Chapter 1

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THE LIVES AND ADVENTURES OF SUNDRY NOTORIOUS PIRATES

PIRATES

_With a _Foreword_ and sundry _Decorations_ by_

C. Lovat Fraser

_NEW YORK:_ ROBERT M. McBRIDE AND COMPANY 1922

_First American Edition_

_Printed in the United States of America_

_Printed in Great Britain by Billing and Sons, Ltd., Guildford and Esher._

CONTENTS

PAGE Foreword vii

The Life of Captain Avery 1

Captain John Rackham, and his Crew 17

Captain Spriggs, and his Crew 29

Captain Edward Lowe, and his Crew 37

Captain George Lowther, and his Crew 51

Captain Anstis, and his Crew 65

Captain John Phillips, and his Crew 77

Captain Teach, _alias_ Blackbeard 87

Major Stede Bonnet and his Crew 101

Captain William Kid 117

Captain Edward England, and his Crew 135

Captain John Gow, _alias_ Smith, and his Crew 145

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

Captain Avery _frontispiece_

Captain John Rackham _facing page_ 19

Captain Edward Lowe " 39

Captain Teach " 89

Major Stede Bonnet " 103

Captain William Kid " 119

Captain Edward England " 137

Captain John Gow " 147

FOREWORD

Time, though a good Collector, is not always a reliable Historian. That is to say, that although nothing of interest or importance is lost, yet an affair may be occasionally invested with a glamour that is not wholly its own. I venture to think that Piracy has fortuned in this particular. We are apt to base our ideas of Piracy on the somewhat vague ambitions of our childhood; and I suppose, were such a thing possible, the consensus of opinion in our nurseries as to a future profession in life would place Piracy but little below the glittering heights of the police force and engine-driving. Incapable of forgetting this in more mature years, are we not inclined to deck Her (the "H" capital, for I speak of an ideal), if not in purple and fine linen, at least with a lavish display of tinsel and gilt? Nursery lore remains with us, whether we would or not, for all our lives; and generations of ourselves, as schoolboys and pre-schoolboys, have tricked out Piracy in so resplendent a dress that she has fairly ousted in our affections, not only her sister profession of "High Toby and the Road," but every other splendid and villainous vocation. Yet Teach, Kid, and Avery were as terrible or grim as Duval, Turpin, and Sheppard were courtly or whimsical. And the terrible is a more vital affair than the whimsical. Is it, then, unnatural that, after a lapse of nigh on two centuries, we should shake our wise heads and allow that which is still nursery within us to deplore the loss of those days when we ran--before a favouring "Trade"--the very good chance of being robbed, maimed, or murdered by Captain Howel Davis or Captain Neil Gow? It is as well to remember that the "Captains" in this book were seamen whose sole qualifications to the title were ready wit, a clear head, and, maybe, that certain indefinable "power of the eye" that is the birth-right of all true leaders. The piratical hero of our childhood is traceable in a great extent to the "thrillers," toy plays, and penny theatres of our grandfathers. Here our Pirate was, as often as not, a noble, dignified, if gloomy gentleman, with a leaning to Byronic soliloquy. Though stern in exterior, his heart could (and would) melt at the distresses of the heroine. Elvira's eyes were certain to awaken in his mind the recollection of "other eyes as innocent as thine, child." In short, he was that most touching of all beings, the Hero-cum-Villain. And it was with a sigh of relief that we saw him at the eleventh hour, having successfully twitted the "Government Men" and the Excise (should he have an additional penchant for smuggling), safely restored to the arms of the long-suffering possessor of the other eyes.

Alas! this little book mentions no Poll of Portsmouth, nor does it favour us with a "Yeo, heave, oh!" nor is there so very much "cut and thrust" about it. It was written in that uninspiring day when Pirates were a very real nuisance to such law-abiding folk as you and I; but it has the merit of being written, if not by a Pirate, at least by one who came into actual contact with them. I am not at all sure that "merit" is the right word to use in this instance, for to be a Pirate does not necessarily ensure you making a good author. Indeed, it might almost be considered as a ban to the fine literary technique of an Addison or a Temple. It has, however, the virtue of being in close touch with some of the happenings chronicled. Not that our author saw above a tithe of what he records--had he done so he would have been "set a-sun-drying" at Execution Dock long before he had had the opportunity of putting pen to paper; but, as far as posterity was concerned, he was lucky in his friend William Ingram--evidently a fellow of good memory and a ready tongue--"who," as our author states in his Preface, "was a Pirate under Anstis, Roberts, and many others," and who eventually was hanged in good piratical company on the 11th of June, 1714.

The actual history of the little book, the major part of which is here reprinted, is as follows:

Its full title is "The History and Lives of all the most Notorious Pirates and their Crews," and the fifth edition, from which our text is taken, was printed in 1735. A reproduction of the original title-page is given overleaf.

As a matter of fact, the title is misleading. How could a book that makes no mention of Morgan or Lollonois be a history of _all_ the most notorious Pirates? It deals with the last few years of the seventeenth century and the first quarter of the eighteenth, a period that might with justice be called "The Decline and Fall of Piracy," for after 1730 Piracy became but a mean broken-backed affair that bordered perilously on mere sea-pilfering.

A little research into the book's history shows us that it is consistent throughout, and that it is a "piracy," in the publisher's sense of the word, of a much larger and more pretentious work by Captain Charles Johnson, entitled, "A General History of the Pyrates from their first Rise and Settlement in the Island of Providence to the Present Time; With the Remarkable Actions and Adventures of the two Female Pyrates Mary Read and Anne Bonny."

This was published in London, in 8vo., by Charles Rivington in 1724. A second edition, considerably augmented, was issued later in the same year, a third edition in the year following, and a fourth edition--in two volumes, as considerable additions in the form of extra "Lives," and an appendix necessitated a further volume--in 1725.

This two-volume edition contained the history of the following Pirates: Avery, Martel, Teach, Bonnet, England, Vane, Rackham, Davis, Roberts, Anstis, Morley, Lowther, Low, Evans, Phillips, Spriggs, Smith, Misson, Bowen, Kid, Tew, Halsey, White, Condent, Bellamy, Fly, Howard, Lewis, Cornelius, Williams, Burgess, and North, together with a short abstract on the Statute and Civil Law in relation to "Pyracy," and an appendix, completing the Lives in the first volume, and correcting some mistakes.

The work evidently enjoyed a great vogue, for it was translated into Dutch by Robert Hannebo, of Amsterdam, in 1727, and issued there, with several "new illustrations," in 12mo. A German version by Joachim Meyer was printed at Gosslar in the following year, while in France it saw the light as an appendix to an edition of Esquemeling's "Histoire des Avanturiers," 1726.

But little is known of the author, Captain Charles Johnson, excepting that he flourished from 1724 to 1736, and it is more than probable that the name by which we know him is an assumed one. It is possible that his knowledge of Pirates and Piracy was of such a nature to have justified awkward investigations on the part of His Majesty's Government.

There is one thing that we do know for certain about him, and that is that the worthy Captain's spelling, according to the pirated version of his book, was indefinite even for his own day. He was one of those inspired folk who would be quite capable of spelling "schooner" with three variations in as many lines. In this edition the spelling has been more or less modernized.

Lastly, it is to be remembered that the ships of this period, according to our modern ideas, would be the veriest cockle-shells, and so that we should know what manner of vessel he refers to in these pages, I had recourse to a friend of mine whose knowledge of things nautical is extensive enough to have gained for him the coveted "Extra Master's Certificate," and who was kind enough to supply me with the following definitions:

GALLEY.

A large vessel rowed by oars and sometimes having auxiliary sail of various rigs.

PINK.

Probably a small, fast vessel used as a tender and despatch boat for river work.

C. L. F.

THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN AVERY

He was the son of _John Avery_, a victualler near _Plymouth_, in _Devonshire_, who in a few years was grown as opulent in his purse as in his body, by scoring two for one; and when he had so done, drinking the most of the liquor himself. By which means, and having a handsome wife, who knew her business as well as if she had been brought up to it from a child (which, indeed, she mostly was, her mother keeping the House before she married _Mr. Avery_), they soon became very rich and very able to give credit to a whole ship's crew upon their tickets, which in those days were sold for less than half their value.

Having but one child (afterwards the Captain), they at first resolved to bring him up a scholar, that he might advance the dignity of the family. But instead of learning his book, he was taught by such companions that he could soon swear to every point of his compass, which was a very diverting scene for the Boatswain and his crew, who were then drinking in the kitchen, having just received ten pounds apiece short allowance money on board the _Revenge_, every farthing of which they spent before leaving the house.

But as soon as their money was spent, they were all like to have been imprisoned by their Landlady for a riot, as she called it, so they were soon glad to sheer off, and he thought himself happiest that could get first aboard. Indeed, it would have been happy for them if they had, for the ship was unmoored and gone to sea; which put the Boatswain and his crew swearing in earnest, and not knowing what to do, they resolved to return to their Landlady, _Mrs. Avery_, at "the Sign of the _Defiance_." But she shut them out of doors, calling them a parcel of beggarly rascals, and swearing that if they would not go from the door she would send for the Constable; and notwithstanding all the entreaties and tears of her only son, who was then about six years of age, she could not be prevailed upon to let them in, so they were obliged to stroll about the street all night. In the morning, spying the ship at anchor, being driven back by contrary winds, they resolved to make the best of their way aboard; but on the way, whom should they meet but young _Avery_, who had no sooner seen them, but he cried after them. "Zounds," says the Boatswain, "let's take the young dog aboard, and his mother shall soon be glad to adjust the reckoning more to our satisfaction before she shall have her son."

This was agreed upon by all hands, and the boy was as willing as any of them. So, stepping into the boat, in about an hour's time they reached the ship, which they had no sooner boarded but they were brought before the Captain, who, being in want of hands, contented himself with bidding them all go to their business; for the wind turned about, and there was occasion for all hands to be at work to carry out the ship.

All this while young _Avery_ was at the heels of the Boatswain, and was observed to swear two oaths to one of the Boatswain's; which being soon observed by the Captain, he inquired who brought that young rascal aboard.

To which the Boatswain replied that he did, that the boy's mother was his Landlady on shore, and he had taken him up in jest, but was afraid that they would now have to keep him in earnest.

When the hurry was a little over, the Captain commanded the boy to be brought to him in his cabin. He had not talked long to him before he took a fancy to him, telling him that if he would be a good boy, he should live with him.

He, being a mighty lover of children, would often divert himself by talking to the boy, till at length he took such a fancy to him, that he ordered him a little hammock in his own cabin, and none were so great as the Captain and his boy _Avery_, which had like to have proved very fatal to him; for Avery one night, observing the Captain to be very drunk with some passengers that were on board, got a lighted match and had like to have blown up the ship, had not the Gunner happened accidentally to follow him into the store-room. This made the Captain ever after very shy of his new Acquaintance, and _Avery_, after he had been well whipped, was ordered down into the hold, where he remained until they arrived at _Carolina_, which happened four or five days after.

The boy was given to a merchant, who, taking a fancy to him, put him to school; but he made so little progress in learning, and committed so many unlucky tricks, that the merchant, in about three years, shipped him off to his friends at _Plymouth_ on board the _Nonesuch_, where he was no sooner arrived but his mother was overjoyed with the sight of her son, his father being dead about a month before his arrival.

And, indeed, it was thought the loss of their son broke his heart, for it was observed the father never held up his head after, the neighbours often reflecting upon him for his ill-usage of the seamen, who had spent so much money at his house; saying he could never expect that all his ill-gotten riches could prosper him, which so happened, as you shall hear presently. For his mother, dying soon after, the boy was left under the guardianship of one Mr. _Lightfoot_, a merchant, who, having great losses at sea, became a bankrupt, and so young _Avery_ was left to look out after himself; there he continued for many years in pilfering and stealing till the country was too hot for him, when he betook him to sea again, where in time he became as famous for robbing as _Cromwell_ for rebellion.

He entered himself on board the _Duke_, Captain _Gibson_ Commander, being one of the two ships of twenty-four guns and one hundred men which were fitted out by the merchants of _Bristol_ for the service of _Spain_, which they had no sooner done, but they were ordered by their agents at _Bristol_ to sail for the _Groyne_ to receive their orders.

On board one of which ships _Avery_, being at this time above twenty years old, entered himself, where he had not been long before he observed the Captain was much addicted to drunkenness.

He endeavoured to spirit up not only his own ship's crew, but having also given the word to part of the other ship's crew, the conspirators gave the signal.

At which the _Duchess_, as the other ship was named, put off her longboat; which the conspirators hailing were answered by the men in the boat, "Is your drunken Boatswain on board?" This being the word agreed upon, Avery answered, "All is safe;" upon which twenty lusty fellows came aboard and joined them, which they had no sooner done but they secured the hatches and went to work, putting to sea without any disorder, although there were several ships in the bay, amongst whom was a frigate of forty-four guns.

The Captain, by this time being awaked by the noise of the conspirators working the ship, rung the bell, inquiring what was the matter, to whom _Avery_ and some of the crew replied, "Nothing. Are you mutinous in your cups? Can't you lie down, sleep, and be quiet?"

"No," saith the Captain. "I am sure something's the matter with the ship. Does she drive? What weather is it? Is it a storm?"

Saith _Avery_: "Cannot you lie quiet while you are quiet? I tell you all's well; we are at sea in a fair wind and good weather."

"At sea," saith the Captain; "that can't be."

"Be not frightened," saith Avery, "and I'll tell you. You must note, I am now the Captain of the ship; nay, you must turn out, for this is my cabin, and I am bound for _Madagascar_, to make my own fortune as well as my companions."

The Captain, being more terrified than ever, did not know what to say, which _Avery_ perceiving, bid him take heart. "For," saith he, "if you will join me and these brave fellows, my companions, in time you may get some post under me. If not, step into the longboat and get about your business."

This the Captain was glad to hear, but yet began to expostulate with them upon the injustice of such doings. Saith _Avery_: "What do I care? Every man for himself. Come, come, Captain, if you will go, get you gone; the longboat waits for you, and if there be any more cowards in the ship, you may all go together." Which words so affrighted the whole crew, that there was not above nine or ten of them that durst venture, who made the best of their way to the shore as fast as they could, and thought they were well off.

The Captain was no sooner gone, but they called a Council, which agreed to own _Avery_ as their Captain; which he accepted of with all humility imaginable, seeming to excuse himself on account of his inexperience at sea. But he did it so artfully that it more confirmed them in the good opinion of their choice. "Gentlemen," said he, "what we have done we must live or die by; let us all be hearty and of one mind, and I don't question but we shall make our fortune in a little time. I propose that we sail first to _Madagascar_, where we may settle a correspondence, in order to secure our retreats, whenever we think fit to lie by."

To which they all agreed, "Nemine contradicente."

"But hold," saith _Avery_; "it is necessary that we make some order among us, for the better governing of the ship's crew." Which were in a few days drawn up by the clerk of the ship.

And _Avery_ promising them vast things, they all came into them at last, although some things went very much against the grain of many of them.

It took up all their spare time till they arrived at _Madagascar_, where they saw a Ship lying at the N.E. part of the Island, with which the men had run away from _New England_; and seeing _Avery_, they supposed that he had been sent after them to take them, but _Avery_ soon undeceived them, and promised them protection; therefore they resolved to sail together. In the whole company, there was not above ten that pretended to any skill in navigation; for _Avery_ himself could neither write nor read very well, he being chosen Captain of the _Duke_ purely for his courage and contrivance.

In the latitude of _Descada_, one of the Islands, they took two other sloops, which supplied them with provisions, and then they agreed to proceed to the _West Indies_; and coming to _Barbadoes_, they fell in with a ship for _London_ with twelve guns, from which they took some clothes and money, ten barrels of powder, ten casks of beef, and several other goods, and five of her men, and then let her go. From thence he went to the Island of _Dominico_, and watered; there he met with six _Englishmen_, who willingly entered with _Avery_. They stayed not long before they sailed for the _Granada_ Island to clean their ships; which being known to the _French_ Colony, the Governor of _Martenico_ sent four sloops well manned after them. But they stayed there not long, but made the best of their way for _Newfoundland_, entering the harbour of _Trepasse_ with black colours, drums beating, and trumpets sounding.

It is impossible to relate the havoc they made there, burning all before them. When they left _Newfoundland_ they sailed for the _West Indies_, and from thence to the Island _Descada_, it being judged the most convenient place, at that time of the year, to meet with a rich booty.

From hence they steered towards the _Arabian_ Coast, near the River _Indus_, where, spying a sail, they gave chase. At their near approach she hoisted _Mogul_ colours and seemed as if she would stand upon her defence, whilst _Avery_ contented himself by cannonading her at a distance, which made many of his men begin to mutiny, thinking him a coward.

But _Avery_ knew better, and commanding his sloops to attack her, one in the Bow, and the rest on the Quarter, clapt her on board, upon which she struck her colours and yielded. Aboard her was one of the _Mogul's_ own daughters, with several persons of distinction, who were carrying rich offerings of jewels and other valuable presents to _Mecca_; which booty was the more considerable, because these people always travel with great magnificence, having all their slaves and attendants always with them, besides jewels and great sums of money to defray the charges. But _Avery_, not content with this, seized the young Princess, and taking her with him into his own ship, made the best of his way to _Madagascar_, where she soon broke her heart and died. Also her father, the _Great Mogul_, did no sooner hear of it but he threatened all _Europe_ with revenge. And when he knew they were _Englishmen_ who had captured his daughter and robbed him, he threatened to send a mighty army, with fire and sword, to extirpate all the _English_ from their settlements on the _Indian_ Coasts, which gave no small uneasiness to the _Indian Company_ at _London_, when they heard of it.