tho' with the Loss of several Men; for the _Pelican_ being close up, brought them down with the small Arms. When the _Moor_ had, at length, hove out his small Sails, the _Pelican_ could not gain upon him enough to board, tho' she was not a Pistol Shot a-stern; whenever she came upon his Lee Quarter, the _Moor_ being a tall Ship, took away the Wind from the _Pelican_, and she could never get to Windward of him. She ply'd her fore Chase all this while, and drove the _Moors_ from their stern Chase, but could not, as they endeavour'd to do, strike the _Moors_ Rudder, or any other Way disable him. At length, by the Fear and bad Steerage of the _Moor_, the _Pelican_ ran up along Side of them, but as she miss'd lashing, she was obliged to shoot a head; in the mean while the _Moor_ Wore round, the _Pelican_ put to Stays after him but not Staying, and they being all in Confusion, they Wore also; but in this Time the _Moor_ had got the Start, and setting all the Canvas he could pack on his Ship's Back, wrong'd the _Pelican_, and got off.

The Loss of this Ship made the Crew almost distracted, and made, for some Time, a great Division among them, some cursing the Ship for a heavy Sailor, and proposing to return home, others cursing themselves, and the ill Management by which they miss'd lashing, and propos'd going to _Madagascar_, and the breaking her up, since as she was a single Bottom, she must be worm-eaten; but Time, which mollifies the greatest Rage, abated these Contentions, and put an End to the Animosities which sprung from their Disappointment.

They being cool, resolved for the _Malabar_ Coast, on which they took three _Moor_ Ships in a little Time; the first they discharged, after taking out 6000 Dollars; the second they took for their own Use, mounted her with 26 Guns, and called her the _Dolphin_; the third they sold on the same Coast for 18000 Dollars. Their own Ship they set adrift. From this Coast they made for _Madagascar_, and near the Island _Mascarenas_ lost all their Masts in a Hurricane. They put up Jury-Masts, came to St. _Mary_'s and new masted. Here they found Captain _Culliford_, Captain _Shivers_, and their Prize, with three Merchant Men from _America_, which were come to trade with them, one of which was the _Pembrook_, commanded by _Samuel Burges_, belonging to _Frederick Phillips_, Merchant at _New-York_. The Captain of the _Dolphin_, and some of the Men being weary of this Life, went home in these Merchant Ships, and the Crew chose one _Samuel Inless_, who lived on the Island, for their Captain; they fitted out for the _Streights_ of _Malacca_, where they made several Prizes of _Moor_ Ships, but of little value to them.

_North_ on board one of the Prizes, was separated from the rest by bad Weather, and drove to great Straights for Water. The _Moor_ Merchant, who was on board with him, and whom he had treated very humanely, shewed him a Draught, by which he came to a small Island not far from the _Dutch_ Settlement, and watered. The _Moor_ told him, that he ran the Risque of his Life should it be known that he had given him a Sight of this Draught. In return for this Service, when he met with his Companions, he got the _Moor_'s Ship discharged.

They, after this, made for _Nicobar_, near _Achen_, and, in the Way, met a large _Dane_ Ship, which they plunder'd, and hove down by, clean'd, and return'd to _Madagascar_, where they shar'd their Booty, which was, besides Goods, between 3 and 400 l. a Man. A Month after their Arrival three _English_ Men of War appear'd in Sight, the _Anglesea_, Captain _Littleton_, the _Hastings_, Captain _White_, and the _Lizard_, Captain _Rumsey_. These Ships occasioned their hawling up the _Dolphin_, which, as they could not get her as high as they design'd, they set Fire to.

Commadore _Littleton_ brought a Pardon for such of the Pyrates as would accept it, and many of them, among whom were _Culliford_ and _Shivers_ did, and went home with Merchant Men. _North_ accepted it also, but would not trust to it, finding the Time fixed for their Surrender was elapsed before the Men of War arrived.

Most of the Pyrates having left the Isle of St. _Mary_'s, where the King's Ships lay, _North_ thought it not safe for him to stay, and therefore putting all he had into the _Dolphin_'s Boat, he design'd to join his Comrades on the Main of _Madagascar_; but being overset by a Squawl, all the People were lost except himself, who swam four Leagues, and a Negroe Woman, whom he put on the Bottom of the Boat.

Being now on the Main, and quite naked, he frighted the Negroes he met with, as he got out of the Water, for they took him for a Sea-Devil; but one Woman, who had been used to sell Fowls at the white Mens Houses, had the Courage not to run away, and, when he came near, knew him; she gave him half her Petticoat to cover his Nakedness, and calling a Negroe Man who carried her Things, and was run into the Woods; they help'd him to perform his Journey to the Dwelling of some white Men, which was sixteen Miles from the Place where he come on Shore; a great Journey for a Man so feeble with swimming. He was kindly received and cloathed by his Comrades, whom he staid with, till he had recovered his Strength, and then he went to a black Prince of his Acquaintance, with whom he staid till the Arrival of Captain _Fourgette_, which was a full Year.

In this Vessel (which I have already said in _White_'s Life was taken) he went round the North-End to the West-Side, and came into _Methelage_, where they surprized the _Speaker_; the Manner of which Surprize is also mentioned in the same Life; and, after the Death of Captain _Booth_, was chosen Captain's Quarter-Master, by _Bowen_, who succeeded in the Voyage, and the Consequences of it are already set down, for he was in the _Speaker_ till she was lost.

The next Voyage he made was in the _Speedy Return_ (taken from Captain _Drummond_,) in the Capacity of Company's Quarter-Master, with Design to cruise in the _Red Seas_; but touching at the Island of _Mayotta_, they consorted with Captain _Howard_, whom they met with at the Island, as is already said. From thence they went and victualled at _Augustine_, having promised Captain _Bowen_ to meet him in two Months; accordingly returning thither, and missing him, they went to _Mayotta_ to enquire after him; but hearing there that he was gone a Voyage, and as the Place of Rendezvous was off the Highlands of St. _John_'s, they steered their Course thither, to join him, and lie for the _Moor_'s Fleet from _Mocoa_.

In their Passage they met with a violent Storm, in which they were near foundering, it beat in their Stern, and obliged them to throw over all their Guns (two excepted, which lay in the Hold) and forced them into the Gulf of _Persia_, where they took several small Vessels, which they ripp'd up to mend their Ship.

Being very much in want of Water, having staved all their Casks, to save themselves in the Storm, and meeting with little in the Vessels taken, they hoisted out the Canoe to chase a Fishing Vessel, that they might be inform'd where they should find Water. This Boat made from them with all their Force, but the Ship firing, the People all leap'd into the Water, some of whom were drowned, and the rest got ashoar, except one Man, whom they came up with; but as soon as they thought to lay hold on him, he dived, and kept them in play near an Hour and a half: They would not shoot him, because it did not answer their Ends; but, at length, _North_, who was in the Boat, took the Sprit, and struck at him as he rose, hoping to disable him, but he broke his Jaw. They took him by this Means, brought him on board, sent him to the Surgeon, and when they despair'd of his being able to speak, he asked for a Pipe of Tobacco, which he smoak'd, and drunk a Dram; after which he seem'd very hearty. As the Pyrates had on board several black Slaves, who spoke the _East-India_ Tongue, one of them was ordered to enquire of him where they might find Water, promising him his Liberty if he would direct them. On this Promise he carried them to a convenient landing Place, where he shewed a Well full of Dirt, out of which, after a great deal of Trouble to come at it, they drew but three Buckets of Water, which sufficed those only who went on Shoar, to the Number of 30. Enraged with this Disappointment after so much Labour, they threaten'd their Prisoner with Death, who told them, if they would have Patience till the Sun was set, they would have Plenty, for the Spring would rise, and flow all Night; which they found to be Fact, and filled twenty Tun of Water, and return'd on board, carrying the Man with them, for whom they made a gathering of some Goods, and about thirty Dollars; these they gave him, and exacted a Promise, that whenever he saw any Ship on that Coast, which made the same Signals they had made, he would go on board and render them what Service he could, assuring him he would always meet with civil Treatment, and be well rewarded.

After this they cruised on the Gulf of _Persia_ some Days, in hopes of meeting their Consort, not doubting but she had some Share in the Storm.

The Time of their Consortship being now over, and she not appearing, they steered for the Highlands of St. _John_ near _Surat_, the Place of Rendezvous. When they made the Land they spied a tall Ship, and immediately making all clear for an Engagement, they gave chase. The other Ship doing the like, they soon met, and, to the great Joy of both Parties, she proved their Consort. Upon Enquiry they found the _Prosperous_ had been ten Days on this Station, and had not met with the Storm which had so roughly handled the _Speedy Return_, on giving an Account of their Misfortune, _viz._ their being obliged to throw over their Guns, and a Quantity of Provisions, Captain _Howard_ spared them some fresh Provisions, and expressing great Concern for the Accident, renewed his Consortship for two Months longer; that is, they agreed whatever Prizes were taken should be equally divided between the Crews of both Ships. After they had cruised here fourteen Days, they spied seven Sail of tall Ships, which proved to be the _Moors_ from _Mocoa_; they both gave Chace, but the _Speedy Return_ being the better Sailor first came up with one of them, laid her on board, and carried her in a very little Time, with little more Damage than the Loss of her Bowsprit. The _Prosperous_ kept on the Chace, and having Captain _Whaley_ on board as a Pilot, took another at an Anchor, as is said (so need not be repeated) in Captain _Howard_'s Life.

The _Speedy Return_ steered with her Prize for the Coast of _Malabar_, where, by Agreement, she was to wait ten Days for her Consort. In six Days the _Prosperous_ joined them, but without any Prize, having rifled her, as is before said in another Life.

Here they made an equal Dividend of their Prizes, burnt the _Speedy Return_, sunk the _Prosperous_, went all on board the _Moor_'s Ship, put to Sea, and cruised on this Coast, where they made several Prizes. When they came over against _Cachine_, some black Merchants, Goldsmiths, and several _Dutch_ Men, came on board to trade with them, bringing a great many Sequins, and other Gold Coin, to change for _Spanish_ Dollars; as many of the Pyrates designed to knock off and return home, they gave 500 Dollars for 200 Sequins, for the Conveniency of close Stowage about them. The Goldsmiths set up their Forges on board the Ship, and were fully employed in making them Buttons, Buckles, and what else they fancied, so that they had a fair Opportunity of putting what Alloy they thought proper. They here also furnished themselves with a good Quantity of Arrack, Provisions, and Stores, and then leaving the Coast, shaped their Course for _Madagascar_, but, in the Way, fell in with the Island of _Mauritius_, and put into a Port called the _North-West Harbour_. Here they wooded and watered. This Port affords great abundance of a poisonous Fish called the _Red-Snapper_, the Nature of which was well known to Captain _Bowen_, who perswaded his Men not to eat of them, but they were in Port, and then are all Commanders, so that this wholesome Advice was thrown away upon them. The Captain seeing their Obstinacy, and that they could not be disswaded, eat with them, chusing rather to share the same Fate than be left alone to the Mercy of the _Dutch_, as he was conscious of what he merited.

They supp'd plentifully on the Fish, and drank very heartily after it. Soon after they began to swell in a frightful Manner. The next Morning some Planters came on board with Fowls, Goats, _&c._ and seeing the Pyrates in a miserable Condition, and some of these Fish lying on the Decks, asked if they had not eat of them? Being answer'd they had, advised their drinking plentifully of strong Liquors, which was the only way to expel the Poyson, which had dispatch'd them all in less Time, had they not done it after their unfortunate Meal. They readily followed this Advice, as the Prescription was agreeable, and by this Means, with the Care of the Surgeons, of whom they had several expert in their Business, and stock'd with good Medicines, they all recovered, four excepted, who paid their Obstinacy with their Lives.

They here heel'd their Ship, scrubb'd, tallow'd, and took in what they wanted. When they had staid three Months in this Port, the Governor sent and desired them to put to Sea, for he expected the Arrival of the _Dutch East-India_ Men; they accordingly got every Thing ready, and went out, but left several of their Men behind them, as we have said in _Bowen_'s Life.

From hence they steered for _Madagascar_, and in their Passage stopped at _Don Mascarenas_, where they took in a Quantity of Hogs, Goat, Sheep, Fowls of all Sorts, and Green Turtle. Captain _Bowen_ here went ashoar with 40 of his Men, having obtained the Governor's Protection by the Force of Presents. These Men design'd to give over their Pyracy, and return home the first Opportunities offer'd them. In six Months after they had staid here, Captain _Bowen_ was taken ill of the dry Belly Ach, a Distemper as rife here as in the _West-India_ Islands, and was buried in the Highway, for the Priests would not allow him holy Ground, as he was a Heretick.

But to return; when _Bowen_ went ashoar _North_ was chosen Captain. The Ceremony of this Installation is, the Crew having made choice of him to Command, either by an unanimous Consent, or by a Majority of Suffrages, they carry him a Sword in a very solemn Manner, make him some Complements, and desire he will take upon him the Command, as he is the most capable among them. That he will take Possession of the great Cabin; and, on his accepting the Office, he is led into the Cabin in State, and placed at a Table, where only one Chair is set at the upper End, and one at the lower End of the Table for the Company's Quarter-Master. The Captain and he being placed, the latter succinctly tells him, that the Company having Experience of his Conduct and Courage, do him the Honour to elect him for their Head, not doubting his behaving himself with his usual Bravery, and doing every Thing which may conduce to the publick Good; in Confidence of which, he, in the Name of the Company, promised to obey all his lawful Commands, and declared him Captain. Then the Quarter-Master takes up the Sword, which he had before presented him, and he had returned, puts it into his Hand, and says, _This is the Commission under which you are to act, may you prove fortunate to your self and us_. The Guns are then fired round, Shot and all; he is saluted with three Chears; the Ceremony is ended with an Invitation from the Captain to such as he thinks fit to have dine with him, and a large Bowl of Punch is ordered to every Mess.

Captain _North_ leaving this Island steered for _Madagascar_, and came to Cape _Dolphin_ at the South End, as is said in _White_'s Life, where he came to an Anchor, and took on board some Refreshments, but it blowing hard, he was obliged to put to Sea, and leave his Boat with 30 Men behind him. He ran along the East-Side of the Island, and came to a Place called _Ambonavoula_, in the Latitude of 17, 38. where they put on Shore some of their Goods, and settled themselves among the Negroes, several living in a House; here they lived as Sovereign Princes among the Inhabitants.

The _Moor_ Prisoners they kept on board, and allowed them sufficient fresh Provisions. _North_ privately bid the Boatswain of the _Moors_ take the Advantage of the Land Breeze in the Night Time, and go off with the Ship, and what Goods were left on board; or the Pyrates would soon hawl up the Ship, take every Thing on Shore, and they (marooned there) would never see their own Country again.

Accordingly the Boatswain following this Advice, laid hold of the Opportunity of a dark Night, and communicating his Design to the other _Moors_, whom he did not acquaint with this Advice, as _North_ charg'd him not, till he was on the Point of executing his Design, they weigh'd with great Silence and stood to Sea.

The next Morning some of the Pyrates propos'd to go on Board and fetch off some Iron and other Things to trade with in the Country; but they were strangely surpriz'd when they miss'd the Ship; they alarm'd the rest of their Comrades, and went in a Body to Captain _North_ to tell him what had happen'd. He answer'd, if the _Moors_ were gone off with the Ship, it was their own Fault; they ought to have left a sufficient Number of Hands on Board to have secur'd her; that there was now no Remedy but Patience, for they had no Vessel to pursue with, except they thought the Canoe proper.

Some of the Pyrates thought as she lay in foul Ground the Cable might be cut by some Rock, and the Ship blown off to Sea by that Accident; on starting this, some of them ran up to an Eminence, and from thence spy'd the Ship as far as they could well see, with all Sails set, which was a cruel and convincing Proof that their Loss was irreparable.

They endeavoured to make themselves easy, since there was no Help; and transporting their Goods to different Abodes, at small Distances, they settled themselves, buying Cattle and Slaves, and lived in a neighbourly Manner one among another five Years; clear'd a great deal of Ground, and planted Provisions as Yamms, Potatoes, _&c._ The Natives among whom they fix'd, had frequent Broils and Wars among themselves, but the Pyrates interposed, and endeavoured to reconcile all differences; _North_ deciding their Disputes not seldom, with that Impartiality and strict Regard to distributive Justice (for he was allowed, by all, a Man of admirable good natural Parts) that he ever sent away, even the Party who was cast, satisfied with the Reason, and content with the Equity of his Decisions.

These Inclinations which the Pyrates shewed to Peace, and the Example they set of an amicable Way of Life; for they carefully avoided all Jars, and agreed to refer all Cause of Complaint among themselves which might arise, to a cool Hearing before _North_, and twelve of their Companions, gave them a great Character among the Natives, who were before very much prejudiced against the White Men. Nay, in this Point of keeping up a Harmony among themselves, they were so exact, that whosever spoke but in an angry or peevish Tone, was rebuked by all the Company, especially if before any of the Country, tho' even but a Slave, of their own; for they thought, and very justly, that Unity and Concord were the only Means to warrant their Safety; for the People being ready to make War on one another upon the slightest Occasion, they did not doubt but they would take the Advantage of any Division which they might observe among the Whites, and cut them off whenever a fair Opportunity offered.

_North_ often set this before them, and as often made them remark the Effects of their Unanimity, which were, the being treated with great Respect and Deference, and having a Homage paid them as to sovereign Princes. Nature, we see, teaches the most Illiterate the necessary Prudence for their Preservation, and Fear works Changes which Religion has lost the Power of doing, since it has been looked upon as a Trade, and debased by the scandalous Lives of those who think it their Business to teach it only, and, satisfied with the Theory, leave the practical Part to the Laity: For these Men whom we term, and not without Reason, the Scandal of humane Nature, who were abandoned to all Vice, and lived by Rapine; when they judged it for their Interest, not only (politickly) were strictly just, both among themselves, and in composing the Differences of the neighbouring Natives, but grew continent and sober, as no doubt they esteemed their Security to depend on shewing the Blacks they could govern those Passions to which they themselves were Slaves. Its true, they were all Polygamists, but that was no Scandal among a People who thought the cohabiting with a pregnant Woman a Sin against Nature in acting contrary to her Design, which is by Generation to propagate the animal Race; and who should be guilty of this Crime among them, they esteemed worse than Beasts, which following Nature, obey her Orders exactly, and set Men a Lesson of Prudence. When then, I say, they were continent, I mean they never invaded the Rights either of their Companions, or of the Natives.

The Reader may, perhaps, be well enough pleased to hear how on the smallest Difference they proceeded to a Reconciliation; for, as I have said, it was a Maxim with them, that the least Discord among a few Particulars would be the Ruin of a whole Body; as from a small neglected Spark, a general Conflagration may arise and lay the noblest City waste.

On any Mistake from which a Dispute arose, or on any ill-manner'd Expression let fall in Company, they all broke up, and one of the Company poured what Liquor was before them on the Ground, saying, no Contention could creep in among them without Loss; and therefore he sacrificed that Liquor to the evil Fiend, to prevent a greater Damage. Then both the contending Parties, on Pain of being banished the Society, and sent to another Part of the Island, were summon'd to appear at Captain _North_'s, the next Morning, and, in the mean while, they were commanded to keep their respective Houses.

The next Morning both the Parties being met, and all the Whites summon'd to attend, the Captain set the Plaintiff and Defendant on one Side, and told them, that till the Aggressor had consented to do Justice, and till the Person injured had forgot his Resentment, they must esteem them both Enemies to the Publick, and not look upon them as their Friends and Companions. He then wrote down the Names of all the Assembly, roll'd them up, and put them into a Hat, out of which, each Party shaking the Hat, chose six Tickets; and these twelve Rowls or Tickets contained the Names of the assistant Judges, who, with the Captain, heard and determined in the Cause, calling and examining the Witnesses. When the Matter was fully debated, the Court was adjourned to the next Day, and the Litigators commanded to appear again, and, in the Interim, not to stir out their Houses, to which they were respectively conducted by two or three each, lest the Slaves, or the neighbouring Blacks, should, by a greater Number, have any Suspicion of their Disagreement.

The second Day the Examination began afresh, and the Witnesses were sifted, as if they had not before been examined, and this to try if they were consistent with their former Evidence, which was noted down. Then the Court was again adjourned, and the disagreeing Parties remanded home till next Morning, when Judgment was given, which was a Fine in Proportion to the Affront.

The Reason of confining those who had Dissension was to deter them, by this small Punishment, from all future Quarrels, and to prevent any ill Accident which might happen by their being at full Liberty.

The Example they set, and the Care they took to accommodate Differences among their Neighbours, had calmed all the Country round them. After they had staid here near three Years, Captain _North_, and some of his Companions, had a Mind to visit the Country Southward, and trade for more Slaves and Cattle; to which End taking a considerable Quantity of Powder and Arms, beside what they might use, with 50 Whites and 300 Natives, he set forward on his Journey. When they had travelled about fourscore Miles Southward, they came to a Nation rich in Slaves and Cattle, who inhabited the Banks of the largest River on the East-Side the Island, called _Mangora_. With these People he trafficked for a great Number of Slaves and Cattle, which he purchased for Guns and Powder: They being at War when Captain _North_ came among them, with a neighbouring Prince, he was intreated to give his Assistance, for which they, the _Mangorians_, promised him a hundred Slaves with 500 Head of Cattle, and all the Prisoners they should take. On these Conditions he joined them, and marched to a very large Town of the Enemy's, which was naturally very strong, and esteemed by the Natives impregnable, being situated on a high and craggy Rock, which could be ascended by the Way only leading to the Gate, where was kept a strong Guard. The Blacks in _North_'s Army were for leaving this Town unattempted, and marching farther into the Country, in search of Booty; but _North_ told 'em it was not safe to leave a Garrison of Enemies at their Backs, which would continually infest them, by falling on their Rear, and which would be an Obstacle to their carrying off what Plunder they might get together; beside, it would be an Azyle for all the Country, which would fly thither till they had gather'd a Body considerable enough to come down and face them in the Field, which the Enemy might do with reasonable Hopes of Success, as their Men would be all fresh, while those of his Party would be fatigued with Marches, may be encumbered by Plunder, and worn down with the Inconveniencies of lying exposed in the Fields.

The chief of his Allies allowed his Reasons good, were an Attempt on the Town practicable, which Experience told him was not; for, tho' several times besieged, it never could be taken, it would be the Loss of a great deal of Time, and many Mens Lives to offer at it.

_North_ desired he would leave the Management of this Siege to him.

The Chief answered, he should do as he pleased, but it was against his Judgment to attack a Town which Nature her self had fortified, which God Almighty would never suffer to be taken, and which had, to no Purpose, cost the Lives of a Number scarce to be told, of his Countrymen, in the several Attempts they had made to be Masters of it.

_North_ disposed his Army, and invested the Rock on every Side, then sent Word to the Town, if they did not surrender he would give no Quarter to either Sex or Age. The Inhabitants laugh'd at his Message, told him, they did not believe he had learnt the Art of flying, and till he had, they thought themselves very secure from his putting such Menaces in Execution.

Out of the White Men, _North_ chose 30, whom he set at the Head of 3 Companies, consisting of 100 Blacks each; and as he had some Grenade-Shells with 'em, soon dispersed the Guard at the Foot of the Rock, and made a Lodgment; tho' the Blacks were acquainted with Fire-Arms, the Shells were entirely new to them, and as they saw their terrible Effect, threw down their Arms, and gained the Middle of the Rock, where they had another _Corps de Guarde_, tho' not without some Loss. Those who were at the Bottom of the Rock being put to flight, _North_ sent 10 Whites and 500 Blacks to take that Post, and Orders to the other Whites to mount the Rock, and having beat that Guard, if possible, to enter the Town with them. They accordingly ascended in this Order, as the Road was so narrow, only three could pass on a-breast, and the Enemy, when within Cast of a Dart, threw down a Shower upon them, three unarmed Blacks with their Shields march'd before three small Shot Men, and shelter'd them from the Enemies Weapons; these were followed by others, with the same Precaution, the White Men being mix'd with those who thus went up, that is to say, one White Musketeer to two Blacks.

The Enemy seem'd resolute to defend the Pass, but when they had, to no Purpose, spent a Number of Darts, and had lost some Men by the Shot, they swiftly took to the Top of the Rock, where, joined with fresh Men from the Town, they made a Stand and Shew of Resistance; _North_'s Men followed, and pouring in a Volley, put them into Confusion, which gave the Assailants an Opportunity to come near enough to throw in their Shells, half a dozen of which bursting with considerable Damage, and the Slaughter of several Men, they thought to shelter themselves in the Town, but the Inhabitants fearing the Enemy's entering with them, shut the Gates against both, so that the Blacks of _North_'s Army, notwithstanding all the Whites could do to the contrary, made a great Slaughter; however, they saved some, whom they sent Prisoners to the Camp, desiring, at the same Time, a Supply of Powder to make a Petarde.

In the mean while the Enemy from the Town threw a prodigious Quantity of Darts, which the Besiegers received upon their Shields, at least, the greater Part.

The Town was again summon'd, but they refus'd to surrender, wherefore, they were obliged to shelter themselves as well as they could, and expect the Powder from the Camp; tho' in the mean while, the small Shot from without being warmly plied, made the throwing Darts from the Town less frequent, for none could shew his Head but with the greatest Danger.

When the Powder came, they cut down and hollowed a Tree, which they filled with Powder, and plugg'd up very tight, and under the Protection of their Shields and Muskets got it to the Gate, under which they dug a Hole large enough to receive it, then setting Fire to the Fuze, it burst with a terrible Crack, tore their Gate to Shatters, and left an open Passage, which the Besiegers, who had been join'd with 500 more Blacks, who came up with the Powder, enter'd, and began a very great Slaughter; the Whites protected all they could who submitted, but notwithstanding their Diligence, the Town was strew'd with dead and dying Men. At length what with being tir'd, and what with Persuasion, the Slaughter ceas'd, the Town was reduced to Ashes, and the Conquerors return'd to the Camp with 3000 Prisoners, whom his Allies led to their own Quarters, where calling out, the old Women, Children, and useless Slaves, they sent them to _North_, as if by these, they thought themselves releas'd from the Promise made to induce his Assistance.