Part 26
Though I can contribute nothing to your Second Volume of Pyrates you have (as I hear) in Hand, yet, by your Character of Veracity, I perswade my self I shall oblige you, in rectifying a Mistake you made in your first. In the Life of Captain _Martel_ you say, the _Greyhound_ Galley of _London_, which I then commanded, fell into the Hands of that Pyrate, who plunder'd her of some Gold Dust, Elephants Teeth, and 40 Slaves. The latter Part of this is just, except the Elephants Teeth, of which I lost, I think, none; but you are misled in the former, for _Martel_'s Company had deposed him, on Account, as they themselves told me, of his Cruelty; had given him, and those who were willing to follow his Fortunes, a Sloop, and, sending him away, chose a more righteous in his Place, whose Name was _Kennedy_, by Descent an _Irishman_, by Birth a _Spaniard_ of _Cuba_, and a Hunter. On my coming on Board the Pyrate, Captain _Saunders_ of the _Weymouth_, who was taken the Day before, was the first Man who spoke to me, telling me, he was sorry for my Misfortune. I took him for the Commander of the Pyrate; but I soon found my Mistake, by his carrying me aft to the Captain, who bid me welcome, and drank to me in a Can of Wine; and some of the Crew told me, that it was happy for me I did not fall into the Hands of their late Captain; for a Ship with _Madera_ Wine thought fit to give them the Trouble to lose some Time, and fire a couple of Chase-Guns before she shorten'd Sail, which Captain _Martel_ took for so great an Affront, that all the Company was cut off. But I shall now give you the Particulars of my being taken. As I have said, I commanded the _Greyhound_ Galley, on board of which I had 250 Slaves, bound from the Coast of _Guiney_ to _Jamaica_, and consign'd to Messieurs _Feak_ and _Aldcroft_, on Account of Mr. _Bignell_ and others. On the 16th of _October_ 1716, about 10 Leagues S. S. W. from the Island of _Monna_, in the grey of the Morning, my second Mate came down and acquainted me, that a Ship was almost on board us. We then steer'd about W. half South, and the Pyrate stood to the S. E. His coming very near us made us edge away from him, and call out to desire he would keep his Luff, or he would be on board us. No Answer was given, and not a Soul appear'd on his Decks, but the Man at the Helm, and about two more; however the _Greyhound_ got clear, and crowded, as usual, for a Market. As soon as the Pyrate got into our Wake, she wore, and made all the Sail she could, by which Means she soon came up with us (for she was clean, and we foul) and clewing up her Sprit-Sail, fir'd a Gun with Shot, and at the same Time let fly her Jack, Ensign and Pendant, in which was the Figure of a Man, with a Sword in his Hand, and an Hour-Glass before him, with a Death's Head and Bones. In the Jack and Pendant were only the Head and Cross Bones. I did not think fit to shorten Sail, which occasioned a second Shot from the Pyrate, which went through our Main Top-Sail. Upon this I consulted my Officers, and they advised the shortning Sail, as we were no Way in a Capacity to make any Defence. I followed their Advice, and was order'd on board the Pyrate, who ask'd me, pretty civily, the usual Questions, Whence I came? Whether bound? _&c._ My second Mate, and some of my Men, were soon shifted into the Pyrate, with 40 of the best Men Slaves; the Women Slaves they diverted themselves with, and took off the Irons from all the Negroes I had on board. The Captain asked me if I had no Gold? I assured him I had not; and, indeed, I had no more than 100 Ounces, which, before I went on board the Pyrate, my Carpenter had let into the Ceiling of the great Cabbin. He answer'd only, it was very strange that I should take no Gold on the Coast. I answer'd, I had taken a considerable Quantity, but as I took it in one Place, I parted with it in another; which, if he would inspect my Books, he would find exactly as I said. We had no more Discourse then on the Subject, but a while after, I and my Mate were sent for into the great Cabbin, where the Council sat. Immediately cock'd Pistols were clapp'd to our Breasts, and we were threaten'd with Death, in Case we did not confess what Gold we had on board, and where it was hid. I deny'd that we had any, and desir'd he would satisfy himself of the Truth, by examining my Books. The Mate answer'd, he knew nothing of my Dealings on the Coasts, and therefore could give no Answer. He knew, indeed, I had received Gold on the Coast, as he had seen it brought on board; but he had seen a considerable Quantity carry'd out of the Ship. Upon this, we were order'd to withdraw, and nothing more was said; but I hearing their Design was to torture me with lighted Matches between my Fingers, I thought the Loss of the Use of my Hands would be but poorly compensated with the saving 100 Ounces of Gold, and therefore desired to speak to the Captain himself; to him I discover'd what I had, and where it was concealed. He immediately sent his Boat on board the _Greyhound_, with my Carpenter and half a dozen of his own Crew, who were so impatient to be at the Gold, they made a meer Pincushion of the Fellow's Breech, continually pricking his Backside with their Swords, to hasten him. My Lodging was in the Hold, where one _Taffier_, the Gunner, came down to me, and snapp'd a Pistol at my Breast, which he fired afterwards upon Deck; and the same Man one Day, as I was on the Quarter-Deck, struck me, in the Presence of his Captain, with his Cutlass, after having reproach'd me with my private Confession, and asking, if every Man there had not as good and just Pretension to the Gold as the Captain. Whether it was by Accident or Design that he struck with the Flat of his Cutlass, I know not, but the Blow knock'd me down, and depriv'd me of my Senses for some Time.
Captain _Kennedy_, who seem'd to have more Humanity than is commonly found in Men of his Profession, resented this Treatment of me so far, that he got into his Yawl, and put off from the Ship, swearing he would not sail with Men who so barbarously abused their Prisoners. He, however, returned on board at their Perswasions, and on their Promise, that nothing like it should happen for the future. The Night of the Day in which we were taken, the Pyrate came to an Anchor under the Island of _Savona_, where he kept us till the 20th, and then let us go in Company with Captain _Saunders_, of the Ship _Weymouth_, from _Boston_, laden with Fish and Lumber for _Jamaica_, at which Island we arrived and anchor'd at _Port Royal_ the 25th in the Morning.
The Pyrate, a little before I was taken, had met with two interloping _Dutch_ Men, supposed to be bound for the Main, who gave him a rough Entertainment, and made him glad to sheer off.
The _Weymouth_ had two Women Passengers on board; how they pass'd their Time I need not say; though, I fancy, as they had formerly made a Trip or two to the Bay, there was no Rape committed.
Notwithstanding the melancholy Situation I was in, I could not refrain laughing when I saw the Fellows who went on board the _Greyhound_, return to their own Ship; for they had, in rummaging my Cabbin, met with a Leather Powder Bag and Puff, with which they had powder'd themselves from Head to Foot, walk'd the Decks with their Hats under their Arms, minced their Oaths, and affected all the Airs of a Beau, with an Aukwardness would have forced a Smile from a Cynick.
When I was permitted to return on board the _Greyhound_, and prosecute my Voyage, I found all my Papers torn, and every Thing turn'd topsy-turvy; but this was nothing to their leaving all my Negroes out of Irons, of whom I was more in fear than I had been of the Pyrates; for, among them, the Captain's Humanity protected us; but we could expect no Quarter from the Negroes should they rebel; and, in such Case, we had no Prospect of quelling them, for the Pyrates had taken away all our Arms, and by opening a Cask of Knives, which they had scatter'd about the Ship, they had armed the Negroes, one of whom had the Insolence to collar and shake one of my Men. I therefore called my People aft, and told them, our Security depended altogether on our Resolution; wherefore arming selves with Handspikes, we drove the Negroes into the Hold, and afterwards calling them up one by one, we put on their Irons, which the Pyrates had not taken with them, took away their Knives, and, by these Means, arrived safely at our Port. If this Detail is of any Service to you, I have my Ends. I hope, if you intend a third Volume, it may induce others who have had the same Misfortune of falling into the Hands of Pyrates, to assist you with their Minutes.
I am, SIR, Your very humble Servant, _J. EVANS_.
_Feb._ 2. 1727-8.
_P.S._ Four of my Men took on with the Pyrates, though I remember the Names of two only, _Bryant Ryley_, _John Hammond_.
_The TRIAL of the_ PYRATES _at_ Providence.
_To Captain_ Johnson.
SIR,
As I am credibly informed you intend to oblige the Publick with a Second Volume of _The Lives and Actions of the Pyrates_, and are now actually collecting Matter; I was of Opinion, that the sending you some Minutes I have by me, which are authentick, would be no unacceptable Office; and I hope, the Gentleman who was then Governor of the _Bahama Islands_, will not take the Publication of the following Tryals in ill Part, for I am informed he is in Town. Before I would send them to you, I examined very thoroughly whether he could have any Ground to be offended; but, as I find them Marks of his Prudence and Resolution, and that in the Condemnation and Execution of the Pyrates, he had a just Regard to the publick Good, and was not to be deterr'd from vigorously pursuing it, in Circumstances which would have intimidated many brave Men: I think the Publication will do him both Honour and Justice, and therefore shall make no Apology, but come to the Point.
Trial and Condemnation of the Pyrates, who were executed at _Providence_, His Excellency _Woodes Rogers_, Esq; being then Captain General, Governor, and Vice-Admiral of the _Bahama Islands_.
At a private Consultation, held on _Friday_ the 28th of _November_, 1718, at the _Secretary_'s Office in the City of _Nassau_.
New Providence _ss._
The Governor acquainting us, That Captain _Cockrem_ and Captain _Hornigold_ have, by Virtue of a Commission, issued and directed to them for the apprehending of certain Pyrates, had the Success to bring ten of them Prisoners to this Part, who were now confined by an especial _Mittimus_ on board the Ship _Delicia_; therefore, desired we might agree to join in one Opinion concerning the said Prisoners ...... which being maturely debated and considered, and that as the necessary Guards set on the Prisoners for Want of a Goal, very much fatigued both the Soldiers and Seamen, who equally guarded the Fort and Ship; and as many as could be spar'd, daily work'd on the Fortifications, and did the Duty of Centinels at Night, thereby harrassing our small Numbers of Men, and hindering the publick Work. And there being suspected Persons still remaining in these Islands, who may give frequent Intelligence of our Condition; should any Fear be shewn on our Part, it might animate several now here, to invite the Pyrates without, to attempt the Rescue of these in Custody: Therefore, we do believe it most for the publick Good, when the Fort is in a better State of Defence, and Captain _Beauchamps_ and _Burgis_, with about 60 Soldiers and Seamen, at this time gone to prevent the Designs of _Vane_ the Pyrate, are returned to strengthen us: The Governor ought then as soon as possible (notwithstanding he has made known to us, that he has no direct Commission for Trial of Pyrates; yet according to the Intent and Meaning of the sixth Article of the Governor's Instructions, which, in this Case, refers to the fourth Article in those given to the Governor of _Jamaica_, a Copy of whose Instructions he has for his Directions to govern himself by, as near as the Circumstances of the Place will admit. This corroborated with the Power in the Governor's Commission of Governor, Captain General, and Vice-Admiral of the _Bahama Islands_, shew the Intention of his Majesty, for such Authority here; and having an Account that the Proprietory Government of _Carolina_ had executed 22 Pyrates, lately carried in there, which together with the provoking ill Example and Behaviour of these Prisoners, who have all accepted his Majesty's Act of Grace, and afterwards turned Pyrates again, and considering it would be a great Risque and Trouble to send so many to _Great Britain_, and much greater to keep them Prisoners here; we are entirely of Opinion, his Majesty will approve of the Necessity for the Governor's judicial Proceeding with these Pyrates, by a Trial in the best Manner we can according to Law; and do verily believe the speediest Execution for those who shall be found guilty, will conduce most to the Welfare of this Government.
_N. B._ Thus this stands in the Council-Book, the Governor's Secretary is answerable for Want of Connexion, or the Secretary of the Islands; for I cannot find what these Words can refer to, _the Governor ought then as soon as possible_, what ought he? But may be, it is an Error in my Friend, who himself brought over this Copy, written in his own Hand, which with the following, I found among his Papers after his Decease.
His Excellency _Woodes Rogers_, Esq; Captain-General, Governor, and Vice-Admiral of the _Bahama Islands_.
To _William Fairfax_, Esq; Captain _Robert Beauchamps_, _Tho. Walker_, Esq; Capt. _Wingate Gale_, _Nathaniel Taylor_, Esq; Capt. _Josias Burgiss_, and Capt. _Peter Courant_.
_Providence_, ss.
'By Virtue of a Commission from his most sacred Majesty King _George_, King of _Great-Britain_, _&c._ to be Governor, _&c._ of these Islands, thereby empowering me to authorize, commissionate, and constitute all Judges, Justices and Magistrates in these Islands, _&c._ as also by Virtue of my Commission, to be Vice-Admiral of these Islands, have Power and Authority to authorize and empower, constitute and commissionate, proper Judges and Commissioners, for the trying, determining, adjudging, and condemning, of all or any Pyrate or Pyrates taken, apprehended, and brought into this Government; and in Confidence of the Loyalty, Prudence, and Integrity of you the aforesaid _William Fairfax_, Esq; Captain _Robert Beauchamps_, _Thomas Walker_, Esq; Captain _Wingate Gale_, _Nathaniel Taylor_, Esq; Captain _Josias Burgiss_, and Captain _Peter Courant_, I do by Virtue of these Presents, authorize, commissionate, and appoint you Deputy, Judges, and Commissioners of the said Especial Court, by these Presents erected and appointed to be, and set in the City of _Nassau_, on _Tuesday_ the 9th of this Instant, to examine, hear, try, judge, determine, and condemn, all such Pyrate or Pyrates who are now in Custody, and to be brought before the said Court, to be tryed for the Offences of Pyracy by them lately committed in and about these Islands, and to proceed as my Assistants, and as Commissioners aforesaid, according to the Laws of _England_, and Rules of the said Court in such Cases; and for your so doing, this shall be your sufficient Commission and Authority.
Given under my Hand and Seal at _Nassau_, this fifth Day of _December_, _Anno Regni quinto_ Georgii _Regis_ Magnæ Britanniæ, _&c._ _Annoq_; _Domini_, 1718.
_WOODES ROGERS._'
_New Providence_, ss. Chief of the _Bahama Islands_.
At an especial Admiralty Sessions, held in his Majesty's Guard-Room in the City of _Nassau_, on _Tuesday_ the 9th, and _Wednesday_ the 10th of _December_, 1718.
Before his Excellency _Woodes Rogers_, Esq; Governor, and Vice-Admiral, _&c._
_Will. Fairfax_, Esq; Judge of the _Admiralty_. _Robert Beauchamp_, Esq; _Thomas Walker_, Esq; Captain _Wingate Gale_. _Nathaniel Taylor_, Esq; Captain _Josias Burgiss_. Captain _Peter Courant_.
Proclamation being made as usual, the Register opened and read the Governor's especial Commission, for erecting this Court according to the Intent and Meaning of a late Act of Parliament, Entitled, _An Act for the more effectual Suppression of Pyracy_, by Virtue of which said Commission, the seven afore-named Commissioners are appointed Assistant Judges, for the hearing, trying, judging, and condemning the several Persons now in Custody, who stand committed for Mutiny, Felony, and Pyracy.
Proclamation being again made, that all Persons concern'd or summon'd, and required to appear at this Court, do give their due Attendance.
Ordered, That the Prisoners be brought to the Bar, which being done, they were called by their respective Names, viz. _John Augur_, _Will. Cunningham_, _John Hipps_, _Dennis Mackarthy_, _George Rounsivel_, _Will. Dowling_, _Will. Lewis_, _Thomas Morris_, _George Bendall_, and _Will. Ling_.
Ordered, That the afore-named Prisoners, now at the Bar, do all hold up their Hands.
Ordered, That the Accusation against the Prisoners be read, which was as follows.
_New Providence_, ss.
The Articles and Accusations against _John Augur_, late Master of the Sloop _Mary_, of _Providence_; _William Cunningham_, Gunner and Mariner, on board the Schooner, called the _Batchelors Adventure_; _Henry White_, Master, _John Hipps_, Boatswain and Mariner, on board the Sloop _Lancaster_; _William Greenaway_, Master, _Dennis Mackarthy_, Mariner, on board the _Scooner_, _William Dowling_, Mariner, on board the said _Scooner_; _William Lewis_, Mariner, on board the Sloop _Mary_; _Tho. Morris_, Mariner, on board the said _Scooner_; _George Bendall_, Mariner, on board the said Sloop _Lancaster_, and _William Ling_, Mariner, on board the said _Scooner_.
You the said _John Augur_, _Will. Cunningham_, _John Hipps_, _Dennis Mackarthy_, _George Rounsivel_, _William Dowling_, _William Lewis_, _Thomas Morris_, _George Bendall_, and _William Ling_, having all of you lately received the Benefit of his Majesty's most gracious Pardon, for your former Offences and Acts of Robbery and Pyracy, and having since taken the Oaths of Allegiance to his most sacred Majesty King _George_, and thereupon Trust has been reposed in you the said _John Augur_, and in the others of you, lawful Employments been bestow'd to divert you all from your former and unlawful Courses of Life, and to enable and support you all in just and lawful Ways of Living; and you not having the Fear of God before your Eyes, nor any Regard to your Oaths of Allegiance taken to your Sovereign, nor to the Performance of Loyalty, Truth, and Justice: But, being instigated and deluded by the Devil, to return to your former unlawful evil Courses, of Robbery and Pyracy, and that you _John Augur_, _Will. Cunningham_, _John Hipps_, _Dennis Mackarthy_, _George Rounsivel_, _Will. Dowling_, _Will. Lewis_, _Tho. Morris_, _Geo. Bendall_, and _Will. Ling_, late Master and Mariners aforesaid, did on the 6th Day of _October_ last, about Seven in that Evening, in the 5th Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord _George_, by the Grace of God, King of _Great Britain_, &c. plot and combine together, at a desolate Island, called _Green Key_, within the Jurisdiction of this Vice-Admiralty, to mutiny and feloniously and pyratically steal, take, and carry away, from the Commanders and Owners of the afore-named Vessels, the said Sloops and Cargoes, Tackle, Apparel, and Furniture, to the Value of above 900 l. current Money of these Islands, and by Force cause to be put ashore on the said desolate Island, one Mr. _James Kerr_, Merchant, and sundry others with him; and the said _John Augur_, as then Commander of one of the said Sloops, did proceed as Commander of the said Pyrates from the said Island of _Green Key_ to _Exuma_, whereby, by Virtue of a Commission, directed to Captain _John Cockrem_ and Captain _Benjamin Hornigold_, you the said _John Augur_, and the rest of your pyratical Company, were there taken and apprehended as Pyrates, and thereupon brought into this Port, to be proceeded against according to Law.
The Prisoners holding up their Hands, and the Accusation being read, all the said Prisoners were asked by the Register, Whether Guilty, or, Not Guilty; and they pleaded Not Guilty.
Ordered, That the Evidence for the King be severally sworn and examined.
James Kerr.
The Examination of _James Kerr_, Gent. upon Oath saith, That he being Supercargo in Trust, and outward bound from _Providence_, a trading Voyage in the Sloop _Mary_, and in about two Days Sail from the said Island, did arrive at _Green Key_ with two other Vessels in Company, bound also on the said trading Account, where, on the 6th of _October_ last, one _Phineas Bunce_, one of the said Vessel's Company, and the head Mutineer of the Pyrates now at the Bar, but since deceas'd, did then and there come on board the said Sloop _Mary_, and very vilely treat this Deponent, and in the Evening did turn the Deponent ashore upon the said _Green Key_, a desolate Island; and this Deponent farther saith, that _Dennis Mackarthy_, one of the Prisoners now at the Bar, was the only Person of all the said Pyrates and Mutineers who shew'd this Deponent any civil Treatment, and that the said _Mackarthy_ did not reflect on the King and Government as others of them now at the Bar did, in this Deponent's Hearing.
Wm. Greenaway.