APPENDIX TO THE First VOLUME.

We have already touched upon the History of some of the Pyrates, which we shall have Occasion to name here over again; but since the printing our first Volume, the following Relations are fallen into our Hands, which being much more curious and particular than any Thing hitherto made publick upon these Affairs, we are satisfied our Readers will find their Entertainment in the Perusal of it.

About the 20th of July 1718, Mr. Woods Rogers, Governor and Vice-Admiral of the Bahama Islands, being sent from England with the King’s Proclamation, and Pardon for all Pyrates who had surrendered by a Time specified in the said Proclamation, arrived at Providence. It was Evening when the Fleet came off the Town of Nassau in the said Island, when Richard Turnley, the Pilot, who was on board the Delicia, did not judge it safe to venture over the Bar that Night, wherefore it was resolved to lie bye till Morning.

In the mean Time there came some Men on board the Fleet from off a little Island, called Harbour Island, adjacent to Providence. The Advice they brought was, that there were near a thousand Pyrates on Shore upon the Island of Providence, waiting for the King’s Pardon, which had been long expected. The principal of their Commanders were Benj. Horneygold, Arthur Davis, Jos. Burgess, Tho. Carter, and they were all in or about the Town of Nassau; that the Fort was extremely out of Repair, there being only one Gun mounted, a nine Pounder, and no Accommodation for Men, but one little Hut or House, which was inhabited by an old Fellow, whom the Pyrates, in Derision, called Governor Sawney.

The Fleet was seen from the Harbour, as well as the Town, so that Captain Charles Vane, who had no Design of surrendring; but, on the contrary, had fitted out his Ship with a Resolution of attempting new Adventures, took the Advantage of the Night to contrive his Escape; and though the Harbour was blocked up, and his Ship drew too much Water to get out by t’other East Passage, he shifted his Hands, and Things of most Value, into a lighter Vessel, and charging all the Guns of the Ship he quitted with Double-Round and Partridge, he set it on Fire, imagining, that some of the Ships, or their Boats, might be sent near him, and he might do some Mischief when it should burn down to them.

Those in the Fleet saw the Light, and heard the Guns, and fancied the Pyrates on Shore were making Bonfires, and firing Guns for Joy that the King’s free Pardon was arrived; and Captain Whitney, Commander of the Rose Man of War, sent his Boat with his Lieutenant on Shore, which was intercepted by Vane, who carried the Crew on Board, and stripped them of some Stores they had in the Boat, he kept them till he got under Sail, which was till Day-break, when there was Light enough for him to see how to steer his Way through the East Passage; which was no sooner done but he hoisted a black Flag, and fired a Gun, and then let the Lieutenant and Boat’s Crew depart and join the Fleet.

The Fleet got safe into the Harbour, and as soon as the Lieutenant arrived on Board, and related what had passed, the Buck Sloop was ordered to chace Vane; she made what Sail she could through the East Passage after him, having a Recruit of Men well armed sent to her from the other Ships; but being heavily laden with rich Goods, Vane had the Heels of her, which the Commadore observing, made a Signal for her to leave off the Chace, and return, which she did accordingly.

They immediately fell to mooring and securing their Ships, which took up the Time till Night: Next Morning the Governor went on Shore, being received at his Landing by the principal People in the Government of the Place, as Thomas Walker, Esq; Chief Justice, and Thomas Taylor, Esq; President of the Council; the Pyrate Captains, Hornygold, Davis, Carter, Burghess, Currant, Clark, with some others, drew up their Crews in two Lines, reaching from the Water-Side to the Fort, the Governor and other Officers marching between them; in the mean Time, they being under Arms, made a running Fire over his Head.

Being arrived at the Fort, his Commission was opened and read, and he was sworn in Governor of the Island, according to Form.

The next Day the Governor made out a Commission to Richard Turnley, the chief Pilot, to Mr. Salter, a Factor, and some others, to go on Board and examine all suspected Ships and Vessels in the Harbour, to take an Inventory of their several Ladings, and to secure both Ship and Cargo for the Use of the King and Company, till such Time as a Court of Admiralty could be called, that they might be lawfully cleared or condemned by proving which belonged to Pyrates, and which to fair Traders.

The Day following a Court-Martial was held, in which a military Discipline was settled, in order to prevent Surprizes, both from Spaniards and Pyrates, till such Time as the Fort could be repaired, and put into a Condition of Defence; for this Purpose the Governor was obliged to make Use of some of the pardoned Pyrates, such as Hornygold, Davis and Burghess, to whom he gave some Commands; and George Fetherston, James Bonney, and Dennis Macartey, with some other Pyrates of a lower Rank, acted under them as inferior Officers.

Soon after the civil Government was also setled, some of the principal Officers being appointed Justices of the Peace, others of inferior Degree, Constables and Overseers of the Ways and Roads, which were overgrown with Bushes and Underwood, all about the Town of Nassau; so that if any Enemy had landed in the Night, they might lie in Ambuscade in those Covers, and surprize the Town; wherefore several of the common Pyrates were employed in clearing away the said Bushes and Underwood.

The Governor, with some Soldiers, guarded the Fort, and the Inhabitants, who were form’d into Train’d-Bands, took Care of the Town; but as there was no Sort of Accommodation to lodge such a Number of People, they were forced to unbend the Sails, and bring them on Shore, in order to make Tents, till they had Time to build Houses, which was done with all possible Expedition, by a Kind of Architecture altogether new.

Those that were built in the Fort were done by making six little Holes in the Rock, at convenient Distances, in each of which was stuck a forked Pole; on these, from one to t’other, were placed cross Poles or Rafters, which being lathed at Top, and on the Sides, with small Sticks, were afterwards covered with Palmata Leaves, and then the House was finished; for they did not much trouble themselves about the Ornaments of Doors and Windows.

In the mean Time the repairing the Fort was carried on, and the Streets were ordered to be kept clean, both for Health and Conveniency, so that it began to have the Appearance of a civilized Place.

A Proclamation was published for the Encouragement of all such Persons should be willing to settle upon the Island of Providence, by which every Person was to have a Lot of Ground of a hundred and twenty Foot square, any where in or about the Town of Nassau, that was not before in the Possession of others, provided they should clear the said Ground, and build a House tenantable, by a certain Time therein limited, which might be easily done as they might have Timber for nothing. This had the Effect proposed, and a great many immediately fell to work to comply with the Conditions, in order to settle themselves there.

Many of the Pyrates were employed in the Woods in cutting down Sticks to make Pallisadoes; and all the People belonging to the Ships (Officers excepted) were obliged to work four Days in the Week upon the Fortifications, so that in a short Time a strong Entrenchment was cast round the Fort, and being well pallisadoed, it rendered the Fort tolerably strong.

But it did not much suit the Inclinations of the Pyrates to be set to work; and though they had Provision sufficient, and had also a good Allowance of Wine and Brandy to each Man, yet they began to have such a hankering after their old Trade, that many of them took Opportunities of seizing Perriaguas, and other Boats, in the Night, and making their Escapes, so that in a few Months there was not many of them left.

However, when the Spanish War was proclaim’d, several of them return’d back again of their own Accords, being tempted with the Hopes of being employed upon the privateering Account, (which is something like pyrating;) for that Place lying near the Coast of Spanish America, and also not far from the Gulph of Florida, seemed to be a good Station for intercepting the Spanish Vessels going to old Spain.

They were not mistaken in this Supposition, for the Governor, according to the Power vested in him, did grant Commissions for privateering, and made Choice of some of the principal Pyrates who had continued upon the Island, in Obedience to the Pardon, for Commanders, as being Persons well qualified for such Employments, who made up their Crews chiefly of their scattered Companions, who were newly returned upon the Hopes of Preferment.

About this Time a Fishing Vessel belonging to the Island of Providence brought in the Master of a Ship and a few Sailors, whom she had picked up at Sea in a Canoe; the said Master was called Captain King, who sailed in a Ship called the Neptune, belonging to South-Carolina, loaden with Rice, Pitch, Tar, and other Merchandizes, bound for London.

The Account he gave of himself was, that he was met with by Charles Vane the Pyrate, who carried him into Green Turtle Bay, one of the Bahama Islands, by whom he was plundered of a great Part of his Cargoe, which consisting chiefly of Stores, was of great Use to them; that afterwards they cut away Part of one of the Masts of the Ship, and fired a Gun down her Hold, with Design of sinking her; that they took some of his Men into their Service, and when they were sailing off gave him and the rest a Canoe to save themselves; that with this Canoe they made shift to sail from one little Island to another, till they had the good Luck to meet the Fishing Boat which took them up; and that he believed Charles Vane might still be cruising thereabouts.

Upon this Intelligence the Governor fitted out a Ship which was named the Willing Mind, mann’d with fifty stout Hands, well armed, and also a Sloop with thirty Hands, which he sent to cruise amongst those Islands, in search of Vane the Pyrate, giving them Orders also to endeavour to recover the Ship Neptune, which Captain King told them had still Goods of a considerable Value left in her.

They went out accordingly, but never saw Vane; however, they found the Neptune, which was not sunk as the Pyrates intended; for the Ball they fired into her stuck in the Ballast, without passing through, by Reason the Gun had not been sufficiently charged, and so they returned with her about the 10th of November; but an unlucky Accident happened to the Ship Willing Mind, occasioned either by the ignorance or Carelessness of the Pilot, which was bulged in going over the Bar.

In the mean Time Vane made towards the Coast of Hispaniola, living riotously on Board, having store of Liquor, and plenty of fresh Provisions, such as Hogs, Goats, Sheep, Fowl, which he got upon easy Terms, for touching at a Place called Isleatherer, he plundered the Inhabitants of as much of their Provision as they could carry away: Here they cruised to about February, when, near the Windward Passage of Cape Mase, they met with a large rich Ship of London, called the Kingston, loaden with Bale Goods, and other rich Merchandize, and having several Passengers on Board, some English, and some Jews, besides two Women.

Towards the North-End of Jamaica they also met with a Turtle Sloop, bound in for that Island, on Board of which (after having first plundered her) they put the Captain of the Kingston, and some of his Men, and all the Passengers, except the two Women, whom they kept for their own Entertainment, contrary to the usual Practice of Pyrates, who generally sent them away, least they should occasion Contention.

The Ship Kingston they kept for their own Use; for now their Company being strengthened by a great many Recruits, some Voluntiers, and some forced Men out of the Neptune and Kingston, they thought they had Hands enough for two Ships; accordingly they shifted several of their Hands on Board the Kingston, and John Rackham, alias Callico Jack, (so called, because his Jackets and Drawers were always made of Callico) Quarter-Master to Vane, was unanimously chosen Captain of the Kingston.

The Empire of these Pyrates had not been long thus divided before they had like to have fallen into a civil War amongst themselves, which must have ended in the Destruction of one of them. The fatal Occasion of the Difference betwixt these two Brother Adventurers, was this;—It happened that Vane’s Liquor was all out, who sending to his Brother Captain for a Supply, Rackham accordingly spared him what he thought fit; but it falling short of Vane’s Expectation, as to Quantity, he went on Board of Rackham’s Ship to expostulate the Matter with him, so that Words arising, Rackham threaten’d to shoot him thro’ the Head, if he did not immediately return to his own Ship; and told him likewise, that if he did not sheer off, and part Company, he would sink him.

Vane thought it best to take his Advice, for he thought the other was bold enough to be as good as his Word, for he had it in his Power to be so, his Ship being the largest and strongest of the two.

Accordingly they parted, and Rackham made for the Island of Princes, and having great Quantities of rich Goods on Board, taken in the late Prizes, they were divided into Lots, and he and his Crew shared them by throwing Dice, the highest Cast being to choose first: When they had done, they packed up their Goods in Casks, and buried them on Shore in the Island of Princes, that they might have Room for fresh Booty. In the mean Time it happened that a Turtle Sloop belonging to Jamaica came in there, Rackham sent his Boat, and brought the Master on Board of him, and asking him several Questions, the Master informed him, that War with Spain had been proclaimed in Jamaica; and that the Time appointed by the general Pardon for Pyrates to surrender, in order to receive the Benefit thereof, was not expired.

Upon this Intelligence Rackham and his Crew suddenly changed their Minds, and were resolved to take the Benefit of the Pardon by a speedy Surrender; wherefore, instead of using the Master ill, as the poor Man expected, they made him several Presents, desiring him to sail back to Jamaica, and acquaint the Governor they were willing to surrender, provided he would give his Word and Honour they should have the Benefit of the Pardon; which, as extensive as it was, they apprehended they were not intitled to, because they had run away in Defiance of it at Providence. They desired the Master also to return with the Governor’s Answer, assuring him he should be no Loser by the Voyage.

The Master very willingly undertook the Commission, and arriving at Jamaica, delivered his Message to the Governor, according to his Instructions; but it happened that the Master of the Kingston, with his Passengers, being come to Jamaica, had acquainted the Governor with the Pyracies of Vane and Rackam, before the Turtler got thither, who was actually fitting out two Sloops, which were now just ready, in pursuit of them, so that the Governor was very glad to discover, by the Turtler’s Message, where Rackam was to be found.

The two Sloops, well mann’d, accordingly sailed out, and found Rackam in the Station where the Turtler had described him, but altogether in Disorder, and quite unprepared, either for Sailing or for Fight, most of his Sails being on Shore erected into Tents, and his Decks lumber’d with Goods; he happen’d to be on Board himself, tho’ most of his Men were ashore, and seeing the two Sloops at a Distance, bearing towards him, he observed them with his Glass, and fancied he saw on Board something like Preparations for fighting. This was what he did not expect, for he look’d for no Enemy, and while he was in Doubt and Suspence about them, they came so near that they began to fire.

He had neither Time nor Means to prepare for Defence, so that there was nothing to be done but to run into his Boat, and escape to the Shore, which he did accordingly with the few Hands he had with him, leaving the two Women on Board to be taken by the Enemy.

The Sloops seized the Ship Kingston, mann’d her, and brought her into Jamaica, having still a great part of her Cargoe left; when she arrived, the Master of her fell to examining what part of the Cargoe was lost, and what left; he searched also for his Bills of Lading and Cockets, but they were all destroyed by Rackam; so that the Ship being freighted by several Owners, the Master could not tell whose Property was saved, and whose lost, till he had fresh Bills of Parcels of each Owner from England. There was one remarkable Piece of good Luck which happened in this Affair; there were, amongst other Goods, sixty Gold Watches on Board, and thirty of Silver; the Pyrates divided the Silver Watches, but the Gold being packed up amongst some Bale Goods, were never discovered by them, and the Master, in searching, found them all safe.

In the mean Time Rackam and his Crew lived in the Woods, in very great Suspence what to do with themselves; they had with them Ammunition and small Arms, and also some of the Goods, such as Bales of Silk Stockings, and laced Hats, with which, it is supposed, they intended to make themselves fine; they had also two Boats and a Canoe.

Being divided in their Resolutions, Rackam with six more determined to take one of the Boats, and make the best of their Way for the Island of Providence, and there claim the Benefit of the King’s Pardon, which they fancied they might be intitled to, by representing, that they were carried away by Vane, against their Wills. Accordingly they put some Arms, Ammunition and Provision, into the best Boat, and also some of the Goods, and so set Sail. They first made the Island of Pines, from thence got over to the North-Side of Cuba, where they destroyed several Spanish Boats and Launces; one they took, which being a stout Sea Boat, they shifted themselves and their Cargoe into her, and sunk their own, and then stretched over to the Island of Providence, where they landed safely about the Middle of May 1719, where demanding the King’s Pardon, the Governor thought fit to allow it them, and Certificates were granted to them accordingly.

Here they sold their Goods, and spent the Money merrily; when all was gone, some ingaged themselves in Privateers, and others in trading Vessels.

But Rackam, as Captain, having a much larger Share than any of the rest, his Money held out a little longer; but happening about this Time to come acquainted with Anne Bonny, that made him very extravagant. Anne Bonny, as has been taken Notice of in the first Volume, was married to James Bonny, one of the pardoned Pyrates, a likely young Fellow, and of a sober Life, considering he had been a Pyrate; but Anne, who was very young, soon turned a Libertine upon his Hands, so that he once surpriz’d her lying in a Hammock with another Man. Rackam made his Addresses to her till his Money was all spent; but as he found there was no carrying on an Amour with empty Pockets, he ingaged himself with Captain Burghess, lately a Pyrate, but pardoned, who had received a Commission to privateer upon the Spaniards. This Cruize proved successful; they took several Prizes, amongst the rest, two of considerable Value, one loaded with Cocoa Nut, and another with Sugar. They brought them into Providence, and found Purchasers amongst the Factors, who came from other Places for that Purpose. The Dividend was considerable, and as soon as possible disposed of: Burghess sailed out in Quest of new Purchase; but Rackam, who had nothing but Anne Bonny in his Head, staid behind to spend his Money, and enjoy his Mistress.

Rackam lived in all Manner of Luxury, spending his Money liberally upon Anne Bonny, who was so taken with his Generosity, that she had the Assurance to propose to her Husband to quit him, in order to cohabit with John Rackam; and that Rackam should give him a Sum of Money, in Consideration he should resign her to the said Rackam by a Writing in Form, and she even spoke to some Persons to witness the said Writing.

The Story made some Noise, so that the Governor hearing of it, sent for her and one Anne Fulworth, who came with her from Carolina, and pass’d for her Mother, and was privy to all her loose Behaviour, and examining them both upon it, and finding they could not deny it, he threaten’d if they proceeded further in it, to commit them both to Prison, and order them to be whipp’d, and that Rackam, himself, should be their Executioner.

These Menaces made her promise to be very good, to live with her Husband, and to keep loose Company no more; but all this was Dissimulation, for Rackam and she consulting together, and finding they could not by fair Means enjoy each other’s Company with Freedom, resolved to run away together, and enjoy it in Spight of all the World.

To this Purpose they plotted together to seize a Sloop which then lay in the Harbour, and Rackam drew some brisk young Fellows into the Conspiracy; they were of the Number of the Pyrates lately pardoned, and who, he knew, were weary of working on Shore, and long’d to be again at their old Trade.

The Sloop they made choice of was betwixt thirty and forty Tun, and one of the swiftest Sailors that ever was built of that Kind; she belong’d to one John Haman, who lived upon a little Island not far from Providence, which was inhabited by no humane Creature except himself and his Family, (for he had a Wife and Children) his Livelihood and constant Employment was to plunder and pillage the Spaniards, whose Sloops and Launces he had often surprized about Cuba and Hispaniola, and sometimes brought off a considerable Booty, always escaping by a good Pair of Heels, insomuch that it become a Bye-Word to say, There goes John Haman, catch him if you can. His Business to Providence now was to bring his Family there, in order to live and settle, being weary, perhaps, of living in that Solitude, or else apprehensive if any of the Spaniards should discover his Habitation, they might land, and be revenged of him for all his Pranks.

Anne Bonny was observed to go several times on Board this Sloop; she pretended to have some Business with John Haman, therefore she always went when he was on Shore, for her true Errand was to discover how many Hands were aboard, and what kind of Watch they kept, and to know the Passages and Ways of the Vessel.

She discovered as much as was necessary; she found there were but two Hands on Board; that John Haman lay on Shore every Night: She inquired of them, Whether they watch’d? Where they lay? And ask’d many other Questions; to all which they readily answered her, as thinking she had no Design but common Curiosity.

She acquainted Rackam with every Particular, who resolved to lose no Time, and therefore, acquainting his Associates, who were eight in Number, they appointed an Hour for meeting at Night, which was at twelve o’Clock. They were all true to the Roguery, and Anne Bonny was as punctual as the most resolute, and being all well armed, they took a Boat and rowed to the Sloop, which was very near the Shore.

The Night seemed to favour the Attempt, for it was both dark and rainy. As soon as they got on Board, Anne Bonny, having a drawn Sword in one Hand and a Pistol in the other, attended by one of the Men, went strait to the Cabin where the two Fellows lay who belonged to the Sloop; the Noise waked them, which she observing, swore, that if they pretended to resist, or make a Noise, she would blow out their Brains, (that was the Term she used.)

In the mean Time Rackam and the rest were busy heaving in the Cables, one of which they soon got up, and, for Expedition sake, they slipped the other, and so drove down the Harbour: They passed pretty near the Fort, which hailed them, as did also the Guardship, asking them where they were going; they answered, their Cable had parted, and that they had nothing but a Grappling on Board, which would not hold them. Immediately after which they put out a small Sail, just to give them steerage Way. When they came to the Harbour’s Mouth, and thought they could not be seen by any of the Ships, because of the Darkness of the Night, they hoisted all the Sail they had, and stood to Sea; then calling up the two Men, they asked them if they would be of their Party; but finding them not inclined, they gave them a Boat to row themselves ashore, ordering them to give their Service to Haman, and to tell him, they would send him his Sloop again when they had done with it.

Rackam and Anne Bonny, both bore a great Spleen to one Richard Turnley, whom Anne had ask’d to be a Witness to the Writing, which James Bonny, her Husband, was to give to Rackam, by which she was to be resigned to him; Turnley refused his Hand upon that Occasion, and was the Person who acquainted the Governor with the Story, for which they vowed Revenge against him. He was gone from Providence a turtling before they made their Escape, and they knowing what Island he was upon, made to the Place. They saw the Sloop about a League from the Shore a fishing, and went aboard with six Hands; but Turnley, with his Boy, by good Luck, happened to be ashore salting some wild Hogs they killed the Day before; they inquired for him, and hearing where he was, rowed ashore in Search of him.

Turnley from the Land saw the Sloop boarded, and observed the Men afterwards making for the Shore, and being apprehensive of Pyrates, which are very common in those Parts, he, with his Boy, fled into a neighbouring Wood. The Surf was very great, so that they could not bring the Boat to Shore; they waded up to the Arm-Pits, and Turnley, peeping through the Trees, saw them bring Arms on Shore: Upon the whole, not liking their Appearance, he, with his Boy, lay snug in the Bushes.

When they had looked about and could not see him, they hollow’d, and call’d him by his Name; but he not appearing, they thought it Time lost to look for him in such a Wilderness, and therefore they returned to their Boat, but rowed again back to the Sloop, and took away the Sails, and several other Things. They also carried away with them three of the Hands, viz. Richard Connor the Mate, John Davis, and John Howel, but rejected David Soward the fourth Hand, tho’ he had been an old experienced Pyrate, because he was lame, and disabled by a Wound he had formerly received.

When they had done thus much, they cut down the Main-Mast, and towing the Vessel into deep Water, sunk her, having first put David Soward into a Boat to shift for himself; he made Shift to get ashore, and after some Time, having found out Turnley, he told him, that Rackam and Mary Stead were determined, if they could have found him, to have whipp’d him to Death, as he heard them vow with many bitter Oaths and Imprecations; for whipping was the Punishment the Governor had threatened her with by his Information.

From thence they stretch’d over to the Bury Islands, plundering all the Sloops they met, and strengthening their Company with several additional Hands, and so went on till they were taken and executed at Port Royal, as has been told in the first Volume.

About this Time, the Governor, in Conjunction with some Factors then residing at Providence, thought fit to freight some Vessels for a trading Voyage; accordingly the Batchelor’s Adventure, a Schooner, Captain Henry White, Commander; the Lancaster Sloop, Captain William Greenway, Commander; the May Sloop, Captain John Augur, Commander, of which last David Soward was Owner, (it having been given him by some Pyrates his former Associates) in which he also sail’d this Voyage, were fitted out with a Cargo of Goods and Merchandizes, bound for Port Prince on the Island of Cuba.

The Governor thought it adviseable, for the Benefit of the Inhabitants of Providence, to settle a Correspondence with some Merchants at Port Prince, first, in order to procure fresh Provisions, there being scarce any upon the Island at the Governor’s first Arrival; and there being at Port Prince great Plenty of Cows and Hogs, he proposed to get a sufficient Number of each, to stock the Island for Breed, that the People for the future might have fresh Provision of their own.

They set Sail on Sunday the fifth of October, 1718; the next Day they arrived at an Island known by the Name of Green Key, lying South, South-East from Providence, in the Degree of 23 and 40 North Latitude, being distance about twenty five Leagues; they cast Anchor, in order to wait for Morning to carry them thro’ some Rocks and Shoals which lay in their Way, and some went ashore to try to kill something for Supper, before it should be dark; they expected to meet some wild Hogs, for, some Time before, one Joseph Bay and one Sims, put two Sows and a Boar into the said Island; for they living at that Time at Providence, and being continually visited by Pyrates, were always plundered of all their fresh Provisions; wherefore, they thought of settling a Breed upon Green Key, that they might have Recourse to in Time of Necessity.

This Island is about nine Miles in Circumference, and about three Miles broad in the widest Place; it is overgrown with wild Cabbage and Palmuta Trees, and great Variety of other Herbs and Fruits, so that there is Plenty of Food for the Nourishment of such Animals; but the Trees lying so close together, makes it but bad Hunting, so that they kill’d but one Hog, which, however was of a monstrous Size.

The Hunters returned on Board their Ships again before Seven, having first divided the Hog, and sent part on Board each Vessel for Supper that Night. After Supper, Captain Greenway and Captain White came on Board of Captain Augur’s Sloop, in order to consult together, what Time to sail, and being all of Opinion, that if they weigh’d Anchor betwixt the Hours of ten and eleven, it would be Day before they would come up with the Shoals; they agreed upon that Hour for setting Sail, and so return’d to their own Vessels.

Soon after, Phineas Bunch, and Dennis Macarty, with a great many others, came from White’s Sloop on Board of Augur’s; their Pretence was, that they came to see Richard Turnley and Mr. James Carr, who had formerly been a Midshipman in the Rose Man of War under Captain Whitney, and being a great Favourite of Governor Rogers, he had appointed him Supercargo this Voyage. They desired to be treated with a Bottle of Beer, for they knew Mr. Car had some that was very good in his Care, which had been put on Board, in order to make Presents of, and to treat the Spanish Merchants with.

As it was not suspected they had any Thing else in View, Mr. Carr readily went down, and brought up a Couple of Bottles of Beer: They sat upon the Poop with Captain Augur in their Company, and were drinking their Beer; before the second Bottle was out, Bunch and Macarty began to rattle, and talk with great Pleasure, and much boasting of their former Exploits when they had been Pyrates, crying up a Pyrate’s Life to be the only Life for a Man of any Spirit. While they were running on in this Manner, Bunch on a sudden started up, and swore damn him, he would be Captain of that Vessel; Augur answered him the Vessel did not want a Captain, for he was able to command her himself, which seem’d to put an End to the Discourse for that Time.

Soon after, Bunch began to tell what bright Arms they had on Board their Sloop; upon which, one of Augur’s Men handed up some of their Cutlashes which had been clean’d that Day; among them was Mr. Carr’s Silver-hilted Sword; Bunch seem’d to admire the Sword, and ask’d whose it was; Mr. Carr made Answer it belong’d to him; Bunch replied it was a very handsome one, and drawing it out, march’d about the Poop, flourishing it over his Head, and telling Mr. Carr he would return it to him as soon as he had done with it: At the same Time he began to vapour again, and to brag of his former Pyracies, and coming near Mr. Carr, struck him with the Sword; Turnley bid him take Care of what he did, for that Mr. Carr would not take such Usage.

As they were disputing upon this Matter, Dennis Macarty stole off, and with some of his Associates seiz’d upon the great Cabin where all the Arms lay: At the same Time several of the Men, began to sing a Song, with these Words, Did not you promise me, that you would marry me (which it seems was the Signal agreed upon among the Conspirators for seizing the Ship) Bunch no sooner heard them, but he cried out aloud by G—d that will I, for I am Parson, and struck Mr. Carr again several Blows with his own Sword; Mr. Carr and Turnley both seiz’d him, and they began to struggle, when Dennis Macarty, with several others, return’d from the Cabin with each a Cutlash in one Hand, and a loaded Pistol in the other, and running up to them said, What do the Governor’s Dogs offer to resist? And beating Turnley and Carr with their Cutlashes, threaten’d to shoot them: At the same Time firing their Pistols close to their Cheeks, upon which Turnley and Carr begg’d their Lives.

When they were thus in Possession of the Vessel, they haled Captain Greenway, and desired him to come on Board about earnest Business: He, knowing nothing of what had pass’d, takes his Boat, and only with two Hands rows on Board of them; as soon as he was come, Dennis Macarty leads him into the Cabin, and, as soon as he was there, lays hold of him, telling him he was now a Prisoner, and must submit: He offered to make some Resistance; upon which, they told him all Resistance would be vain, for his own Men were in the Plot; and, indeed, he saw the two Hands which row’d him aboard now armed, and joining with the Conspirators; wherefore he thought it was Time to submit.

As soon as this was done, they sent some Hands on Board to seize his Sloop, or rather to acquaint his Men with what had been done, for they expected to meet with no Resistance, many of them being in the Plot, and the rest, they supposed, not very averse to it: After which, they decoy’d Captain White on Board, by the same Stratagem they used to Greenway, and likewise sent on Board his Sloop, and found his Men, one and all, well disposed for the Design; and what was most remarkable was, that Captain Augur seeing how Things were going, joined with them, shewing himself as well inclined for pyrating as the worst of them.

Thus they made themselves Masters of the three Vessels with very little Trouble. The next Thing to be done was to resolve how to dispose of those who were not of their Party; some were for killing John Turnley, but the Majority carried it for marrooning, that he might be starved, and die like a Dog, as they called it; their great Spleen to him was, because he was the Person who had piloted the Governor into Providence.

Accordingly Turnley, with John Carr, Thomas Rich, and some others, were stripp’d naked, and tumbled over the Vessel’s Side into a Boat which lay alongside; the Oars were all taken out, and they left them nothing to work themselves ashore with but an old Paddle, which, at other Times serv’d to steer the Boat, and so they commanded them to be gone.—However, they made shift to get safe ashore to the Island, which, as we observed before, was quite uninhabited.

The next Morning Dennis Macarty, with several others, went on Shore, and told them they must come on Board again, and they would give them some Clothes to put on. They fancied the Pyrates began to repent of the hard Usage they had given them, and were willing to return upon such an Errand; but when they got on Board again, they found their Opinion of the Pyrates good Nature was very ill grounded, for they began with beating them, and did it as if it were in Sport, one having a Boatswain’s Pipe, the rest beating them till he piped Belay.

The true Design of bringing them on Board again was to make them discover where some Things lay, which they could not readily find, as particularly Mr. Carr’s Watch and Silver Snuff-Box; but he was soon obliged to inform them in what Corner of the Cabin they lay, and there they were found, with some Journals and other Books, which they knew how to make no other Use of, but by turning into Cartridges.—Then they began to question Thomas Rich about a Gold Watch which had once been seen in his Possession on Shore at Providence; but he protested that it belonged to Captain Gale, who was Commander of the Guard-Ship called the Delicia, to which he then belonged; but his Protestations would have availed him little, had it not been that some on Board who belonged also to the Delicia knew it to be true, which put an End to his Beating; and so they were all discharged from their Punishment for the present.

Some Time after, fancying the Pyrates to be in better Humour, they begg’d for something to eat, for they had none of them had any Nourishment that Day or the Night before; but all the Answer they received was, that such Dogs should not ask such Questions: In the mean Time, some of the Pyrates were very busy endeavouring to persuade Captain Greenway to engage with them, for they knew him to be an excellent Artist, but he was obstinate and would not; then it was proposed what should be done with him, and the Word went for marrooning, which was opposed by some, because he was a Bermudian, meaning, that he might perhaps swim away, or swim on board his Vessel again, for the Bermudians are all excellent Swimmers; but as he represented, that he could not hurt them by his Swimming, he obtain’d the Favour for himself and the other Officers, to be set ashore with Turnley, Carr, and Rich. Accordingly they were put into the same Boat without Oars, to the Number of eight, and were ordered to make the best of their Way on Shore.

The Pyrates, the next Day, having examined all their Vessels, and finding that Greenway’s Sloop was not fit for their Purpose, shifted every Thing out of it; those that were sent on Shore could see from thence what they were doing, and when they saw them row off, Greenway swam on Board the Sloop, it is likely, to see whether they had left any Thing behind them. They perceiv’d him, and fancied, he repented his refusing to join with them, and was come to do it now; wherefore some of them return’d back to the Sloop, to speak to him, but they found him of the same Opinion he was in before; however he wheedled them into so much good Humour, that they told him he might have his Sloop again, in which, indeed, they had left nothing except an old Main-Sail, and old Fore-Sail, four small Pieces of Irish Beef, in an old Beef Barrel, and about twenty Biscuits, with a broken Bucket which was used to draw Water in, telling him that he and the rest must not go on Board till they were sail’d.

Greenway swam ashore again to give Notice to his Brothers in Distress, of what had pass’d; the same Afternoon Bunch with several others went on Shore, carrying with them six Bottles of Wine and some Biscuits. Whether this was done to tempt Greenway again, or no, is hard to say; for tho’ they talk’d to him a great Deal, they drank all the Wine themselves to the last Bottle, and then they gave each of the poor Creatures a Glass a-piece, with a Bit of Biscuit, and immediately after fell a beating them, and so went on Board.

While they were on Shore, there came in a Turtle which belong’d to one Thomas Bennet of Providence, whereof one Benjamin Hutchins was Master; they soon laid hold of her, for she went excellently well; Hutchins was reputed an extraordinary good Pilot among those Islands, wherefore they tempted him to engage with them; at first he refused, but rather than be maroon’d, he afterwards consented.

It was now the ninth of October, and they were just preparing to sail, when they sent on Shore, ordering the condemn’d Malefactors to come on Board of the Lancaster, that was Greenway’s Sloop; they did so in the little Boat they went on Shore in, by the Help of the same Paddle; they found several of the Pyrates there, who told them that they gave them that Sloop to return to Providence, tho’ they let them have no more Stores, than what were named before; they bad them take the Fore-Sail, and bend it for a Gib, and furl it close down to the Boltsprit, and to furl the Main-Sail close up upon the Boom: They did as they were order’d, for they knew there was no disputing whether it was right or wrong.

Soon after, another Detachment came on Board, among which were Bunch and Dennis Macarty, who being either mad or drunk, fell upon them, beating them, and cutting the Rigging and Sails to Pieces with their Cutlashes and commanding them not to sail, till they should hear from them again, cursing and damning, if they did, they would put them all to Death, if ever they met them again; and so they went off, carrying with them the Boat, which they sent them first ashore in, and sail’d away.

They left them in this miserable Condition without Tackle to go their Voyage, and without a Boat to get on Shore, and having Nothing in View but to perish for Want; but as Self-Preservation put them upon exerting themselves, in Order to get out of this deplorable State, they began to rummage and search the Vessel thro’ every Hole and Corner, to see if nothing was left which might be of use to them; and it happen’d by Chance that they found an old Hatchet, with which they cut some Sticks sharp to serve for Marlenspikes; they also cut out several other Things, to serve instead of such Tools as are absolutely necessary on Board a Ship.

When they had proceeded thus far, every Man began to work as hard as he could; they cut a Piece of Cable, which they strung into Rope Yarns, and fell to mend their Sails with all possible Expedition; they also made a Kind of Fishing-Lines of the said Rope-Yarns, and bent some Nails crooked to serve for Hooks; but as they were destitute of a Boat, as well for the Use of Fishing as for going on Shore, they resolved to make a Bark Log, that is, to lay two or three Logs together, and tie them close, upon which two or three Men may sit very safely in smooth Water.

As soon as this was done, some Hands went on Shore, upon one of the said Logs (for they made two of them) who employ’d themselves in cutting wild Cabbage, gathering Berries, and a Fruit which the Seamen call Pricklie Pears, for Food, while some others went a Fishing upon another.—Those who went ashore also carried the old Bucket with them, so that whilst some were busy in gathering Things to serve for Provision, one Hand was constantly employ’d, in bringing fresh Water aboard in the said Bucket, which was tedious Work, considering how little could be brought at a Time, and that the Sloop lay near a Mile from the Shore.

When they had employ’d themselves thus, for about four or five Days, they brought their Sails and Tackle into such Order, having also a little Water, Cabbage, and other Things on Board, that they thought it was Time to venture to sail; accordingly they weigh’d their Anchor, and putting out all the Sail they had, got out to the Harbour’s Mouth, when to their great Terror and Surprize, they saw the Pyrates coming in again.

They were much frighten’d at the Pyrates unexpected Return, because of the Threatnings they had used to them at parting, not to sail without further Orders; wherefore they tack’d about, and ran as close into the Shore as they could, then throwing out their Bark Logs, they all put themselves upon them, and made to Land, as fast as they could work; but before they quite reach’d it, the Pyrates got so near that they fired at them, but were too far to do Execution; however, they pursued them ashore; the poor Fugitives immediately took to the Woods, and for greater Security climb’d up some Trees, whose Branches were very thick, and by that Means concealed themselves. The Pyrates not finding them, soon return’d to their Boat, and row’d on board the deserted Sloop, whose Mast and Boltsprit they cut away, and towing her into deep Water, sunk her; after which, they made again for the Shore, thinking that the Fugitives would have been come out of their lurking Holes, and that they should surprize them; but they continued still on the Tops of their Trees and saw all that pass’d, and therefore thought it safest to keep their Posts.

The Pyrates not finding them, return’d to their Vessels, and weighing their Anchors, set sail, steering Eastward: In the mean time, the poor Fugitives were in Despair, for seeing their Vessel sunk, they had scarce any Hopes left of escaping the Danger of perishing upon that uninhabited Island; there they lived eight Days, feeding upon Berries, and Shell-Fish, such as Cockles and Perriwinckles, sometimes catching a Stingrey, a Fish resembling Mead or Thornback, which coming into Shoal Water, they could wade near them, and by the Help of a Stick sharpen’d at the End, which they did by rubbing it against the Rock, (for they had not a Knife left amongst them) they stuck them as if it had been with a Spear.

It must be observed, that they had no Means of striking a Fire, and therefore their Way of dressing this Fish was, by dipping it often in Salt Water, then laying it in the Sun, till it became both hard and dry, and then they eat it.

After passing eight Days in this Manner, the Pyrates return’d, and saw the poor Fugitives ashore, who according to Custom made to the Woods; but their Hearts began to relent towards them, and sending ashore, they ordered a Man to go into the Woods single, to call out to them, and promise them upon their Honour, if they would appear, that they would give them Victuals and Drink, and not use them ill any more.

These Promises, and the Hunger which pinch’d them, tempted them to come forth, and accordingly they went on Board with them, and they were as good as their Words, for they gave them as much Beef and Biscuit as they could eat, during two or three Days they were on Board, but would not give them a Bit to carry on Shore; they also gave them three or four Blankets amongst them, to cover their Nakedness (for as we observed, they were quite naked) and let them have some Needles and Thread, to make them into some Form.

There was on Board one George Redding, an Inhabitant of Providence, who was taken out of the Turtle Sloop, and who was a forced Man, being an Acquaintance of Richard Turnley, and knowing, that he was resolved to go ashore again, rather than engage with the Pyrates, and hearing him say, that they could find Food to keep them alive, if they had but Fire to dress it, privately gave him a Tinder-Box, with Materials in it for striking Fire, which, in his Circumstances, was a greater Present than Gold or Jewels.

Soon after, the Pyrates put the Question to them, whether they would engage, or be put ashore? And they all agreed upon the latter: Upon which a Debate arose amongst the Pyrates, whether they should comply with their Request or no? And at length it was agreed, that Greenway and the other two Masters should be kept whether they would or no: And the rest, being five in Number, should be as the Pyrates express’d it, have a second Refreshment of the Varieties of the Island.

Accordingly Richard Turnley, James Carr, Thomas Rich, John Cox, and John Taylor, were a second Time marooned, and the Pyrates as soon as they landed them, sail’d off, steering Eastward, till they came to an Island call’d Pudden Point, near Long-Island in the Latitude of 24, where they cleaned their Vessels.

In the mean Time Turnley and his Companions made a much better Shift than they had done before, his Friend George Redding’s Present being of infinite Use to them, for they constantly kept a good Fire, with which they broil’d their Fish; there were Plenty of Land Crabs and Snakes in the Island, which they could eat when they were dress’d, and thus they pass’d fourteen Days: At the End of which, the Pyrates made them another Visit, and they according to Custom made for the Woods, thinking that the Reason of their Return must be, in order to force them to serve amongst them.

But here they were mistaken, for the Anger of these Fellows being over, they began to pity them, and came now with a Design to succour them; but going ashore, and not finding them, they knew they were hid for Fear: Nevertheless, they left upon the Shore, where they knew they would come, some Stores which they intended in this Fit of good Humour to present them with.

The poor Islanders were got to their Retreat, the Tops of the Trees, and saw the Pyrates go off; upon which they ventured down, and going to the Water-side, were agreeably surprized to find a small Cask of Flower, of betwixt twenty and thirty Pounds, about a Bushel of Salt, two Bottles of Gunpowder, several Bullets, besides a Quantity of small Shot, with a Couple of Musquets, a very good Axe, and also a Pot and a Pan, and three Dogs, which they took in the Turtle Sloop; which Dogs are bred to Hunting, and generally the Sloops which go Turtling, carry some of them, as they are very useful in tracing out the wild Hogs; besides all these, there were a dozen Horn-handled Knives, of that Sort which are usually carried to Guiney.

They carried all these Things into the Wood, to that Part where they had their fresh Water, and where they usually kept, and immediately went to work with their Axe; some cutting down Bows, and making Poles, so that four of them were employ’d in building a Hut, while Richard Turnley taking the Dogs and a Gun, went a hunting, he understanding that Sport very well. He had not been gone long before he kill’d a large Boar, which he brought home to his Companions, who fell to cutting it up, and some they dress’d for their Dinner, and the rest they salted, for another Time.

Thus they lived, as they thought, very happy, in respect to their former Condition; but after four Days, the Pyrates made them another Visit, for they wanted to fill some Casks with Water: It happen’d when they came in, that Turnley was gone a Hunting, and the rest all busy at some Work, so that they did not see them, till they just came into the Wood upon them; seeing the Hut, one of them in Wantonness set it on Fire, and it was burnt to the Ground; and they appear’d inclined to do Mischief, when Richard Turnley knowing nothing of the Matter, happened to return from Hunting, with a fine Hog upon his Back, as much as he could carry; he was immediately surrounded by the Pyrates, who seized upon the fresh Meat, and which seemed to put them into better Humour, they made Richard Cox carry it down to their Boat, and when he had done, they gave him a Bottle of Rum to carry back to his Companions to drink their Healths, telling him, that they might get home if they could, or if they staid there, they never would trouble them any more.

They were, indeed, as good as their Words, for sailing away immediately, they made for Long Island, and coming up toward the Salt Ponds there, they saw at a Distance in the Harbour, three Vessels at an Anchor, and supposing them to be either Bermudas or New-York Sloops lying there to take in Salt, they bore down upon them with all the Sail they could make, expecting a good Booty. The Turtle Sloop taken from Benjamin Hutchins, was by much the best Sailor; however, it was almost dark before she came up with them, and then coming close alongside of one of them, she gave a Broadside, with a Design to board the next Minute, but received such a Volley of small Shot in return, as killed and wounded a great many of the Pyrates, and the rest, in great Surprize and Fright, jumped overboard, to save themselves by swimming ashore.

The Truth on’t is, these Sloops proved to be Spanish Privateers, who observing the Pyrates to bear down upon them, prepared themselves for Action: The Commander in Chief of these three Privateers was one who was called by the Name of Turn Joe, because he had once privateer’d on the English Side; he had also been a Pyrate, and now acted by Vertue of a Commission from a Spanish Governor. He was by Birth an Irishman, a bold enterprising Fellow, and was afterwards killed in an Engagement with one John Bonnavee, Captain of Privateer belonging to Jamaica.

But to return to our Story: The Sloop was taken, and on board her was found, desperately wounded Phineas Bunch, who was the Captain.—By and by a second of the Pyrate Sloops came up; she heard the Volley, and supposed it to be fired by Bunch, when he boarded one of the Sloops; she came also alongside of one of the Spaniards, and received the Welcome that was given to Bunch, and submitted as soon. A little after, came up the third, which was taken with the same Ease, and in the same Manner, as many of the Pyrates as could swim, jumping over board to save themselves on Shore, there not being a Man lost on the Side of the Spaniards.

The next Day Turn Joe asked them many Questions, and finding out that several amongst them had been forc’d Men, he, with the Consent of the other Spanish Officers, ordered all the Goods to be taken out of a Spanish Launce, and putting some of the wounded Pyrates into the said Launce, with some Provision, Water, and other Liquors, gave it to the forced Men, to carry them to Providence.

Accordingly George Redding, Thomas Betty, Matthew Betty, Benjamin Hutchins, with some others, set Sail, and in eight and forty Hours arrived in the Harbour of Providence.

They went on Shore immediately, and acquainted the Governor with every Thing that had pass’d, from the Time of their setting out, acquainting him, that Phineas Bunch, who was one of the chief Authors of all the Mischief, was on board the Launce; the Governor, with some others, went and examined him, and he confessed all, wherefore there was no Occasion for a Trial; and as he had been pardoned before, and it was necessary to make some speedy Example, it was resolved that he should be executed the next Day, but it was prevented by his dying that Night of his Wounds.

They also informed the Governor of the Condition of Turnley, Car, and the rest, who were marooned by the Pyrates upon Green Key Island; upon which the Governor sent for one John Sims, a Molotto Man, who had a two Mast Boat in the Harbour of Providence, very fit for sailing; and laying some Provisions into the said Boat, ordered him to get five or six Hands, and to sail for Green Key, in order to bring off the five Men there marooned.

Sims accordingly made the best of his Way, and sailing out in the Morning, arrived at Green Key the next Day towards Evening. The poor People on Shore saw them, and supposing them to be some of the Pyrates returned, thought it best to take to the Wood and hide, not knowing what Humour they might be in now.

Sims and his Ship-Mates carried some Provision on Shore, not knowing but they might want, and searched about, and calling out to them by their Names. After wandering about some Time, they came to the Place where the Fire was constantly kept; at perceiving which, they fancied they must be thereabouts, and that it would be best to wait for them there, and accordingly they sat them down, laying the Provisions near them. Turnley, who was climbed to the Top of a Tree just by, saw them, and observed their Motions, and fancied they were no Enemies who were bringing them Provisions, and, looking more earnestly, he knew Sims the Molotto, whom he was very well acquainted with at Providence; upon which he called him, who desired him to come down, telling him the comfortable News, that he was come to the Relief of him and his Companions.

Turnley made what Haste he could to the Bottom, and as soon as he was down, summoned his Companions, who were climbed to the Top of some neighbouring Trees, being in Haste to communicate the glad Tidings to them; being all together, the Molotto related to them the History of what had happened to the Pyrates.

That Night they supped comfortably together upon the Provision brought ashore; but so strange an Effect has Joy, that scarce one of them slept a Wink that Night, as they declared. The next Day they agreed to go a Hunting, in order to get something fresh to carry off with them, and were so successful, that they killed three fine Hogs. When they return’d, they made the best of their Way on Board, carrying with them all their Utensils, and set Sail for Providence, whither they arrived in three Days; it being now just seven Weeks from the Time of their being first set on Shore by the Pyrates.

The Governor, in the mean Time, was fitting out a Sloop to send for Long Island, in order to take those Pyrates who had saved themselves near the Salt Ponds there, which Sloop was now ready to sail, and put under the Command of Benjamin Horneygold; Turnley and his Companions embarked on Board of her, and Care was taken to get as many Men as they could, who were entire Strangers to the Pyrates.

When they arrived at the said Island, they run in pretty near the Shore, keeping but few Hands on Deck, that it might look like a trading Vessel, and those Men that were quite unknown to the Pyrates.

The Pyrates seeing them, came only two or three of them near the Shore, the rest lying in Ambush, not without Hopes of finding an Opportunity to seize the Sloop. The Sloop sent her Boat out towards the Shore, with Orders to lie off at a little Distance, as if she was afraid: Those in Ambush seeing the Boat so near, had not Patience to stay any longer, but flocked to the Water Side, calling out to them to come on Shore, and help them, for they were poor Ship-wreck’d Men, almost perish’d for Want. Upon which the Boat row’d back again to the Sloop.

Upon second Thoughts they sent her off again with two Bottles of Wine, a Bottle of Rum, and some Biscuits, and sent another Man, who was a Stranger to those ashore, with Orders to pass for Master of the Vessel. As soon as they approach’d them, the Pyrates call’d to them as before, begging them, for God’s sake to come on Shore; they did so, and gave them the Biscuit, Wine and Rum, which he said he brought ashore on purpose to comfort them, because his Men told him they were cast away. They were very inquisitive to know where he was bound; he told them, to New-York, and that he came in there to take in Salt: They earnestly intreated him to take them on Board, and carry them as Passengers to New-York; they being about sixteen in Number, he answered, he was afraid he had not Provision sufficient for so great a Number; but that he would go on Board and over-hall his Provision, and, if they pleased, some of them might go with him, and see how his Stock stood, that at least he would carry some of them, and leave some Refreshment for the rest, till they could be succoured another Way, but that he hoped they would make him some Recompence when they should arrive at New York.

They seemed wonderfully pleased with his Proposal, and promised to make him ample Satisfaction for all the Charges he should be at, pretending to have good Friends and considerable Effects in several Parts of America. Accordingly he took several of them with him in the Boat, and as soon as they got on Board, he invited them into the Cabin, where, to their Surprize, they saw Benjamin Horneygold, formerly a Brother Pyrate; but what astonished them more, was to see Richard Turnley, whom they had lately marooned upon Green Key; they were immediately surrounded by several with Pistols in their Hands, and clapped in Irons.

As soon as this was over, the Boat went on Shore again, and those in the Boat told the Pyrates, that the Captain would venture to carry them with what Provision he had; at which they appeared much rejoyced, and so the rest were brought on Board, and without much Trouble clapped in Irons, as well as their Companions.

The Sloop had nothing more to do, and therefore set Sail, and reaching Providence, delivered the Pyrates all Prisoners into the Fort: A Court of Admiralty was immediately called, and they were all tried, and ten received Sentence of Death; the other six were acquitted, it appearing that they were forced. The following nine were executed in the Manner described in the first Volume, John Augur, William Cunningham, Dennis Macarty, William Lewis, Thomas Morris, George Bendal, William Morris, George Bendal, William Ling, and George Rogers. George Rounsavil was reprieved after he had been tied up, and just going to be cast off, and was brought down to see the Execution of the rest.

But we cannot quit this Story without taking Notice of the Fate of this George Rounsavil. He work’d for some Time ashore for his living, but afterwards ingaged himself with Captain Burghess, a pardoned Pyrate, who had received a Commission to go a privateering. It happened they were driven upon the Rocks to the Southward of Green Key Island, and there they were beat to pieces; this Rounsavil, with five others, upon the first Shock, stept into the Canoe, and were going off, when Burghess standing upon the Poop of his Vessel, call’d out to him, saying, Will you go away and leave me to perish in this Manner. Rounsavil begg’d his Companions to put back, and take him in; but they answered, that the rest would be as willing to save themselves as he, and of Consequence, so many would crowd into the Canoe as would sink it, wherefore they would not venture it; upon which he jump’d into the Water, and swam to the Vessel, and there perished with his Friend since he could not save him.

Of Captain TEACH.

We shall add here a few Particulars (not mentioned in our first Volume) of the famous Blackbeard, relating to his taking the South Carolina Ships, and insulting that Colony. This was at the Time that the Pyrates had obtained such an Acquisition of Strength, that they were in no Concern about preserving themselves from the Justice of Laws, but of advancing their Power, and maintaining their Sovereignty, not over the Seas only, but to stretch their Dominions to the Plantations themselves, and the Governors thereof, insomuch that when their Prisoners came aboard their Captors Ships, the Pyrates freely own’d their Acquaintance with them, and never endeavour’d to conceal their Names, or Habitations, as if they had been Inhabitants of a legal Commonwealth, and were resolved to treat with all the World on the Foot of a free State; and all judicial Acts went in the Name of Teach, under the Title of Commodore.

All the Carolina Prisoners were lodg’d aboard the Commodore’s Ship, after being strictly examin’d concerning the Lading of their Vessels, and the Number and Condition of other Traders in the Harbour; when they thought they would sail, and whither bound: And the Enquiry was so solemnly carried on, that the Pyrates swore, that it should be Death for that Man that told a Lye, or otherwise shifted or evaded in his Answers. At the same Time all their Papers were perused with the same Diligence as though it had been at the Secretary’s Office here in England. When this Business was gone through, Word was given, that all the Prisoners should be immediately turn’d aboard their own Ship, out of which they had already taken their Provisions and Stores. This was done with that Hurry and Precipitation, that it struck a great Terror in the unfortunate People, verily believing they were then going to their Destruction; and what seem’d to confirm them in this Notion was, that no Regard was had to the Qualities of the Prisoners, but Merchants, Gentlemen of Rank, and even a Child of Mr. Wragg’s, were thrust aboard in a tumultuous and confus’d Manner, and lock’d all under the Hatches, where not so much as one Pyrate stay’d amongst them.

In this melancholly Situation were these innocent People left, bewailing their Condition for several Hours, expecting every Moment that pass’d either that a Match would be laid to a Train to blow them up, or that the Ship was to be set on Fire, or sunk; no Body could tell which, but every one supposed they were, one Way or other, destin’d for a Sacrifice to their brutal Humours.

But, at length, a Gleam of Light shot in upon them, that recover’d their drooping Souls; the Hatches were unlaid, and they were immediately order’d back on board the Commodore: They began then to think the Pyrates had changed their savage Resolution; and that God had inspired them with Sentiments less shocking to Nature and Humanity, and they went aboard, as it were, with new Life. The Chief of them were brought before Blackbeard, the Pyrates General, who acquainted them with the Occasion of that extraordinary Procedure; and that they were only put out of the Way while a general Council was held, at which Time they suffer’d no Prisoner to be present. He told them, the Company was in want of Medicines, and must be supply’d from the Province; that their first Surgeon had drawn up a Catalogue, which he would send to the Governor and Council, by two of his own Officers, for whose safe Return, as well as for the Chest it self, they had come to a Resolution of keeping all the Prisoners as Hostages, who would all be put to Death, if such their Demands were not comply’d with punctually.

Mr. Wragg answer’d, that, perhaps, it might not be in their Power to comply with every Part of it; and, he fear’d, that some certain Drugs in the Surgeon’s List, were not to be had in the Province; and, if it should prove so, he hop’d they would be contented to have that Want made up by substituting something else in the Place. He likewise proposed, that one of them might go with the two Gentlemen that were to be sent on the Embassy, who might truly represent the Danger they were in, and induce them more readily to submit, in order to save the Lives of so many of the King’s Subjects; and further, to prevent any Insult from the common People, (for whose Conduct, on such an Occasion, they could not answer) on the Persons of his Envoys.

His Excellency Blackbeard thought this Advice reasonable, and therefore call’d another Council, who likewise approv’d of the Amendment; thereupon Mr. Wragg, who was the first in Authority, and known to be a Man of good Understanding among the Carolinians, was offer’d, and the Gentleman, himself, was willing to leave a young Son in the Hands of the Pyrates, till he should return, which he promis’d to do, though the Government should refuse the Terms of their Releasement: But Blackbeard positively deny’d this Request, saying, he knew too well of what consequence he was in the Provence, and he would be equally so to them, and therefore he should be the last Man they would part with.

After some Debate, Mr. Marks was agreed upon to accompany the Ambassadors, and accordingly they went off from the Fleet in a Canoe, and two Days were appointed for their Return; in the mean while the Commadore lay too at five or six Leagues Distance from the Land, expecting the Conditions of Peace; but the Time expiring, and nothing appearing from the Harbour, Mr. Wragg was sent for up before Teach, who putting on a terrible Countenance, told him, they were not to be trifled with, that he imagined some foul Treachery was play’d them, and that nothing but immediate Death to them all should be the Consequence of it. Mr. Wragg begg’d to respite the dreadful Execution one Day longer, for, that he was sure, the Province regarded their Lives so much, that they would be sollicitous to the last Degree to redeem them; that, perhaps, some Misfortune might have befallen the Canoe in going in, or it might be their own Men that occasioned the Delay, for either of which it would be hard for them to suffer.

Teach was pacified for the present, and allow’d a Day more for their coming back; but at the End of that Time, how was he enraged to find himself disappointed, calling them Villains a thousand Times, and swearing, they should not live two Hours. Mr. Wragg, humour’d him all he could, and desired a good Look-out should be kept. Matters seem’d now to be coming to Extremities, and no Body thought their Lives worth a Day’s Purchase; the innocent People were under great Agonies of Mind, expecting that nothing but a Miracle could preserve them from being crush’d by the Weight of the Enemy’s Power, when Word was given from the Forecastle, that a small Boat appear’d in Sight. This raised their drooping Spirits, and reviv’d their Hopes; Blackbeard went forward himself with his Spying-Glass, and declared he could perceive his own Scarlet Cloak he lent Mr. Marks to go ashore in; this was thought to be a sure Reprieve, till the Boat came aboard, and then their Fears returned, seeing neither the Pyrates, Mr. Marks, nor the Chest of Medicines in the Boat.

This Boat, it seems, was sent off by Mr. Marks very discreetly, lest a Misconstruction should be put upon the Stay, that an unfortunate Accident had occasioned, and which the Men that belong’d to her acquainted the Commodore of, viz. That the Boat they had sent ashore was cast away, being overset by a sudden Squall of Wind, and the Men with great Trouble had got ashore at the uninhabited Island of ...... three or four Leagues from the Main, that having staid there some time till reduced to Extremity, there being no Provision of any Kind, and fearing what Disaster might befal the Prisoners aboard; the Persons belonging to their Company, set Mr. Marks upon a Hatch, and floated it upon the Sea, after which, they stripp’d and flung themselves in, and swiming after it, and thrust the Float forward, endeavouring, by that means, to get to Town. This prov’d a very tedious Voiture, and in all Likelihood they had perished, had not this Fishing Boat sail’d by in the Morning, and perceiving something in the Water, made to it, and took them in, when they were near spent with their Labour.

When they were thus providentially preserv’d, Mr. Marks went into ...... and there hired a Boat which carried them to Charles Town; in the mean time he had sent this Boat to give them an Account of the Accident. Mr. Teach was pacified with this Relation, and consented to stay two Days longer, since there appeared no Fault of theirs in causing this Delay. At the End of two Days, they lost all Patience, and the Commodore could not be prevail’d on to give them any longer Time than the next Morning to live, if the Boat did not return by that Time. Still expecting and still disappointed, the Gentlemen knew not what to say, nor how to excuse their Friends at Land; some of them told the Pyrates, that they had equal Reason with them to blame their Conduct; that they doubted not, by what had already happen’d, of Mr. Mark’s doing his Duty faithfully; and since they had received Notice of the Boat’s going safe into Charles Town, they could not conceive what should hinder the Execution of the Business, unless they put a greater Value on the Chest of Medicines, than on the Lives of fourscore Men now on the Verge of Destruction. Teach, for his Part, believed they had imprisoned his Men, and refused the Condition of the Prisoner’s Enlargement, and swore a thousand Times, that they should not only die, but every Carolina Man that hereafter should fall into his Hands. The Prisoners, at last, petitioned to have this one Favour granted, viz. That the Fleet should weigh and stand off the Harbour, and if they should not then see the Boat coming out, that they the Prisoners would pilot them in before the Town, which, if they pleased to batter down, they would stand by them to the last Man.

This Proposal of taking Revenge for the supposed Treachery (as the Commodore was pleased to term it) suited well enough the Savage Temper of the General and his Brutes, and he acquiesc’d at once. The Project was likewise approv’d on by the Myrmidons, and accordingly they weigh’d Anchor, being in all eight Sail of Ships, which were the Prizes they had in Custody, and rang’d along the Town; the Inhabitants then had their Share of the Fright, expecting nothing less than a general Attack; the Men were brought all under Arms, but not in so regular a manner as might have been done, had the Surprize been less; but the Women and Children ran about the Street like mad Things. However, before Matters came to Extremities, the Boat was seen coming out, which brought Redemption to the poor Captives, and Peace to all.

The Chest was brought aboard, and accepted of, and it further appear’d, that Mr. Marks had done his Duty, and the Blame of the Delay was deservedly thrown on the two Pyrates that were sent on the Embassy; for while the Gentlemen attended the Governor and Council upon the Business, the other fine Gentlemen were visiting and drinking with their quondam Friends and Acquaintance, and going from House to House, so that they were not to be found when the Medicines were ready to go aboard; and Mr. Marks knew it were Death to them all to go without them, for the Commodore would not easily have believ’d, had they not returned, that there had been no foul Play acted by them. But now none but smiling Countenances were seen aboard; the Storm that threatned the Prisoners so heavily, blew over, and a Day of Sun-shine succeeded; in short, Blackbeard released them as he had promised, and sent them away in the Ships after he had done with them, and then sail’d off the Coast, as has been mentioned in Vol. I. page 73.

What follows, contains Reflections on a Gentleman now deceas’d, who was Governor of North Carolina, namely, Charles Eden, Esq; which, we apprehend, by Accounts since receiv’d, to be without just Grounds, therefore, it will be necessary to say something in this Place, to take off the Calumny thrown on his Character, by Persons who have misjudged of his Conduct by the Height Things appeared in at that time.

Upon a Review of this Part of Blackbeard’s Story, it does not seem, by any Matters of Fact candidly considered, that the said Governour held any private or criminal Correspondence with this Pyrate; and I have been inform’d since, by very good Hands, that Mr. Eden always behaved, as far as he had Power, in a manner suitable to his Post, and bore the Character of a good Governor, and an honest Man.

But his Misfortune was, the Weakness of the Colony he commanded, wanting Strength to punish the Disorders of Teach, who lorded it at Pleasure, not only in the Plantation, but in the Governor’s own Habitation, threatening to destroy the Town with Fire and Sword, if any Injury was offer’d to him or his Companions, insomuch, that he sometimes drew up his Vessel against the Town, and once, when he suspected that there was a Design of seizing him, he went ashore to the Governor well armed, and left Orders with his Men on board, that in Case he should not return in an Hour’s Time (as he determined, if at Liberty) to batter down the House about their Ears, without any more to do, notwithstanding he himself were to be in it. Such were the outragious Insolencies of this Villain, who was so big with Mischief, that he resolved to be revenged upon his Enemies at all Events, even tho’ he should give up his own Life, as a Sacrifice, to obtain those wicked Ends.

It is to be observed, that Blackbeard, nevertheless, as to his Pyracies, had comply’d with the Proclamation, and thereby satisfied the Law, and having a Certificate thereof from under the Hand of his Excellency, he could not be prosecuted for any of those Crimes committed heretofore, because they were wiped off by the said Proclamation of Pardon: And as to condemning the French Martinico Man that Blackbeard brought in to North Carolina afterwards, the Governor proceeded judicially upon her. He called a Court of Vice Admiralty, by virtue of his Commission; at which four of the Crew swore they found the Ship at Sea with no Person on board her, so the Court condemn’d her, as any other Court must have done, and the Cargo was disposed of according to Law.

As to the secret Expedition from Virginia, undertaken by the Governor and the two Captains of Men of War, they had their secret Views in it: The Men of War had lain up these ten Months whilst the Pyrates infested the Coast, and did great Mischief, for which, ’tis likely, they might have been called to an Account; but the Success of the Enterprize against Teach, alias Blackbeard, perhaps prevented such Enquiry, tho’ I am at a Loss to know what Acts of Pyracy he had committed after this Surrender to the Proclamation; the French Ship was lawfully condemned, as has been said before, and if he had committed any Depredations amongst the Planters, as they seem’d to complain of, they were not upon the high Sea, but either in the River, or on Shore, and could not come within the Jurisdiction of the Admiralty, nor under any Laws of Pyracy. The Governor of Virginia found his Interest in the Affair; for he sent, at the same time, a Force by Land, and seiz’d considerable Effects of Blackbeard’s in Eden’s Province, which was certainly a new Thing for the Governor of one Province, whose Commission was limited to that Jurisdiction, to exercise Authority in another Government, and the Governour himself upon the Spot. Thus was poor Mr. Eden insulted and abused on all Sides, without having the Power of doing himself Justice, and asserting his lawful Rights.

In fine, to do Justice to Governor Eden’s Character, who is since dead, there did not appear from any Writings or Letters found in Blackbeard’s Sloop, or from any other Evidence whatsoever, that the said Governor was concerned at all in any Male Practice; but on the contrary, that during his Continuance in that Post, he was honour’d and beloved by his Colony, for his Uprightness, Probity, and prudent Conduct in his Administration; what Affairs were carried on privately by his then Secretary I know not; he died a few Days after Blackbeard’s Destruction, and no Enquiry was made; perhaps there might be no Occasion for it.

Of Major BONNET.

I have but few Words to add to Major Bonnet’s Life and Actions; when his Dissolution drew nigh, all his Resolution fail’d him, and his Fears and Agonies so wrought upon him, that he was scarce sensible when he came to the Place of Execution. His piteous Behaviour under Sentence, very much affected the People of the Province, particularly the Women, and great Application was made to the Governor for saving his Life, but in vain; not that his Excellency Colonel Johnson pleased himself in Acts of severe Justice, but he knew his Duty too well to be misled by the Tears and Prayers of weak and inconsiderate People, when the publick Good, as well as his own Honour, stood in Question. Had not Bonnet escap’d out of his Keeper’s Hand, after he was taken, and occasioned the Death of his Fellow-Prisoner Harriot, by resisting the Governor’s Authority, and therein given a new Specimen of his disloyal Intentions, something might have been done in his Favour; but he was become too notorious, and too dangerous a Criminal, to give Life to. However, the Governor who conducted himself in his Post as well as in his private Capacity, with great Probity, Honour, and Candour, hearkened to a Proposal of Bonnet’s Friends, which was to send him Prisoner to England, that his Case might be referr’d to his Majesty. Col. Rhet offer’d to go with him, and sufficient Security was to be given for yielding him up there, to be dealt with according to his Majesty’s Pleasure; but the Major’s Friends considered, at last, that it would be a great Expence and Trouble to no manner of purpose, except the lengthening out a wretched Life some small Time longer; for they conceived as little Hope of obtaining a Pardon in England as in South Carolina; so they even submitted to the Execution of that Sentence upon the Major, that had with so much Justice pass’d upon him. I shall subjoin here a Copy of a Letter, writ to the Governor from the Prisoner sometime before he died.

Honoured Sir,

‘I Have presumed, on the Confidence of your eminent Goodness, to throw my self, after this manner, at your Feet, to implore you’ll graciously be pleased to look upon me with tender Bowels of Pity and Compassion; and believe me to be the most miserable Man this Day breathing: That the Tears proceeding from my most sorrowful Soul may soften your Heart, and incline you to consider my dismal State, wholly, I must confess, unprepared to receive so soon the dreadful Execution you have been pleas’d to appoint me; and therefore beseech you to think me an Object of your Mercy.

‘For God Sake, good Sir, let the Oaths of three Christian Men weigh something with you, who are ready to depose, when you please to allow them the Liberty, the Compulsions I lay under in committing those Acts, for which I am doom’d to die.

‘I intreat you not to let me fall a Sacrifice to the Envy and ungodly Rage of some few Men, who, not being yet satisfied with Blood, feign to believe, that if I had the Happiness of a longer Life in this World, I should still employ it in a wicked Manner; which, to remove that and all other Doubts with your Honour, I heartily beseech you’ll permit me to live, and I’ll voluntarily put it ever out of my Power, by separating all my Limbs from my Body, only reserving the Use of my Tongue, to call continually on, and pray to the Lord, my God, and mourn all my Days in Sack-cloth and Ashes to work out confident Hopes of my Salvation, at that great and dreadful Day, when all righteous Souls shall receive their just Rewards: And to render your Honour a further Assurance of being incapable to prejudice any of my Fellow-Christians, if I was so wickedly bent; I humbly beg you will (as a Punishment of my Sins for my poor Soul’s Sake) indent me a menial Servant to your Honour and this Government, during my Life, and send me up to the farthest Inland Garrison or Settlement in the Country, or any otherways you’ll be pleased to dispose of me; and likewise that you’ll receive the Willingness of my Friends to be bound for my good Behaviour, and constant Attendance to your Commands.

‘I once more beg for the Lord’s Sake, dear Sir, that as you are a Christian, you will be so charitable to have Mercy and Compassion on my miserable Soul, but too newly awaked from an Habit of Sin, to entertain so confident Hopes and Assurance of its being received into the Arms of my blessed Jesus, as is necessary to reconcile me to so speedy a Death; wherefore, as my Life, Blood, Reputation of my Family, and future happy State lies entirely at your Disposal; I implore you to consider me with a christian and charitable Heart, and determine mercifully of me, that I may ever acknowledge and esteem you next to God my Saviour; and oblige me ever to pray, that our heavenly Father will also forgive your Trespasses.

‘Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the Dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the Sheep, thro’ the Blood of the everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in every good Work to do his Will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his Sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for ever and ever, is the hearty Prayer of

Your Honour’s Most miserable, and Afflicted Servant, STEDE BONNET.’

Of Captain WORLEY.

The History of the Pyrates being an Undertaking of great Length and Variety, the Author readily owns, that in some Parts, he may not be so exact, as they who have been occasionally upon the Spot when these particular Incidents have happen’d. But in any Circumstances he has omitted or misrepresented, he applies to such Persons for better Information; which Correction or Addition (as several others have been) shall be inserted as a Supplement to the whole.

And he hereby acknowledges himself much obliged to the worthy Gentleman who sent the following Letter, for his kind Assistance, in promoting his chief Design, which is to render as compleat as possible, a Work of so difficult a Nature.

To Mr. Johnson, Author of the Lives of the Pyrates.

SIR,

In perusing your Book, Entitled, A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the most notorious Pyrates, &c. I find there an Account of the taking Captain Worley and his Crew, in many Particulars of which you have been very much misinformed, and consequently the Publick is so; that Pyrate having been taken off the Bar of Charles Town in South Carolina by Col. Robert Johnson, the then Governor, in Person; to whom to do Justice, I have sent you the following Account of the taking him; for, as to his Beginning and Rise, I cannot say but your Account may be right, as you have set it forth in your aforesaid Book.

In October, 1718, Governor Johnson was informed, that there was a Pyrate Ship off the Bar of Charles Town, commanded by one Moody, carrying 50 Guns, and near 200 Men, that he had taken two Ships bound to that Port from New England, and was come to an Anchor with them to the Southward of the Bar; whereupon, he called his Council and the principal Gentlemen of the Place, and proposed to them, to fit out a proper Force to go out and attack him, fearing he might lie there some Time, as Thatch and Vane had done before, and annoy the Trade; which they unanimously agreeing, and there being, at that Time, 14 or 15 Ships in the Harbour, he impress’d the Mediterranean Gally, Arthur Loan, and the King William, John Watkinson, Commanders; and two Sloops, one of which was the Revenge, taken from Stede Bonnet, the Pyrate, and another from Philadelphia; the former, Captain John Masters commanded, and the latter, Captain Fayrer Hall; which two Captains had lately commanded the same Sloops that took Bonnet at Cape Fear, about a Month before. On board the Mediterranean was put 24 Guns, and 30 on Board the King William; the Revenge Sloop had 8, and the other Sloop 6 Guns; and being thus equipp’d, the Governor issued a Proclamation, to encourage Voluntiers to go on Board, promising ’em all the Booty to be shar’d among them, and that he himself would go in Person with ’em; but the Ships and Sloops before-mentioned being impress’d, it was natural for the Commanders to desire some Assurance of Satisfaction to be made the Owners, in Case of a Misfortune; so that the Governor found it necessary to call the General Assembly of the Province, without whom it was impossible for him to give them the Satisfaction they desired, and who, without any Hesitation, pass’d a Vote, that they would pay for the said Vessels, in Case they were lost, according to an Appraisement then made of them, and what other Expences accrued to carry on this necessary Expedition. This Way of Proceeding took up a Week’s Time, during which, the Governor ordered Scout Boats to ply up and down the River, as well to guard the Port from any Attempts the Pyrates might make to Land, as to hinder them from having Advice of what was doing, and also laid an Embargo on the Shipping.

About three Days before the Governor sail’d, there appear’d off the Barr a Ship, and a Sloop, who came to an Anchor, and made a Signal for a Pilot; but they being suppos’d to be Moody, and a Sloop that had join’d him (as it was said he expected) no Pilot was permitted to go near them, and thus they rid for four Days, once or twice attempting to send their Boat on Shore, to an Island, call’d, Suilivants Island (as they afterwards confess’d) to fetch Water, of which they were in great Want; but they were prevented by the Scout Boats before-mentioned: And, for Want of which, they were obliged to continue in the same Station, in hopes some Ship would be coming in or going out, to relieve their Necessities, they being very short also of Provisions.

And now all Things being ready, and about Three hundred Men on Board the four Vessels, the Governor thought himself a Match for Moody in his 50 Gun Ship, although he should be, as they thought he was, join’d by a Sloop: And therefore, he sail’d with his Fleet below Johnson’s Fort over Night, and the next Morning by Break of Day, weigh’d Anchor, and by Eight in the Morning, they were over the Bar.

The Pyrate Sloop immediately slipt her Cable, hoisted a black Flag, and stood to get between the Bar and the Governor’s Ships, to prevent their going in again, as they expected they would have done; and in a small Time after, the Pyrate Ship also hoisted a black Flag, and made Sail after the Sloop; during all this Time, the Men on Board the Governor’s Vessels did not appear, nor was there any Shew of Guns, until they came within half Gun-shot; when the Governor hoisted a Flag at the Main-top-mast Head of the Mediterranean, they all flung out their Guns, and giving them their Broad-sides, the Pyrates immediately run, whereupon, the Governor ordered the two Sloops after the Pyrate Sloop, who stood in towards the Shore, while himself and the King William followed the Ship who stood the contrary Way to Sea. She seemed to have many Ports, and very full of Men, tho’ she had fir’d but from two Guns, which occasion’d no small Wonder on Board the Governor, why she had not flung open her Ports, and made Use of more Guns, she being imagined all this while to be Moody.

The Sloop, which proved to be Worley, was attacked by the two Sloops so warmly, that the Men run into the Hold, all except Worley himself and some few others, who were killed on the Deck; and being boarded, they took her within Sight of Charles Town: The People seeing the Action from the Tops of their Houses, and the Masts of the Ships in the Harbour, where they had placed themselves for that Purpose; but it was Three in the Afternoon before the Governor and the King William came up with the Ship, who, during the Chase, had taken down her Flagg, and wrapping the small Arms in it, had thrown them over-board; and also flung over her Boat and what other Things they thought would lighten her, but all would not do: The King William came first up with her, and firing his Chase Guns, killed several of the People on board, and they immediately struck; when, to the no small Surprize of the Governor and his Company, there appeared near as many Women on board as Men, who were not a few neither. The Ship proving to be the Eagle, bound from London to Virginia, with Convicts; but had been taken by Worley off the Cape of Virginia, and had upwards of 100 Men and 30 Women on board. Many of the Men had taken on with the Pyrates, and as such, found in Carolina the Fate they had deserved at home, being hang’d at Charles Town; the virtuous Ladies were designed to have been landed on one of the uninhabited Bahama Islands, where there was a proper Port for these Rovers to put in, at any Time, to refresh themselves, after the Fatigue of the Sea. And thus a most hopeful Colony would have commenced, if they had had but Provisions and Water sufficient to have carried them to Sea; but their Fate kept them so long before the Port of Charles Town, until they were destroyed, and an End put to their wicked Lives, in the Manner before-mentioned.