Part 8
_Kid_ was tryed upon an Indictment of Murder also, _viz._ for killing _Moor_ the Gunner, and found guilty of the same. _Nicholas Churchill_ and _James How_ pleaded the King's Pardon, as having surrendered themselves within the Time limited in the Proclamation, and Colonel _Bass_, Governor of _West Jersey_, to whom they surrendered, being in Court, and called upon, proved the same; however, this Plea was over-ruled by the Court, because there being four Commissioners named in the Proclamation, _viz._ Captain _Thomas Warren_, _Israel Hayes_, _Peter Delannoye_, and _Christopher Pollard_, Esqrs; who were appointed Commissioners, and sent over on Purpose to receive the Submissions of such Pyrates as should surrender, it was adjudged no other Person was qualified to receive their Surrender, and that they could not be intitled to the Benefit of the said Proclamation, because they had not in all Circumstances complied with the Conditions of it.
_Darby Mullins_ urg'd in his Defence, that he serv'd under the King's Commission, and therefore could not disobey his Commander without incurring great Punishments; that whenever a Ship or Ships went out upon any Expedition under the King's Commissioners, the Men were never allowed to call their Officers to an Account, why they did this, or, why they did that, because such a Liberty would destroy all Discipline; that if any Thing was done which was unlawful, the Officers were to answer it, for the Men did no more than their Duty in obeying Orders. He was told by the Court, that acting under the Commission justified in what was lawful, but not in what was unlawful; he answered, he stood in Need of nothing to justify him in what was lawful, but that the Case of Seamen must be very hard, if they must be brought into such Danger for obeying the Commands of their Officers, and punished for not obeying them; and if they were allowed to dispute the Orders, there could be no such Thing as Command kept up at Sea.
This seem'd to be the best Defence the Thing could bear; but his taking a Share of the Plunder, the Seamens mutinying on Board several Times, and taking upon them to controul the Captain, shewed there was no Obedience paid to the Commission; and that they acted in all Things according to the Custom of Pyrates and Free-booters, which weighing with the Jury, they brought him in guilty with the rest.
As to Capt. _Kid_'s Defence, he insisted much upon his own Innocence, and the Villany of his Men; he said, he went out in a laudable Employment, and had no Occasion, being then in good Circumstances, to go a Pyrating; that the Men often mutinied against him, and did as they pleas'd; that he was threatened to be shot in his Cabin, and that Ninety five left him at one Time, and set Fire to his Boat, so that he was disabled from bringing his Ship home, or the Prizes he took, to have them regularly condemn'd, which he said were taken by Virtue of a Commission under the Broad Seal, they having _French_ Passes.--The Captain called one Col. _Hewson_ to his Reputation, who gave him an extraordinary Character, and declared to the Court, that he had served under his Command, and been in two Engagements with him against the _French_, in which he fought as well as any Man he ever saw; that there were only _Kid_'s Ship and his own against Monsieur _du Cass_, who commanded a Squadron of six Sail, and they got the better of him.--But this being several Years before the Facts mentioned in the Indictment were committed, prov'd of no manner of Service to the Prisoner on his Tryal.
As to the Friendship shewn to _Culliford_, a notorious Pyrate, _Kid_ deny'd, and said, he intended to have taken him, but his Men being a Parcel of Rogues and Villains refused to stand by him, and several of them ran away from his Ship to the said Pyrate.--But the Evidence being full and particular against him, he was found guilty as before mentioned.
When _Kid_ was asked what he had to say why Sentence should not pass against him, he answered, That _he had nothing to say, but that he had been sworn against by perjured wicked People_. And when Sentence was pronounced, he said, _My Lord, it is a very hard Sentence. For my Part, I am the innocentest Person of them all, only I have been sworn against by perjured Persons._
Wherefore about a Week after, Capt. _Kid_, _Nicholas Churchill_, _James How_, _Gabriel Loff_, _Hugh Parrot_, _Abel Owen_, and _Darby Mullins_, were executed at _Execution Dock_, and afterwards hung up in Chains, at some Distance from each other, down the River, where their Bodies hung exposed for many Years.
OF Captain _TEW_, And his CREW.
Before I enter on the Adventures of this Pyrate, I must take Notice to the Reader of the Reasons which made me not continue the Life of _Misson_.
In reading the Notes, which I have by me, relating to Captain _Tew_, I found him join'd with _Misson_; and that I must either be guilty of Repetition, or give an Account of _Tew_ in _Misson_'s Life, which is contrary to the Method I propos'd, that of giving a distinct Relation of every Pyrate who has made any Figure: And surely _Tew_, in Point of Gallantry, was inferior to none, and may justly claim a particular Account of his Actions.
However, before I enter on the Life of this Pyrate, I shall continue that of _Misson_ to the Time that these two Commanders met.
* * * * *
The Blacks seeing them so much upon their Guard, brought out boiled Rice and Fowls, and after they had satisfied their Hunger, the Chief made Signs that they were the same who had carried a Negroe to their Ships, and sent for the Ax and Piece of Baze they had given him: While this pass'd, the very Negroe came from hunting, who seem'd overjoy'd to see them. The Chief made Signs that they might return, and ten Negroes coming to them laden with Fowls and Kids; he gave them to understand, they should accompany them to their Ships with these Presents.
They parted very amicably, and in hopes of settling a good Correspondence with these Natives; all the Houses were neatly framed and jointed, not built from any Foundation, but so made, that half a dozen Men could lift and transport them from Place to Place; and sometimes a whole Village shall be in Motion, which would be an odd Sight in _Europe_, and surprizing to see Houses moving. The Hunters returning to their Ships, with these Presents and Negroes, were joyfully received; and the Negroes not only caressed, but laden with Baze, Iron Kettles, and Rum, besides the Present of a Cutlash for the Chief.
While the Negroes stay'd, which was the Space of three Days, they examined and admired the Forts and growing Town, in which all Hands were busied, and not even the Prisoners excused.
As Monsieur _Misson_ apprehended no Danger from the Land, his Fort (tho' of Wood) being, he thought, a sufficient Defence to his infant Colony; he took a hundred and sixty Hands, and went a second Time on the Coast of _Zanguebor_, and off _Quiloa_ he gave Chase to a large Ship, which lay by for him: She prov'd an over-match for the _Victoire_, which engag'd her, with great Loss of Men, near eight Glasses; but finding he was more likely to be took, than to make a Prize, by the Advice of his Officers and Men, endeavour'd to leave the _Portuguese_, which was a 50 Gun Ship, and had 300 Men on Board; but he found this Attempt vain, for the _Portuguese_ went as well as the _Victoire_, and the Commander was a resolute and brave Man, who, seeing him endeavour to shake him off, clapp'd him on Board, but lost most of the Men he enter'd. _Misson_'s Crew not used to be attack'd, and expecting no Quarter, fought so desperately, that they not thoroly clear'd their Decks, but some of them follow'd the _Portuguese_, who leap'd into their own Ship; which _Misson_ seeing, hop'd to make an Advantage of their Despair, and crying out, _Elle est a nous, a l'abordage_. She's our own, board, board her, so many of his Men followed the few, that hardly were there enough left to work the Ship; _Misson_ observing this Resolution in his Men, grappled the _Portuguese_ Ship, and leap'd himself on Board, crying out, _la Mort, ou la Victoire_, Death or Victory. The _Portuguese_, who thought themselves in a manner Conquerors, seeing the Enemy not only drive off those who enter'd them, but board with that Resolution, began to quit the Decks in Spight of their Officers: The Captain and _Misson_ met, as he was endeavouring to hinder the Flight of his Men; they engaged with equal Bravery with their Cutlashes; but _Misson_ striking him on the Neck, he fell down the main Hatch, which put an End to the Fight, for the _Portuguese_ seeing their Captain fall, threw down their Arms, and call'd for Quarters, which was granted; and all the Prisoners without Distinction being order'd between Decks, and the Powder-Room secured, he put 35 Men on Board the Prize, and made the best of his Way for _Libertatia_. This was the dearest Prize he ever made, for he lost fifty six Men: She was vastly rich in Gold, having near 200,000 l. Sterling on Board, being her own and the Cargo of her Companion, which was lost upon the Coast, of whose Crew she had saved 100 Men out of 120, the rest being lost, by endeavouring to swim ashore; whereas had their Fear suffer'd them to have staid, there had not been a Soul lost, the Tide of Ebb leaving their Ship dry: This was the Reason that the Prize was so well mann'd, and proved so considerable.
Being within Sight of _Madagascar_, they spied a Sloop which stood for them, and when in Gun-Shot, threw out black Colours, and fired a Gun to Windward; _Misson_ brought to, fired another to Leeward, and hoisted out his Boat, which the Sloop perceiving, lay by for. _Misson_'s Lieutenant went on Board, and was received very civilly by Captain _Tew_, who was the Commander, to whom the Lieutenant gave a short Account of their Adventures and new Settlement, inviting him very kindly on Board Captain _Misson_. _Tew_ told him, he could not consent to go with him till he had the Opinion of his Men; in the mean while _Misson_, coming along-side, hal'd the Sloop, and invited the Captain on Board, desiring his Lieutenant would stay as an Hostage, if they were in the least jealous of him; which they had no Reason to be, since he was of Force so much superior, that he need not employ Stratagem. This determined the Company on Board the Sloop, who advised their Captain to go with the Lieutenant, whom they would not suffer to stay behind, to shew the greater Confidence in their new Friends.
My Reader may be surprized that a single Sloop should venture to give Chase to two Ships of such Countenance as were the _Victoire_ and her Prize: But this Wonder will cease, when he is acquainted with the Sequel.
Captain _Tew_ after being handsomely regal'd on Board the _Victoire_, and thoroughly satisfied, returned on Board his Sloop, gave an Account of what he had learned, and his Men consenting, he gave Orders to steer the same Course with _Misson_, whose Settlement it was agreed to visit.
I shall here leave them to give an Account of Captain _Tew_.
Mr. _Richier_, Governor of _Bermudas_, fitted out two Sloops on the Privateer Account, commanded by Captain _George Drew_, and Captain _Thomas Tew_, with Instructions to make the best of their Way to the River _Gambia_ in _Africa_, and there, with the Advice and Assistance of the Agent for the Royal _African_ Company, to attempt the taking the _French_ Factory of _Goorie_ on that Coast.
The above Commanders having their Commissions and Instructions from the Governor, took their Departure from _Bermudas_, and kept Company some Time; but _Drew_ springing his Mast, and a violent Storm coming upon them, they lost each other.
_Tew_ being separated from his Consort, thought of providing for his future case, by making one bold Push; and accordingly, calling all Hands on Deck, he spoke to them to this Purpose.
'That they were not ignorant of the Design with which the Governor fitted them out; the taking and destroying the _French_ Factory; that he, indeed, readily agreed to take a Commission to this end, tho' contrary to his Judgment, because it was being employ'd; but that he thought it a very injudicious Expedition, which did they succeed in, would be of no Use to the Publick, and only advantage a private Company of Men, from whom they could expect no Reward of their Bravery; that he could see nothing but Danger in the Undertaking, without the least Prospect of a Booty; that he could not suppose any Man fond of fighting, for fighting-sake; and few ventured their Lives, but with some View either of particular Interest or publick Good; but here was not the least Appearance of either. Wherefore, he was of Opinion, that they should turn their Thoughts on what might better their Circumstances; and if they were so inclined, he would undertake to shape a Course which should lead them to Ease and Plenty, in which they might pass the rest of their Days. That one bold Push would do their Business, and they might return home, not only without Danger, but even with Reputation.' The Crew finding he expected their Resolution, cry'd out, one and all, _A gold Chain, or a wooden Leg_, we'll stand by you.
Hearing this, he desired they would chuse a Quarter Master, who might consult with him for the Common Good; which was accordingly done.
I must acquaint the Reader, that on Board the _West-India_ Privateers and Free-booters, the Quarter Master's Opinion is like the Mufti's among the _Turk_'s; the Captain can undertake nothing which the Quarter Master does not approve. We may say, the Quarter Master is an humble Imitation of the _Roman_ Tribune of the People; he speaks for, and looks after the Interest of the Crew.
_Tew_ now, instead of his proceeding on his Voyage to _Gambia_, shaped his Course for the Cape of _Good Hope_, which doubling, he steered for the Streights of _Babel Mandel_, entring into the _Red Sea_, where they came up with a tall Ship bound from the _Indies_ to _Arabia_; she was richly laden, and as she was to clear the Coasts of Rovers, five more, extreamly rich (one especially in Gold) being to follow her, she had 300 Soldiers on Board, beside her Seamen.
_Tew_, on making this Ship, told his Men she carried their Fortunes, which they would find no Difficulty to take Possession of; for though he was satisfied she was full of Men, and was mounted with a great Number of Guns, they wanted the two Things necessary, Skill and Courage; and, indeed, so it proved, for he boarded and carried her without Loss, every one taking more Care to run from the Danger, than to exert himself in the Defence of his Goods.
In rummaging this Prize, the Pyrates threw over a great many rich Bales, to search for Gold, Silver, and Jewels; and, having taken what they thought proper, together with the Powder, part of which (as being more than they could handsomely stow) they threw into the Sea; they left her, sharing 3000 l. Sterling a Man.
Encouraged by this Success, Captain _Tew_ proprosed the going in quest of the other five Ships, of which he had Intelligence from the Prize; but the Quarter-Master opposing him, he was obliged to drop the Design, and steer for _Madagascar_.
Here the Quarter Master finding this Island productive of all the Necessaries of Life; that the Air was wholesome, the Soil fruitful, and the Sea abounding with Fish, proposed settling; but only three and twenty of the Crew came into the Proposal: The rest staid with Captain _Tew_, who having given the new Settlers their Share of Plunder, designed to return to _America_, as they afterwards did; but spying the _Victoire_ and her Prize, he thought he might, by their Means, return somewhat richer, and resolved to speak with them, as I have already said.
_Tew_ and his Company having taken the above Resolution of visiting Mons. _Misson_'s Colony, arrived with him, and was not a little surprized to see his Fortifications.
When they came under the first Fort, they saluted it with nine Guns, and they were answered with an equal Number; all the Prisoners, at their coming to an Anchor, were suffer'd to come up, a Privilege they had never before granted them, on account of the few Hands left them, except two or three at a time.
The Joy those ashore expressed at the Sight of so considerable a Prize as they judged her at first Sight, was vastly allay'd, when they heard how dear a Purchase she had prov'd to them; however, the Reinforcement of the Sloop made some amends; Captain _Tew_ was received by _Caraccioli_ and the rest, with great Civility and Respect, who did not a little admire his Courage, both in attacking the Prize he made, and afterwards in giving Chase to _Misson_; he was called to the Council of Officers, which was immediately held, to consider what Methods should be taken with the Prisoners, who were, by 190 brought in by this new Prize, near as numerous as those of his own Party, though _Tew_ join them with 70 Men; it was therefore resolved to keep them separate from the _Portuguese_ and _English_, who were before taken, to make them believe they were in Amity with a Prince of the Natives, who was very powerful, and to propose to them, at their Choice, the assisting the new Colony in their Works, or the being sent Prisoners up the Country, if they rejected the entering with them. Seventy three took on, and the rest desired they might be any way employ'd, rather than be sent up the Country; 117 then were set to Work upon a Dock, which was laid out about half a Mile above the Mouth of the Harbour, and the other Prisoners were forbid to pass such Bounds as were prescribed them on Pain of Death; lest they, knowing their own Strength, should revolt; for I must acquaint the Reader, that on the Arrival of the _Victoire_, both their Loss and the Number of _Portuguese_ they brought in, was known to none but themselves, and the Number of those who came over, magnified; besides, the _Johanna_ Men were all arm'd and disciplin'd, and the _Bijoux_ laid a Guardship, where the last Prisoners were set to Work; but while they provided for their Security, both within and without, they did not neglect providing also for their Support, for they dug and sow'd a large Plat of Ground with _Indian_ and _European_ Corn, and other Seeds which they had found on Board their Prizes. In the mean while _Caraccioli_, who had the Art of Perswasion, wrought on many of the _Portuguese_, who saw no Hopes of returning home, to join them. _Misson_, who could not be easy in an inactive Life, would have taken another Cruize; but fearing the Revolt of the Prisoners, durst not weaken his Colony by the Hands he must necessarily take with him: Wherefore, he propos'd giving the last Prize to, and sending away the Prisoners. _Carracioli_ and Captain _Tew_ were against it, saying, that it would discover their Retreat, and cause their being attacked by the _Europeans_, who had Settlements along the Continent, before they were able to defend themselves. _Misson_ reply'd, he could not bear to be always diffident of those about him; that it was better die once, than live in continual Apprehensions of Death. That the Time was come for the sending away the _Johanna_ Men, and that they could not go without a Ship, neither durst he trust a Ship out, not well mann'd, nor man her while so many Prisoners were with him. Wherefore there was a Necessity of sending them off, or of putting them all to the Sword. A Barbarity by which he would not purchase his Security. A Council was called, and what Captain _Misson_ had proposed, agreed to. The Prisoners were then summon'd and he told them, in few Words, that he knew the Consequence of giving them Liberty; that he expected to be attacked as soon as the Place of his Retreat was known, and had it in his Hands, by putting them to Death to avoid the doubtful Fate of War; but his Humanity would not suffer him to entertain a Thought so cruel, and his Alliances with the Natives, he hoped, would enable him to repel his Assailants; but he required an Oath of every one, that he should not serve against him: He then enquired into the Circumstances of every particular Man, and what they had lost, all which he return'd, telling the Company it should be reckoned as Part of his Share, and the Prisoners, that he did not make War with the Oppressed, but the Oppressors. The Prisoners were charm'd with this Mark of Generosity and Humanity, and wished he might never meet a Treatment unworthy of that he gave them. The Ship being victualled for a Voyage to the Coast of _Zanguebar_, all her Guns and Ammunitions taken out, with the spare Sails, and spare Rigging, all were ordered to be gone, and 137 departed, highly applauding the Behaviour of their Enemies. All this while they had heard nothing from the Natives, nor had the hunting Parties met with any of them, which made _Misson_ suspect they were afraid of his being their Neighbour, and had shifted their Quarters; but as the _Johanna_ Men were upon going away, there came about 50 Negroes to them, driving about 100 Head of black Cattle, 20 Negroe Men bound, and 25 Women, for which Cattle and Prisoners they barter'd Rum, Hatchets, Baze and Beads; some Hogsheads of which last Commodity they had taken on the Coast of _Angola_. Here the Negroes belonging to _Misson_ were provided with Wives: The Natives were caress'd, and to the Slaves Signs made that their Liberty was given them, they were immediately cloathed and put under the Care of as many Whites, who, by all possible Demonstrations, endeavoured to make them understand that they were Enemies to Slavery. The Natives staid ten Days, which retarded the Departure of the _Johanna_ Men; but, upon their retiring, the _Bijoux_ sailed with 100 of them on Board, under the command of _Caraccioli_'s Lieutenant, who excused the keeping them a Month longer than was promised, and not bringing them at once, having no more than two Ships. The _Portuguese_ Ship, which was unrigg'd, being made a Hulk, the ten Men of _Misson_'s Company who had settled at _Johanna_, being desirous to return, were brought to _Libertatia_ with their Wives (of which they had two and three a piece) and their Children, the _Bijoux_, at two more Voyages, carried over the rest of the _Johannians_.