Chapter III: Part 3

Accordingly a Number went ashore, and carried with them the Dividend, which fell to his Share, which the Captain order'd to be given his Widow; when she saw the Money, she smil'd, and ask'd if all, all that was for her? Being answered in the affirmative, and what Good will all that shining Dirt do me, if I could with it purchase the Life of my Husband, and call him back from the Grave, I would accept it with Pleasure, but as it is not sufficient to allure him back to this World, I have no Use for it; do with it what you please. Then she desired they would go with her and perform the last Ceremonies to her Husband's dead Body, after their Country Fashion, least he should be displeased, that she could not stay with them, to be a Witness, because she was in haste to go and be married again. She startled the _Europeans_ who heard this latter Part of her Speech so dissonant from the Beginning; however, they followed her, and she led them into a Plantane Walk, where they found a great many _Johanna_ Men and Women, sitting under the Shade of Plantanes, round the Corpse, which lay (as they all sate) on the Ground, covered with Flowers. She embraced them round, and then the _Europeans_, one by one, and after these Ceremonies, she poured out a Number of bitter Imprecations against the _Mohila_ Men, whose Treachery had darken'd her Husband's Eyes, and made him insensible of her Caresses, who was her first Love, to whom she had given her Heart, with her Virginity. She then proceeded in his Praises, calling him the Joy of Infants, the Love of Virgins, the Delight of the old, and the Wonder of the young, adding, he was strong and beautiful as the Cedar, brave as the Bull, tender as the Kid, and loving as the Ground Turtle; having finished this Oration, not unlike those of the _Romans_, which the nearest Relation of the deceas'd used to pronounce from the Rostrum, she laid her down by the Side of her Husband, embracing him, and sitting up again, gave herself a deep Wound under the left Breast with a Bayonet, and fell dead on her Husband's Corpse.

The _Europeans_ were astonished at the Tenderness and Resolution of the Girl, for she was not, by what her Mien spoke her, past seventeen; and they now admired, as much as they had secretly detested her, for saying she was in haste to be married again, the Meaning of which they did not understand.

After the Husband and Wife were buried, the Crew return'd on Board, and gave an Account of what had pass'd; the Captains Wives (for _Misson_ and his were on Board the _Bijoux_, the Name they had given their Prize from her Make and Gilding) seem'd not in the least surprized, and _Caraccioli_'s Lady only said, she must be of noble Descent, for none but the Families of the Nobility had the Privilege allowed them of following their Husbands, on pain, if they transgressed, of being thrown into the Sea, to be eat by Fish; and they knew, that their Souls could not rest as long as any of the Fish, who fed upon them, lived. _Misson_ asked, if they intended to have done the same Thing had they died? We should not, answer'd his Wife, have disgraced our Families; nor is our Tenderness for our Husbands inferior to hers whom you seem to admire.

After their Recovery, _Misson_ proposed a Cruize, on the Coast of _Zangueber_, which being agreed to, he and _Caraccioli_ took Leave of the Queen and her Brother, and would have left their Wives on the Island, but they could by no Means be induced to the Separation; it was in vain to urge the Shortness of the Time they were to Cruize; they answer'd it was farther than _Mohila_ they intended to go, and if they were miserable in that short Absence, they could never support a longer; and if they would not allow them to keep them Company the Voyage, they must not expect to see them at their Return, if they intended one.

In a Word they were obliged to yield to them, but told them, if the Wives of their Men should insist as strongly on following their Example, their Tenderness, would be their Ruin, and make them a Prey to their Enemies; they answer'd the Queen should prevent that, by ordering no Woman should go on Board, and if any were in the Ships, they should return on Shore: This Order was accordingly made, and they set Sail for the River of _Mozembique_. In about ten Days Cruize after they had left _Johanna_, and about 15 Leagues to the Eastward of this River, they fell in with a stout _Portuguese_ Ship of 60 Guns, which engaged them from Break of Day till Two in the Afternoon, when the Captain being killed, and a great Number of Men lost, she struck: This proved a very rich Prize, for she had the Value of 250000 l. Sterling on Board, in Gold-Dust. The two Women never quitted the Decks all the Time of the Engagement, neither gave they the least Mark of Fear, except for their Husbands: This Engagement cost them thirty Men, and _Caraccioli_ lost his right Leg; the Slaughter fell mostly on the _English_, for of the above Number, twenty were of that Nation: The _Portuguese_ lost double the Number. _Caraccioli_'s Wound made them resolve to make the best of their Way for _Johanna_, where the greatest Care was taken of their wounded, not one of whom died, tho' their Number amounted to Twenty seven.

_Caraccioli_ kept his Bed two Months, but _Misson_ seeing him in a fair way of Recovery, took what Hands could be spar'd from the _Bijoux_, leaving her sufficient for Defence, and went out, having mounted ten of the _Portuguese_ Guns, for he had hitherto carried but thirty, though he had Ports for forty. He stretched over to _Madagascar_, and coasted along this Island to the Northward, as far as the most northerly Point, when turning back, he enter'd a Bay to the northward of _Diego Suares_. He run ten Leagues up this Bay, and on the larboard Side found it afforded a large, and safe, Harbour, with plenty of fresh Water. He came here to an Anchor, went ashore and examined into the Nature of the Soil, which he found rich, the Air wholesome, and the Country level. He told his Men, that this was an excellent Place for an Asylum, and that he determined here to fortify and raise a small Town, and make Docks for Shipping, that they might have some Place to call their own; and a Receptacle, when Age or Wounds had render'd them incapable of Hardship, where they might enjoy the Fruits of their Labour, and go to their Graves in Peace. That he would not, however, set about this, till he had the Approbation of the whole Company; and were he sure they would all approve this Design, which he hoped, it being evidently for the general Good, he should not think it adviseable to begin any Works, lest the Natives should, in his Absence, destroy them; but however, as they had nothing upon their Hands, if they were of his Opinion, they might begin to fall and square Timber, ready for the raising a wooden Fort, when they return'd with their Companions.

The Captain's Motion was universally applauded, and in ten Days they fell'd and rough hew'd a hundred and fifty large Trees, without any Interruption from, or seeing any of, the Inhabitants. They fell'd their Timber at the Waters Edge, so that they had not the Trouble of hawling them any way, which would have employ'd a great deal more Time: They returned again, and acquainted their Companions with what they had seen and done, and with the Captain's Resolution, which they one and all came into.

Captain _Misson_ then told the Queen, as he had been serviceable to her in her War with the Island of _Mohila_, and might continue to be of farther Use, he did not question her lending him Assistance in the settling himself on the Coast of _Madagascar_, and to that end, furnish him with 300 Men, to help in his Buildings; the Queen answered, she could do nothing without Consent of Council, and that she would assemble her Nobility, and did not question their agreeing to any Thing he could reasonably desire, for they were sensible of the Obligations the _Johannians_ had to him. The Council was accordingly called, and _Misson_'s Demand being told, one of the eldest said, he did not think it expedient to comply with it, nor safe to refuse; that they should in agreeing to give him that Assistance, help to raise a Power, which might prove formidable to themselves, by the being so near a Neighbour; and these Men who had lately protected, might, when they found it for their Interest, enslave them. On the other hand, if they did not comply, they had the Power to do them great Damage. That they were to make choice of the least of two possible Evils, for he could prognosticate no Good to _Johanna_, by their settling near it. Another answered, that many of them had _Johanna_ Wives, that it was not likely they would make Enemies of the _Johanna_ Men at first settling, because their Friendship might be of Use to them; and from their Children there was nothing to be apprehended in the next Generation, for they would be half their own Blood; that in the mean while, if they comply'd with the Request, they might be sure of an Ally, and Protector, against the King of _Mohila_; wherefore, he was for agreeing to the Demand.

After a long Debate, in which every Inconvenience, and Advantage, was maturely considered, it was agreed to send with him the Number of Men he required, on Condition he should send them back in four Moons, make an Alliance with them, and War against _Mohila_; this being agreed to, they staid till _Caraccioli_ was thoroughly recovered, then putting the _Johannians_ on board the _Portuguese_ Ship with 40 _French_ and _English_ and 15 _Portuguese_ to work her, and setting Sail, they arrived at the Place where _Misson_ designed his Settlement, which he called _Libertalia_, and gave the Name of _Liberi_ to his People, desiring in that might be drown'd the distinguish'd Names of _French_, _English_, _Dutch_, _Africans_, &c.

The first Thing they sat about was, the raising a Fort on each Side the Harbour, which they made of an octogon Figure, and having finished and mounted them with 40 Guns taken out of the _Portuguese_, they raised a Battery on an Angle of ten Guns, and began to raise Houses and Magazines under the Protection of their Forts and Ships; the _Portuguese_ was unrigg'd, and all her Sails and Cordage carefully laid up. While they were very busily employed in the raising a Town, a Party which had often hunted and rambled four or five Leagues off their Settlement, resolved to venture farther into the Country. They made themselves some Huts, at about 4 Leagues distance from their Companions, and travell'd East South East, about 5 Leagues farther into the Country, when they came up with a Black, who was arm'd with a Bow, Arrows, and a Javelin; they with a friendly Appearance engaged the Fellow to lay by his Fear and go with them. They carried him to their Companions, and there entertained him three Days with a great Deal of Humanity, and then returned with him near the Place they found him, made him a Present of a Piece of scarlet Baze, and an Ax; he appeared overjoy'd at the Present, and left them with seeming Satisfaction.

The Hunters imagined that there might be some Village not far off, and observing that he look'd at the Sun, and then took his Way direct South, they travell'd on the same Point of the Compass, and from the Top of a Hill they spied a pretty large Village, and went down to it; the Men came out with their Arms, such as before described, Bows, Arrows, and Javelins, but upon two only of the Whites advancing, with Presents of Axes, and Baze in their Hands, they sent only four to meet them. The Misfortune was, that they could not understand one another, but by their pointing to the Sun, and holding up one Finger, and making one of them go forward, and return again with shewing their Circumcision, and pointing up to Heaven with one Finger, they apprehended, they gave them to understand, there was but one God, who had sent one Prophet, and concluded from thence, and their Circumcision they were _Mahometans_; the Presents were carried to their Chief, and he seem'd to receive them kindly, and by Signs invited the Whites into their Village; but they, remembring the late Treachery of the _Mohilians_, made Signs for Victuals to be brought them where they were.

* * * * *

_More of the History of these Adventurers in another Place._

OF
Capt. _JOHN BOWEN_.

The exact Time of this Person's setting out I am not certain of; I find him cruising on the _Mallabar_ Coast in the Year 1700, commanding a Ship called the _Speaker_, whose Crew consisted of Men of all Nations, and their Pyracies were committed upon Ships of all Nations likewise. The Pyrates here met with no Manner of Inconveniencies in carrying on their Designs, for it was made so much a Trade, that the Merchants of one Town never scrupled the buying Commodities taken from another, though but ten Miles distant, in a publick Sale, furnishing the Robbers at the same Time with all Necessaries, even of Vessels, when they had Occasion to go on any Expedition, which they themselves would often advise them of.

Among the rest an _English East-India_ Man, Captain _Coneway_ from _Bengal_, fell into the Hands of this Crew, which they made Prize of, near _Callequilon_; they carried her in, and put her up to sale, dividing the Ship and Cargoe into three Shares; one Third was sold to a Merchant, Native of _Callequilon_ aforesaid, another Third to a Merchant of _Porca_, and the other to one _Malpa_, a _Dutch_ Factor.

Loaded with the Spoil of this and several Country Ships, they left the Coast, and steer'd for _Madagascar_; but in their Voyage thither, meeting with adverse Winds, and, being negligent in their Steerage, they ran upon St. _Thomas_'s Reef, at the Island of _Mauritius_, where the Ship was lost; but _Bowen_ and the greatest Part of the Crew got safe ashore.

They met here with all the Civility and good Treatment imaginable; _Bowen_ was complimented in a particular Manner by the Governor, and splendidly entertained in his House; the sick Men were got, with great Care, into the Fort, and cured by their Doctor, and no Supplies of any sort wanting for the rest. They spent here three Months, but yet resolving to set down at _Madagascar_, they bought a Sloop, which they converted into a Brigantine, and, about the middle of _March_ 1701, departed, having first taken formal Leave of the Governor, by making a Present of 2500 Pieces of Eight, leaving him, besides, the Wreck of their Ship, with the Guns, Stores, and every Thing else that was saved. The Governor, on his Part, supply'd them with Necessaries for their Voyage, which was but short, and gave them a kind Invitation to make that Island a Place of Refreshment in the Course of their future Adventures, promising that nothing should be wanting to them that his Government afforded.

Upon their Arrival at _Madagascar_, they put in at a Place on the East-Side, called _Maritan_, quitted their Vessel, and settled themselves ashore in a fruitful Plain on the Side of a River. They built themselves a Fort on the River's Mouth towards the Sea, and another small one on the other Side towards the Country; the first to prevent a Surprize from Shipping, and the other as a Security from the Natives, many of whom they employed in the Building. They built also a little Town for their Habitation, which took up the Remainder of the Year 1701.

When this was done, they soon became dissatisfied with their new Situation, having a hankering Mind after their old Employment, and accordingly resolved to fit up the Brigantine they had from the _Dutch_ at _Mauritius_, which was laid in a Cove near their Settlement, but an Accident, that they improved, provided for them in a better Manner, and saved them a great deal of Trouble.

It happened that about the beginning of the Year 1702, a Ship called the _Speedy Return_, belonging to the _Scotch-African_ and _East-India_ Company, Captain _Drummond_ Commander, came into the Port of _Maritan_ in _Madagascar_, with a Brigantine that belonged to her; they had before taken in Negroes at St. _Mary_'s, a little Island adjoining to the main Island of _Madagascar_, and carried them to Don _Mascarenhas_, from whence they sailed to this Port on the same Trade.

On the Ship's Arrival, Captain _Drummond_, with _Andrew Wilky_, his Surgeon, and several others of the Crew, went on Shore; in the mean while _John Bowen_, with four others of his Consorts, goes off in a little Boat, on Pretence of buying some of their Merchandize brought from _Europe_, and finding a fair Opportunity, the chief Mate, Boatswain, and a Hand or two more only upon the Deck, and the rest at Work in the Hold, they threw off their Mask; each drew out a Pistol and Hanger, and told them, they were all dead Men if they did not retire that Moment to the Cabin. The Surprize was sudden, and they thought it necessary to obey; one of the Pyrates placed himself Centry at the Door, with his Arms in his Hands, and the rest immediately laid the Hatches, and then made a Signal to their Fellows on Shore, as agreed on; upon which, about forty or fifty came on Board, and took quiet Possession of the Ship, and afterwards the Brigantine, without Bloodshed, or striking a Stroke.

_Bowen_ was made, or rather made himself, of Course, Captain; he detained the old Crew, or the greatest Part thereof, burnt the Brigantine as being of no Use to them, cleaned and fitted the Ship, took Water, Provisions, and what Necessaries were wanting, and made ready for new Adventures.

I shall leave them a while, to relate an unfortunate Story of a worthy honest Gentleman, who suffered through the Rashness and Folly of a headstrong People, for pyratically taking and murdering the Captain and Crew of this very Ship _Bowen_ and his Gang now seized.

An _English-India_ Man, commanded by Captain _Thomas Green_, called the _Worcester_, in her Voyage home to _England_, was drove by southerly Winds into _Scotland_, in the Month of _July_ 1704, and anchored in _Leith_ Road; the Captain, and several of the Ship's Company, going ashore for Refreshments, the People of the Town, who had Acquaintance and Friends in Captain _Drummond_'s Ship, understanding the _Worcester_ came from the _East-Indies_, were very importunate in their Enquiries after this Ship, and being told that they had heard of no such Ship in _India_, the Enquirers pretended to be very much surprized; so that, in short, it grew into a Suspicion that the _Worcester_ had not dealt fairly by the _Scotch_ Ship, which they had not heard of themselves since her Departure. In short, the Magistrates were inform'd that some of the Crew had dropt Words that plainly indicated the supposed Robbery and Murders of their Countrymen. Upon this several Men were privately examined; sometimes they were threaten'd to be hanged, and then again large Promises were made to encourage 'em to discover the pretended Fact; till at length an _Indian_ Boy was prevailed on to confess the whole Matter upon Oath, as they might think. Then the Captain, chief Mate and Crew, were seized and sent to Prison, the Ship was unloaded, and almost ripp'd to Pieces, to search for Goods, Writings, _&c._ to confirm the _Indian_'s Deposition, but nothing could be found; therefore they were obliged to try them, and try them they did, upon this Evidence, and some small Circumstances sworn to by _Charles May_, the Surgeon, which carried great Improbabilities along with it. The Depositions were as follow; the _Indian_, whose Name was _Antonio Ferdinando_ swore, 'That on the Coast of _Mallabar_ he came aboard the Sloop that attended the _Worcester_, and thereafter saw an Engagement between the said Sloop, the _Worcester_ and another Ship, sailed by White Men, speaking _English_, and bearing _English_ Colours. That they did engage the said Ship for three Days, and on the third Day the said Ship was boarded by those in the Sloop, who took up the Crew of the said Ship from under Deck, killed them with Hatchets, and threw them overboard.'

_Charles May_ only deposed, 'That being ashore at _Callequillon_ he heard Guns firing at Sea, and asking some Body he met at the Landing Place, what meant this shooting? He was answered, the _Worcester_ was gone out, and was fighting at Sea with another Ship. That the next Morning he saw the _Worcester_ riding at her Birth, where she had rid the Day before, and another Ship riding at her Stern. That the _Worcester_'s Long-Boat coming ashore, and he asking the Men what brought them ashore? They answered, they were sent for Water, they having spilt and staved all their Water; and that they had been busking all Night. That _this Evidence_ going aboard five or six Days after, saw the Ship lumber'd with Goods, and that he was inform'd that the Ship that was riding at the _Worcester_'s Stern, was sold to _Cogo Comodo_, Merchant at _Quilon_. That _Antonio Ferdinando_ was wounded, and some others; and when he ask'd the Patients how they came by their Wounds, they were forbid to answer by Mr. _Madder_, the chief Mate. That all this fell out between the Months of _January_ and _February_ 1703.'

As to _Antonio_'s Deposition, it appear'd to be all Invention, and nothing true in it; and _Charles May_'s a Heap of sly Insinuations, drawn from a known Fact, which was this; the _Worcester_ departing from _Callequillon_ to _Carnipole_, was drove by Stress of Weather from near the Road of _Quillon_ to _Anjango_, where coming near the _Aureng Zeb_, _India_ Man, she saluted her with five Guns, which were the Guns the Surgeon heard; and the _Aureng Zeb_ came in along with the _Worcester_, and anchor'd at her Stern, which was the Ship taken Notice of by him. By busking all Night is meant only beating to Windward, which she did in order to fetch _Quillon_, the Wind being contrary. The _Worcester_ spar'd her Water to the _Aureng Zeb_, which occasioned their sending for more, and the wounded Men, which were proved to be no more than three in the Voyage; one was from a Fall in the Hold, another by fighting with Knives, between two _Dutch_ Men, and the other by cutting of Wood.

'Tis observable likewise, that _May_'s Evidence, which is brought to support _Antonio_'s, contradicted it in several Parts; for _Antonio_ swore the Fact to be done between _Callicut_ and _Tallecherry_, (where, by the Way, the Ship never was, as was own'd by the Surgeon, and prov'd by the Captain's and other Journals) and _May_ heard the Guns at _Callequillon_, which could not be less then 140 Miles asunder. _Antonio_ makes the supposed Engagement hold three Days; according to _May_, the _Worcester_ was busking only one Night; all the rest of his Evidence is, _As he was inform'd_, _As he was told_, &c. And what's remarkable of this _May_, is, he was eighteen Months after this in the said Ship, and own'd on the Trial, that he never heard in all that Time one Word spoken of a Fight with any other Ship, or a Prize taken, or any Thing relating to such an Action, which must be very strange, if the Matter had been true.

In short, Captain _Green_ and the rest of the Crew were convicted, and received Sentence for the supposed Crimes, as follows, _Green_, _Madder_, _Sympson_, _Keigle_ and _Haines_ to be hanged on _Wednesday, April_ 4th. _Taylor_, _Glenn_, _Kitchen_ and _Robertson_, on _Wednesday, April_ 11th, and _Brown_, _Bruckley_, _Wilcocks_, _Ballantyne_ and _Linsey_, on _Wednesday, April_ 18th.

I cannot but here take Notice (though with much Concern) that upon the Condemnation of these unhappy Men, there seemed a universal Joy in and about the City; it was the only Discourse for some Days, and every Man thought himself nearly concerned in it; and some could not forbear in Words openly to express their brutal Joy: Now, said they, we'll _Darien_ 'em: By this they shall see we'll do our selves Justice, _&c_.

After Sentence, the Prisoners desired not to be disturb'd in their dying Moments, that they might improve 'em to the best Advantage; but now they were not only insulted with the most opprobrious Language, by such as could get to 'em, but continually worried by the religious Kirk Teachers. The most dismal Threatnings were denounc'd against 'em, and nothing but God's Wrath and eternal Torments in all its Horrors, were to be their Portion, if they died obdurate (as they call'd it) that is, without owning themselves guilty; and all this delivered with that Passion peculiar to that bitter Sett of Men. Nay, so restless were they, that even now, after Condemnation, they singled out some they found more terrified by their Cant, and assur'd 'em of Life if they would ingenuously acknowledge the Crimes they were condemned for; and, at last, worked so far upon _Haines_ and _Linsey_, that they brought them to own almost what they pleased. The former of these, upon their Pardons being granted, gave a frightful Account of the whole Pyracy and Murther upon _Drummond_'s Ship, and took Care, as near as he could, to keep close with _Ferdinando_'s Evidence, only here and there he was out in very material Points, as Men always are that don't relate Matters of Fact. There was a great many bloody Circumstances added to colour the whole, as their Manner of Swearing when they commenced Pyrates (much like the ridiculous Ceremonies at making of Witches) which, he said, was thus; Every one of 'em was let Blood, which they mixed together, and after every Man had drank part, they all swore to Secrecy, _&c._ with abundance of such Stuff. _Linsey_, a Man of better Sense, contented himself with saying as little as possible, which was excusable, he being on shoar in the pretended Engagement, so that most of what he said, consisted in Hearsays of the _Indians_, _&c._ Thus these poor Wretches screen'd themselves from this fatal Blow, at the Expence of Faith and a good Conscience, and to enjoy a troublesome Life, perhaps a few Years.

As soon as their Confessions were made publick, the Gentry, as well as the Mob, was transported with Rage, and the poor Wretches were blackened and reviled in a shameful Manner; and so violent was the Torrent of their Fury, that it reached even their Council for their Tryals, and they were obliged, for their own Safety, to withdraw into the Country.

In the midst of this Confusion two Men, who were known to be of _Drummond_'s Crew, came home in the _Raper_ Galley, and made Affidavits of the Loss of the said Ship to the Pyrates, as has been mentioned; upon which her Majesty and Council first reprieved them for eight Days, and afterwards desired Execution might be farther respited till they heard from above.

The common People, who for some Time past, with raised Expectations, had waited for the Execution, began to grow very impatient, bitterly inveighing against the Reprieve; and the Council met on the 11th of _April_ in the Morning, to consider what was to be done; which the Mob perceiving, imagined 'twas in order to a further Reprieve or Pardon; immediately all Shops were shut up, and the Streets filled with incredible Numbers of Men, Women and Children, calling for Justice upon those _English_ Murtherers. The Lord Chancellour _Seafield_'s Coach happening to pass by, they stopp'd it, broke the Sashes, haul'd him out, and oblig'd him to promise Execution should speedily be done before he could get from 'em.

According to the Chancellor's Promise, soon after, on the same Day, being _Wednesday_, Captain _Green_, _Madder_, and _Sympson_ were brought out, and convey'd to Execution, which was at _Leith Road_ upon the Sands, and all the Way were huzza'd in triumph as it were, and insulted with the sharpest and most bitter Invectives.

Thus fell these unhappy Men a well-pleasing Sacrifice to the Malice of wicked Men.

As for Captain _Green_'s Speech; after he had taken Notice of the Crimes he was to dye for, and appealed to all present to charge him, or the Crew, with any Injustice, since he had lived there; he goes on in giving an Account of his Faith, his living and dying in the Church of _England_, of their Manner of Life abroad, their Observance of religious Duties, and the Sense he had of the Impossibility of Salvation, if he dy'd with a Falshood in his Mouth. Then follows,--'Pursuant to which, I in the Presence of Almighty God, declare to you his People, that I am innocent in Design or Deed, and free from the Crimes for which I am condemned. That to my Knowledge, I never all my Life-time wrong'd Man in his Person or Goods, or had Accession thereto. What the Custom of Pyrates is, I thank God I know not: But I understand my Accusers and Persecuters will have you to believe, that I think it unnecessary to confess before Men. Take what I say as good Christians ought to do; if you have no Charity, you wrong your selves, and cannot hurt me.'

'I am told some of my Crew have confess'd the Crimes, and load us with Guilt; this is done since Sentence, and in hopes of saving themselves, which I wish they may do by lawful Means, and not have Accession to the shedding innocent Blood. I am a dying, these are still in hopes to live, chuse you which of us to believe, _&c._'

To return to Captain _Bowen_, who pyratically possessed himself of Captain _Drummond_'s Ship and Brigantine, as aforesaid, he, being inform'd by the Crew, that when they left Don _Mascarenhas_, a Ship called the _Rook_ Galley, Captain _Honeycomb_ Commander, was lying in that Bay, resolved, with the other Pyrates, to sail thither, but it taking up seven or eight Days in watering their Vessels, and settling their private Affairs, they arrived not at the Island till after the Departure of the said Galley, who thereby happily escaped the villainous Snare of their unprovok'd Enemies.

The Night after the Pyrates left _Maritan_, the Brigantine ran on a Ledge of Rocks off the West Side of the Island _Madagascar_, which not being perceived by the Ship, _Bowen_ came into _Mascarenhas_ without her, not knowing what was become of his Consort.

Here Captain _Bowen_ staid eight or ten Days, in which Time he supplied the Ship with Provisions, and judging, that the _Rook_ Galley was gone to some other Island, the Ship sail'd to _Mauritius_, in search of her; but the Pyrates seeing four or five Ships in the N. W. Harbour, they thought themselves too weak to attempt any thing there, so they stood immediately for _Madagascar_ again, and arrived safe, first to _Port Dauphin_, and then to _Augustin Bay_. In a few Days the _Content_ Brigantine, which they supposed either to have been lost, or revolted that honourable Service, came into the same Bay, and informed their Brethren of the Misfortune that happened to them: The Rogues were glad, no doubt, of seeing one another again, and calling a Council together, they found the Brigantine in no Condition for Business, being then very leaky, therefore she was condemned, and forthwith halled ashore and burnt, and the Crew united, and all went aboard the _Speedy Return_.

At this Place the Pyrates were made acquainted, by the Negroes, of the Adventures of another Gang that had settled for some Time near that Harbour, and had one _Howard_ for their Captain. It was the Misfortune of an _India_ Ship called the _Prosperous_, to come into the Bay at a Time that these Rogues were looking out for Employment; who, under the Pretence of trading (almost in the same Manner that _Bowen_ and his Gang had seized the _Speedy Return_) made themselves Masters of her, and sailed with her to _New Mathelage_. _Bowen_ and his Gang consulting together on this Intelligence, concluded 'twas more for their Interest to join in Alliance with this new Company, than to act single, they being too weak of themselves to undertake any considerable Enterprize, remembring how they were obliged to bear away from the Island of _Mauritius_, when they were in search of the _Rook_ Gally, which they might have taken, with several others, had they had at that Time a Consort of equal Force to their own Ship.

They accordingly set sail from the Bay, and came into _New Mathelage_, but found no Ship there, tho' upon Enquiry they understood that the Pyrate they look'd for, had been at the Place, but was gone; so after some Stay they proceeded to _Johanna_, but the _Prosperous_ not being there neither, they sailed to _Mayotta_, where they found her lying at Anchor; this was about _Christmas_ 1702.

Here these two Powers struck up an Alliance, _Howard_ liking the Proposals, came readily into it, and the Treaty was ratified by both Companies. They staid above two Months at this Island, thinking it, perhaps, as likely a Place to meet with Prey as cruising out for it, and so indeed it happened; for about the beginning of _March_, the Ship _Pembroke_ belonging to our _East-India_ Company, coming in for Water, was boarded by their Boats, and taken, with the Loss of the chief Mate and another Man that were killed in the Skirmish.

The two Pyrate Ships weighed, and went out to Sea along with their Prize, and that Day and the next plundered her of the best Part of her Cargo, Provisions and Stores, and then taking the Captain and Carpenter away, they let the _Pembroke_ go where the Remainder of her Crew pleased, and came with their Ships into _New Methelage_. Here the two Captains consulted, and laid a Plan for a Cruize to _India_, for which Purpose they detained Captain _Woolley_ of the _Pembroke_ lately taken, in order to be their Pilot in those Seas; but a very hot Dispute arose between the two Companies, which Ship he should go aboard of, insomuch that they had gone together by the Ears, if an Expedient had not been found to satisfy each Party, that one might not have the Advantage of the other by the Captain's Skill and Knowledge of the _Indian_ Coast, and this was to knock the poor Man on the Head; and murder him; but at last, by the Authority of _Bowen_, Captain _Woolley_ escaped the threaten'd Danger, by bringing his Company to consent to his remaining on board the _Prosperous_, where he then was.

The _Speedy Return_ being foul, and wanting a little Repair, it was judged proper for her to go back to _Augustin_ Bay to clean; in the mean while the _Prosperous_ was to have a Pair of Boot-Tops where she lay, and likewise to take in Water and Provision, and then to join their Consort again at _Mayotta_, the Island appointed for the Rendezvous.

The _Prosperous_ put into _Mayotta_ as agreed on, and waiting there some Time for _Bowen_'s Ship, without seeing or hearing any News of her, went to _Johanna_, but not meeting with her there, they apprehended some Accident had befel her, and therefore left the Place, and sailed on the Expedition themselves. As to the _Speedy Return_, she arrived safe at St. _Augustin_'s Bay at _Madagascar_, and there cleaned and victualled; but tarrying there somewhat too long, the Winds hung contrary, and they could not for their Lives beat up to _Mayotta_, and therefore went to _Johanna_, where, hearing that their Friends had lately left that Island, they steered for the _Red Sea_, but the Wind not proving fair for their Design, they bore away for the High Land of St. _John_'s, near _Surrat_, where they once more fell in Company with their Brethren of the _Prosperous_.

They cruiz'd together, as was first agreed on, and after some Time they had Sight of four Ships, to whom they gave Chace; but these separating, two standing to Northward, and two to the Southward, the Pyrates separated likewise, _Bowen_ standing after those that steered Southerly, and _Howard_ crowded after the others. _Bowen_ came up with the heaviest of the two, which proved to be a _Moorish_ Ship of 700 Tun, bound from the Gulph of _Mocha_ to _Surat_. The Pyrates brought the Prize into _Rajapora_, on the Coast of _India_, where they plundered her; the Merchandize they sold to the Natives, but a small Sum of current Gold they found aboard, amounting to 22,000 _l._ _English_ Money, they put into their Pockets. Two Days after the _Prosperous_ came in, but without any Prize; however, they soon made their Friends acquainted that they had not succeeded worse than themselves, for at _Surat_ River's Mouth, where all the four Ships were bound, they came up with their Chace; and with a Broadside, one of them struck, but the other got into the Bay. They stood down the Coast with the Prize till they had plundered her of the best of her Cargoe, the most valuable of which was 84,000 _Chequins_, a Piece of about ten Shillings each, and then they left her adrift, without either Anchor or Cable, off _Daman_.

While they were lying at _Rajapora_ they past a Survey on their Shipping, and judging their own to be less serviceable than their Prize, they voted them to the Flames, and straightway fitted up the _Surat_ Ship; they transported both Companies aboard of her, and then set Fire to the _Prosperous_ and _Speedy Return_. They mustered at this Place 164 fighting Men, 43 only were _English_, the greater Number _French_, the rest _Danes_, _Swedes_ and _Dutch_; they took aboard 70 _Indians_ to do the Drudgery of the Ship, and mounted 56 Guns, calling her the _Defiance_, and sailed from _Rajapora_ the latter End of _October_, in the Year 1703, to cruize on the Coast of _Mallabar_:

But not meeting with Prey in this first Cruise, they came to an Anchor about three Leagues to the Northward of _Cochen_, expecting some Boats to come off with Supplies of Refreshments, for which Purpose they fired several Guns, by way of Signal, but none appearing, the Quarter-Master was sent in the Pinnace to confer with the People, which he did with some Caution, keeping the Boat upon their Oars at the Shore-Side: In short, they agreed very well, the Pyrates were promised whatever Necessaries they wanted, and the Boat returned aboard.

The next Day a Boat came off from the Town with Hogs, Goats, Wine, _&c._ with a private Intimation from _Malpa_, the _Dutch_ Broker, an old Friend of the Pyrates, that a Ship of that Country called the _Rimæ_, lay then in _Mudbay_, not many Leagues off, and if they would go out and take her, he would purchase the Cargo of them, and likewise promised that they should be further supplied with Pitch, Tar, and all other Necessaries, which was made good to them; for People from the Factory flocked aboard every Hour, and dealt with them as in open Market, for all Sorts of Merchandize, Refreshments, Jewels and Plate, returning with Coffers of Money, _&c._ to a great Value.

The Advice of the Ship was taken very kindly, but the Pyrates judging their own Ship too large to go close into the Bay, consulted their Friend upon Means for taking the said Ship, who readily treated with them for the Sale of one of less Burthen that lay then in the Harbour; but _Malpa_ speaking to one _Punt_ of the Factory to carry her out, he not only refused to be concerned in such a Piece of Villainy, but reproved _Malpa_ for corresponding with the Pyrates, and told him, if he should be guilty of so base an Action, he must never see the Face of any of his Countrymen more; which made the honest Broker change both his Countenance and his Purpose.

At this Place Captain _Woolley_, whom they had taken for their Pilot on the _India_ Coast, being in a very sick and weak Condition, was, at his earnest Intreaty, discharged from his severe Confinement among them, and set ashore, and the next Day the Pyrates sailed, and ranged along the _Mallabar_ Coast, in quest of more Booty. In their Way they met a second time with the _Pembroke_, and plundered her of some Sugar, and other small Things, and let her go again. From the Coast they sail'd back for the Island of _Mauritius_, where they lay some Time, and lived after their usual extravagant Manner.

At _Mauritius_ two of the Crew, _viz._ _Israel Phipeny_ and _Peter Freeland_, left the Pyrates and concealed themselves in the Island till the Ship sailed. These two Men were part of _Drummond_'s Crew, who found an Opportunity of coming to _England_ soon after on board the _Raper_ Galley, and arrived at _Portsmouth_ in _March_ 1725. When this came to be known, Mr. _John Green_, Brother to Capt. _Green_, then under Sentence, went thither and got the Affidavits of the said _Phipeny_ and _Freeland_, made before the Mayor of _Portsmouth_, containing several Matters herein mentioned, which Affidavits were immediately brought to _London_, and by the Secretary of State sent away Express to _Scotland_, which arrived there some Hours before Capt. _Green_ was executed.

OF
Capt. _WILLIAM KID_.

We are now going to give an Account of one whose Name is better known in _England_, than most of those whose Histories we have already related; the Person we mean is Captain _Kid_, whose publick Trial and Execution here, rendered him the Subject of all Conversation, so that his Actions have been chanted about in Ballads; however, it is now a considerable Time since these Things passed, and though the People knew in general that Captain _Kid_ was hanged, and that his Crime was Pyracy, yet there were scarce any, even at that Time, who were acquainted with his Life or Actions, or could account for his turning Pyrate.

In the Beginning of King _William_'s War, Captain _Kid_ commanded a Privateer in the _West-Indies_, and by several adventurous Actions acquired the Reputation of a brave Man, as well as an experienced Seaman. About this Time the Pyrates were very troublesome in those Parts, wherefore Captain _Kid_ was recommended by the Lord _Bellamont_, then Governor of _Barbadoes_, as well as by several other Persons, to the Government here, as a Person very fit to be entrusted with the Command of a Government Ship, and to be employed in cruising upon the Pyrates, as knowing those Seas perfectly well, and being acquainted with all their lurking Places; but what Reasons governed the Politicks of those Times, I cannot tell, but this Proposal met with no Encouragement here, though it is certain it would have been of great Consequence to the Subject, our Merchants suffering incredible Damages by those Robbers.

Upon this Neglect the Lord _Bellamont_ and some others, who knew what great Captures had been made by the Pyrates, and what a prodigious Wealth must be in their Possession, were tempted to fit out a Ship at their own private Charge, and to give the Command of it to Captain _Kid_; and, to give the Thing a greater Reputation, as well as to keep their Seamen under the better Command, they procured the King's Commission for the said Captain _Kid_, of which the following is an exact Copy.

_William Rex_,

_'William_ the Third, by the Grace of God, King of _England_, _Scotland_, _France_ and _Ireland_, Defender of the Faith, _&c._ To our trusty and well beloved Captain _William Kid_, Commander of the Ship the _Adventure_ Gally, or to any other the Commander of the same for the Time being, GREETING; Whereas we are informed, that Captain _Thomas Too_, _John Ireland_, Captain _Thomas Wake_, and Captain _William Maze_, or _Mace_, and other Subjects, Natives or Inhabitants of _New-York_, and elsewhere, in our Plantations in _America_, have associated themselves, with divers others, wicked and ill disposed Persons, and do, against the Law of Nations, commit many and great Pyracies, Robberies and Depredations on the Seas upon the Parts of _America_, and in other Parts, to the great Hinderance and Discouragement of Trade and Navigation, and to the great Danger and Hurt of our loving Subjects, our Allies, and all others, navigating the Seas upon their lawful Occasions. Now KNOW YE, that we being desirous to prevent the aforesaid Mischiefs, and, as much as in us lies, to bring the said Pyrates, Free Booters and Sea Rovers to Justice, have thought fit, and do hereby give and grant to the said _William Kid_ (to whom our Commissioners for exercising the Office of Lord High Admiral of _England_, have granted a Commission as a private Man of War, bearing Date the 11th Day of _December_ 1695), and unto the Commander of the said Ship for the Time being, and unto the Officers, Mariners, and others, which shall be under your Command, full Power and Authority to apprehend, sieze, and take into your Custody as well the said Captain _Thomas Too_, _John Ireland_, Captain _Thomas Wake_, and Captain _William Maze_, or _Mace_, as all such Pyrates, Free Booters and Sea Rovers, being either our Subjects, or of other Nations associated with them, which you shall meet with upon the Seas, or Coasts of _America_, or upon any other Seas or Coasts, with all their Ships and Vessels; and all such Merchandizes, Money, Goods and Wares as shall be found on Board, or with them, in Case they shall willingly yield themselves; but if they will not yield without fighting, then you are by Force to compel them to yield. And we do also require you to bring, or cause to be brought, such Pyrates, Free Booters, or Sea Rovers, as you shall seize, to a legal Tryal, to the End they may be proceeded against according to the Law in such Cases. And we do hereby command all our Officers, Ministers, and other our loving Subjects whatsover, to be aiding and assisting to you in the Premisses. And we do hereby enjoin you to keep an exact Journal of your Proceedings in the Execution of the Premisses, and set down the Names of such Pyrates, and of their Officers and Company, and the Names of such Ships and Vessels as you shall by Vertue of these Presents take and seize, and the Quantities of Arms, Ammunition, Provision and Lading of such Ships, and the true Value of the same, as near as you judge. And we do hereby strictly charge and command you as you will answer the contrary at your Peril, that you do not, in any Manner, offend or molest our Friends or Allies, their Ships, or Subjects, by Colour or Pretence of these Presents, or the Authority thereby granted. In Witness whereof we have caused our Great Seal of _England_ to be affix'd to these Presents. Given at our Court of _Kensington_, the 26th Day of _January_ 1695, in the seventh Year of our Reign.'

Captain _Kid_ had also another Commission, which was called a Commission of Reprisals; for it being then War Time, this Commission was to justify him in the taking of _French_ Merchant Ships, in Case he should meet with any; but as this Commission is nothing to our present Purpose, we shall not burthen the Readers with it.

With these two Commissions he sail'd out of _Plymouth_ in _May_ 1696, in the _Adventure_ Gally of thirty Guns, and eighty Men; the Place he first design'd for was _New-York_; in his Voyage thither he took a _French_ Banker, but this was no Act of Pyracy, he having a Commission for that Purpose, as we have just observ'd.

When he arrived at _New York_ he put up Articles for engaging more Hands, it being necessary to his Ships Crew, since he proposed to deal with a desperate Enemy: The Terms he offered were, that every Man should have a Share of what was taken, reserving for himself and Owners forty Shares. Upon which Encouragement he soon increas'd his Company to a hundred and fifty five Men.

With this Company he sail'd first for _Maderas_, where he took in Wine and some other Necessaries; from thence he proceeded to _Bonavist_, one of the _Cape de Verd Islands_, to furnish the Ship with Salt, and from thence went immediately to St. _Jago_, another of the _Cape de Verd Islands_, in order to stock himself with Provisions. When all this was done, he bent his Course to _Madagascar_, the known Rendezvouz of Pyrates; in his Way he fell in with Captain _Warren_, Commadore of three Men of War; he acquainted them with his Design, kept them Company two or three Days, and then leaving them, made the best Way for _Madagascar_, where he arrived in _February_ 1696, just nine Months from his Departure from _Plymouth_.

It happen'd that at this Time the Pyrate Ships were most of them out in search of Prey; so that according to the best Intelligence Captain _Kid_ could get, there was not one of them at that Time about the Island, wherefore having spent some Time in watering his Ship, and taking in more Provisions, he thought of trying his Fortune on the Coast of _Malabar_, where he arrived in the Month of _June_ following, four Months from his reaching _Madagascar_. Hereabouts he made an unsuccessful Cruize, touching sometimes at the Island of _Mahala_, sometimes at that of _Joanna_, betwixt _Malabar_ and _Madagascar_: His Provisions were every Day wasting, and his Ship began to want Repair; wherefore, when he was at _Joanna_, he found Means of borrowing a Sum of Money from some _French_ Men who had lost their Ship, but saved their Effects, and with this he purchas'd Materials for putting his Ship in good Repair.

It does not appear all this while that he had the least Design of turning Pyrate; for near _Mahala_ and _Joanna_ both, he met with several _Indian_ Ships richly laden, to which he did not offer the least Violence, tho' he was strong enough to have done what he pleas'd with them; and the first Outrage or Depredation I find he committed upon Mankind, was after his repairing his Ship, and leaving _Joanna_; he touch'd at a Place call'd _Mabbee_, upon the _Red Sea_, where he took some _Guinnea_ Corn from the Natives, by Force.

After this he sail'd to _Bab_'s _Key_, a Place upon a little Island at the Entrance of the _Red Sea_; here it was that he first began to open himself to his Ship's Company, and let them understand that he intended to change his Measures; for, happening to talk of the _Moca_ Fleet which was to sail that Way, he said, _We have been unsuccessful hitherto, but Courage, my Boys, we'll make our Fortunes out of this Fleet_: And finding that none of them appear'd averse to it, he order'd a Boat out, well mann'd, to go upon the Coast to make Discoveries, commanding them to take a Prisoner and bring to him, or get Intelligence any Way they could. The Boat return'd in a few Days, bringing him Word, that they saw fourteen or fifteen Ships ready to sail, some with _English_, some with _Dutch_, and some with _Moorish_ Colours.

We cannot account for this sudden Change in his Conduct, otherwise than by supposing that he first meant well, while he had Hopes of making his Fortune by taking of Pyrates; but now, weary of ill Success, and fearing least his Owners, out of Humour at their great Expences, should dismiss him, and he should want Employment, and be mark'd out for an unlucky Man; rather, I say, than run the Hazard of Poverty, he resolved to do his Business one Way, since he could not do it another.