Part 28
Wherefore, about Ten a-Clock, the Prisoners were releas'd of their Irons, and committed to the Charge and Care of _Thomas Robinson_, Esq; commissioned Provost Marshal for the Day, who, according to custom in such Cases, pinion'd them, _&c._ and order'd the Guards appointed to assist him, to lead them to the Top of the Rampart, fronting the Sea, which was well guarded by the Governor's Soldiers and People, to the Number of about 100. At the Prisoners Request, several select Prayers and Psalms were read, in which all present join'd; when the Service was ended, Orders was given to the Marshal, and he conducted the Prisoners down a Ladder, provided on Purpose, to the Foot of the Wall, where was a Gallows erected, and a black Flag hoisted thereon, and under it a Stage, supported by three Butts, on which they ascended by another Ladder, where the Hangman fasten'd the Cords. They had three Quarters of an Hour allowed under the Gallows, which was spent by them in singing of Psalms, and some Exhortations to their old Consorts, and the other Spectators, who got as near to the Foot of the Gallows as the Marshal's Guard would suffer them. When the Governor ordered the Marshal to make ready, and all the Prisoners expecting the Launch, the Governor thought fit to order _George Rounsivel_ to be untied, and when brought off the Stage, the Buts having Ropes about them, were hawl'd away; upon which, the Stage fell, and the Prisoners were suspended.
A short Account of the Prisoners executed.
First, _John Augur_, being about 40 Years of Age, had been a noted Master of Vessels at _Jamaica_, and since among the Pyrates; but on his accepting of his Majesty's Act of Grace, and Recommendations to the Governor, he was, notwithstanding, entrusted with a good Vessel and Cargo, in which betraying his Trust, and knowing himself guilty of the Indictment, he all along appeared very penitent, and neither wash'd, shav'd, or shifted his old Cloaths, when carried to be executed; and when he had a small Glass of Wine given him on the Rampart, drank it with Wishes for the good Success of the _Bahama_ Islands and the Governor.
The Second, _William Cunningham_, aged 45, had been Gunner with _Thatch_ the Pyrate, who being also conscious of his own Guilt, was seemingly penitent, and behaved himself as such.
The Third, _Dennis Mackarthy_, aged 28, who had also been formerly a Pyrate, but accepted of the King's Act of Grace; and the Governor had made him an Ensign of the Militia, being recommended as a sober civiliz'd Person, which Commission he had at the Time of his joining the Pyrates, which very much aggravated his other Crimes. During his Imprisonment, he behaved himself tolerably well; but when he thought he was to die, and the Morning came, without his expected Reprieve, he shifted his Cloaths, and wore long blue Ribbons at his Neck, Wrists, Knees, and Cap; and when on the Rampart, look'd cheerfully round him, saying, _He knew the Time when there were many brave Fellows on the Island, who would not have suffered him to die like a Dog_; and at the same Time pull'd off his Shooes, kicking them over the Parapet of the Fort, saying, _He had promis'd not to die with his Shooes on_; so descended the Fort Wall, and ascended the Stage, with as much Agility and in a Dress of a Prize-Fighter; when mounted, he exhorted the People, who were at the Foot of the Walls, to have Compassion on him, but, however willing, they saw too much Power over their Heads to attempt any Thing in his Favour.
The Fourth, _William Dowling_, of about 24 Years of Age, had been a considerable Time amongst the Pyrates, of a wicked Life, which his Majesty's Act of Grace did not reform; his Behaviour was very loose on the Stage, and after his Death, some of his Acquaintance declared, he had confess'd to them, that he had murder'd his Mother before he left _Ireland_.
The Fifth, _William Lewis_, aged about 34 Years, as he had been a hardy Pyrate and Prize Fighter, affected an Unconcern at Death; but heartily desired Liquors to drink with his Sufferers on the Stage, and with the Standers by.
The Sixth, _Thomas Morris_, aged about 22, had been a very incorrigible Youth and Pyrate, and seem'd to have very little Anxiety of Mind by his frequent Smiles when at the Bar, being dress'd with red Ribbons as _Mackarthy_ was with blue, he said, going over the Ramparts, _We have a new Governor, but a harsh One_; and a little before he was turn'd off, said aloud, _that he might have been a greater Plague to these Islands, and now wish'd he had been so_.
The Sixth, _George Bendall_, aged about 18, tho' he said, _he had never been a Pyrate before, yet he had all the villainous Inclinations that the most profligate Youth could be infected with_; his Behaviour was sullen.
The Eighth, _William Ling_, aged about 30, not taken Notice of before the last Attempt, behaved himself as becoming a true Penitent, and was not heard to say any other than by Reply to _Lewis_, when he demanded Wine to drink, _that Water was more suitable to them at that Time_.
It was observed that there were but few (beside the Governor's Adherents) among the Spectators, who had not deserved the same Fate, but pardon'd by his Majesty's Act of Grace.
_Of Captain_ VANE.
We have given what Account came to our Hands of _Charles Vane_ in the first Volume, beginning at the Time he left _Providence_ on the Governor's Arrival; but we have since had some Particulars sent us, which relate to Pyracies, both before and after that Date.
In the latter End of _March_ 1718, he, with about 12 more lewd Fellows, who had squander'd all their Money got by former Villanies, took a Canoe, and went out on the old Account. Soon after their setting out they made Prize of a Sloop belonging to _Jamaica_, brought her into _Potters Key_, where they came to an Anchor, and put all the Hands on Shore, except the Master, to whom they promis'd to return his Sloop as soon as they met with another more fit for their Purpose; which soon after happen'd, for cruizing off _Harbour Island_ in the beginning of _April_, they took the _Lark_ Sloop, which had been taken from the Pyrates by Captain _Pierce_, in the _Phoenix_ Man of War, who fitted her out with a Cargo to trade at St. _Augustin_'s. He brought his Prize into _Providence_ Harbour, with his black Ensign hoisted, in Defiance of the above named Man of War, which he loudly threaten'd to burn. _Vane_, at _Providence_, augmented his Number of Men to 75, sailed in search of Booty, and on the 4th of _July_ return'd with a _French_ Ship of 20 Guns, a _French_ Brigantine laden with Sugar, Indigo, Brandy, Claret, White Wine, and other Merchandize; the _Drake_ Sloop, _John Draper_, Master, which he took in his Passage from _Providence_ to _Harbour_ Island, and plunder'd of a considerable Sum of Money, shifting into her some Sugars out of the _French_ Brigantine; the _Ulster_ Sloop, _John Fredd_, Master, laden with Timber from _Andros_ Island, into this Vessel he put 70 Casks of Sugar; and the _Eagle_ Sloop, _Robert Brown_, Master, bound to _South-Carolina_, which he took with a two-masted Boat, commanded by _Edward England_, his Quarter Master; he put on board this last 20 Terses of Sugar, 6 of Bread, and some other Things. In the Harbour he seized on the _Lancaster_ Sloop, _Neal Walker_, Master, and the _Dove_ Sloop, _William Harris_, Master, designed for _Jamaica_, which he plunder'd of what he thought proper, and shifted 22 Hogsheads of Sugar, some _Spanish_ Hides and old Rigging.
He had the Impudence to come ashore with his Sword in Hand, threaten to burn the principal Houses of the Town, and to make Examples of many of the People; and though he committed no Murders, his Behaviour was extreamly insolent to all who were not as great Villains as himself. He reign'd here as Governor 20 Days, stopp'd all Vessels which came in, and would suffer none to go out, being inform'd of a Governor being sent from _England_, he swore, while he was in the Harbour, he would suffer no other Governor than himself. He clean'd and fitted the _French_ Ship, with Intent to visit the Coast of _Brazil_, and design'd to sail in 3 or 4 Days; but the Governor appearing on the 24th, made him change his Resolution, and think of accepting a Pardon, if it might be granted on his own Terms, as will appear by the Letter which he sent off by a Boat to the Governor, and of which the following is an exact Copy.
_July_ the 24th, 1718.
'Your Excellency may please to understand that we are willing to accept his Majesty's most gracious Pardon on the following Terms, _viz._
'That you will suffer us to dispose of all our Goods now in our Possession. Likewise, to act as we think fit with every Thing belonging to us, as his Majesty's Act of Grace specifies.
'If your Excellency shall please to comply with this, we shall, with all Readiness, accept of his Majesty's Act of Grace. If not, we are obliged to stand on our Defence. So conclude
Your humble Servants, _Charles Vane_, and Company.'
The Susperscription was--
To his Excellency the Governor of _New Providence_.
And at the Bottom of it.--We wait a speedy Answer.
* * * * *
The Governor could not get in that Night, but was forced to keep at Sea, so that Mr. _Vane_ could not so speedily have an Answer as his Excellency design'd, which he intended to carry himself. About Four that Afternoon the _Rose_ Man of War and _Shark_ Sloop got in, and were saluted with four Shot from _Vane_, which, however, did no other Damage than the cutting the _Rose_'s Rigging. In the Evening Captain _Whitney_ sent his Lieutenant on Board _Vane_, who was higher up the Harbour in the _French_ Ship. They detained this Gentleman two Hours, and the Crew, most of which was drunk, treated him, some with Threats, shewing the black Flag, and some with Contempt and Ridicule, and order'd him back to tell his Captain their Resolution was to fight it out to the last.
When Captain _Whitney_ fired the eight a-Clock Gun, _Vane_ did the like with Shot, directed at the _Rose_. At Ten he pointed all the Guns of the _French_ Ship (double loaded) at the Man of War, and, after setting Fire to her, went with 40 Hands into a Sloop belonging to one _Yates_. As the _French_ Man burnt, the Guns fired, and cut some more of the _Rose_'s Rigging. Captain _Whitney_ apprehending Danger from the fir'd Ship, together with the _Shark_ Sloop, cut and put out to Sea, which gave _Vane_ an Opportunity he laid hold on, to take what he thought fit off Shore, and to force the best Carpenter and Pilot in the Island on Board him. When he had done, he went to, and lay at _Potters Key_ all Night, and the next Morning got under Sail.
His Excellency dispatch'd after him the _Buck_ Sloop and another small one, both well mann'd and fitted, which gain'd while he was upon a Wind, and came, before he clear'd the East End of the Island, within Gun-Shot; but he easing out his Main-Sheet, and setting his Flying-Jibb, left them soon after; wherefore, Night coming on, and their Pursuit being fruitless, they return'd.
Soon after _Vane_ sent the Governor of _Providence_ Word, he would make him a Visit, and burn his Guardship, for sending two Sloops to chase him instead of answering his Letter.
The 30th of _August_ he took the _Neptune_ of 400 Tuns, and the _Emperor_ of 200 Tuns, the Particulars of which are in the subjoin'd Protest.
The 9th of _September_ he arrived at _Allens Key_ in a _Spanish_ Brigantine; he had before taken a _Spanish_ Ship of the _Havanna_; here he forced on Board a Pilot, took a Sloop and went to _Green Turtle Key_.
I have only to add: This Pyrate, whose Death is set down in the first Volume, betray'd the Coward when at the Gallows, and died in Agonies equal to his Villainies, which he gave no Ground to believe proceeded from the Apprehensions of a future State, but the Fear of Death. He shew'd not the least Remorse for the Crimes of his past Life, which was taken Notice of by the Spectators of his deserved Punishment, and told me by a worthy Gentleman who saw Justice done on him at _Gallows Point_ on _Port Royal_.
The Protest of Captain _King_, Commander of the _Neptune_ Hagboat.
'By this publick Instrument of Protest be it made known and manifest, that on the 30th Day of _August_ 1718, _John King_, lately Commander of the _Neptune_ Hagboat of _London_, but now in the Island of _Providence_, one of his Majesty's _Bahama_ Islands, came before me _Woodes Rogers_, Esq; Governor, _&c._ and declared to me, that on the Day and Date above-written, he sailed with the said Ship _Neptune_ Hagboat over the Bar of _Carolina_, in Company with three more Ships bound for _London_, _viz._ the _Emperor_, Captain _Arnold Powers_, Commander, and the Pink _Antamasia_, Captain _Dumford_, Commander, and the Pink ......, Captain _Evers_, Commander, and about two Hours after he was over the Bar of _South-Carolina_, he saw four Sail of Vessels standing some one Way, some another; but one of them being a Brigantine, gave Chase, and, in about two Hours time, came up with his Ship with a black Flag flying, and after having fir'd several Guns, demanded him to strike, and to come on Board the Brigantine, commanded by one _Charles Vane_, a Pyrate, who detained him and four of his Men on board the said Brigantine, and sent several of his Men on board the _Neptune_; and when they came on board they commanded him to make Sail, and began to rob and rifle as they thought fit, _&c._ taking only the _Neptune_ and _Emperor_ with them; for by the Information of the Captain of the _Neptune_ and _Emperor_, the other two were loaded with Pitch and Tar, which was not for their Turn, so they would not give Chace to them; but in a small Time after they had held a Consultation together, they concluded to carry the Ship _Neptune_ and _Emperor_, with their Crew, to _Green Turtle Key_, on _Abbaco_, so steered their Course accordingly for the said Place. About four Days after _John King_, Commander of the _Neptune_ declares, he fell sick of a violent Fever on board the said _Vane_'s Brigantine, and _Vane_ asked him, if he would go on board his own Ship? he readily answered, Yes, if he pleased; so hoisted out his Boat, and sent him on board. And about four Days afterwards the Pyrates held a Consultation on board their own Vessel. The Captain, and most of the Officers, were for taking what they wanted out of the Ship _Neptune_ and _Emperor_, and so let them go about their Business; but the rest of the Company was not willing for it, because, they said, What should they clean their Vessel by? And what Defence should they have whilst they were cleaning? So concluded to proceed on to _Green Turtle Key_, which they did, and arrived there on or about the 12th of _September_ 1718, and began to make Preparations for careening their Vessels, which held about three Weeks, and at the latter End of this Time they had taken from both Ships such Things as they wanted, and then took their Leaves of the said Ships and Captains, wishing them a good Voyage home, so set Sail; but in a little Time after made a Sloop coming into the Harbour of _Green Turtle Key_, perceiving her to come towards them without any Fear, came to an Anchor again, and sent away the two Mast Boat after them with about twelve Men in her, expecting it was a Sloop from _Providence_ with fifty Men, according to Promise, when they left _Providence_, but in three Hours, or thereabouts, they spoke with her, which gave them Account that they came from _Providence_; and also laying down the State and Condition of that Island, it being the expected Sloop aforesaid, out of which some of the Men entered with _Vane_, but know not how many. And likewise the said _King_ farther declares, that he heard some of the Pyrates say, that Sloop had brought Ammunition and Provisions, _&c._ and the Commander's Name was one _Nicholas Woodall_. The said _King_ asked what was the best News at _Providence_? They replied, None good: But bid him ask not many Questions, but fit up his Ship, in order to go for _England_ or _Providence_; if the latter, they would take Care to see us to _Providence_, and did believe they should go in and surrender themselves up to the King's Pardon. The next Morning, being very much disturb'd with the News that the Sloop brought from _Providence_ by the said _Woodall_, they voted to Maroon Captain _Walker_, but that did not take Place, so put it to Vote again to maroon and destroy the _Neptune_, which they did with cutting away the Masts, Rigging, Sails, Beams, and firing a Gun, double loaded with Shot down her Hold, and totally disabled her from ever proceeding her Voyage home to _England_. And the said _King_ does verily believe, that the said _Woodall_'s Sloop coming there, was the Occasion of all the aforesaid Mischief, believing what was done was to pay him for his great Favour done them. And farther, the said Captain _King_ says, that some of the Pyrates, who were his Friends, told him, that if that Sloop had not come, this Damage would not have been; and that they were very sorry for it; so by the said _Vane_'s Order they went to work to load this _Woodall_'s Sloop with Rice, Pitch, Tar, Deer Skins, Sails, Rigging, _&c._ After she was loaded, being the next Day, they all sailed together as Pyrates, taking with them one of Captain _Walker_'s Sons, with his Sloop, to tend on them, and as Pilot; but before they got out of the Channel, arrived to the Ships _Neptune_ and _Emperor_, a Sloop from _Providence_, sent by the Governor to hear what was the best News there, hearing that _Vane_ was there. The Captains of the said Sloop, _Hornigold_ and _Cockram_ told the Captains _Powers_ and _King_, that they were come by the Governor's Order to assist them in what they could, who accordingly did, with making Dispatch to _Providence_, to acquaint his Excellency the Governor what sad Condition they were in by the Pyrates hard Usage, leaving them without Provisions, _&c._ So the said Captains _Hornigold_ and _Cockram_ set Sail that Night, and in three or four Days after took the Sloop _Woolfe_, _Nicholas Woodall_, Master, that had traded with _Charles Vane_, the Pyrate, and carried him to his Excellency the Governor of _Providence_, who seized his Vessel, and confined him Prisoner. By that Time _Vane_ came in a second time to _Green Turtle Key_, and began a second Plunder, taking from the Ships Rice, Rigging, Masts, Sails, _&c._ from both Ships, and told the said _King_, that if he offered to touch his Prize he would burn her, and him in her, if ever he catched him again; so sailed away the second time: And about three Weeks after arrived the said Captains _Hornigold_ and _Cockram_, with five Sloops from _Providence_, sent down by the Governor, to save what Goods they could out of the _Neptune_, that was in so much Danger. The next Day they began to load the Sloops, and got them loaded in two Days, so sailed away. The said _King_ came to _Providence_ to consult and agree with the Governor what to do in such a Case. After some Time spent it was concluded to fit out the _Willing Mind_ with Guns and Men, enough to stand an Engagement with _Vane_, and sell the _Neptune_; and, in a few Days after, did accordingly put her up publick to Sale, and it was thus sold to one Mr. _George Hooper_, for seventy one Pounds current Money of _Jamaica_, he being the Person that bid the most Money for her. The _Willing Mind_ being fitted, sailed from _Providence_ the 15th of _November_ 1718, and arrived at _Green Turtle Key_ the 19th, and took the Goods out of the _Neptune_, being in a very bad Condition; and after they had taken out all her Cargo, finding the _Neptune_ to be better than they did expect; and, having a fair Wind, brought both Ships up to _Providence_, the _Neptune_ got in safe, but the _Willing Mind_ struck on the Bar, and sprung a Leak, insomuch that she was forced to unload and careen, and, when down, found her to be very bad, a Piece of her main Keel being gone, so was forced to hawl her ashore; and when the Carpenters had done what could be done to her, she could not be got up again by all the Strength that could be made, and tried for several Days, breaking and tearing all to pieces, but all to no Purpose; so the Governor order'd a Warrant of Survey on her, and was found by the Surveyors not sufficient to proceed any further, being very much damaged in her Wood-Work and Iron-Work, _&c._ Whereupon the said _King_ desired a second Survey of his Ship and Goods, they lying in a very bad Condition. Now in the Harbour of _Providence_ there being no Vessels to carry them to _England_, he therefore is now going to _Carolina_ to consult with Mr. _Richard Splat_, who shipp'd the Goods on board, and to know of him what further may be done with the said Goods, and that he may rightly apprize all they concern'd, of the present Condition of the Ship and Goods; he has further taken the Opinion of Captain _Thomas Walker_, Captain _Richard Thompson_, and Captain _Edward Holmes_, Persons who are well acquainted what sad Condition the Ship and Goods are now in; whereupon the said _King_, and one of the Mariners belonging to the Ship _Neptune_, did, and doth hereby protest against the said _Charles Vane_, and the rest of the Mariners, Pyrates and Robbers, belonging to the Brigantine aforesaid, and for the feloniously and pyratically taking, boarding, entering and plundering, and for sinking and disabling within the Harbour of _Green Turtle Key_, the said Ship _Neptune_, and for all Damages and Losses accruing thereby to the Owners, Freighters, or any other Persons concern'd therein. In Testimony whereof we have hereunto set our Hand and Seals this 5th Day of _February_, _Anno Dom._ 1718-9.
_Jurat Coram me hoc die Decem. Februaris_, Woodes Rogers.
John King, × _The Mark of_ John Morrison.'
_Of Captain_ BOWEN.
Could the Reader conceive the Pains we have been at, to collect Matters for the composing a genuine History of the Lives of the Pyrates, and the great Care we have taken to deliver nothing but the Truth, he would readily forgive, nay, would be apt to commend our placing those Particulars in the Appendix of the same Book, which we could not possibly obtain (notwithstanding our diligent Enquiries) before the Lives were printed, and the Book in a manner ready for Publication.
What we have said in the foregoing Part of this Volume, of Captain _Bowen_, may be depended on as Truth; but as we had not that Certainty of his Original we now have, we rather chose to be silent than impose on our Readers with Fables of our own Invention: We have since learn'd (and it is with Reason we can depend on our Account, having it from one who personally knew, and often convers'd with him) that he was born of creditable Parents, in the Island of _Bermudas_, who took Care to give him a good Education answerable to the Vocation he was design'd for, which was the Sea.