A General History of the Pyrates
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Witness 
The PREFACE.The PREFACE.The PREFACE.The PREFACE.
HAVING taken more than
ordinary Pains in
collecting the Materials which compose the
following History, we could not be satisfied
with our selves, if any Thing were Wanting to
collecting the Materials which compose the
following History, we could not be satisfied
with our selves, if any Thing were Wanting to
it, which might render itintirely
g
g
p
satisfactory
p
Regularized form: 2nd ed onwards spelled "entirely"
spelling changed to "entirely" in subsquent editions
entirely
1st ed spelled "intirely"
spelling changed from 1st ed "intirely"
satisfactory to the Pub-
line change
In previous eds line ends with "satisfactory"; in 4th ed line ends with "Pub-"
satisfactory
line end change
lines end with "satisfactory" in the 1st. 2nd and 3rd eds.; 4th ed. adds words "to the Pub-"
to the Publick:
lick:
It is for this Reason we have
subjoined to
p
p
text moved in 4th ed
text moved in 4th ed
line end change
In st, 2nd & 3rd eds. line end with "to"; in 4th ed. adds the word "the" to the line end.
to the
line end change
line adds "to the" in the 4th ed. instead of "the" in previous editions
the
Work, a short Abstract of the
Laws now in Force against
4th ed: line begins with "Work"
Pyrates) and made choice
Choice
g
Choice
choice in 1st ed.
1st ed. choice is NOT captialized; eds
2,3,4 capitalize the "C" Choice in
of some particular
Cases, the
most curious we could meet with) which have
been hereto-
fore triedy by which it will appear what
Actions have, and
have, and
have,
p
line end change
, to ;
line end change
Eds. 1,2 & 3 line ends with "have, and"; 4th ed. line ends with "have," and moves "the" to the next line
and
what have not been adjudged
Pyracy.
line end change
Masters of Ships, and other honest Mariners, who frequent-
ly, by contrary Winds or Tempests, or other Accidents inci-
dent to long Voyages, find themselves reduced to great Di-
stresses, either through Scarcity of Provisions, or Want of
Stores. I say, it may be a Direction to such as those, what
Lengths they may venture to go, without violating the Law
of Nations, in Case they should meet other Ships at Sea, or
be cast on some inhospitable Shore, which should refuse to
trade with them for such Things are absolutely necessary
for the Preservation of their Lives, or the Safety of theShip
line end change
Ship
and Cargoe.
p
1st ed line begins with "and"
line ends with "Ship" in 1 st ed.; In subsequent eds. this line ends with "the" and "ship is added to the next line
History of the Inducements Men have to engage themselves
A2 headlong
head-
p
Eds 2,3 & 4 "head-"
Ed 1 "headlong"
In 1st ed. is the the catchword "headlong" is spelled out in full,In eds. 2, 3 & 4 it is shortened to "head-"
The PREFACE.
destructive to the Navigation of the trading World ; to re-
medy which Evil there seems to be but two Ways, either to
find Employment for the great Numbers of Seamen turn'd
adrift at the Conclusion of a War, and thereby prevent
1st ed "suf-"
1st ed "fficiently"
Places whereto Pyrates resort.
long Peacet I have not so much as heard of a Dutch, Pyrate:Py-
1st ed "Pyrate:"
1st ed "Pyrate: | It"
1st ed "Neigh- | bours;"
1st ed "be a" NOT "be | a"
Reproach
son take to be, that after a War, when the Dutch Ships
are laid tip, they have a Fishery, where their Seamen find
immediate Business, and as comfortable Bread as they had
before. Had ours the same Recourse in their Necessities,
Eds. 1,2 & 3 "I m"
Fishery is a Trade that cannot be overstock’d ; the Sea is
wide enough for us all, we need not quarrel for Elbow-room :
Its Stores are infinite, and will ever Reward reward
1st ed capitalized "Reward"
who employ several hundred Sail constantly in the Trade,
and so sell to us our own Fish. I call it our own, for theSove-
1st ed "Sove- | reignty"
1st ed. "acknowledged"
us
1st ed. line end is different "where- | fore"
1st ed. line spelling different "amongst"
1st ed. line end is different "be | Reproach"
Would be the best Means in the World to prevent Pyracy,
employ a Number of the Poor, ?and ease the Nation of a
great Burthen, by lowering the Price of Provision in general,
as well as of several other Commodities.
there are Multitudes of Seamen at this Day unemploy'd; ititis
is | but
Kingdom. Nor is it so much their Inclination to Idleness, as
their own hard Fate, in being cast off after their Work is
done, to starve or steal. I have not known a Man of
War
The PREFACE.
War commission’d for several Years past, but three timesherp
line end change - 1st ed. ends with "times"; subsequent eds. add the word "her" to this line word and end with "her".
her
Compliment of Men have offer'd themselves in twenty24g
in 1st ed. "twenty four" is spelled out; in all subsequent eds. it is the number "24"
Hours;p
line end change - in 1st ed. line end with "twenty"; subsequent eds. it ends with "Hours;"
four Hours;
the Merchants take their Advantage of this,lessen of their
p
line end changes - 1st ed ends with "this"; subsequent eds. have added 3 more words and the line ends with "lessen of their".
lessen of their
Wages, and those few who are in Business areare poorly paid
p
line end change - in 1st ed. ends with "are" ; in subsequent eds. it end with "are poorly paid" - adding 2 more word to the
line
are poorly paid
and but poorly fed ; such Usage breedsDis-
Discontents amongst
p
line end change - in 1st ed. ends with "Dis-" ; in subsequent eds. it end with "Discontents amongst"
contents amongst
them, and makes them eager for any Change.
I shall not repeat what I have said in the History con-
erning the Privateers of the West-Indies, where I have
erning the Privateers of the West-Indies, where I have
taken Notice they live upon Spoil ; and as Custom is a
secondse-p
line end change - Eds. 1, 2 & 3 line ends with "second" |. ; in 4th ed (Vol.I) it ends with "se-"
cond
Nature, it is no Wonder that, when an honest Livlyhood isLiveli-
p
line end change - Eds. 1, 2 & 3 line ends with "Livlyhood is"; ed. 4(Vol.I) it end with "Liveli-";
spelling is also changed from Livlyhood to Livelihood
hood
not easily had, they run into one so like their own;
p
line end change - Eds. 1, 2 & 3 line ends with " their own; so that"; ed.4(Vol.I) line end with "their own"
own; so that
so thatit may be said, that Privateers in Time of War are a Nur-War
p
line end change - Eds 1, 2 & 3: "War are a Nur-" ; ed 4(Vol.I) "War"
seryare a Nurseryfor Pyrates against a Peace.
Now we have accounted for their Rise and Beginning, it
will be natural to enquire why they are not taken and de-
stroy'd, before they come to any Head, seeing that they are
will be natural to enquire why they are not taken and de-
stroy'd, before they come to any Head, seeing that they are
seldom less than twelve Men of Warstation'dstationed
g
spelling is changed - 1st ed "station'd"; Eds. 2, 3 & 4(Vol.I) "stationed"
in our Ame-
rican Plantations, even in Time of Peace ; a Force suff–
cient to contend with a powerful Enemy. This Enquiry,
perhaps, will not turn much to the Honour of those concern'd
in that Service however, I hope I may be excus'd, if what
I hint is with a Design of serving the Publick.
cient to contend with a powerful Enemy. This Enquiry,
perhaps, will not turn much to the Honour of those concern'd
in that Service however, I hope I may be excus'd, if what
I hint is with a Design of serving the Publick.
I say, ‘tis strange that d few Pyrates should ravage the
Seas for Years, without ever being light upon, by any of our
p
line end change - in 1st ed. "any of" | ; in subsequent eds. "any of our"
our
Ships of War; when in the mean Time, they (thePy-Pyrates) shall
p
line end change - ed.1 "(the Py-" ; eds. 2 & 3 "(the Pyrates) shall"; ed.4(Vol.1) "(the Pyrates)
Pyrates)
p
line end change - ed.1 "(the Py-" ; eds. 2 & 3 "(the Pyrates) shall"; ed.4(Vol.1) "(the Pyrates)
shallrates)shall
take Fleets of Ships ; it looks as if one was muchmore dili-
p
line end change - ed.1 "much"; eds. 2 & 3 "much more dili-"; ed.4(Vol.1) "much more"
more
p
line end change - ed.1 "much"; eds. 2 & 3 "much more dili-"; ed.4(Vol.1) "much more"
morediligentgentdiligent
gent in their Affairs, than the other. Robertsand hisand his
p
line end change - ed.1 "Roberts"; eds.2 & 3 "Roberts and his Crew"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Roberts and his"
Crew
p
line end change - ed.1 "Roberts"; eds.2 & 3 "Roberts and his Crew"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Roberts and his"
and his CrewCrew
alone, took 400 Sail, before he was desray'd.
and only observe for the present, that the Pyrates at Sea,
have the same Sagacity with Robbers at Land; as the latter
understand what Roads are are most frequented, and where it is
most likely to meet with Booty, so the former know what
Latitude to lie in, in order to intercept Ships; and as the
Pyrates happen to be in want of Provisions, Stores, or any
particular Lading, they cruise accordingly for such Ships,
and aremoralymorally
g
same Reason, if the Men of War cruise in those Latitudes,
A 3 they
spelling change - ed.1 "moraly"; all subsequent eds. "morally"
certain of meeting with them ; and by thesame Reason, if the Men of War cruise in those Latitudes,
A 3 they
The PREFACE.
they are
might be
as sure of finding the Pyrates, as the Pyrates are
Pyrates
are
to find the Merchant Ships ; and if the Pyrates are
not to
not
to
be met with by the Men of War in such a
Latitude, then
Latitude,
then
surely down the same Latitude may the Merchant Ships
ar-
arrive
rive
safely to their Port.
words change - subsquent eds. "might be"
word change - ed.1 "are"
line end change - all subsquent eds. "Pyrates | are "
line end change - ed.1"Pyrates are |"
are
line beginning changed - ed.1 "to" ; all subsquent eds. "are "
line end change - ed.4(Vol.1) "not | to"
line end change - ed.1, 2 & 3 "not to"
to
line beginning change - ed.1, 2 & 3 "be"
line end change - ed.4(Vol.1)"Latitude, | then"
line end change - ed.1, 2 & 3"Latitude, then"
then
line beginning changes - ed.1, 2 & 3"surely"
line end change - ed.1, 3 & 4(Vol.1) "Ships | arrive"
arrive
line end & beginning change - ed.2"ar- | rrive "
line beginning changes - ed.1, 3 & 4(Vol.1) "arrive"
To make this a little plainer to my Country Readers,
I must observe that all our outward bound Ships, sometime
some-
time
after they leave the l.and, steer into the Latitude of
the Place they are bound to ; if to the West-India Islands,
or any Part of the Main of America, as New-York,
New-England, Virginia, &c. because the Latitude is
the only Certainty in those Voyages to be found, and then
they sail due West, till they come to their Port, without
altering their Course. In this West Way lie the Pyrates,
whether it he to Virginia, &c. or Nevis, St. Christo-
phers, Montserat, Jamaica, &c. so that if the Mer-
chant Ships hound thither, do not fall a Prey to them one
Day,they mult another: Therefore I say, if the Men of War
of
War
take the same Track, the Pyrates must unavoidably
fall into
fall
into
their Mouths, or he frighted away, for where the
Game is,
Game
is
there will the Vermin be ; if the latter should be
the Case,
the
Case
the trading Ships, as I said before, will pass
unmolested and
unmo-
lested and
safe, and the Pyrates be reduced to take
Refuge in some of
Refuge
in some of
their lurking Holes about the uninhabited
Islands, where
Islands,
where
their Fate would be like that of the Fox in his
Den, if
Den, if they
Den,
they
if they
should venture out, they would he hunted and
taken, and if
taken,
and if
they stay within they must starve.
I must observe that all our outward bound Ships, sometime
line end changes - 4(Vol.1)"some- | time"
line end changes - ed.1, 2 & 3 "sometime |"
time
line beginning changes - ed.1, 2 & 3 "after "
the Place they are bound to ; if to the West-India Islands,
or any Part of the Main of America, as New-York,
New-England, Virginia, &c. because the Latitude is
the only Certainty in those Voyages to be found, and then
they sail due West, till they come to their Port, without
altering their Course. In this West Way lie the Pyrates,
whether it he to Virginia, &c. or Nevis, St. Christo-
phers, Montserat, Jamaica, &c. so that if the Mer-
chant Ships hound thither, do not fall a Prey to them one
Day,they mult another: Therefore I say, if the Men of War
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Men of | War "
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3"Men of War |"
War
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "take"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "fall | into "
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3"fall into |"
into
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "their"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Game | is"
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 Game is | " "
is
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "there"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "the | Case"
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 ""the Case, | "
Case
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "the "
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "unmo- | lested
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "unmolested and"
lested and
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "safe"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Refugee | in some of"
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Refuge in some of |"
in some of
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "their"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Islands, | where"
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Islands, where | "
where
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "their"
line end changes - eds.2 & 3 "Den, if they | "; ed.4(Vol.1) "Den, | "
line end changes - ed.1 "Den, if | they"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Den, | if they "
line end changes - ed.1 "Den, if | "; eds.2 & 3 "Den, if they | "
they
line beginning changes - eds.2 & 3 "should"; ed.4(Vol.1) "if they "
line beginning changes - ed.1 "they should" ; eds.2 & 3 "if they"
line end changes - eds.1 & 4(Vol.1) "taken, | and if "
line end changes - eds.2 & 3 "taken and if | "
and if
line beginning changes - eds. 2 & 3 "they"
I must observe another Thing, that the Pyrates general-
ly shift their Rovings, according to the Season of the Year;
in the Summer they cruise mostly along the Coast of the Con-
tinent of America, but the Winters there, being a little
too cold for them, they follow the Sun, and go towards the
Jslands, at the approach of cold Weather. Every Man
who has used the West-India Trade, knows this to be
true ; therefore, since we are so well acquainted with all
their Motions, I cannot see why our Men of War under a
proper Regulation, may not go to the Southward, instead of
lying up all the Winter useless : But I shall proceed too far
in
ly shift their Rovings, according to the Season of the Year;
in the Summer they cruise mostly along the Coast of the Con-
tinent of America, but the Winters there, being a little
too cold for them, they follow the Sun, and go towards the
Jslands, at the approach of cold Weather. Every Man
who has used the West-India Trade, knows this to be
true ; therefore, since we are so well acquainted with all
their Motions, I cannot see why our Men of War under a
proper Regulation, may not go to the Southward, instead of
lying up all the Winter useless : But I shall proceed too far
in
The PREFACE.
in this Enquiry, I shall therefore quit it, and say some-
thing of the following Sheets, which the Author may venture
to assure the Reader that they have one Thing to recommend
them, which is Truth those Facts which he himself was
not an Eye-Witness of, he had from the authentick Relati- Relations
ons of the Persons concern'd in taking the Pyrates, as well as well as
as from the Mouths of the Pyrates themselves, after theythey were
were taken, and he conceives no Man can produce betterbetter Testi-
Testimoniesmonies to support the Credit of any History.
thing of the following Sheets, which the Author may venture
to assure the Reader that they have one Thing to recommend
them, which is Truth those Facts which he himself was
not an Eye-Witness of, he had from the authentick Relati- Relations
ons of the Persons concern'd in taking the Pyrates, as well as well as
as from the Mouths of the Pyrates themselves, after theythey were
were taken, and he conceives no Man can produce betterbetter Testi-
Testimoniesmonies to support the Credit of any History.
It will be observed, that the Account of the Actions of
Roberts runs into a greater Length, than that of any other
Pyrate, for which we can assign two Reasons, first, because
he ravaged the Seas longer than the rest, and of Consequence
there must be a greater Scene of Business in his Life: Second-Se-p
-lycondly , being resolved not to weary the Reader, with tiresome tire-p
someRepetitions: When we found the Circumstances in Roberts’s Ro-p
bert's Life, and other Pyrates, either as to pyratical Articles, or Ar-p
ticles or any Thing else, to be the same, we thought it best to give them itp
best to give them but once, and chose Roberts’s Life for that Purpose, he ha- Robert's Life forp
that Purpose, he having ving made more Noise in the World,World, tham some others.p
than some others.p
Roberts runs into a greater Length, than that of any other
Pyrate, for which we can assign two Reasons, first, because
he ravaged the Seas longer than the rest, and of Consequence
there must be a greater Scene of Business in his Life: Second-Se-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Second- | ly"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Se- | condly"
-lycondly , being resolved not to weary the Reader, with tiresome tire-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "tiresome |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "tire- | some"
someRepetitions: When we found the Circumstances in Roberts’s Ro-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Robert's |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Ro- | bert's".
bert's Life, and other Pyrates, either as to pyratical Articles, or Ar-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Articles, or | "; ed.4(Vol.1) "Ar- | ticles or".
ticles or any Thing else, to be the same, we thought it best to give them itp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "it best to give them | "; ed.4(Vol.1) "thought it | best to give them".
best to give them but once, and chose Roberts’s Life for that Purpose, he ha- Robert's Life forp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 " Robert's Life for that Purpose, he ha- | ving"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Robert's Life for | that Purpose".
that Purpose, he having ving made more Noise in the World,World, tham some others.p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "World , than some others"; ed.4(Vol.1) "World, | than some others.".
than some others.p
eds.1, 2 & 3 have 11 lines in this paragrpah ed.4(Vol.1) has 12 lines ine this paragraph
As to the Lives of our two female Pyrates, we
must con-mustp
conffessfess they may appear a little Extravagantextravagantg
never the less true for seeming so, but as they were pub-
lickly try’d tried n
enough to jusiify what we have laid down concerning them ;
it is certain, we have produced some Particulars which were
not so publickly known, the Reason is, we were more inquisi-inqui-p
-tivesitive into the Circumstances of their past Lives, than other
People, who had no other Design, than that of gratifying
their own private Curiosity : If there are some Incidents andIncidentsp
and Turns in their Stories, which may give them a little thelittlep
theAir of a Novel, they are not invented or contrived contrived forcontrivedp
for that Purpose, it is a Kind of Reading this Author is butisp
but little acquainted with, but as he himself was exceedinglyexceed-p
ingly diverted with them, when they were related to him, hetop
him, he thought thought they might have the same Effect upon the Reader.uponp
the Reader.
A4 I presumep
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "must con- | ffess"; ed.4(Vol.1) "must | conffess".
conffessfess they may appear a little Extravagantextravagantg
capitalization changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 capitalized "Extravagant"; in ed.4(Vol.1) all lower case"extravagant".
, yet they arenever the less true for seeming so, but as they were pub-
lickly try’d tried n
spelling change ed1:"tried" ed2,3,4(vol.I.)"try'd
for their Pyracies, there are living Witnessesenough to jusiify what we have laid down concerning them ;
it is certain, we have produced some Particulars which were
not so publickly known, the Reason is, we were more inquisi-inqui-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "inquisi- | tive"; ed.4(Vol.1) "inqui- | sitive".
-tivesitive into the Circumstances of their past Lives, than other
People, who had no other Design, than that of gratifying
their own private Curiosity : If there are some Incidents andIncidentsp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 " Incidents and |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Incidents | and".
and Turns in their Stories, which may give them a little thelittlep
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "little the |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "little | the".
theAir of a Novel, they are not invented or contrived contrived forcontrivedp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "contrived for |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "contrived | for".
for that Purpose, it is a Kind of Reading this Author is butisp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "is but | little"; ed.4(Vol.1) "is | but little".
but little acquainted with, but as he himself was exceedinglyexceed-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "exceedingly |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "exceed- | ingly".
ingly diverted with them, when they were related to him, hetop
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "to him he | thought"; ed.4(Vol.1) "to | him, he thought".
him, he thought thought they might have the same Effect upon the Reader.uponp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "upon the Reader"; ed.4(Vol.1) "upon | him, the Reader"
the Reader.
A4 I presumep
beginning of next paragraph moves to the next page in ed.4(Vol.1).
I presume we need make no Apology for giving the Name
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain no-
A4 thing
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain no-
A4 thing
The PREFACE.
I presume we need make no Apology for giving the Name
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain
nothingthingbut the Actions of a Parcel of Robbers. It is Bra-
very and Stratagem in War which make Actions worthy of
Record ; in which Sense the Adventures here related will
be thought deserving that Name. Plutarch is very cir-
cumstantial in relating the Actions of Spartacus, the Slave,
and makes the Conquest of him, one of the greatest Glories
of Marcus Crassus ; and it is probable, if this Slave had
liv’d a little longer, Plutarch would have given us his
Life at large. Rome, the Mistress of the World, was no
more at first than a Refuge for Thieves and Outlaws ; and
if the Progress of our Pyrates had been equal to their Be-
ginning ; had they all united, and settled in some of those
Jslands, they mighty by this Timey have been honoured with
the Name of a Commonwealth, and no Power in those Parts
of the World could have been able to dispute it with them.
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain
nothingthingbut the Actions of a Parcel of Robbers. It is Bra-
very and Stratagem in War which make Actions worthy of
Record ; in which Sense the Adventures here related will
be thought deserving that Name. Plutarch is very cir-
cumstantial in relating the Actions of Spartacus, the Slave,
and makes the Conquest of him, one of the greatest Glories
of Marcus Crassus ; and it is probable, if this Slave had
liv’d a little longer, Plutarch would have given us his
Life at large. Rome, the Mistress of the World, was no
more at first than a Refuge for Thieves and Outlaws ; and
if the Progress of our Pyrates had been equal to their Be-
ginning ; had they all united, and settled in some of those
Jslands, they mighty by this Timey have been honoured with
the Name of a Commonwealth, and no Power in those Parts
of the World could have been able to dispute it with them.
If we have seem’d to glance, with seme Freedom at the
Behaviour of some Governors of Provinces abroad it has
been with Caution ; and, perhaps, we have, not declar'd as
much as we knew : However, we hope those Gentlemen in the
same Station, who have never given Occasion for the like
Censure, will take no Offence, tho’ the Word Governor is
sometimes made use of.
Behaviour of some Governors of Provinces abroad it has
been with Caution ; and, perhaps, we have, not declar'd as
much as we knew : However, we hope those Gentlemen in the
same Station, who have never given Occasion for the like
Censure, will take no Offence, tho’ the Word Governor is
sometimes made use of.
P. S. It will be necessary to add a Word or two to this
Preface in order to inform the Reader, that there are se¬
veral material Additions made to this second Impression,
which swelling the Book in Bulk, must of Consequence add a
small Matter to its Price.
Preface in order to inform the Reader, that there are se¬
veral material Additions made to this second Impression,
which swelling the Book in Bulk, must of Consequence add a
small Matter to its Price.
The first Impression having been received with so much
Success by the Publick, occasioned a very earnest Demand
for a second : In the mean Time, several Persons who had
been taken by the Pyrates, as well as others who had been
concerned in taking of them, have been so kind to commu-
nicate several Facts and Circumstances to us which had
escaped us in the first Impression. This occasioned some De-
lay , therefore if we have not brought it outy as soon as
wish’d it was to render it the more compleat.
Success by the Publick, occasioned a very earnest Demand
for a second : In the mean Time, several Persons who had
been taken by the Pyrates, as well as others who had been
concerned in taking of them, have been so kind to commu-
nicate several Facts and Circumstances to us which had
escaped us in the first Impression. This occasioned some De-
lay , therefore if we have not brought it outy as soon as
wish’d it was to render it the more compleat.
We shall not enter into a Detail of all the new Matter
inserted here, but the Description of the Islands St. Thome
inserted here, but the Description of the Islands St. Thome
The PREFACE.
&c. and that of Brasil are not to be passed by, with-
out a little Notice. It must be observed, that our spe-
culative Mathematicians and Geographers, who are, no
doubt, Men of the greatest Learning, seldom travel far-
¬ther than their Closets for their Knowledge, &c. are
therefore unqualified to give as a good Description of
Countries: It is for this Reason that all our Maps and
Atlasses are so monstrously faulty, for these Gentlemen are
obliged to take their Accounts from the Reports of illite-
¬rate Men.
out a little Notice. It must be observed, that our spe-
culative Mathematicians and Geographers, who are, no
doubt, Men of the greatest Learning, seldom travel far-
¬ther than their Closets for their Knowledge, &c. are
therefore unqualified to give as a good Description of
Countries: It is for this Reason that all our Maps and
Atlasses are so monstrously faulty, for these Gentlemen are
obliged to take their Accounts from the Reports of illite-
¬rate Men.
It must be noted also, that when the Masters of Ships
make Discoveries this Way, they are not fond of commu¬-
nicating them a Man’s knowing this or that Coast, bet-
¬ter than others, recommends him in his Business, and
makes him more useful, and he'll no more discover it than a
Tradesman will the Mystery of his Trade.
make Discoveries this Way, they are not fond of commu¬-
nicating them a Man’s knowing this or that Coast, bet-
¬ter than others, recommends him in his Business, and
makes him more useful, and he'll no more discover it than a
Tradesman will the Mystery of his Trade.
The Gentleman who has taken the Pains to make these
Observations, is Mr. Atkins, a Surgeon, an ingenious
Man in his own Profession, and one who is not ty’d down
by any narrow Considerations from doing a Service to the
Publick, and has been pleased generously to communicate
them for the good of others. I don’t doubt, but his Ob
¬servations will be found curious and very serviceable to
such as Trade to those Parts, besides a Method of Trade is
here laid down with the Portuguese, which may prove
of great Profit to some of our Countrymen, if followed ac-
cording to his Plan.
Observations, is Mr. Atkins, a Surgeon, an ingenious
Man in his own Profession, and one who is not ty’d down
by any narrow Considerations from doing a Service to the
Publick, and has been pleased generously to communicate
them for the good of others. I don’t doubt, but his Ob
¬servations will be found curious and very serviceable to
such as Trade to those Parts, besides a Method of Trade is
here laid down with the Portuguese, which may prove
of great Profit to some of our Countrymen, if followed ac-
cording to his Plan.
It is hoped these Things will satisfy the Publick, that
the Author of the following Sheets considered nothing so
much as making the Book useful ; ------ tho’ he has been in-
¬formed, that some Gentlemen have rais'd an Objection a-
gainst the Truth of its Contents, viz. that it seems calcu-
¬lated to entertain and divert. ------- If the Favts are related
with some Agreeableness and Life, we hope it will not be
imputed as a Fault ; but as to its Credit, we can assure them
that the Sea-faring Men, that is all that know the Na-
ture of these Things , have not been able to make the least
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that
the Author of the following Sheets considered nothing so
much as making the Book useful ; ------ tho’ he has been in-
¬formed, that some Gentlemen have rais'd an Objection a-
gainst the Truth of its Contents, viz. that it seems calcu-
¬lated to entertain and divert. ------- If the Favts are related
with some Agreeableness and Life, we hope it will not be
imputed as a Fault ; but as to its Credit, we can assure them
that the Sea-faring Men, that is all that know the Na-
ture of these Things , have not been able to make the least
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that
The PREFACE.
ture of these Things , have not been able to make the least
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that there is not a Fact or Circumstance in the whole
whole Book,
Book,but he is able to prove by credible Witnesses.
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that there is not a Fact or Circumstance in the whole
whole Book,
Book,but he is able to prove by credible Witnesses.
There have been same other Pyrates, besides those whose
History are here related such as are hereafter named,
and their adventures are as extravagant and full of Mis-
chief, as those who are the Subject of this Book. ------ The
Author has already begun to digest them into Method, and
as soon as he receives some Materials to male them com-
pleat, (which he shortly expects from the West-indies) If
the Fublick gives him Encouragement he intends to venture
upon a second Volume,
History are here related such as are hereafter named,
and their adventures are as extravagant and full of Mis-
chief, as those who are the Subject of this Book. ------ The
Author has already begun to digest them into Method, and
as soon as he receives some Materials to male them com-
pleat, (which he shortly expects from the West-indies) If
the Fublick gives him Encouragement he intends to venture
upon a second Volume,
Witness The PREFACE.The PREFACE.The PREFACE.The PREFACE.
HAVING taken more than
ordinary Pains in
collecting the Materials which compose the
following History, we could not be satisfied
with our selves, if any Thing were Wanting to
collecting the Materials which compose the
following History, we could not be satisfied
with our selves, if any Thing were Wanting to
it, which might render itintirely
g
g
p
satisfactory
p
Regularized form: 2nd ed onwards spelled "entirely"
spelling changed to "entirely" in subsquent editions
entirely
1st ed spelled "intirely"
spelling changed from 1st ed "intirely"
satisfactory to the Pub-
line change
In previous eds line ends with "satisfactory"; in 4th ed line ends with "Pub-"
satisfactory
line end change
lines end with "satisfactory" in the 1st. 2nd and 3rd eds.; 4th ed. adds words "to the Pub-"
to the Publick:
lick:
It is for this Reason we have
subjoined to
p
p
text moved in 4th ed
text moved in 4th ed
line end change
In st, 2nd & 3rd eds. line end with "to"; in 4th ed. adds the word "the" to the line end.
to the
line end change
line adds "to the" in the 4th ed. instead of "the" in previous editions
the
Work, a short Abstract of the
Laws now in Force against
4th ed: line begins with "Work"
Pyrates) and made choice
Choice
g
Choice
choice in 1st ed.
1st ed. choice is NOT captialized; eds
2,3,4 capitalize the "C" Choice in
of some particular
Cases, the
most curious we could meet with) which have
been hereto-
fore triedy by which it will appear what
Actions have, and
have, and
have,
p
line end change
, to ;
line end change
Eds. 1,2 & 3 line ends with "have, and"; 4th ed. line ends with "have," and moves "the" to the next line
and
what have not been adjudged
Pyracy.
line end change
Masters of Ships, and other honest Mariners, who frequent-
ly, by contrary Winds or Tempests, or other Accidents inci-
dent to long Voyages, find themselves reduced to great Di-
stresses, either through Scarcity of Provisions, or Want of
Stores. I say, it may be a Direction to such as those, what
Lengths they may venture to go, without violating the Law
of Nations, in Case they should meet other Ships at Sea, or
be cast on some inhospitable Shore, which should refuse to
trade with them for such Things are absolutely necessary
for the Preservation of their Lives, or the Safety of theShip
line end change
Ship
and Cargoe.
p
1st ed line begins with "and"
line ends with "Ship" in 1 st ed.; In subsequent eds. this line ends with "the" and "ship is added to the next line
History of the Inducements Men have to engage themselves
A2 headlong
head-
p
Eds 2,3 & 4 "head-"
Ed 1 "headlong"
In 1st ed. is the the catchword "headlong" is spelled out in full,In eds. 2, 3 & 4 it is shortened to "head-"
The PREFACE.
destructive to the Navigation of the trading World ; to re-
medy which Evil there seems to be but two Ways, either to
find Employment for the great Numbers of Seamen turn'd
adrift at the Conclusion of a War, and thereby prevent
1st ed "suf-"
1st ed "fficiently"
Places whereto Pyrates resort.
long Peacet I have not so much as heard of a Dutch, Pyrate:Py-
1st ed "Pyrate:"
1st ed "Pyrate: | It"
1st ed "Neigh- | bours;"
1st ed "be a" NOT "be | a"
Reproach
son take to be, that after a War, when the Dutch Ships
are laid tip, they have a Fishery, where their Seamen find
immediate Business, and as comfortable Bread as they had
before. Had ours the same Recourse in their Necessities,
Eds. 1,2 & 3 "I m"
Fishery is a Trade that cannot be overstock’d ; the Sea is
wide enough for us all, we need not quarrel for Elbow-room :
Its Stores are infinite, and will ever Reward reward
1st ed capitalized "Reward"
who employ several hundred Sail constantly in the Trade,
and so sell to us our own Fish. I call it our own, for theSove-
1st ed "Sove- | reignty"
1st ed. "acknowledged"
us
1st ed. line end is different "where- | fore"
1st ed. line spelling different "amongst"
1st ed. line end is different "be | Reproach"
Would be the best Means in the World to prevent Pyracy,
employ a Number of the Poor, ?and ease the Nation of a
great Burthen, by lowering the Price of Provision in general,
as well as of several other Commodities.
there are Multitudes of Seamen at this Day unemploy'd; ititis
is | but
Kingdom. Nor is it so much their Inclination to Idleness, as
their own hard Fate, in being cast off after their Work is
done, to starve or steal. I have not known a Man of
War
The PREFACE.
War commission’d for several Years past, but three timesherp
line end change - 1st ed. ends with "times"; subsequent eds. add the word "her" to this line word and end with "her".
her
Compliment of Men have offer'd themselves in twenty24g
in 1st ed. "twenty four" is spelled out; in all subsequent eds. it is the number "24"
Hours;p
line end change - in 1st ed. line end with "twenty"; subsequent eds. it ends with "Hours;"
four Hours;
the Merchants take their Advantage of this,lessen of their
p
line end changes - 1st ed ends with "this"; subsequent eds. have added 3 more words and the line ends with "lessen of their".
lessen of their
Wages, and those few who are in Business areare poorly paid
p
line end change - in 1st ed. ends with "are" ; in subsequent eds. it end with "are poorly paid" - adding 2 more word to the
line
are poorly paid
and but poorly fed ; such Usage breedsDis-
Discontents amongst
p
line end change - in 1st ed. ends with "Dis-" ; in subsequent eds. it end with "Discontents amongst"
contents amongst
them, and makes them eager for any Change.
I shall not repeat what I have said in the History con-
erning the Privateers of the West-Indies, where I have
erning the Privateers of the West-Indies, where I have
taken Notice they live upon Spoil ; and as Custom is a
secondse-p
line end change - Eds. 1, 2 & 3 line ends with "second" |. ; in 4th ed (Vol.I) it ends with "se-"
cond
Nature, it is no Wonder that, when an honest Livlyhood isLiveli-
p
line end change - Eds. 1, 2 & 3 line ends with "Livlyhood is"; ed. 4(Vol.I) it end with "Liveli-";
spelling is also changed from Livlyhood to Livelihood
hood
not easily had, they run into one so like their own;
p
line end change - Eds. 1, 2 & 3 line ends with " their own; so that"; ed.4(Vol.I) line end with "their own"
own; so that
so thatit may be said, that Privateers in Time of War are a Nur-War
p
line end change - Eds 1, 2 & 3: "War are a Nur-" ; ed 4(Vol.I) "War"
seryare a Nurseryfor Pyrates against a Peace.
Now we have accounted for their Rise and Beginning, it
will be natural to enquire why they are not taken and de-
stroy'd, before they come to any Head, seeing that they are
will be natural to enquire why they are not taken and de-
stroy'd, before they come to any Head, seeing that they are
seldom less than twelve Men of Warstation'dstationed
g
spelling is changed - 1st ed "station'd"; Eds. 2, 3 & 4(Vol.I) "stationed"
in our Ame-
rican Plantations, even in Time of Peace ; a Force suff–
cient to contend with a powerful Enemy. This Enquiry,
perhaps, will not turn much to the Honour of those concern'd
in that Service however, I hope I may be excus'd, if what
I hint is with a Design of serving the Publick.
cient to contend with a powerful Enemy. This Enquiry,
perhaps, will not turn much to the Honour of those concern'd
in that Service however, I hope I may be excus'd, if what
I hint is with a Design of serving the Publick.
I say, ‘tis strange that d few Pyrates should ravage the
Seas for Years, without ever being light upon, by any of our
p
line end change - in 1st ed. "any of" | ; in subsequent eds. "any of our"
our
Ships of War; when in the mean Time, they (thePy-Pyrates) shall
p
line end change - ed.1 "(the Py-" ; eds. 2 & 3 "(the Pyrates) shall"; ed.4(Vol.1) "(the Pyrates)
Pyrates)
p
line end change - ed.1 "(the Py-" ; eds. 2 & 3 "(the Pyrates) shall"; ed.4(Vol.1) "(the Pyrates)
shallrates)shall
take Fleets of Ships ; it looks as if one was muchmore dili-
p
line end change - ed.1 "much"; eds. 2 & 3 "much more dili-"; ed.4(Vol.1) "much more"
more
p
line end change - ed.1 "much"; eds. 2 & 3 "much more dili-"; ed.4(Vol.1) "much more"
morediligentgentdiligent
gent in their Affairs, than the other. Robertsand hisand his
p
line end change - ed.1 "Roberts"; eds.2 & 3 "Roberts and his Crew"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Roberts and his"
Crew
p
line end change - ed.1 "Roberts"; eds.2 & 3 "Roberts and his Crew"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Roberts and his"
and his CrewCrew
alone, took 400 Sail, before he was desray'd.
and only observe for the present, that the Pyrates at Sea,
have the same Sagacity with Robbers at Land; as the latter
understand what Roads are are most frequented, and where it is
most likely to meet with Booty, so the former know what
Latitude to lie in, in order to intercept Ships; and as the
Pyrates happen to be in want of Provisions, Stores, or any
particular Lading, they cruise accordingly for such Ships,
and aremoralymorally
g
same Reason, if the Men of War cruise in those Latitudes,
A 3 they
spelling change - ed.1 "moraly"; all subsequent eds. "morally"
certain of meeting with them ; and by thesame Reason, if the Men of War cruise in those Latitudes,
A 3 they
The PREFACE.
they are
might be
as sure of finding the Pyrates, as the Pyrates are
Pyrates
are
to find the Merchant Ships ; and if the Pyrates are
not to
not
to
be met with by the Men of War in such a
Latitude, then
Latitude,
then
surely down the same Latitude may the Merchant Ships
ar-
arrive
rive
safely to their Port.
words change - subsquent eds. "might be"
word change - ed.1 "are"
line end change - all subsquent eds. "Pyrates | are "
line end change - ed.1"Pyrates are |"
are
line beginning changed - ed.1 "to" ; all subsquent eds. "are "
line end change - ed.4(Vol.1) "not | to"
line end change - ed.1, 2 & 3 "not to"
to
line beginning change - ed.1, 2 & 3 "be"
line end change - ed.4(Vol.1)"Latitude, | then"
line end change - ed.1, 2 & 3"Latitude, then"
then
line beginning changes - ed.1, 2 & 3"surely"
line end change - ed.1, 3 & 4(Vol.1) "Ships | arrive"
arrive
line end & beginning change - ed.2"ar- | rrive "
line beginning changes - ed.1, 3 & 4(Vol.1) "arrive"
To make this a little plainer to my Country Readers,
I must observe that all our outward bound Ships, sometime
some-
time
after they leave the l.and, steer into the Latitude of
the Place they are bound to ; if to the West-India Islands,
or any Part of the Main of America, as New-York,
New-England, Virginia, &c. because the Latitude is
the only Certainty in those Voyages to be found, and then
they sail due West, till they come to their Port, without
altering their Course. In this West Way lie the Pyrates,
whether it he to Virginia, &c. or Nevis, St. Christo-
phers, Montserat, Jamaica, &c. so that if the Mer-
chant Ships hound thither, do not fall a Prey to them one
Day,they mult another: Therefore I say, if the Men of War
of
War
take the same Track, the Pyrates must unavoidably
fall into
fall
into
their Mouths, or he frighted away, for where the
Game is,
Game
is
there will the Vermin be ; if the latter should be
the Case,
the
Case
the trading Ships, as I said before, will pass
unmolested and
unmo-
lested and
safe, and the Pyrates be reduced to take
Refuge in some of
Refuge
in some of
their lurking Holes about the uninhabited
Islands, where
Islands,
where
their Fate would be like that of the Fox in his
Den, if
Den, if they
Den,
they
if they
should venture out, they would he hunted and
taken, and if
taken,
and if
they stay within they must starve.
I must observe that all our outward bound Ships, sometime
line end changes - 4(Vol.1)"some- | time"
line end changes - ed.1, 2 & 3 "sometime |"
time
line beginning changes - ed.1, 2 & 3 "after "
the Place they are bound to ; if to the West-India Islands,
or any Part of the Main of America, as New-York,
New-England, Virginia, &c. because the Latitude is
the only Certainty in those Voyages to be found, and then
they sail due West, till they come to their Port, without
altering their Course. In this West Way lie the Pyrates,
whether it he to Virginia, &c. or Nevis, St. Christo-
phers, Montserat, Jamaica, &c. so that if the Mer-
chant Ships hound thither, do not fall a Prey to them one
Day,they mult another: Therefore I say, if the Men of War
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Men of | War "
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3"Men of War |"
War
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "take"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "fall | into "
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3"fall into |"
into
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "their"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Game | is"
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 Game is | " "
is
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "there"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "the | Case"
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 ""the Case, | "
Case
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "the "
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "unmo- | lested
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "unmolested and"
lested and
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "safe"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Refugee | in some of"
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Refuge in some of |"
in some of
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "their"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Islands, | where"
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Islands, where | "
where
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "their"
line end changes - eds.2 & 3 "Den, if they | "; ed.4(Vol.1) "Den, | "
line end changes - ed.1 "Den, if | they"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Den, | if they "
line end changes - ed.1 "Den, if | "; eds.2 & 3 "Den, if they | "
they
line beginning changes - eds.2 & 3 "should"; ed.4(Vol.1) "if they "
line beginning changes - ed.1 "they should" ; eds.2 & 3 "if they"
line end changes - eds.1 & 4(Vol.1) "taken, | and if "
line end changes - eds.2 & 3 "taken and if | "
and if
line beginning changes - eds. 2 & 3 "they"
I must observe another Thing, that the Pyrates general-
ly shift their Rovings, according to the Season of the Year;
in the Summer they cruise mostly along the Coast of the Con-
tinent of America, but the Winters there, being a little
too cold for them, they follow the Sun, and go towards the
Jslands, at the approach of cold Weather. Every Man
who has used the West-India Trade, knows this to be
true ; therefore, since we are so well acquainted with all
their Motions, I cannot see why our Men of War under a
proper Regulation, may not go to the Southward, instead of
lying up all the Winter useless : But I shall proceed too far
in
ly shift their Rovings, according to the Season of the Year;
in the Summer they cruise mostly along the Coast of the Con-
tinent of America, but the Winters there, being a little
too cold for them, they follow the Sun, and go towards the
Jslands, at the approach of cold Weather. Every Man
who has used the West-India Trade, knows this to be
true ; therefore, since we are so well acquainted with all
their Motions, I cannot see why our Men of War under a
proper Regulation, may not go to the Southward, instead of
lying up all the Winter useless : But I shall proceed too far
in
The PREFACE.
in this Enquiry, I shall therefore quit it, and say some-
thing of the following Sheets, which the Author may venture
to assure the Reader that they have one Thing to recommend
them, which is Truth those Facts which he himself was
not an Eye-Witness of, he had from the authentick Relati- Relations
ons of the Persons concern'd in taking the Pyrates, as well as well as
as from the Mouths of the Pyrates themselves, after theythey were
were taken, and he conceives no Man can produce betterbetter Testi-
Testimoniesmonies to support the Credit of any History.
thing of the following Sheets, which the Author may venture
to assure the Reader that they have one Thing to recommend
them, which is Truth those Facts which he himself was
not an Eye-Witness of, he had from the authentick Relati- Relations
ons of the Persons concern'd in taking the Pyrates, as well as well as
as from the Mouths of the Pyrates themselves, after theythey were
were taken, and he conceives no Man can produce betterbetter Testi-
Testimoniesmonies to support the Credit of any History.
It will be observed, that the Account of the Actions of
Roberts runs into a greater Length, than that of any other
Pyrate, for which we can assign two Reasons, first, because
he ravaged the Seas longer than the rest, and of Consequence
there must be a greater Scene of Business in his Life: Second-Se-p
-lycondly , being resolved not to weary the Reader, with tiresome tire-p
someRepetitions: When we found the Circumstances in Roberts’s Ro-p
bert's Life, and other Pyrates, either as to pyratical Articles, or Ar-p
ticles or any Thing else, to be the same, we thought it best to give them itp
best to give them but once, and chose Roberts’s Life for that Purpose, he ha- Robert's Life forp
that Purpose, he having ving made more Noise in the World,World, tham some others.p
than some others.p
Roberts runs into a greater Length, than that of any other
Pyrate, for which we can assign two Reasons, first, because
he ravaged the Seas longer than the rest, and of Consequence
there must be a greater Scene of Business in his Life: Second-Se-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Second- | ly"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Se- | condly"
-lycondly , being resolved not to weary the Reader, with tiresome tire-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "tiresome |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "tire- | some"
someRepetitions: When we found the Circumstances in Roberts’s Ro-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Robert's |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Ro- | bert's".
bert's Life, and other Pyrates, either as to pyratical Articles, or Ar-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Articles, or | "; ed.4(Vol.1) "Ar- | ticles or".
ticles or any Thing else, to be the same, we thought it best to give them itp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "it best to give them | "; ed.4(Vol.1) "thought it | best to give them".
best to give them but once, and chose Roberts’s Life for that Purpose, he ha- Robert's Life forp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 " Robert's Life for that Purpose, he ha- | ving"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Robert's Life for | that Purpose".
that Purpose, he having ving made more Noise in the World,World, tham some others.p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "World , than some others"; ed.4(Vol.1) "World, | than some others.".
than some others.p
eds.1, 2 & 3 have 11 lines in this paragrpah ed.4(Vol.1) has 12 lines ine this paragraph
As to the Lives of our two female Pyrates, we
must con-mustp
conffessfess they may appear a little Extravagantextravagantg
never the less true for seeming so, but as they were pub-
lickly try’d tried n
enough to jusiify what we have laid down concerning them ;
it is certain, we have produced some Particulars which were
not so publickly known, the Reason is, we were more inquisi-inqui-p
-tivesitive into the Circumstances of their past Lives, than other
People, who had no other Design, than that of gratifying
their own private Curiosity : If there are some Incidents andIncidentsp
and Turns in their Stories, which may give them a little thelittlep
theAir of a Novel, they are not invented or contrived contrived forcontrivedp
for that Purpose, it is a Kind of Reading this Author is butisp
but little acquainted with, but as he himself was exceedinglyexceed-p
ingly diverted with them, when they were related to him, hetop
him, he thought thought they might have the same Effect upon the Reader.uponp
the Reader.
A4 I presumep
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "must con- | ffess"; ed.4(Vol.1) "must | conffess".
conffessfess they may appear a little Extravagantextravagantg
capitalization changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 capitalized "Extravagant"; in ed.4(Vol.1) all lower case"extravagant".
, yet they arenever the less true for seeming so, but as they were pub-
lickly try’d tried n
spelling change ed1:"tried" ed2,3,4(vol.I.)"try'd
for their Pyracies, there are living Witnessesenough to jusiify what we have laid down concerning them ;
it is certain, we have produced some Particulars which were
not so publickly known, the Reason is, we were more inquisi-inqui-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "inquisi- | tive"; ed.4(Vol.1) "inqui- | sitive".
-tivesitive into the Circumstances of their past Lives, than other
People, who had no other Design, than that of gratifying
their own private Curiosity : If there are some Incidents andIncidentsp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 " Incidents and |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Incidents | and".
and Turns in their Stories, which may give them a little thelittlep
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "little the |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "little | the".
theAir of a Novel, they are not invented or contrived contrived forcontrivedp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "contrived for |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "contrived | for".
for that Purpose, it is a Kind of Reading this Author is butisp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "is but | little"; ed.4(Vol.1) "is | but little".
but little acquainted with, but as he himself was exceedinglyexceed-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "exceedingly |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "exceed- | ingly".
ingly diverted with them, when they were related to him, hetop
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "to him he | thought"; ed.4(Vol.1) "to | him, he thought".
him, he thought thought they might have the same Effect upon the Reader.uponp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "upon the Reader"; ed.4(Vol.1) "upon | him, the Reader"
the Reader.
A4 I presumep
beginning of next paragraph moves to the next page in ed.4(Vol.1).
I presume we need make no Apology for giving the Name
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain no-
A4 thing
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain no-
A4 thing
The PREFACE.
I presume we need make no Apology for giving the Name
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain
nothingthingbut the Actions of a Parcel of Robbers. It is Bra-
very and Stratagem in War which make Actions worthy of
Record ; in which Sense the Adventures here related will
be thought deserving that Name. Plutarch is very cir-
cumstantial in relating the Actions of Spartacus, the Slave,
and makes the Conquest of him, one of the greatest Glories
of Marcus Crassus ; and it is probable, if this Slave had
liv’d a little longer, Plutarch would have given us his
Life at large. Rome, the Mistress of the World, was no
more at first than a Refuge for Thieves and Outlaws ; and
if the Progress of our Pyrates had been equal to their Be-
ginning ; had they all united, and settled in some of those
Jslands, they mighty by this Timey have been honoured with
the Name of a Commonwealth, and no Power in those Parts
of the World could have been able to dispute it with them.
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain
nothingthingbut the Actions of a Parcel of Robbers. It is Bra-
very and Stratagem in War which make Actions worthy of
Record ; in which Sense the Adventures here related will
be thought deserving that Name. Plutarch is very cir-
cumstantial in relating the Actions of Spartacus, the Slave,
and makes the Conquest of him, one of the greatest Glories
of Marcus Crassus ; and it is probable, if this Slave had
liv’d a little longer, Plutarch would have given us his
Life at large. Rome, the Mistress of the World, was no
more at first than a Refuge for Thieves and Outlaws ; and
if the Progress of our Pyrates had been equal to their Be-
ginning ; had they all united, and settled in some of those
Jslands, they mighty by this Timey have been honoured with
the Name of a Commonwealth, and no Power in those Parts
of the World could have been able to dispute it with them.
If we have seem’d to glance, with seme Freedom at the
Behaviour of some Governors of Provinces abroad it has
been with Caution ; and, perhaps, we have, not declar'd as
much as we knew : However, we hope those Gentlemen in the
same Station, who have never given Occasion for the like
Censure, will take no Offence, tho’ the Word Governor is
sometimes made use of.
Behaviour of some Governors of Provinces abroad it has
been with Caution ; and, perhaps, we have, not declar'd as
much as we knew : However, we hope those Gentlemen in the
same Station, who have never given Occasion for the like
Censure, will take no Offence, tho’ the Word Governor is
sometimes made use of.
P. S. It will be necessary to add a Word or two to this
Preface in order to inform the Reader, that there are se¬
veral material Additions made to this second Impression,
which swelling the Book in Bulk, must of Consequence add a
small Matter to its Price.
Preface in order to inform the Reader, that there are se¬
veral material Additions made to this second Impression,
which swelling the Book in Bulk, must of Consequence add a
small Matter to its Price.
The first Impression having been received with so much
Success by the Publick, occasioned a very earnest Demand
for a second : In the mean Time, several Persons who had
been taken by the Pyrates, as well as others who had been
concerned in taking of them, have been so kind to commu-
nicate several Facts and Circumstances to us which had
escaped us in the first Impression. This occasioned some De-
lay , therefore if we have not brought it outy as soon as
wish’d it was to render it the more compleat.
Success by the Publick, occasioned a very earnest Demand
for a second : In the mean Time, several Persons who had
been taken by the Pyrates, as well as others who had been
concerned in taking of them, have been so kind to commu-
nicate several Facts and Circumstances to us which had
escaped us in the first Impression. This occasioned some De-
lay , therefore if we have not brought it outy as soon as
wish’d it was to render it the more compleat.
We shall not enter into a Detail of all the new Matter
inserted here, but the Description of the Islands St. Thome
inserted here, but the Description of the Islands St. Thome
The PREFACE.
&c. and that of Brasil are not to be passed by, with-
out a little Notice. It must be observed, that our spe-
culative Mathematicians and Geographers, who are, no
doubt, Men of the greatest Learning, seldom travel far-
¬ther than their Closets for their Knowledge, &c. are
therefore unqualified to give as a good Description of
Countries: It is for this Reason that all our Maps and
Atlasses are so monstrously faulty, for these Gentlemen are
obliged to take their Accounts from the Reports of illite-
¬rate Men.
out a little Notice. It must be observed, that our spe-
culative Mathematicians and Geographers, who are, no
doubt, Men of the greatest Learning, seldom travel far-
¬ther than their Closets for their Knowledge, &c. are
therefore unqualified to give as a good Description of
Countries: It is for this Reason that all our Maps and
Atlasses are so monstrously faulty, for these Gentlemen are
obliged to take their Accounts from the Reports of illite-
¬rate Men.
It must be noted also, that when the Masters of Ships
make Discoveries this Way, they are not fond of commu¬-
nicating them a Man’s knowing this or that Coast, bet-
¬ter than others, recommends him in his Business, and
makes him more useful, and he'll no more discover it than a
Tradesman will the Mystery of his Trade.
make Discoveries this Way, they are not fond of commu¬-
nicating them a Man’s knowing this or that Coast, bet-
¬ter than others, recommends him in his Business, and
makes him more useful, and he'll no more discover it than a
Tradesman will the Mystery of his Trade.
The Gentleman who has taken the Pains to make these
Observations, is Mr. Atkins, a Surgeon, an ingenious
Man in his own Profession, and one who is not ty’d down
by any narrow Considerations from doing a Service to the
Publick, and has been pleased generously to communicate
them for the good of others. I don’t doubt, but his Ob
¬servations will be found curious and very serviceable to
such as Trade to those Parts, besides a Method of Trade is
here laid down with the Portuguese, which may prove
of great Profit to some of our Countrymen, if followed ac-
cording to his Plan.
Observations, is Mr. Atkins, a Surgeon, an ingenious
Man in his own Profession, and one who is not ty’d down
by any narrow Considerations from doing a Service to the
Publick, and has been pleased generously to communicate
them for the good of others. I don’t doubt, but his Ob
¬servations will be found curious and very serviceable to
such as Trade to those Parts, besides a Method of Trade is
here laid down with the Portuguese, which may prove
of great Profit to some of our Countrymen, if followed ac-
cording to his Plan.
It is hoped these Things will satisfy the Publick, that
the Author of the following Sheets considered nothing so
much as making the Book useful ; ------ tho’ he has been in-
¬formed, that some Gentlemen have rais'd an Objection a-
gainst the Truth of its Contents, viz. that it seems calcu-
¬lated to entertain and divert. ------- If the Favts are related
with some Agreeableness and Life, we hope it will not be
imputed as a Fault ; but as to its Credit, we can assure them
that the Sea-faring Men, that is all that know the Na-
ture of these Things , have not been able to make the least
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that
the Author of the following Sheets considered nothing so
much as making the Book useful ; ------ tho’ he has been in-
¬formed, that some Gentlemen have rais'd an Objection a-
gainst the Truth of its Contents, viz. that it seems calcu-
¬lated to entertain and divert. ------- If the Favts are related
with some Agreeableness and Life, we hope it will not be
imputed as a Fault ; but as to its Credit, we can assure them
that the Sea-faring Men, that is all that know the Na-
ture of these Things , have not been able to make the least
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that
The PREFACE.
ture of these Things , have not been able to make the least
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that there is not a Fact or Circumstance in the whole
whole Book,
Book,but he is able to prove by credible Witnesses.
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that there is not a Fact or Circumstance in the whole
whole Book,
Book,but he is able to prove by credible Witnesses.
There have been same other Pyrates, besides those whose
History are here related such as are hereafter named,
and their adventures are as extravagant and full of Mis-
chief, as those who are the Subject of this Book. ------ The
Author has already begun to digest them into Method, and
as soon as he receives some Materials to male them com-
pleat, (which he shortly expects from the West-indies) If
the Fublick gives him Encouragement he intends to venture
upon a second Volume,
History are here related such as are hereafter named,
and their adventures are as extravagant and full of Mis-
chief, as those who are the Subject of this Book. ------ The
Author has already begun to digest them into Method, and
as soon as he receives some Materials to male them com-
pleat, (which he shortly expects from the West-indies) If
the Fublick gives him Encouragement he intends to venture
upon a second Volume,
Witness The PREFACE.The PREFACE.The PREFACE.The PREFACE.
HAVING taken more than
ordinary Pains in
collecting the Materials which compose the
following History, we could not be satisfied
with our selves, if any Thing were Wanting to
collecting the Materials which compose the
following History, we could not be satisfied
with our selves, if any Thing were Wanting to
it, which might render itintirely
g
g
p
satisfactory
p
Regularized form: 2nd ed onwards spelled "entirely"
spelling changed to "entirely" in subsquent editions
entirely
1st ed spelled "intirely"
spelling changed from 1st ed "intirely"
satisfactory to the Pub-
line change
In previous eds line ends with "satisfactory"; in 4th ed line ends with "Pub-"
satisfactory
line end change
lines end with "satisfactory" in the 1st. 2nd and 3rd eds.; 4th ed. adds words "to the Pub-"
to the Publick:
lick:
It is for this Reason we have
subjoined to
p
p
text moved in 4th ed
text moved in 4th ed
line end change
In st, 2nd & 3rd eds. line end with "to"; in 4th ed. adds the word "the" to the line end.
to the
line end change
line adds "to the" in the 4th ed. instead of "the" in previous editions
the
Work, a short Abstract of the
Laws now in Force against
4th ed: line begins with "Work"
Pyrates) and made choice
Choice
g
Choice
choice in 1st ed.
1st ed. choice is NOT captialized; eds
2,3,4 capitalize the "C" Choice in
of some particular
Cases, the
most curious we could meet with) which have
been hereto-
fore triedy by which it will appear what
Actions have, and
have, and
have,
p
line end change
, to ;
line end change
Eds. 1,2 & 3 line ends with "have, and"; 4th ed. line ends with "have," and moves "the" to the next line
and
what have not been adjudged
Pyracy.
line end change
Masters of Ships, and other honest Mariners, who frequent-
ly, by contrary Winds or Tempests, or other Accidents inci-
dent to long Voyages, find themselves reduced to great Di-
stresses, either through Scarcity of Provisions, or Want of
Stores. I say, it may be a Direction to such as those, what
Lengths they may venture to go, without violating the Law
of Nations, in Case they should meet other Ships at Sea, or
be cast on some inhospitable Shore, which should refuse to
trade with them for such Things are absolutely necessary
for the Preservation of their Lives, or the Safety of theShip
line end change
Ship
and Cargoe.
p
1st ed line begins with "and"
line ends with "Ship" in 1 st ed.; In subsequent eds. this line ends with "the" and "ship is added to the next line
History of the Inducements Men have to engage themselves
A2 headlong
head-
p
Eds 2,3 & 4 "head-"
Ed 1 "headlong"
In 1st ed. is the the catchword "headlong" is spelled out in full,In eds. 2, 3 & 4 it is shortened to "head-"
The PREFACE.
destructive to the Navigation of the trading World ; to re-
medy which Evil there seems to be but two Ways, either to
find Employment for the great Numbers of Seamen turn'd
adrift at the Conclusion of a War, and thereby prevent
1st ed "suf-"
1st ed "fficiently"
Places whereto Pyrates resort.
long Peacet I have not so much as heard of a Dutch, Pyrate:Py-
1st ed "Pyrate:"
1st ed "Pyrate: | It"
1st ed "Neigh- | bours;"
1st ed "be a" NOT "be | a"
Reproach
son take to be, that after a War, when the Dutch Ships
are laid tip, they have a Fishery, where their Seamen find
immediate Business, and as comfortable Bread as they had
before. Had ours the same Recourse in their Necessities,
Eds. 1,2 & 3 "I m"
Fishery is a Trade that cannot be overstock’d ; the Sea is
wide enough for us all, we need not quarrel for Elbow-room :
Its Stores are infinite, and will ever Reward reward
1st ed capitalized "Reward"
who employ several hundred Sail constantly in the Trade,
and so sell to us our own Fish. I call it our own, for theSove-
1st ed "Sove- | reignty"
1st ed. "acknowledged"
us
1st ed. line end is different "where- | fore"
1st ed. line spelling different "amongst"
1st ed. line end is different "be | Reproach"
Would be the best Means in the World to prevent Pyracy,
employ a Number of the Poor, ?and ease the Nation of a
great Burthen, by lowering the Price of Provision in general,
as well as of several other Commodities.
there are Multitudes of Seamen at this Day unemploy'd; ititis
is | but
Kingdom. Nor is it so much their Inclination to Idleness, as
their own hard Fate, in being cast off after their Work is
done, to starve or steal. I have not known a Man of
War
The PREFACE.
War commission’d for several Years past, but three timesherp
line end change - 1st ed. ends with "times"; subsequent eds. add the word "her" to this line word and end with "her".
her
Compliment of Men have offer'd themselves in twenty24g
in 1st ed. "twenty four" is spelled out; in all subsequent eds. it is the number "24"
Hours;p
line end change - in 1st ed. line end with "twenty"; subsequent eds. it ends with "Hours;"
four Hours;
the Merchants take their Advantage of this,lessen of their
p
line end changes - 1st ed ends with "this"; subsequent eds. have added 3 more words and the line ends with "lessen of their".
lessen of their
Wages, and those few who are in Business areare poorly paid
p
line end change - in 1st ed. ends with "are" ; in subsequent eds. it end with "are poorly paid" - adding 2 more word to the
line
are poorly paid
and but poorly fed ; such Usage breedsDis-
Discontents amongst
p
line end change - in 1st ed. ends with "Dis-" ; in subsequent eds. it end with "Discontents amongst"
contents amongst
them, and makes them eager for any Change.
I shall not repeat what I have said in the History con-
erning the Privateers of the West-Indies, where I have
erning the Privateers of the West-Indies, where I have
taken Notice they live upon Spoil ; and as Custom is a
secondse-p
line end change - Eds. 1, 2 & 3 line ends with "second" |. ; in 4th ed (Vol.I) it ends with "se-"
cond
Nature, it is no Wonder that, when an honest Livlyhood isLiveli-
p
line end change - Eds. 1, 2 & 3 line ends with "Livlyhood is"; ed. 4(Vol.I) it end with "Liveli-";
spelling is also changed from Livlyhood to Livelihood
hood
not easily had, they run into one so like their own;
p
line end change - Eds. 1, 2 & 3 line ends with " their own; so that"; ed.4(Vol.I) line end with "their own"
own; so that
so thatit may be said, that Privateers in Time of War are a Nur-War
p
line end change - Eds 1, 2 & 3: "War are a Nur-" ; ed 4(Vol.I) "War"
seryare a Nurseryfor Pyrates against a Peace.
Now we have accounted for their Rise and Beginning, it
will be natural to enquire why they are not taken and de-
stroy'd, before they come to any Head, seeing that they are
will be natural to enquire why they are not taken and de-
stroy'd, before they come to any Head, seeing that they are
seldom less than twelve Men of Warstation'dstationed
g
spelling is changed - 1st ed "station'd"; Eds. 2, 3 & 4(Vol.I) "stationed"
in our Ame-
rican Plantations, even in Time of Peace ; a Force suff–
cient to contend with a powerful Enemy. This Enquiry,
perhaps, will not turn much to the Honour of those concern'd
in that Service however, I hope I may be excus'd, if what
I hint is with a Design of serving the Publick.
cient to contend with a powerful Enemy. This Enquiry,
perhaps, will not turn much to the Honour of those concern'd
in that Service however, I hope I may be excus'd, if what
I hint is with a Design of serving the Publick.
I say, ‘tis strange that d few Pyrates should ravage the
Seas for Years, without ever being light upon, by any of our
p
line end change - in 1st ed. "any of" | ; in subsequent eds. "any of our"
our
Ships of War; when in the mean Time, they (thePy-Pyrates) shall
p
line end change - ed.1 "(the Py-" ; eds. 2 & 3 "(the Pyrates) shall"; ed.4(Vol.1) "(the Pyrates)
Pyrates)
p
line end change - ed.1 "(the Py-" ; eds. 2 & 3 "(the Pyrates) shall"; ed.4(Vol.1) "(the Pyrates)
shallrates)shall
take Fleets of Ships ; it looks as if one was muchmore dili-
p
line end change - ed.1 "much"; eds. 2 & 3 "much more dili-"; ed.4(Vol.1) "much more"
more
p
line end change - ed.1 "much"; eds. 2 & 3 "much more dili-"; ed.4(Vol.1) "much more"
morediligentgentdiligent
gent in their Affairs, than the other. Robertsand hisand his
p
line end change - ed.1 "Roberts"; eds.2 & 3 "Roberts and his Crew"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Roberts and his"
Crew
p
line end change - ed.1 "Roberts"; eds.2 & 3 "Roberts and his Crew"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Roberts and his"
and his CrewCrew
alone, took 400 Sail, before he was desray'd.
and only observe for the present, that the Pyrates at Sea,
have the same Sagacity with Robbers at Land; as the latter
understand what Roads are are most frequented, and where it is
most likely to meet with Booty, so the former know what
Latitude to lie in, in order to intercept Ships; and as the
Pyrates happen to be in want of Provisions, Stores, or any
particular Lading, they cruise accordingly for such Ships,
and aremoralymorally
g
same Reason, if the Men of War cruise in those Latitudes,
A 3 they
spelling change - ed.1 "moraly"; all subsequent eds. "morally"
certain of meeting with them ; and by thesame Reason, if the Men of War cruise in those Latitudes,
A 3 they
The PREFACE.
they are
might be
as sure of finding the Pyrates, as the Pyrates are
Pyrates
are
to find the Merchant Ships ; and if the Pyrates are
not to
not
to
be met with by the Men of War in such a
Latitude, then
Latitude,
then
surely down the same Latitude may the Merchant Ships
ar-
arrive
rive
safely to their Port.
words change - subsquent eds. "might be"
word change - ed.1 "are"
line end change - all subsquent eds. "Pyrates | are "
line end change - ed.1"Pyrates are |"
are
line beginning changed - ed.1 "to" ; all subsquent eds. "are "
line end change - ed.4(Vol.1) "not | to"
line end change - ed.1, 2 & 3 "not to"
to
line beginning change - ed.1, 2 & 3 "be"
line end change - ed.4(Vol.1)"Latitude, | then"
line end change - ed.1, 2 & 3"Latitude, then"
then
line beginning changes - ed.1, 2 & 3"surely"
line end change - ed.1, 3 & 4(Vol.1) "Ships | arrive"
arrive
line end & beginning change - ed.2"ar- | rrive "
line beginning changes - ed.1, 3 & 4(Vol.1) "arrive"
To make this a little plainer to my Country Readers,
I must observe that all our outward bound Ships, sometime
some-
time
after they leave the l.and, steer into the Latitude of
the Place they are bound to ; if to the West-India Islands,
or any Part of the Main of America, as New-York,
New-England, Virginia, &c. because the Latitude is
the only Certainty in those Voyages to be found, and then
they sail due West, till they come to their Port, without
altering their Course. In this West Way lie the Pyrates,
whether it he to Virginia, &c. or Nevis, St. Christo-
phers, Montserat, Jamaica, &c. so that if the Mer-
chant Ships hound thither, do not fall a Prey to them one
Day,they mult another: Therefore I say, if the Men of War
of
War
take the same Track, the Pyrates must unavoidably
fall into
fall
into
their Mouths, or he frighted away, for where the
Game is,
Game
is
there will the Vermin be ; if the latter should be
the Case,
the
Case
the trading Ships, as I said before, will pass
unmolested and
unmo-
lested and
safe, and the Pyrates be reduced to take
Refuge in some of
Refuge
in some of
their lurking Holes about the uninhabited
Islands, where
Islands,
where
their Fate would be like that of the Fox in his
Den, if
Den, if they
Den,
they
if they
should venture out, they would he hunted and
taken, and if
taken,
and if
they stay within they must starve.
I must observe that all our outward bound Ships, sometime
line end changes - 4(Vol.1)"some- | time"
line end changes - ed.1, 2 & 3 "sometime |"
time
line beginning changes - ed.1, 2 & 3 "after "
the Place they are bound to ; if to the West-India Islands,
or any Part of the Main of America, as New-York,
New-England, Virginia, &c. because the Latitude is
the only Certainty in those Voyages to be found, and then
they sail due West, till they come to their Port, without
altering their Course. In this West Way lie the Pyrates,
whether it he to Virginia, &c. or Nevis, St. Christo-
phers, Montserat, Jamaica, &c. so that if the Mer-
chant Ships hound thither, do not fall a Prey to them one
Day,they mult another: Therefore I say, if the Men of War
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Men of | War "
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3"Men of War |"
War
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "take"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "fall | into "
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3"fall into |"
into
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "their"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Game | is"
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 Game is | " "
is
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "there"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "the | Case"
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 ""the Case, | "
Case
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "the "
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "unmo- | lested
line end changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "unmolested and"
lested and
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "safe"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Refugee | in some of"
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Refuge in some of |"
in some of
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "their"
line end changes - ed.4(Vol.1) "Islands, | where"
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Islands, where | "
where
line beginning changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 "their"
line end changes - eds.2 & 3 "Den, if they | "; ed.4(Vol.1) "Den, | "
line end changes - ed.1 "Den, if | they"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Den, | if they "
line end changes - ed.1 "Den, if | "; eds.2 & 3 "Den, if they | "
they
line beginning changes - eds.2 & 3 "should"; ed.4(Vol.1) "if they "
line beginning changes - ed.1 "they should" ; eds.2 & 3 "if they"
line end changes - eds.1 & 4(Vol.1) "taken, | and if "
line end changes - eds.2 & 3 "taken and if | "
and if
line beginning changes - eds. 2 & 3 "they"
I must observe another Thing, that the Pyrates general-
ly shift their Rovings, according to the Season of the Year;
in the Summer they cruise mostly along the Coast of the Con-
tinent of America, but the Winters there, being a little
too cold for them, they follow the Sun, and go towards the
Jslands, at the approach of cold Weather. Every Man
who has used the West-India Trade, knows this to be
true ; therefore, since we are so well acquainted with all
their Motions, I cannot see why our Men of War under a
proper Regulation, may not go to the Southward, instead of
lying up all the Winter useless : But I shall proceed too far
in
ly shift their Rovings, according to the Season of the Year;
in the Summer they cruise mostly along the Coast of the Con-
tinent of America, but the Winters there, being a little
too cold for them, they follow the Sun, and go towards the
Jslands, at the approach of cold Weather. Every Man
who has used the West-India Trade, knows this to be
true ; therefore, since we are so well acquainted with all
their Motions, I cannot see why our Men of War under a
proper Regulation, may not go to the Southward, instead of
lying up all the Winter useless : But I shall proceed too far
in
The PREFACE.
in this Enquiry, I shall therefore quit it, and say some-
thing of the following Sheets, which the Author may venture
to assure the Reader that they have one Thing to recommend
them, which is Truth those Facts which he himself was
not an Eye-Witness of, he had from the authentick Relati- Relations
ons of the Persons concern'd in taking the Pyrates, as well as well as
as from the Mouths of the Pyrates themselves, after theythey were
were taken, and he conceives no Man can produce betterbetter Testi-
Testimoniesmonies to support the Credit of any History.
thing of the following Sheets, which the Author may venture
to assure the Reader that they have one Thing to recommend
them, which is Truth those Facts which he himself was
not an Eye-Witness of, he had from the authentick Relati- Relations
ons of the Persons concern'd in taking the Pyrates, as well as well as
as from the Mouths of the Pyrates themselves, after theythey were
were taken, and he conceives no Man can produce betterbetter Testi-
Testimoniesmonies to support the Credit of any History.
It will be observed, that the Account of the Actions of
Roberts runs into a greater Length, than that of any other
Pyrate, for which we can assign two Reasons, first, because
he ravaged the Seas longer than the rest, and of Consequence
there must be a greater Scene of Business in his Life: Second-Se-p
-lycondly , being resolved not to weary the Reader, with tiresome tire-p
someRepetitions: When we found the Circumstances in Roberts’s Ro-p
bert's Life, and other Pyrates, either as to pyratical Articles, or Ar-p
ticles or any Thing else, to be the same, we thought it best to give them itp
best to give them but once, and chose Roberts’s Life for that Purpose, he ha- Robert's Life forp
that Purpose, he having ving made more Noise in the World,World, tham some others.p
than some others.p
Roberts runs into a greater Length, than that of any other
Pyrate, for which we can assign two Reasons, first, because
he ravaged the Seas longer than the rest, and of Consequence
there must be a greater Scene of Business in his Life: Second-Se-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Second- | ly"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Se- | condly"
-lycondly , being resolved not to weary the Reader, with tiresome tire-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "tiresome |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "tire- | some"
someRepetitions: When we found the Circumstances in Roberts’s Ro-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Robert's |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Ro- | bert's".
bert's Life, and other Pyrates, either as to pyratical Articles, or Ar-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "Articles, or | "; ed.4(Vol.1) "Ar- | ticles or".
ticles or any Thing else, to be the same, we thought it best to give them itp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "it best to give them | "; ed.4(Vol.1) "thought it | best to give them".
best to give them but once, and chose Roberts’s Life for that Purpose, he ha- Robert's Life forp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 " Robert's Life for that Purpose, he ha- | ving"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Robert's Life for | that Purpose".
that Purpose, he having ving made more Noise in the World,World, tham some others.p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "World , than some others"; ed.4(Vol.1) "World, | than some others.".
than some others.p
eds.1, 2 & 3 have 11 lines in this paragrpah ed.4(Vol.1) has 12 lines ine this paragraph
As to the Lives of our two female Pyrates, we
must con-mustp
conffessfess they may appear a little Extravagantextravagantg
never the less true for seeming so, but as they were pub-
lickly try’d tried n
enough to jusiify what we have laid down concerning them ;
it is certain, we have produced some Particulars which were
not so publickly known, the Reason is, we were more inquisi-inqui-p
-tivesitive into the Circumstances of their past Lives, than other
People, who had no other Design, than that of gratifying
their own private Curiosity : If there are some Incidents andIncidentsp
and Turns in their Stories, which may give them a little thelittlep
theAir of a Novel, they are not invented or contrived contrived forcontrivedp
for that Purpose, it is a Kind of Reading this Author is butisp
but little acquainted with, but as he himself was exceedinglyexceed-p
ingly diverted with them, when they were related to him, hetop
him, he thought thought they might have the same Effect upon the Reader.uponp
the Reader.
A4 I presumep
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "must con- | ffess"; ed.4(Vol.1) "must | conffess".
conffessfess they may appear a little Extravagantextravagantg
capitalization changes - eds.1, 2 & 3 capitalized "Extravagant"; in ed.4(Vol.1) all lower case"extravagant".
, yet they arenever the less true for seeming so, but as they were pub-
lickly try’d tried n
spelling change ed1:"tried" ed2,3,4(vol.I.)"try'd
for their Pyracies, there are living Witnessesenough to jusiify what we have laid down concerning them ;
it is certain, we have produced some Particulars which were
not so publickly known, the Reason is, we were more inquisi-inqui-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "inquisi- | tive"; ed.4(Vol.1) "inqui- | sitive".
-tivesitive into the Circumstances of their past Lives, than other
People, who had no other Design, than that of gratifying
their own private Curiosity : If there are some Incidents andIncidentsp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 " Incidents and |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "Incidents | and".
and Turns in their Stories, which may give them a little thelittlep
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "little the |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "little | the".
theAir of a Novel, they are not invented or contrived contrived forcontrivedp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "contrived for |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "contrived | for".
for that Purpose, it is a Kind of Reading this Author is butisp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "is but | little"; ed.4(Vol.1) "is | but little".
but little acquainted with, but as he himself was exceedinglyexceed-p
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "exceedingly |"; ed.4(Vol.1) "exceed- | ingly".
ingly diverted with them, when they were related to him, hetop
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "to him he | thought"; ed.4(Vol.1) "to | him, he thought".
him, he thought thought they might have the same Effect upon the Reader.uponp
line end change - eds.1, 2 & 3 "upon the Reader"; ed.4(Vol.1) "upon | him, the Reader"
the Reader.
A4 I presumep
beginning of next paragraph moves to the next page in ed.4(Vol.1).
I presume we need make no Apology for giving the Name
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain no-
A4 thing
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain no-
A4 thing
The PREFACE.
I presume we need make no Apology for giving the Name
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain
nothingthingbut the Actions of a Parcel of Robbers. It is Bra-
very and Stratagem in War which make Actions worthy of
Record ; in which Sense the Adventures here related will
be thought deserving that Name. Plutarch is very cir-
cumstantial in relating the Actions of Spartacus, the Slave,
and makes the Conquest of him, one of the greatest Glories
of Marcus Crassus ; and it is probable, if this Slave had
liv’d a little longer, Plutarch would have given us his
Life at large. Rome, the Mistress of the World, was no
more at first than a Refuge for Thieves and Outlaws ; and
if the Progress of our Pyrates had been equal to their Be-
ginning ; had they all united, and settled in some of those
Jslands, they mighty by this Timey have been honoured with
the Name of a Commonwealth, and no Power in those Parts
of the World could have been able to dispute it with them.
of a History to the following Sheets, though they contain
nothingthingbut the Actions of a Parcel of Robbers. It is Bra-
very and Stratagem in War which make Actions worthy of
Record ; in which Sense the Adventures here related will
be thought deserving that Name. Plutarch is very cir-
cumstantial in relating the Actions of Spartacus, the Slave,
and makes the Conquest of him, one of the greatest Glories
of Marcus Crassus ; and it is probable, if this Slave had
liv’d a little longer, Plutarch would have given us his
Life at large. Rome, the Mistress of the World, was no
more at first than a Refuge for Thieves and Outlaws ; and
if the Progress of our Pyrates had been equal to their Be-
ginning ; had they all united, and settled in some of those
Jslands, they mighty by this Timey have been honoured with
the Name of a Commonwealth, and no Power in those Parts
of the World could have been able to dispute it with them.
If we have seem’d to glance, with seme Freedom at the
Behaviour of some Governors of Provinces abroad it has
been with Caution ; and, perhaps, we have, not declar'd as
much as we knew : However, we hope those Gentlemen in the
same Station, who have never given Occasion for the like
Censure, will take no Offence, tho’ the Word Governor is
sometimes made use of.
Behaviour of some Governors of Provinces abroad it has
been with Caution ; and, perhaps, we have, not declar'd as
much as we knew : However, we hope those Gentlemen in the
same Station, who have never given Occasion for the like
Censure, will take no Offence, tho’ the Word Governor is
sometimes made use of.
P. S. It will be necessary to add a Word or two to this
Preface in order to inform the Reader, that there are se¬
veral material Additions made to this second Impression,
which swelling the Book in Bulk, must of Consequence add a
small Matter to its Price.
Preface in order to inform the Reader, that there are se¬
veral material Additions made to this second Impression,
which swelling the Book in Bulk, must of Consequence add a
small Matter to its Price.
The first Impression having been received with so much
Success by the Publick, occasioned a very earnest Demand
for a second : In the mean Time, several Persons who had
been taken by the Pyrates, as well as others who had been
concerned in taking of them, have been so kind to commu-
nicate several Facts and Circumstances to us which had
escaped us in the first Impression. This occasioned some De-
lay , therefore if we have not brought it outy as soon as
wish’d it was to render it the more compleat.
Success by the Publick, occasioned a very earnest Demand
for a second : In the mean Time, several Persons who had
been taken by the Pyrates, as well as others who had been
concerned in taking of them, have been so kind to commu-
nicate several Facts and Circumstances to us which had
escaped us in the first Impression. This occasioned some De-
lay , therefore if we have not brought it outy as soon as
wish’d it was to render it the more compleat.
We shall not enter into a Detail of all the new Matter
inserted here, but the Description of the Islands St. Thome
inserted here, but the Description of the Islands St. Thome
The PREFACE.
&c. and that of Brasil are not to be passed by, with-
out a little Notice. It must be observed, that our spe-
culative Mathematicians and Geographers, who are, no
doubt, Men of the greatest Learning, seldom travel far-
¬ther than their Closets for their Knowledge, &c. are
therefore unqualified to give as a good Description of
Countries: It is for this Reason that all our Maps and
Atlasses are so monstrously faulty, for these Gentlemen are
obliged to take their Accounts from the Reports of illite-
¬rate Men.
out a little Notice. It must be observed, that our spe-
culative Mathematicians and Geographers, who are, no
doubt, Men of the greatest Learning, seldom travel far-
¬ther than their Closets for their Knowledge, &c. are
therefore unqualified to give as a good Description of
Countries: It is for this Reason that all our Maps and
Atlasses are so monstrously faulty, for these Gentlemen are
obliged to take their Accounts from the Reports of illite-
¬rate Men.
It must be noted also, that when the Masters of Ships
make Discoveries this Way, they are not fond of commu¬-
nicating them a Man’s knowing this or that Coast, bet-
¬ter than others, recommends him in his Business, and
makes him more useful, and he'll no more discover it than a
Tradesman will the Mystery of his Trade.
make Discoveries this Way, they are not fond of commu¬-
nicating them a Man’s knowing this or that Coast, bet-
¬ter than others, recommends him in his Business, and
makes him more useful, and he'll no more discover it than a
Tradesman will the Mystery of his Trade.
The Gentleman who has taken the Pains to make these
Observations, is Mr. Atkins, a Surgeon, an ingenious
Man in his own Profession, and one who is not ty’d down
by any narrow Considerations from doing a Service to the
Publick, and has been pleased generously to communicate
them for the good of others. I don’t doubt, but his Ob
¬servations will be found curious and very serviceable to
such as Trade to those Parts, besides a Method of Trade is
here laid down with the Portuguese, which may prove
of great Profit to some of our Countrymen, if followed ac-
cording to his Plan.
Observations, is Mr. Atkins, a Surgeon, an ingenious
Man in his own Profession, and one who is not ty’d down
by any narrow Considerations from doing a Service to the
Publick, and has been pleased generously to communicate
them for the good of others. I don’t doubt, but his Ob
¬servations will be found curious and very serviceable to
such as Trade to those Parts, besides a Method of Trade is
here laid down with the Portuguese, which may prove
of great Profit to some of our Countrymen, if followed ac-
cording to his Plan.
It is hoped these Things will satisfy the Publick, that
the Author of the following Sheets considered nothing so
much as making the Book useful ; ------ tho’ he has been in-
¬formed, that some Gentlemen have rais'd an Objection a-
gainst the Truth of its Contents, viz. that it seems calcu-
¬lated to entertain and divert. ------- If the Favts are related
with some Agreeableness and Life, we hope it will not be
imputed as a Fault ; but as to its Credit, we can assure them
that the Sea-faring Men, that is all that know the Na-
ture of these Things , have not been able to make the least
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that
the Author of the following Sheets considered nothing so
much as making the Book useful ; ------ tho’ he has been in-
¬formed, that some Gentlemen have rais'd an Objection a-
gainst the Truth of its Contents, viz. that it seems calcu-
¬lated to entertain and divert. ------- If the Favts are related
with some Agreeableness and Life, we hope it will not be
imputed as a Fault ; but as to its Credit, we can assure them
that the Sea-faring Men, that is all that know the Na-
ture of these Things , have not been able to make the least
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that
The PREFACE.
ture of these Things , have not been able to make the least
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that there is not a Fact or Circumstance in the whole
whole Book,
Book,but he is able to prove by credible Witnesses.
Objection to its Credit: —- And he witt be bold to affirm,
that there is not a Fact or Circumstance in the whole
whole Book,
Book,but he is able to prove by credible Witnesses.
There have been same other Pyrates, besides those whose
History are here related such as are hereafter named,
and their adventures are as extravagant and full of Mis-
chief, as those who are the Subject of this Book. ------ The
Author has already begun to digest them into Method, and
as soon as he receives some Materials to male them com-
pleat, (which he shortly expects from the West-indies) If
the Fublick gives him Encouragement he intends to venture
upon a second Volume,
History are here related such as are hereafter named,
and their adventures are as extravagant and full of Mis-
chief, as those who are the Subject of this Book. ------ The
Author has already begun to digest them into Method, and
as soon as he receives some Materials to male them com-
pleat, (which he shortly expects from the West-indies) If
the Fublick gives him Encouragement he intends to venture
upon a second Volume,