OF
Captain Cornelius,
And his Crew.
Having now the Command of the Morning Star, Cornelius kept on the Coast, and made several Prizes both English and Portuguese; the former he always discharged, after he had taken what he thought fitting, but the latter he commonly burnt.
While he was thus ravaging the Coast, two English Ships which had slaved at Whydah, one of 36 Guns, and the other of 12, which fought close, were ready to sail; and having Notice of a Pyrate, who had done great Mischief, resolved to keep Company together for their Defence. The Captain of the small Ship lay sick in his Cabbin, and she was left to the Care of the Mates. When they had got under Sail, 200 Negroes jump’d over board from the larger Ships, which obliged her to bring to and get out her Boats; the Mate of the other went into the Cabbin, told the Accident, and advised lying by, and sending their Boats to assist their Consort; but the Captain being ill, and willing to get off the Coast, bid him keep on his Way, for it would be dangerous, having 400 Slaves on board, and being but weakly mann’d, when the Boats were gone they might rise upon him. The Mate urged the Danger of the Pyrates, should they leave their Consort. The Captain answered, the Seas were wide, and he would not bring to; accordingly they kept on their Way with a fresh Gale.
Two Days after, the Mate about Eight in the Morning, ordered a Man to the Mast-head, who spied a Sail, which made them prepare for an Engagement. There was on board one Joseph Williams, who had served the African Company three Years on the Guiney Coast, who spoke the Negroe Tongue very well; he told the Slaves he had pick’d out to the Number of 50, that the Ship in Sight he believed would fight them, and if they got the better, would certainly, as they were Cannibals, kill and eat them all, and therefore it behoved them to fight for their Lives; they had Lances and small Arms given them.
About Ten Cornelius came up with them, and being haled, answered, he was a Man of War, in Search of Pyrates, and bid them send their Boat on board; but they refusing to trust him, tho’ he had English Colours and Pendent aboard, the Pyrate fired a Broadside, and they began a running Fight of about 10 Hours, in which Time the Negroes discharged their Arms so smartly, that Cornelius never durst attempt to board. About 8 at Night the Ship blew up abaft, they immediately cut the Lashings of the Long-Boat, but the Ship going down they had not Time to get her out, and barely enough to launch the Yawl, which lay on the Forecastle. The Ship went down on one Side, and Joseph Williams running on the other was hook’d by the Mizzen-Truss, and was carried down with her; but having his Knife in his Hand, and a great Presence of Mind, he cut the Wast-band of his Trowzers where he was catch’d, got clear, and swam after the Boat, into which about 16 had gotten, and either knock’d those on the Head, or cut off their Hands, who laid hold on it; however, with much Entreaty, he was permitted to lay one Hand on to ease him: They made to the Pyrate, who refused to receive them, without they would enter with him, which, to save their Lives, they all agreed to, and was then civilly received, and dry Cloaths given them; these and one Negroe were all the Souls saved.
In a little Time after this he took two Portuguese Ships, which he plundered and kept with him; and one foggy Morning hearing the firing of Guns, which, by the distance of Time, he judg’d to be Minute Guns, as they really were, for the Death of an English Commander; he called his Men on board from the Prizes, sent them about their Business, and directed his Course by the Report of the Canon he had heard.
In about two Hours he spied the Ship that had fired, came up with her very soon, and took her without Resistance. The Officers of the Ship which blew up, finding this Prize English, and that the Pyrate did not intend to detain it, begg’d to be discharged, as they had all large Families, which must perish without their Support.
Cornelius taking them into Consideration, discharged Mr. Powis of Limehouse, who has since been a Commander, and raised a Fortune; the then chief Mate, Mr. George Forelong, the Boatswain, Carpenter, and other married Men, set them on board the Prize, and was very generous to them out of the Plunder of the Portuguese Ships, because they had made a broken Voyage; but Joseph Williams and the Batchelors he detained, and forced some out of the Prize, which he let go.
After this he took three Portuguese Ships at an Anchor, which he plundered and burnt, after he had hove down by one of them; he continued some Time longer on the Coast, did a great Deal of Mischief to the Trade, and forced a great many Men: These he put to do all the Slavery of the Ship, and they were beat about the Decks, without daring to strike again. I shall take Notice of an Instance of this Kind, to shew how far Revenge will carry a Man. One Robert Bland was at Helm, and called Joseph Williams to take the Whipstaff, till he went to play, Williams refused it; upon which Bland drubb’d him with the Lanyard of the Whipstaff very severely, Williams that he might revenge himself, and have Liberty to fight Bland, went that Instant and entered himself a Voluntier in the Ships Books, and ask’d Leave to fight Bland, which was allowed him, but with no other Weapons than his Fists; he, however, challenged his Antagonist, who was too hard for him; so that he turned Pyrate to be heartily thresh’d.
Cornelius thinking they had been long enough on the Guiney Coast, doubled the Cape, off which he spied the Lizard and two more Men of War, under the Command of Commadore Littleton; Cornelius was for giving Chase, but finding his Men unwilling, there being, as they gave for Reason, 70 forc’d Men on board, and these Ships being, as they suspected, Men of War, he made the best of his Way for Madagascar, went up the River Methelage, on the West Side, and anchored against Pombotoque, a small Village of Blacks.
The Quarter-Master went ashore, and the black Governor examined him, for several of these Blacks speak English; he told the Governor they were come for Provision and to trade: Upon which he sent a Couple of Oxen on board, and then ordered some of the Inhabitants to go up with the Quarter-Master to the King. The Boat’s Crew seeing a Number of Blacks come upon the Strand without the Quarter-Master, apprehended some Mischief had befallen him; but were eas’d of their Fears, when they saw two Oxen given them, and were told, the white Man, who was gone to the King, would be back next Day, it not being above 20 Miles from the Shore.
When the Quarter-Master, who carried up a Blunderbuss, a fine Gun, and a Pair of Pistols, for a Present to the King, told him they wanted Provisions, he asked where they were bound? To which he answered, to seek their Fortunes, for, at present, they were very poor. Look ye, replied the King, I require nothing of you, all white Men I look upon as my Children; they help’d me to conquer this Country, and all the Cattle in it is at their Service. I will send you down Provisions enough, and when that is spent you shall have more; he accordingly sent 1000 Head of Cattle, out of which he bid them chuse what they would, and they salted up a 100 fat Oxen.
It may be an Amusement to the Reader to have a short History of this King, who was called Andian Chimenatto, that is, King Chimenatto: He was 2d Son of Andian Lifouchy, whose Country lay between Methelage and St. Augustine, his elder Brother was Timanangarivo.
At the Death of Andian Lyfouchy, Chimenatto, assisted by a younger Brother, and a great Number of the People, endeavour’d to wrest the Kingdom from his elder Brother Timanangarivo; but he was defeated, and with his Party obliged to retire, however, he still made War upon his Brother, till he was, by repeated Losses, very much weaken’d, and apprehensive of being attack’d by him; he retir’d farther Northward, where he made War on Andian Methelage, but without great Success, so that he settled on a Point of Land by the Sea-Coast, where the Tyloutes, that is, Inhabitants of the Sea, who are descended from the Arabs, and the Vaujimbos, who are esteem’d the meanest Cast on the whole Island, were very vexatious and troublesome to him, and kept him in continual Alarms.
In the mean while a couple of Ships arrived at Yungowl (the Country of Timanangarivo) belonging to Frederick Phillips, of New York, to slave; but hearing the old King was dead, who had a great Respect for the Whites, and that Timanangarivo had cut off the Crew of a Brigantine, on Pretence that they had poison’d his Father Andian Lyfouchy, for he drunk on board her so much Brandy that he died of it; they would not stay here, but went farther on the Coast to look for Trade.
Andian Chimenatto spying them, caused a Smoak to be made, which brought one of their Boats on Shoar; Chimenatto received the Crew very civilly, and invited the Ships in, promising Trade.
The Commanders ask’d if he had Slaves? He said he had but few; however, if they would allow some of their Men to go with him to War, he would slave both Ships: They answered, that Timanangarivo his Brother, had murder’d some of their Countrymen, and they could put no Confidence in him; upon which he gave them the History of his Wars, said his Brother was a wicked Man for what he had done; but if they would send some Men with him, he would give his Wives and nearest Relations for Hostages, to be kept on board.
This was agreed to, and Chimenatto furnished them with as much fresh Provision as they could dispose of; twenty Whites went with him to War, and they took a Town and a great Number of Slaves, out of whom he ordered the Captain to pick and cull what they pleas’d; they asked the Price, he said, he required nothing, if they would let their Men go out once more. They went on a second Expedition, took several Towns, and brought down some thousand Slaves, beside great Droves of Cattle.
The two Ships took their Choice of about 6000 Slaves, which with fresh Provision, and Provision for their Voyage, cost them only 2 or 3 Barrels of Powder, and a few Arms.
The King told them, if they would leave those Men and come again, he would again slave them for nothing; the Men being willing to stay, the Ships sail’d, came again the next Season, were slaved according to Promise, and relieved those whites, such of them as would return, and left others, who were willing, in their Steads. With this Assistance Chimenatto soon conquered the Antylouts and Vaujimbos, and afterwards made himself Master of the whole Country of Methelage, of such Reputation are the Europeans among these People, for they who have a white Man on their Side go on as to certain Victory; and the Sight of a white Man against them is such a Damp to their Spirits, that despairing of Success, they are preparing for Flight before they engage.
But to return, besides the Present of Oxen, the King sent 100 Blacks laden with Rice. Cornelius sent him a Present of 2 Barrels of Powder, and would have given him more, with small Arms in Return, but he sent them Word he would have no more, nor any of their Arms, not being in Want of either; on the contrary, if they wanted he would send them ten Barrels of Powder, as they were his Children; bid them proceed on their Voyage, and if they were richer when they came back, and would send him any Present, he would accept it, but not now that they were poor.
Here Cornelius lost 70 Men by their Excesses, having been long without fresh Provision, the eating immoderately, drinking Toke (a Liquor made of Honey) to Excess, and being too free with the Women, they fell into violent Fevers, which carried them off.
The Blacks having given Cornelius an Account of the Speaker’s being sail’d from Methelage about three Months before for the East-Indies, he, having taken in his Provisions, steer’d the same Course, in Hopes to join in Consort with her; but the Speaker lying off the Red Sea, and the Morning Star going into the Gulf of Persia they never met: They run up a pretty Way in the Gulf, and lay under Antelope Island, where they kept a Look-out, and whence they made their Excursions, and took a Number of Prizes.
Here they designed to heave down and clean, and they had got a good Part of their Goods and Water Casks ashore, when the Look-out discovered two tall Ships, one of them wearing a Flag at the Foretop-Mast Head; this put them into a great Confusion, they got what Casks and Necessaries they could on board, and lay till the Ships came a-breast of them; then they got under Sail at once, their Sails being furl’d with Rope Yarns, and came close along-side the larger Ship, which was a Portuguese of 70 Guns, as the other was of 26; they exchanged a Broadside with her, and the smaller Ship engaged her so close, that they threw Hand Grenades into each other; but Cornelius’s Business was to run, and the great Ship put a Stays twice to follow him, but missing, was obliged to Ware, which gave the Pyrate a great Advantage; the small Ship in staying, tail’d aground, she, however, gave Chase till she had run a good Way a-head of her Consort, which the Pyrate seeing, brought to, and stay’d for her, as did the Portuguese for her Consort, not caring to engage him singly. When it was quite dark Cornelius ran up the other Shore, pass’d the Portuguese Ships (which kept down the Gulf) and came again to Anchor at his old Station, where he found his Enemies had been ashore in their Boats and staved his Casks; he here cleaned, and finding no Money to be got out of any Prizes made, and Bale Goods being of little Value to them, they from hence went away to the Island of Johanna, where it was designed to moroon the Blacks, who were the greater Number, and all bred among the English; Joseph Williams, fearing they would next moroon the English, who were not above a third of the whites, gave the Negroes Notice of the Design, who secured all the Arms of the Ship, and gave Williams the Command till they should get to Madagascar, keeping a good Guard on the French and Dutch. When they came to Methelage they gave the Ship to the King, her Bottom being eaten so much with the Worms, that she was no longer fit for Service; and they all went and lived with the new King Chimave, Son to Andian Chimenatto, who died before their Return: About five Months after they broke up, Cornelius died, and was buried with the usual Ceremony.
OF
Capt. David Williams,
And his Crew.
This Man was born in Wales, of very poor Parents, who bred him up to the Plough and the following of Sheep, the only Things he had any Notion of till he went to Sea. He was never esteem’d among the Pyrates as a Man of good natural Parts, perhaps, on account of his Ignorance of Letters, for, as he had no Education, he knew as little of the sailing a Ship, set aside the Business of a foremast Man, as he did of History, in which, and natural Philosophy, he was equally vers’d: He was of a morose, sour, unsociable Temper, very cholerick, and easily resented as an Affront what as brave and a more knowing Man would not think worth Notice; but he was not cruel, neither did he turn Pyrate from a wicked or avaritious Inclination, but by Necessity, and we may say, tho’ he was no forced Man, he could not well avoid that Life he fell into.
When he was grown a lusty Lad he would see the World, and go seek his Fortune, as the Term is among the Country Youths, who think fit to withdraw themselves from the Subjection of their Parents; with this Whim in his Head he got to Chester, where he was received, and sailed on board a Coaster, till he had made himself acquainted with the Rigging, learned to knot, splice, and do the other Parts of a common Sailor’s Duty; then coming to London, he shipp’d himself on board the Mary India Man, bound for Bengal and Maderas, which Voyage he performed outward, and it was not his Fault that he did not come home in the same Ship; for, in her Return, falling short of Water, they steer’d for the Island of Madagascar, and fell in with the East Side, in the Lat. of 20, or thereabouts. The Captain mann’d and sent ashore the Long-Boat to seek for Water, but a large Surf running, she came to an Anchor, at some little Distance from Shore, and David Williams with another, being both good Swimmers, stripp’d and swam off in Search of Water: While they were ashore, the Wind which blew full upon the Island and freshning, the Surf ran too high for them to get off; and the Long-Boat, after waiting some time, seeing no Possibility of getting these Men on board, weigh’d and stood for the Ship, which filled her Sails and stood for St. Augustine’s Bay, where she watered and proceeded on her Voyage.
Thus our poor Welshman and his Companion were left destitute on an Island altogether unknown to them, without Cloaths or Subsistance, but what the Fruits of the Trees offer’d. They rambled some little Time along the Coast, and were met with by the Natives, and by them carried up into the Country, where they were humanly treated, and provided with all the Necessaries of Life, tho’ this was not sufficient to expel his Consort’s Melancholy, who took his being left behind so much to Heart, that he sicken’d and died in a very little Time.
Some time after, the Prince of the Country, who entertained Williams, had a Quarrel with a neighbouring King, which broke into a War. Williams took the Field with his Patron, but the Enemy being superior in Number, got the Victory, and took a great many Prisoners, among whom was the unfortunate Welshman: The King, whose Prisoner he was, treated him very kindly; and being Master of an old Musket, gave it him, saying, ‘such Arms were better in the Hands of a white Man than in those of any of his Subjects, who were not so much used to them; that he should be his Friend and Companion, and should fare as well as himself, if he would assist him in his Wars.’
It will not be amiss here to take Notice, that this Island, on the East Side, is divided into a great Number of Principalities or Kingdoms, which are almost in continual War one with another; the Grounds of which are very trivial, for they will pick a Quarrel with a Neighbour, especially, if he has a Number of Cattle (in which, and Slaves, consist their Riches) on the slightest Occasion, that they may have an Opportunity of Plunder; and when a Battle or two is lost, the conquer’d makes his Peace, by delivering up such a certain Number of Bullocks and Slaves as shall be demanded by the victorious Prince. On the West Side of the Island, the Principalities are mostly reduced under one Prince, who resides near Methelage, and who is, as we have said in the Lives of other Pyrates, a great Friend to white Men; for his Father, who founded his Empire by the Assistance of the Europeans, left it in Charge with his Son, to assist them with what Necessaries they should require, and do them all friendly Offices; but if he disobeyed this Command, and should ever fall out with the white Men, or spill any of their Blood, he threaten’d to come again, turn him out of his Kingdom, and give it to his younger Brother. These Menaces had a very great Effect upon him, for he firmly believed his Father would, on his Disobedience, put them in Execution; for there is not on Earth, a Race of Men equally superstitious.
But to return to Williams, he lived with this Prince in great Tranquility, and was very much esteem’d by him (for Necessity taught him Complaisance) after some time, his new Patron was informed, that his vanquish’d Enemy had form’d a grand Alliance, in order to make War upon him; wherefore, he resolved to begin, and march into the Countries of the Allies, and ravage the nearest before they could join their Forces. He rais’d an Army, and accordingly march’d Southward; at the News of his Approach, the Inhabitants abandoned all the small Towns, and sending Messengers to their Friends, rais’d a considerable Body to oppose him, suffering him to over-run a great Deal of Ground without Molestation. At length being reinforced, they took their Opportunity, and setting upon him when his Men were fatigued, and his Army incumber’d with Booty, they gained a signal Victory; the King had the good Luck to get off, but Williams was a second Time taken Prisoner.
He was carried before the Conqueror, who, (having been an Eye-witness of his Bravery, for Williams kill’d a Number of his Enemies with his Shot, and behav’d very well, defending himself with the Butt End of his Musket for some Time, when he was surrounded) reach’d him his Hand, and told him, he made War with his Enemies only, that he did not esteem the White Men such, but should be glad of their Friendship.
Here Williams was used with more Respect than he had been even by his last Patron, and lived with this Prince some Years; but a War breaking out, he was routed in a set Battle, in which Williams was his Companion; in the Pursuit the poor Welshman finding he could not get off, clapp’d his Musket at the Foot of a Tree, and climbing up, he capitulated: He was now terribly afraid of being cut to Pieces, for he had shot and wounded a great Number of the Enemy; they, however, promis’d him good Quarter, and kept their Word.
The King of Maratan, who took him, used him as well as any of the former had done; and carried him always with him to the Wars, in which Fortune was more propitious, for the Parties Williams commanded had constantly the better of their Enemies, and never returned but with great Booties of Cattle and Slaves, for all the Prisoners they take are so, till redeem’d; tho’ these Prisoners are, for the most part, Women and Children, they seldom giving Quarter to any other.
The Fame of his Bravery and Success, spread it self round the Country; and his Name alone was so terrible, that the giving out he was at the Head of any Party, was giving the Enemies an Overthrow without a Battle.
This reaching the Ears of Dempaino, a mighty Prince who lived 200 Miles from him, and who had several Petty Princes Tributaries, he sent an Embassador to demand the White Man; but his Patron, who had no Mind to part with him, denied that he had any White Man with him, that he who was called so was a Native of the Country. For the Readers better understanding this Passage, I must inform him, that there is a Race of what they call White Men, who have been settled on Madagascar, Time out of Mind, and are descended from the Arabs; but mixing with the Negroes, have propagated a Race of Molattoes, who differ in nothing from the Manner of living of the Black Natives.
To proceed, the Embassador desired to see this Man, and Williams coming to him, being extremely tann’d, he had pass’d for what he was reported, had he been before apprized of what had been said, to have answered accordingly, for he spoke the Language perfectly; or had the Embassador not examined him; who, after he had some Time viewed him, ask’d of what Country he was, and whether it was true that he was one of Madagascar? Williams answered, he was an Englishman, and was left in the Country, relating the Particulars, as I have already set them down, adding, he had been five Years in the Island.
The Embassador then told the King, that he must send the White Man with him, for such were the Orders of his Master the great Dempaino, who was Lord over most of the Kings on the Side the Country where he resided; and that it would be dangerous for him to disobey the Commands of so great a Monarch.
The King answered, those who were subject to Dempaino ought to obey his Commands, but for him, he knew no Man greater than himself, therefore should receive Laws from none; and with this Answer dismiss’d the Ambassador; who, at his Return, reported to his Master the very Words, adding, they were delivered in a haughty Strain. Dempaino, who was not used to have his Commands disputed, order’d one of his Generals to march with 6000 Men, and demand the White Man, and in Case of Refusal, to denounce War, that he should send him back an Express of it, and he would follow in Person with an Army to enforce a Compliance.
These Orders were put in Execution with the greatest Dispatch and Secrecy; so that the Town was invested, before any Advice was given of the Approach of an Enemy. The General told the King, it was in his Choice to have Peace or War with his Master, since it depended on the Delivery of the White Man.
The King thus surpriz’d, was obliged, however contrary to his Inclinations, to give Williams up to the General, who return’d with him to Dempaino, without committing any Hostilities; tho’ he threatned to besiege the Town, and put all but the Women and Children to the Sword, if the King of Maratan did not pay the Expence of his Master’s sending for the White Man, which he rated at 100 Slaves, and 500 Head of Cattle, the King objected to this as a hard Condition and an unjust Imposition, but was obliged to acquiesce in it.
One Thing, remarkable enough, had like to have slipp’d me; which is, the King of Maratan sent Williams to the General without any Attendance, which made him ask, if the White Man was a Slave? The King answered, he had not used him like one. I may very well, said the General, be of a contrary Opinion, since you have sent no Body to wait upon him: Upon which Reprimand, the King sent Williams a Present of a Slave.
He was received by Dempaino with a great many Caresses, was handsomely cloathed according to the Country Manner, had Slaves allotted to wait on him, and every Thing that was necessary and convenient; so that King Dempaino was at the Trouble of sending 6000 Men, one would think, for no other End than to shew the great Value and Esteem he had for the Europeans. He continued with this Prince till the Arrival of a Ship, which was some Years after his leaving Maratan; when the Bedford Galley, a Pyrate, commanded by Achen Jones, a Welshman, came on the Coast, on board of which Ship Williams was permitted to enter; they went to Augustine, where, laying the Ship on Shore, by Carelessness they broke her Back, and lost her. The Crew lived here till the Arrival of the Pelican, another Pyrate, mentioned in North’s Life; some of them went on board this Ship, and steer’d for the East-Indies. Williams shifted out of this on board the Mocha Frigate, a Pyrate, commanded by Captain Culliford, and made a Voyage; then, returning to St. Mary’s, they shared the Booty they had got in the Red Seas. I shall not here mention the Particulars of this last Expedition, designing to write Captain Culliford’s Life, which it more properly belongs to.
Some of the Crew, being West Indians, having an Opportunity, returned home; but Williams remain’d here till the Arrival and taking of Capt. Forgette, which has been already mentioned: He was one of those who took the Speaker, (the Manner has been told before, in another Life) went a Voyage in her, and returned to Maratan, as is said in North’s Life. Here the King seeing him, ask’d what Present he intended to make him for former Kindness? Williams answered, he had been over paid by the Prince whom he took him from and by his Services, which Answer so irritated his Maratanian Majesty, that he ordered him to quit his Country; and he could hardly after that see him with Patience.
From hence he went on board the Prosperous, Captain Howard, Commander, who went to St. Mary’s, and thence to the Main, as is said in that Pyrate’s Life, and was one of the Men left behind when they had a Design to carry off Ort Van Tyle. This Dutchman kept him to hard Labour, as planting Potatoes, &c. in revenge for the Destruction and Havock made in his Plantations by the Crew of the Prosperous; he was here in the Condition of a Slave six Months, at the Expiration of which Time, he had an Opportunity (and embraced it) to run away, leaving his Consort, Tho. Collins, behind him, who had his Arm broke when he was taken by the Dutchman.
Having made his Escape from a rigid, revengeful Master, he got to a Black Prince, named Rebaiharang, with whom he lived half a Year; he from hence went and kept Company with one John Pro, another Dutchman, who had a small Settlement on Shore, till the Arrival of the Men of War, commanded by Commodore Richards, who took both Pro and his Guest Williams, put them in Irons (on board the Severn) till they came to Johanna, where the Captain of the Severn undertook for 2000 Dollars to go against the Mohilians, in which Expedition several of the Man of War’s Crew were killed, and the two Pyrates made their Escape in a small Canoe to Mohila, where they shelter’d themselves a while in the Woods, out of which they got Provisions, and made over for Johanna; here they recruited themselves and went away for Mayotta, an Island 18 Leagues in Length. The King of this Island built them a Boat, and giving them Provisions and what Necessaries they required, they made for and arrived at Madagascar; where, at Methelage, in the Lat. of 16, 40, or thereabouts, they join’d, as has been said, Captain White.
Here they lay about 3 Months, then setting Fire to their Boat, they went into White’s, and rounding the North End came to Ambonavoula; here Williams staid till Captain White brought the Ship Hopewell, on board of which he entered before the Mast, made a Voyage to the Red Seas, towards the End of which he was chosen Quarter-Master. At their Return they touch’d at Mascarenas for Provisions, where almost half the Company went ashore and took up their Habitations.
From Mascarenas they steer’d for Hopewell (by some call’d Hopefull) Point, on Madagascar, where dividing their Plunder, they settled themselves.
Twelve Months after, the Charles Brigantine, Captain Halsey, came in, as is mentioned in his Life. Williams went on board him and made a Voyage; at their Return they came to Maratan, lived ashore, and assisted the King in his War against his Brother, which being ended in the Destruction of the latter, and a Pyrate lying at Ambonavoula, sending his Long-Boat to Manangcaro, within ten Leagues of Maratan, Williams and the rest went on board, and in three Months after he had been at Ambonavoula he was chosen Captain of the Scotch Ship, mentioned in Halsey’s Life.
This Ship he work’d upon with great Earnestness, and made the Scots Prisoners labour hard at the fitting her up for a Voyage; and she was near ready for the Seas when a Hurricane forced her ashore, and she was wreck’d.
Some Time after this he set up and finished a Sloop, in which he and ten of his Men, design’d for Mascarenas, but missing the Island they went round Madagascar, to a Place called Methelage, where he laid his Vessel ashore and staid a Year; but the King being tired with his morose Temper, and he disagreeing with every Body, he was order’d to be gone, and accordingly fitting up his Vessel he put to Sea, intending to go round the North End of the Island; but the Wind being at E. S. E. and the Current setting to N. W. he put back to a Port, called the Boyne, within 10 Leagues of Methelage, in the same King’s Dominions whom he had left. The Governor of this Place was descended from the Arabs, and it was here that the Arabians traded.
When he came to an Anchor, he and three of his Men (he had but 5 with him) went on Shore, paddled by two Negroes. David Eaton and William Dawson, two of the Men, required a Guide, to shew them the Way to the King’s Town; the Governor order’d them one, and, at the same time, laid an Ambush for them in the Road, and caused them to be murdered. When they had left the Boyn, Williams and Meyeurs, a Frenchman, who also came ashore in the Canoe, went to buy some Samsams, which are agate Beads; as they were looking over these Goods, a Number of the Governor’s Men came about them, seiz’d them both, and immediately dispatch’d Meyeurs, Williams they bound, and tortur’d almost a whole Day, by throwing hot Ashes on his Head and in his Face, and putting little Boys to beat him with Sticks; he offer’d the Governor 2000 Dollars for his Life, but he answer’d, he’d have both that and the Money too; and accordingly when he was near expiring, they made an End of him with their Lances.
After this barbarous Murder, the Governor thought of seizing the Sloop, on board of which were no more than two White Men, six Negroe Boys, and some Women Slaves of the same Colour; however, he thought it best to proceed by Stratagem, and therefore putting a Goat and some Calabashes of Toke on board William’s Canoe, with twelve Negroes arm’d, and the Sloop Negroes to paddle, he sent to surprize her. When the Canoe came pretty near the Vessel, they hal’d, and ask’d if they would let them come aboard? One of the Men ask’d William’s Negroes where the Captain was? He answered, drinking Toke with the Governor, and sent them Provision and Toke. A Negroe Wench advised the White Man, whose Name was William Noakes, not to let them come on board, for as four White Men went ashore, and none of them appear’d, she suspected some Treachery; however, on the Answer made him from the Canoe, he resolved to admit them, and giving the Wench a Kick, cryed, D—m ye, must we have no fresh Provisions for your Whimsies; he called them on board, and no sooner were they on Deck but one of them snatching Noakes his Pistol, shot him thro’ the Head, and seizing the other White Man, threw him over-board and drown’d him; after which, being Masters of the Vessel, they carried her in and rifled her.
The King was at this Time a hunting, as is his Custom to hunt Boars three Months in the Year; but the Account of these Murders soon reach’d him, however, he staid the accustom’d Time of his Diversion; but when he returned home, and the Whites, who were about him, demanded Justice, he bid them be quiet, they might depend upon his doing it: He sent to the Governor of Boyn, and told him, he was glad that he had cut off Williams and his Crew, an Example he was resolved to follow and clear the Country of them all. That he had some Affairs to communicate to him, and desired he would come to Court as soon as possible, but take Care he was not seen by any of the Whites, for fear by his, they shou’d revenge the Death of their Companions.
The Governor on these Orders came away immediately, and stopp’d two Miles short, at a little Town two Miles distant from the King’s, and sent Word he there waited for his Commands.
The King ordered him to be with him early next Morning, before the White Men were out of their Beds; he set forward accordingly the next Day betimes, but was seiz’d on the Road by Negroes placed for that Purpose, and brought bound to the King, who, after having reproach’d him with the Barbarity of his Action, sent him to the White Men, bidding them put him to what Death they pleased; but they sent Word back, he might dispose of his Subjects Lives as he thought fit, but for their Part they would never draw a Drop of Blood of any who belonged to him. Upon which Answer the King’s Uncle ordered him to be speared, and he was accordingly thrust thro’ the Body with Lances. The King, after this Execution, sent to Boyn, and had every Thing brought which had belonged to Williams and his Men, and divided it among the Whites, saying, He was sorry the Villain had but one Life to make Attonement for the Barbarity he had been guilty of.
OF
Capt. Samuel Burgess,
And his Crew.
Capt. Samuel Burgess was born in New-York, and had a good Education; he was what they call a well-set Man, and bandy legg’d; he sail’d some Time as a Privateer in the West-Indies, and very often, the Gang, he was with, when the Time of their cruizing was expir’d, would make no Ceremony of prolonging the Commission by their own Authority.
By his Privateering he got together some little Money, and returned home, where the Government having no Notice, or, at least, taking none, of his pyratical Practice, in staying beyond the Date of his Commission: He went out Mate of a Ship, in the Service of Frederick Phillips, bound to the Island of Madagascar, to trade with the Pyrates, where they had the Misfortune to lose their Ship, and lived eighteen Months at Augustine, when an English Pyrate coming in, the King of the Country obliged him to go on board her, tho’ much against his Inclination, for he was tired of a roving Life; but their Choice was to go or starve, for the King would keep them no longer.
He went with this free Booter to the East Indies, where they made several rich Prizes; returned to St. Mary’s, where they took in Provisions, Wood, and Water. Several of their Gang knock’d off here; but the Captain, Burgess, and the Remainder, went away for the West Indies, disposed of their Plunder on the Spanish Coast, and then returning to New York, purposely knocked the Ship on the Head at Sandy Hook, after they had secur’d their Money ashore.
The Government not being inform’d of their Pyracy, they lived here without Molestation, and, in a short Time, Burgess married a Relation of Mr. Phillips’, who built a Ship, called the Pembroke, and sent him a second Time to Madagascar. In his Way to this Island, he went into the River of Dilagou on the African Coast, where he took in a Quantity of Elephants Teeth; and thence to Augustine, where he met with several of his old Ship Mates, with whom he traded for Money and Slaves. Leaving this Place he went to Methelage, where he also took some Money and Negroes; and from thence he shaped his Course for St. Mary’s, on the East Side, where he also drove a considerable Trade with his old Comrades, took several of them Passengers, who paid very generously for their Passage; and taking with him an Account of what was proper to bring in another Trip, he return’d to New York, without any sinister Accident: This Voyage clear’d 5,000 l. Ship and Charges paid.
His Owner encouraged by this Success, bid him chuse what Cargoe he pleas’d, and set out again; accordingly he laded with Wine, Beer, &c. and returning to Madagascar arrived at Maratan on the East Side, where he disposed of a great Part of his Cargoe at his own Rates. At Methelage he disposed of the rest, and return’d, clearing for himself and Owner 10,000 l. besides 300 Slaves he brought to New York.
After a short Stay at home, he set out again on the old Voyage, fell in first with Methelage, where he victualled and traded; from thence he went round the South End, touch’d and sold Part of his Cargoe at a large Profit, to his old Acquaintance. He made a trading Voyage round the Island, and at St. Mary’s met another Ship belonging to his Owner, which had Order to follow his Directions; he stay’d at this Port till he had disposed of the Cargoe of both Ships; he then shaped his Course homewards, with about 20 Pyrates Passengers, who had accepted the Pardon brought by Commadore Littleton.
In his Way he touch’d at the Cape of Good Hope, for Wood, Water, and fresh Provision: While he was here, the Loyal Cook, an East India Man came in, who made Prize of Burgess, and carried him to the East Indies; he there would have delivered Burgess’s Ship to the Governor of Maderass, but the Governor would have no Hand in the Affair, and told the Captain, he must answer to the East-India Company and Burgess’s Owner for what he had done.
Most of the Pyrate’s Passengers thought themselves clear’d by the Act of Grace; but some of them, not willing to trust to it, got off with what Gold they could, in a Dutch Boat; they who trusted to the Pardon were clapp’d in Goal, and died in their Irons. I cannot omit the Simplicity of one of them, who had, however, the Wit to get off: When he designed to go away, he look’d for his Comrade for the Key of his Chest, to take his Gold with him, which amounted to Seventeen hundred Pounds; but this Comrade being ashore, he would not break open Chest, for it was Pity, he said, to spoil a good new Lock, so left his Money for the Captain of the East-India Man.
The News of this Capture came to the Owner before the Ship return’d, and he sued the Company; but, at their Request, staid for the Arrival of the Loyal Cook, which brought Burgess Prisoner to England soon after. The Captain finding himself in an Error, and that what he had done could not be justified, absconded; the Company made good the Ship and Cargo to the Owner. Burgess was set at Liberty, continued some Time in London, was impeach’d, and Pyracy sworn against him by Culliford (mentioned in Williams’s Life) who notwithstanding, he came home on the Act of Grace, was clapp’d into Newgate, tried and acquitted, tho’ he was beggar’d.
Burgess’s Owner stickled very hard for him, and expended great Sums of Money to save him; however, tho’ he pleaded the Necessity of his going on board the Pyrate, (as his Life shews it) he was tried and condemn’d; but by the Intercession of the Bishops of London and Canterbury, was pardon’d by the Queen.
After this, he made a broken Voyage to the South Sea, Lieutenant to a Privateer, and returning to London, was out of Business a whole Year.
He then shipp’d himself Mate on board the Hannah, afterwards called the Neptune, and went to Scotland to take in her Cargo, the Owner being of that Nation; but before she got thither he the Owner broke, and the Ship was stopp’d, and lay 18 Months before she was dispos’d of: But being set to Sale, and six Scotch Gentlemen buying her, the old Officers were continued, and she proceeded on her first designed Voyage to Madagascar, in which the Captain and Burgess quarrelling, was the Loss of the Ship; for the latter, who was acquainted with the Pyrates, when they arrived at Madagascar, spirited them up to surprize her: The Manner how, being already set down in Halsey’s Life, I need not repeat.
I shall only take Notice, that Captain Miller being decoy’d ashore, under Pretence of being shew’d some Trees, fit for Masting, Halsey invited him to a Surloin of Beef, and a Bowl of Arrack Punch; he accepted the Invitation, with about 20 of the Pyrates. One Emmy, who had been a Waterman on the Thames, did not come to Table, but sat by, muffled up in a great Coat, pretending he was attack’d by the Ague, tho’ he had put it on to conceal his Pistols only. After Dinner, when Halsey went out, as for something to entertain his Guests, (Miller and his Supercargo,) Emmy clapp’d a Pistol to the Captain’s Breast, and told him, he was his Prisoner; at the same Instant, two other Pyrates enter’d the Room, with each a Blunderbuss in his Hand, and told the Captain and his Supercargoe, that no Harm should come to either, if they did not bring it upon themselves by an useless Resistance. While this past within Doors, the Wood being lined with Pyrates, all Miller’s Men, whom he had brought ashore to fell Timber, were secur’d, but none hurt, and all civilly treated. When they had afterwards got Possession of the Ship, in the Manner mention’d before, they set all their Prisoners at Liberty.
Miller, with eleven of his Men, was sent off, as is said in Halsey’s Life: The Company chose Burgess Quarter-Master, and shar’d the Booty they had made out of the Scotch Ship, and the Greyhound.
Soon after happen’d Halsey’s Death, who left Burgess Executor in Trust for his Widow and Children, with a considerable Legacy for himself, and the other Pyrates grumbling at a new Comer’s being preferr’d to all of them, took from Burgess 3,000 l. of Halsey’s Money, and 1200 l. of his own, which was his Share of the two Prizes. Tho’ he had been treated in this Manner, they were idle enough to give him the Command of the Scots Ship, and order’d him to fit her out with all Expedition, and to take on board some Men and Goods left in the Brigantine: He set to work on the Ship, with full Design to run away with her; but some Pyrates, who were in another Part of the Island, being informed of these Proceedings, thought it not prudent to trust him, so he left the Ship, and getting among his old Comrades, by their Interposition, had all his Money return’d.
After this he lived five Months on the Island of St. Mary’s, where his House was, by Accident, burnt down, out of which he saved nothing but his Money; he then went on board David Williams, when he miss’d the Island of Mascarenas, and returned to Methelage, where he staid with the King, and was one of the Men among whom he divided William’s Effects.
From Methelage he went with a Parcel of Samsams to Augustine, with which he bought fifty Slaves, whom he sold to the Arabians. In his Return to Methelage, he met Captain North in a Sloop, with thirty of Miller’s Men on board; these Men propos’d the taking Burgess, who had, they said, betrayed, ruined, and banished them their Country, by forcing them to turn Pyrates; but North would not consent: Upon which, they confined him, took North and stripp’d him of all the Money, and then releasing their Captain, gave him 300 l. as his Share, which he returned to Burgess on his Arrival at Methelage.
Burgess lived here two or three Years, till he was carried off by some Dutchmen; they belonged to an East-India Man, and were taken by two French Ships, which being bound for Mocha, and scarce of Provisions, came into Methelage to victual, where they set 80 of their Prisoners ashore. When they parted from this Port they sail’d for Johanna, where they left the Dutch Officers, who built a Ship, and came back for their Men. Burgess being of great Use to them, they took him on board, and steer’d for a Port, where some Dutch, taken in another Ship, were maroon’d; but they were wreck’d at Youngoul, where Burgess continued eighteen Months. After this Time was expir’d, he was desirous of leaving the Place, and addressing himself to the King, who was Uncle to the King of Methelage, he requested his black Majesty to send him back to that Port, which he readily complied with, where Burgess continued almost five Years, afflicted with Sickness, in which he lost one Eye. While he was here, the Drake Pink, of London, came in for Slaves, he took Burgess, with Design to carry him home; but Captain Harvey in the Henry, which belong’d to the same Owners, arriving, and being a Stranger to the Trade, at the Request of Captain Maggot, Commander of the Drake, and on Promise of a Ship when in the West Indies, he enter’d as third Mate, and continued with him. Captain Harvey carrying it pretty high, and disagreeing with the King, lay here 9 Months before he could slave. Burgess was sent up to tell the King he had not fulfill’d his Agreement with Captain Harvey; the King resented the being reproach’d by a Man whom he had entertained so many Years, and reviled him; he was, however, carried to Dinner with some of the principal Blacks, and drank very plentifully with them of Honey Toke, in which it is supposed he was poison’d, for he fell ill and died soon after, leaving what he had to the Care of the chief Mate, for the Use of his Wife and Children.