Part 25
When they were thus providentially preserv'd, Mr. _Marks_ went into ...... and there hired a Boat which carried them to _Charles Town_; in the mean time he had sent this Boat to give them an Account of the Accident. Mr. _Teach_ was pacified with this Relation, and consented to stay two Days longer, since there appeared no Fault of theirs in causing this Delay. At the End of two Days, they lost all Patience, and the Commodore could not be prevail'd on to give them any longer Time than the next Morning to live, if the Boat did not return by that Time. Still expecting and still disappointed, the Gentlemen knew not what to say, nor how to excuse their Friends at Land; some of them told the Pyrates, that they had equal Reason with them to blame their Conduct; that they doubted not, by what had already happen'd, of Mr. _Mark_'s doing his Duty faithfully; and since they had received Notice of the Boat's going safe into _Charles Town_, they could not conceive what should hinder the Execution of the Business, unless they put a greater Value on the Chest of Medicines, than on the Lives of fourscore Men now on the Verge of Destruction. _Teach_, for his Part, believed they had imprisoned his Men, and refused the Condition of the Prisoner's Enlargement, and swore a thousand Times, that they should not only die, but every _Carolina_ Man that hereafter should fall into his Hands. The Prisoners, at last, petitioned to have this one Favour granted, _viz._ That the Fleet should weigh and stand off the Harbour, and if they should not then see the Boat coming out, that they the Prisoners would pilot them in before the Town, which, if they pleased to batter down, they would stand by them to the last Man.
This Proposal of taking Revenge for the supposed Treachery (as the Commodore was pleased to term it) suited well enough the Savage Temper of the General and his Brutes, and he acquiesc'd at once. The Project was likewise approv'd on by the Myrmidons, and accordingly they weigh'd Anchor, being in all eight Sail of Ships, which were the Prizes they had in Custody, and rang'd along the Town; the Inhabitants then had their Share of the Fright, expecting nothing less than a general Attack; the Men were brought all under Arms, but not in so regular a manner as might have been done, had the Surprize been less; but the Women and Children ran about the Street like mad Things. However, before Matters came to Extremities, the Boat was seen coming out, which brought Redemption to the poor Captives, and Peace to all.
The Chest was brought aboard, and accepted of, and it further appear'd, that Mr. _Marks_ had done his Duty, and the Blame of the Delay was deservedly thrown on the two Pyrates that were sent on the Embassy; for while the Gentlemen attended the Governor and Council upon the Business, the other fine Gentlemen were visiting and drinking with their _quondam_ Friends and Acquaintance, and going from House to House, so that they were not to be found when the Medicines were ready to go aboard; and Mr. _Marks_ knew it were Death to them all to go without them, for the Commodore would not easily have believ'd, had they not returned, that there had been no foul Play acted by them. But now none but smiling Countenances were seen aboard; the Storm that threatned the Prisoners so heavily, blew over, and a Day of Sun-shine succeeded; in short, _Blackbeard_ released them as he had promised, and sent them away in the Ships after he had done with them, and then sail'd off the Coast, as has been mentioned in _Vol._ I. _page 73_.
* * * * *
What follows, contains Reflections on a Gentleman now deceas'd, who was Governor of _North Carolina_, namely, _Charles Eden_, Esq; which, we apprehend, by Accounts since receiv'd, to be without just Grounds, therefore, it will be necessary to say something in this Place, to take off the Calumny thrown on his Character, by Persons who have misjudged of his Conduct by the Height Things appeared in at that time.
Upon a Review of this Part of _Blackbeard_'s Story, it does not seem, by any Matters of Fact candidly considered, that the said Governour held any private or criminal Correspondence with this Pyrate; and I have been inform'd since, by very good Hands, that Mr. _Eden_ always behaved, as far as he had Power, in a manner suitable to his Post, and bore the Character of a good Governor, and an honest Man.
But his Misfortune was, the Weakness of the Colony he commanded, wanting Strength to punish the Disorders of _Teach_, who lorded it at Pleasure, not only in the Plantation, but in the Governor's own Habitation, threatening to destroy the Town with Fire and Sword, if any Injury was offer'd to him or his Companions, insomuch, that he sometimes drew up his Vessel against the Town, and once, when he suspected that there was a Design of seizing him, he went ashore to the Governor well armed, and left Orders with his Men on board, that in Case he should not return in an Hour's Time (as he determined, if at Liberty) to batter down the House about their Ears, without any more to do, notwithstanding he himself were to be in it. Such were the outragious Insolencies of this Villain, who was so big with Mischief, that he resolved to be revenged upon his Enemies at all Events, even tho' he should give up his own Life, as a Sacrifice, to obtain those wicked Ends.
It is to be observed, that _Blackbeard_, nevertheless, as to his Pyracies, had comply'd with the Proclamation, and thereby satisfied the Law, and having a Certificate thereof from under the Hand of his Excellency, he could not be prosecuted for any of those Crimes committed heretofore, because they were wiped off by the said Proclamation of Pardon: And as to condemning the _French Martinico_ Man that _Blackbeard_ brought in to _North Carolina_ afterwards, the Governor proceeded judicially upon her. He called a Court of Vice Admiralty, by virtue of his Commission; at which four of the Crew swore they found the Ship at Sea with no Person on board her, so the Court condemn'd her, as any other Court must have done, and the Cargo was disposed of according to Law.
As to the secret Expedition from _Virginia_, undertaken by the Governor and the two Captains of Men of War, they had their secret Views in it: The Men of War had lain up these ten Months whilst the Pyrates infested the Coast, and did great Mischief, for which, 'tis likely, they might have been called to an Account; but the Success of the Enterprize against _Teach_, alias _Blackbeard_, perhaps prevented such Enquiry, tho' I am at a Loss to know what Acts of Pyracy he had committed after this Surrender to the Proclamation; the _French_ Ship was lawfully condemned, as has been said before, and if he had committed any Depredations amongst the Planters, as they seem'd to complain of, they were not upon the high Sea, but either in the River, or on Shore, and could not come within the Jurisdiction of the Admiralty, nor under any Laws of Pyracy. The Governor of _Virginia_ found his Interest in the Affair; for he sent, at the same time, a Force by Land, and seiz'd considerable Effects of _Blackbeard_'s in _Eden_'s Province, which was certainly a new Thing for the Governor of one Province, whose Commission was limited to that Jurisdiction, to exercise Authority in another Government, and the Governour himself upon the Spot. Thus was poor Mr. _Eden_ insulted and abused on all Sides, without having the Power of doing himself Justice, and asserting his lawful Rights.
In fine, to do Justice to Governor _Eden_'s Character, who is since dead, there did not appear from any Writings or Letters found in _Blackbeard_'s Sloop, or from any other Evidence whatsoever, that the said Governor was concerned at all in any Male Practice; but on the contrary, that during his Continuance in that Post, he was honour'd and beloved by his Colony, for his Uprightness, Probity, and prudent Conduct in his Administration; what Affairs were carried on privately by his then Secretary I know not; he died a few Days after _Blackbeard_'s Destruction, and no Enquiry was made; perhaps there might be no Occasion for it.
_Of Major_ BONNET.
I have but few Words to add to Major _Bonnet_'s Life and Actions; when his Dissolution drew nigh, all his Resolution fail'd him, and his Fears and Agonies so wrought upon him, that he was scarce sensible when he came to the Place of Execution. His piteous Behaviour under Sentence, very much affected the People of the Province, particularly the Women, and great Application was made to the Governor for saving his Life, but in vain; not that his Excellency Colonel _Johnson_ pleased himself in Acts of severe Justice, but he knew his Duty too well to be misled by the Tears and Prayers of weak and inconsiderate People, when the publick Good, as well as his own Honour, stood in Question. Had not _Bonnet_ escap'd out of his Keeper's Hand, after he was taken, and occasioned the Death of his Fellow-Prisoner _Harriot_, by resisting the Governor's Authority, and therein given a new Specimen of his disloyal Intentions, something might have been done in his Favour; but he was become too notorious, and too dangerous a Criminal, to give Life to. However, the Governor who conducted himself in his Post as well as in his private Capacity, with great Probity, Honour, and Candour, hearkened to a Proposal of _Bonnet_'s Friends, which was to send him Prisoner to _England_, that his Case might be referr'd to his Majesty. Col. _Rhet_ offer'd to go with him, and sufficient Security was to be given for yielding him up there, to be dealt with according to his Majesty's Pleasure; but the Major's Friends considered, at last, that it would be a great Expence and Trouble to no manner of purpose, except the lengthening out a wretched Life some small Time longer; for they conceived as little Hope of obtaining a Pardon in _England_ as in _South Carolina_; so they even submitted to the Execution of that Sentence upon the Major, that had with so much Justice pass'd upon him. I shall subjoin here a Copy of a Letter, writ to the Governor from the Prisoner sometime before he died.
_Honoured Sir_,
'I Have presumed, on the Confidence of your eminent Goodness, to throw my self, after this manner, at your Feet, to implore you'll graciously be pleased to look upon me with tender Bowels of Pity and Compassion; and believe me to be the most miserable Man this Day breathing: That the Tears proceeding from my most sorrowful Soul may soften your Heart, and incline you to consider my dismal State, wholly, I must confess, unprepared to receive so soon the dreadful Execution you have been pleas'd to appoint me; and therefore beseech you to think me an Object of your Mercy.
'For God Sake, good Sir, let the Oaths of three Christian Men weigh something with you, who are ready to depose, when you please to allow them the Liberty, the Compulsions I lay under in committing those Acts, for which I am doom'd to die.
'I intreat you not to let me fall a Sacrifice to the Envy and ungodly Rage of some few Men, who, not being yet satisfied with Blood, feign to believe, that if I had the Happiness of a longer Life in this World, I should still employ it in a wicked Manner; which, to remove that and all other Doubts with your Honour, I heartily beseech you'll permit me to live, and I'll voluntarily put it ever out of my Power, by separating all my Limbs from my Body, only reserving the Use of my Tongue, to call continually on, and pray to the Lord, my God, and mourn all my Days in Sack-cloth and Ashes to work out confident Hopes of my Salvation, at that great and dreadful Day, when all righteous Souls shall receive their just Rewards: And to render your Honour a further Assurance of being incapable to prejudice any of my Fellow-Christians, if I was so wickedly bent; I humbly beg you will (as a Punishment of my Sins for my poor Soul's Sake) indent me a menial Servant to your Honour and this Government, during my Life, and send me up to the farthest Inland Garrison or Settlement in the Country, or any otherways you'll be pleased to dispose of me; and likewise that you'll receive the Willingness of my Friends to be bound for my good Behaviour, and constant Attendance to your Commands.
'I once more beg for the Lord's Sake, dear Sir, that as you are a Christian, you will be so charitable to have Mercy and Compassion on my miserable Soul, but too newly awaked from an Habit of Sin, to entertain so confident Hopes and Assurance of its being received into the Arms of my blessed Jesus, as is necessary to reconcile me to so speedy a Death; wherefore, as my Life, Blood, Reputation of my Family, and future happy State lies entirely at your Disposal; I implore you to consider me with a christian and charitable Heart, and determine mercifully of me, that I may ever acknowledge and esteem you next to God my Saviour; and oblige me ever to pray, that our heavenly Father will also forgive your Trespasses.
'Now the God of Peace, that brought again from the Dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the Sheep, thro' the Blood of the everlasting Covenant, make you perfect in every good Work to do his Will, working in you that which is well pleasing in his Sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be Glory for ever and ever, is the hearty Prayer of
_Your Honour's Most miserable, and Afflicted Servant_, STEDE BONNET.'
_Of Captain_ WORLEY.
The History of the Pyrates being an Undertaking of great Length and Variety, the Author readily owns, that in some Parts, he may not be so exact, as they who have been occasionally upon the Spot when these particular Incidents have happen'd. But in any Circumstances he has omitted or misrepresented, he applies to such Persons for better Information; which Correction or Addition (as several others have been) shall be inserted as a Supplement to the whole.
And he hereby acknowledges himself much obliged to the worthy Gentleman who sent the following Letter, for his kind Assistance, in promoting his chief Design, which is to render as compleat as possible, a Work of so difficult a Nature.
_To Mr._ Johnson, _Author of the Lives of the Pyrates_.
SIR,
In perusing your Book, Entitled, _A General History of the Robberies and Murders of the most notorious Pyrates_, &c. I find there an Account of the taking Captain _Worley_ and his Crew, in many Particulars of which you have been very much misinformed, and consequently the Publick is so; that Pyrate having been taken off the Bar of _Charles Town_ in _South Carolina_ by Col. _Robert Johnson_, the then Governor, in Person; to whom to do Justice, I have sent you the following Account of the taking him; for, as to his Beginning and Rise, I cannot say but your Account may be right, as you have set it forth in your aforesaid Book.
In _October_, 1718, Governor _Johnson_ was informed, that there was a Pyrate Ship off the Bar of _Charles Town_, commanded by one _Moody_, carrying 50 Guns, and near 200 Men, that he had taken two Ships bound to that Port from _New England_, and was come to an Anchor with them to the Southward of the Bar; whereupon, he called his Council and the principal Gentlemen of the Place, and proposed to them, to fit out a proper Force to go out and attack him, fearing he might lie there some Time, as _Thatch_ and _Vane_ had done before, and annoy the Trade; which they unanimously agreeing, and there being, at that Time, 14 or 15 Ships in the Harbour, he impress'd the _Mediterranean_ Gally, _Arthur Loan_, and the King _William_, _John Watkinson_, Commanders; and two Sloops, one of which was the _Revenge_, taken from _Stede Bonnet_, the Pyrate, and another from _Philadelphia_; the former, Captain _John Masters_ commanded, and the latter, Captain _Fayrer Hall_; which two Captains had lately commanded the same Sloops that took _Bonnet_ at _Cape Fear_, about a Month before. On board the _Mediterranean_ was put 24 Guns, and 30 on Board the King _William_; the _Revenge_ Sloop had 8, and the other Sloop 6 Guns; and being thus equipp'd, the Governor issued a Proclamation, to encourage Voluntiers to go on Board, promising 'em all the Booty to be shar'd among them, and that he himself would go in Person with 'em; but the Ships and Sloops before-mentioned being impress'd, it was natural for the Commanders to desire some Assurance of Satisfaction to be made the Owners, in Case of a Misfortune; so that the Governor found it necessary to call the General Assembly of the Province, without whom it was impossible for him to give them the Satisfaction they desired, and who, without any Hesitation, pass'd a Vote, that they would pay for the said Vessels, in Case they were lost, according to an Appraisement then made of them, and what other Expences accrued to carry on this necessary Expedition. This Way of Proceeding took up a Week's Time, during which, the Governor ordered Scout Boats to ply up and down the River, as well to guard the Port from any Attempts the Pyrates might make to Land, as to hinder them from having Advice of what was doing, and also laid an Embargo on the Shipping.
About three Days before the Governor sail'd, there appear'd off the Barr a Ship, and a Sloop, who came to an Anchor, and made a Signal for a Pilot; but they being suppos'd to be _Moody_, and a Sloop that had join'd him (as it was said he expected) no Pilot was permitted to go near them, and thus they rid for four Days, once or twice attempting to send their Boat on Shore, to an Island, call'd, _Suilivants_ Island (as they afterwards confess'd) to fetch Water, of which they were in great Want; but they were prevented by the Scout Boats before-mentioned: And, for Want of which, they were obliged to continue in the same Station, in hopes some Ship would be coming in or going out, to relieve their Necessities, they being very short also of Provisions.
And now all Things being ready, and about Three hundred Men on Board the four Vessels, the Governor thought himself a Match for _Moody_ in his 50 Gun Ship, although he should be, as they thought he was, join'd by a Sloop: And therefore, he sail'd with his Fleet below _Johnson_'s Fort over Night, and the next Morning by Break of Day, weigh'd Anchor, and by Eight in the Morning, they were over the Bar.
The Pyrate Sloop immediately slipt her Cable, hoisted a black Flag, and stood to get between the Bar and the Governor's Ships, to prevent their going in again, as they expected they would have done; and in a small Time after, the Pyrate Ship also hoisted a black Flag, and made Sail after the Sloop; during all this Time, the Men on Board the Governor's Vessels did not appear, nor was there any Shew of Guns, until they came within half Gun-shot; when the Governor hoisted a Flag at the Main-top-mast Head of the _Mediterranean_, they all flung out their Guns, and giving them their Broad-sides, the Pyrates immediately run, whereupon, the Governor ordered the two Sloops after the Pyrate Sloop, who stood in towards the Shore, while himself and the King _William_ followed the Ship who stood the contrary Way to Sea. She seemed to have many Ports, and very full of Men, tho' she had fir'd but from two Guns, which occasion'd no small Wonder on Board the Governor, why she had not flung open her Ports, and made Use of more Guns, she being imagined all this while to be _Moody_.
The Sloop, which proved to be _Worley_, was attacked by the two Sloops so warmly, that the Men run into the Hold, all except _Worley_ himself and some few others, who were killed on the Deck; and being boarded, they took her within Sight of _Charles Town_: The People seeing the Action from the Tops of their Houses, and the Masts of the Ships in the Harbour, where they had placed themselves for that Purpose; but it was Three in the Afternoon before the Governor and the King _William_ came up with the Ship, who, during the Chase, had taken down her Flagg, and wrapping the small Arms in it, had thrown them over-board; and also flung over her Boat and what other Things they thought would lighten her, but all would not do: The King _William_ came first up with her, and firing his Chase Guns, killed several of the People on board, and they immediately struck; when, to the no small Surprize of the Governor and his Company, there appeared near as many Women on board as Men, who were not a few neither. The Ship proving to be the _Eagle_, bound from _London_ to _Virginia_, with Convicts; but had been taken by _Worley_ off the _Cape_ of _Virginia_, and had upwards of 100 Men and 30 Women on board. Many of the Men had taken on with the Pyrates, and as such, found in _Carolina_ the Fate they had deserved at home, being hang'd at _Charles Town_; the virtuous Ladies were designed to have been landed on one of the uninhabited _Bahama_ Islands, where there was a proper Port for these Rovers to put in, at any Time, to refresh themselves, after the Fatigue of the Sea. And thus a most hopeful Colony would have commenced, if they had had but Provisions and Water sufficient to have carried them to Sea; but their Fate kept them so long before the Port of _Charles Town_, until they were destroyed, and an End put to their wicked Lives, in the Manner before-mentioned.
Notwithstanding all the Governor's Care, that no Advice should be given _Moody_ of the Preparations making for him, some People from the Shore were so wicked, as to go off in the Night and give him a particular Account of the Ships, Sloops, and Men, that were preparing to go out against him; whereupon, he having taken (about three Days before the Governor went) the _Minerva_, Captain _Smyter_, from the _Maderas_, laden with Wine, he immediately weighed Anchor and took his Prize with him, and stood out above one hundred Leagues to Sea, where he plundered her, and named to the Master not only the Vessels, but some of the very Persons were coming out to attack him, by which Advice he escaped, and _Worley_ coming just as the other was gone, met the Fate designed for _Moody_; who having taken out most of the Wine from on board the _Minerva_, and plundered her, he discharged, and sail'd for _Providence_, and soon after took the Benefit of his Majesty's Royal Proclamation.
The Governor kept the Ships and Vessels in sailing Order some Time, in Hopes _Moody_ might have come off the Bar again; but being informed by the _Minerva_ he was sailed for _Providence_, he discharged them, giving the small Booty taken to the Men who were the Captors, as he had promised them.
Your Account of the taking of _Bonnet_ is pretty just, which was done by Governor _Johnson_'s Direction and Commission also.
Of Captain _Martel_.
_To Captain_ Johnson.
SIR,