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Las diagrammas suivants iliustrsnt la mAthoda. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 , m ■a. .- ■ < ■ THE HISTORY %■ S f V THC .\ >\ FREE-BOOTERS> A OR ^ ^ Btucaneerd of ^mmca« * '>m Translated from the Gtrmtm OF :.W1^.^' J. M. VON ARCHENHOLTZ, iCSv BY •S .'■ •#*-- GEORGE MASON, Em. Not strong towen, nor valU of beaten brait, ^ % . Nor airleu dungeons, nor strong iinki o£ffttf> Can be retentive to the strength of spirit. i*. -..*• ^P' A deed of dreadful note. there shall be dont Printed hj W. CALVERT, Gnat Shire tane, Ttmple Bar, FOR i. STRATFORD, HOLBORN HILL} AND T. AHD R. HUGHES, CORNER OF STATIONERS* COURT, LUDGATE HILL. fc ,- "" 4' •^"- ^ii 1807. . ■-• V .)'■ x: f SplMMpnM '•-*-'- ~-»-««5ar, //yf' / THE HISTORY OF THE PIRATES, . FREE-BOOTERS, OR BUCCANEERS OF AMERICA. ,.^ % ■/•■.J ^ ^: f'^&..-;ri' U4 '" '■ '*'; *./. i ;*,^:' ' j ■'^ '' ', ; ■ a^- ,r*^i ¥*' - %-■- ,^^ '»* ••,.4 /' .i ..,;.: 'i M oi.- , ,.. PREFACE. I - J» - iT- The object of the following work is, to fiH Up a chasm in the annals of history, respecting the manners, customs, and achievements of the association of Free-bootern ; — whose exploits, (especially those detailed in the last chapter of thitt volume), were, in fact, lo aitcnishing, as, in the opinion of Voltaire, to surpass all the actions ever performed by the Romans, or any other people, whoso conquests have desolated the globe, '■ •■'• '-■''■-' '■' ■:'■'" '■ • '■■'■- . ^' ■ ''^••'w;-j-i On surveying the various periods of antient and modern history, in which either nations or societies of armed men have distinguished them- selves by a long-continued display of extraor- dinary courage, M. von Archenholtz observ- ed, that the history of the Free-booters had never yet been treated in a regular and unn* >rm method ; the notices concerning them by the Abb6 Rajmaland Voltaire being too brief and too superficial to present an accurate view of this uncommon race of men. Many of these Pirates themselves wrote journals of their trans* actions in various languages, French, English, Dutch: some of these, both printed and manu- A 2 1 1^ A I VI PREFACE. script, are now in existence ; but they arc written witlrso Kttle regard to order, and com- bine so many unint** lasting' details, as to con- tribute very little towards sl/uII history of the Free-booters. By consulting these (and espe- cially the French journal of Ravenneau de Lus- san), as well as the labours of Charlevoix*, Fathers du Tertre f, and Labat X, M. von Arch- enholtz has produced a work which cannot but command the attention of every thinking rcadcri while tlie lovers of the marvellous will meet with ample materials to gratify their taste. The celebrity which M. von Archenholtz has obtained, both in this country as well as on the continent, for his judgment and fidelity as ?n historian, may render any further remarks unnecessary. It only remains to add, that some passages have been expunged that seemed to breathe too much of party-spirit and party-vi- rulence against a neighbouring nation : in other respects,' a faithful version has been given of the following history ; in which, though the feelings of sensibility cannot but be severely wounded during the perusal, yet the retributive hand of Providence may be clearly discerned by every attentive observer. , =*^ In his history of the island of St. Doifiingo. ^ t III his history of the Antilles. r X in his Voyage to the American isl^nas. ' • H ^M t: f CONTENTS. CHAP. I. Origin of the republic of Freebooters — Protected by the great poxcers. — Particulars respecting the Buc- caneers, their lajcs, manners, customs, dress, and manner of living — Their bloody engagements tvith the Spaniards. — Plan of the Spanish court to take the island of Tortugas (the resort of the Buccan- eers) from the French — Great expedition of the Spaniards against Tortugas, and its failure. — Cessa- tion of the Boucans, and entire association of the Buccaneers with the Fret-booters CHAP. n. 'i^agc 1. Situation of St. Domingo in the middle of the \7tk century — The Buccaneers settle there. — Conduct of Ogeron, the French governor of that island towards the Free-booter«. — Expedient of the French court to people the islands. --Death of Ogeron, and its conse- quence. — Diferent class of Brethren of the coast. — The Buccaneers relinquish their profession. — Orders of the French court against the Free-booters — Their celebrated expeditions into the South Sea in id'S^ and lt)88 Page 14, e ^. j^^jp^i^'xam** ' ; i*^ ■^^ •" ■if^r-'-r. VlK CONTENT*. I 1 I CHAP. III. View of the manners of the Trce-booters — Their mode of punishing treachery — Patience in supporting fatigues — Feraecerance in their resolutions— Their vices, religious forms, and code — Punishment of desertion and theft among them — Method of adminis- tering justice — llieir rewards for briHiant actions — Mode of rigging and provisioning their ships — Their customs concerning marriage — Boundless dissipation — llemarkable trail in their char act ei Page 30. CHAP. IV. lirst origin oftJte Frce-booters — Time tohen their pirn- cies assumed a regular form — Peter the Great, the first of these corsairs who acquired himself a name — His rash enterpriie with one canoe against a Spanish ' ship.— Extent to which the Free-bootert carried their excesses — Fruillcss measures adopted by Spain against ^ their excesses. — Lewis Scott. — First attempt of the ■ Frecboatefs to eff'ect descents. — Pillage of the city g/" St. Francis de Campechy. — Landing of John Davis, and capture of Nicaragua. — Landing in Florida, and plunder of the city of St. Avgustin. — Adventures and shipwreck of Alexander, surnamed Iron Ar^n.-^Exploilsand fate tf Olonois, a chieftain of the Free-bboters — His victory at the Isle of Cuba ^-'H is vengeance against the Spaniitrds • • • • Page 42 . t V m. p-' ■ •.•'-^'•. ft' ^Bf'.<* ■ / CHAP. V. Vnst projet of Olonois. — Considerable fleets of Pirates — They take a, richly laden vessel. — Voyage to Maracaibo in l666-^C'aptur€ of that city and the >.• COWTEVTS^ m fort cf La Barro'^ Expedition tkenct to Gibraltar. — Panic of tJte Free-^aterx — Olonois' speech to them, and itsejfeci. — Fre^h attack — Terrible engage- ments at, and capture of GibraHftr — Criieities of the Free-booters there — Tketf hum the dty^ hut (tftei- toarda extinguish the jire — Rnnson* paid — Return to Maracdibo — Plunder of the churckM — Ransom paid for them, — Voyage to the islund df' ^vache — Division of the Booty. — New exju'dition 'of Olonois — Descents and plunder in the bay of Honduras. — The city of San-Pedro attacked, and carried by assault.' — Cruises of the Free-'booters itear the penin- sula of Yucatan. — Separation of Van Vin, one of their comman.•• fte- / • CONTENTS. of the place-^The Free-booters depart vntnoiestei •with their booty, in sight of a Spanish army and squadron. — Duel between Laurent and Van llorn^ •who is killed, — Separation between the Free-Looters. — Expedition against and capture of Cumpechy. — The Free-booters negociatej'or the deliverance of tw» of their captive comrades. — Haughty conduct of the governor of Mctidoy and its bloody consequences.— Extraordinary mode of celebrating the festival of St. Louis. — The Free-booters return to St. Domingo. — Promotion of Grammont, and his unfortunate death' Page 72. CHAP. Vlf. Origin of Morgan, one of the most celebrated chief tains if the Free-booters. — Capture, pillage, and departure from Puerto del Principe. — Separation of the French from the English Pirates. — Morgan pro- poses, and carries into execution, the plunder " . 'Page 89, Ht> \^-rin>mTiT' l~.jW*M.,wi«irti|)faJfn ■- ighMtfilifa) i COWTlHTSk ai \ 'Moy-gaft makes nevpiiipafattons — A flotitld dispatched to plunder provisions, which object is sudcessfullj/ ttttaine4». — Singula^ capture of ike isle of St. €'a- (herineifor the purpose of procuring guides.^^The Freebooters prepafe to attack Panama.-^Bloodt/ •ttack &f fhrt St. Lorenzo by a detuehment under captain BrOdeltf-^Captare of it, wlmh seemnes the . Pirates afree iandiitg-^-Difoisien of their forces by land and water, — Narrative of their extraordinary adventures and ai0lerings during^ their long march to Panama — Defeat qf tM Spaniards and capture of that c^y.^-^-Panama reduced to ashes, xinth all its toanhousti int4 rkk'4,-^Tkt Irec'iooters ehate m nehfy laden Sjf&ttkk gtdieon to ne pwrpose-^ruel toriwres infikttdon ilte prisoners by Morgtm, parti' culatly oti d beautiful Spanish lady-^Depiorable situation and subsequent deliverance of the prisoners, whom the Pirgtes dragged along with them — 1/«- fsir division of the booty and its consequences, — • •••• Page US. ifii, CHAP. IX. Particulars respecting the further proceedings of the FteS-booteri^^^LandiHg of a large body on the coast of Darien in 16^0^-'— Capture of the city ff Santa MAria, — They propose to attack Panama, nOiio rf- bnilt — Tremendous engagemekt ititk, and defeat of the Spanish jieet that defended Panama, — Death of Capt^n Harris. — Disagreement and separation of a large body of Free-booters. — Attack of the city of Puebla Nucva, and the death of Captain SavjUns. — Another separation from the main body. —Extreme misery of the Pirates. — Pillage of the cities ofYli^ ■-J i h ■% W .■.i»!^,. \.i- .•::^?^'' xu CONTENTSr* and Serena, — The Free-hooters retoU against Cap' tain S/iarpy and choose Watlingfor their comman- der. — Attack ofArica, and desperate battle bctxveen the Free-booters and Spaniards in the heart of that city. — Watling killed^ and Sharp re-elected, — Thf, Free-booters lose many of their comrades. — They re- treat icith a great number of prisoners^ — Another separation, — Capture of a richly laden ship, — t//i- Jbi lunate return through the Streights of Magellan* •^Division of the booty-^ Arrival at BarbadoeSy and MUbsequetii dissolution (f this troop r.einflj'Jf/s,Ffige 21^. *. i. y- »^ W f J t^UB >>■' ■f / HISTOftY ^' OF VS PIRA TES. iidu^^MiMMi^^^'*^ CHAP. L j7h e seventeenth ccnfttiry was dhtrnpidicd by oM of those extraordinary circdnftstietntes wMch have nevMf been ivitnessed smce the deiMniCtion of the CiHcian Pirates by Pompey. Those^ whose history we are novr about to trace, are characterized by some particulart that are yet more striking : they cannot be Compared to the modern republics, known under the name of Barbaiy Staticsr. Their plair, organization, and their ferocious expIfHts, are altogether different from thoso of all the associations which have ever infested the seas with their piracies and robberies : in particniar, they differ from those noithern Pirates, who, abont tho middle ages, terrified the European coasts by their ifiw cursions. These, indeed^ never attempted bold dis* scents : they attacked no fortresses^ nor carried terror among land force-, or into squadrons. Tho capture of merchant ships was the sole object of theit entcr- prizes : every thing was done from motives of cupidity, and nothing from a principle of valour. B -/I '^■r-r^ . -» " i'ii "■ ■A>A»t;^;.. -. .. stupid ignorance, exhausted the faculties of their mi'nd in vain disputes concerning religion. The regeneration of the human race was then only in its dawn^. ' Undersuch circumstances, the powers of Europe might be dazzled with the splendour which Charles the Fifth had diffused over Spain ; aiid his worthless son Philip the Second, who had at his command the trea- sures of the New World, great commanders, an excel- lent body of cavalry, and the best infantry of Europe, — -might, notwithstanding the loss of the Low Coun- tries, entertain that illusion which constituted part of his inheritance, and transmit it, though somewhat weakened, to his indolent successors. In fact, it did continue till towards the middle of the seventeenth century. The peace of Westphalia completely dissi- pated it ; and, fifty years afterwards, on the death of •tl ■t?> ■T •;-■■•■■■ -•-:«».*^M#^ /' I H I ■ >; «?■ ■ -J -:' r-. V. • ItlMOmV 0» THE 1FIEATB». ChaflM (he Second, Spain, who had so long bee«t dreaded, but who had always been subjugated to her )jpriest«, and who had always been stationary in her mediocrity, at length found herself fixed in her pro- |ier rank, that of a power of the secoad class. For several years, the names of Buscaneers and werfiil had known no other rallying point than mur« der and rapine. They were considered merely as com- mon pirates ; or rather Europe thought them unwor- thy her notice, until they awaJkened general attention Iby their organization, by the singular nature of their constitution, by numerous pecttliarilies, and especial^ by their extraordinary achievements and adventures : thai it was that they seized a place in the history of the world, of which time can never deprive them. In other respects, a nariative oftlieir adventures is more calculated to excite surprize and painful aensa* tions than to furnish a source of instruction. It pre- sents to our view men, who, with very small resources, produced eiitraordinary conseqiiences, and mustered, .incredible forces ;^^men who deserve our admiration from their enterprizing spirit, their invincible courage, their activity, and fjpem a patience that enabled theni -to brave every pain and privation, and to face every. tianger, even death itself ; \Yhile they make us tremble with horror by their vices, tlxeir. crimes, their cruelties, and by eYerykij^d of excesses. Distracted by sueh opposite sensation^, we should' be tempted to turn a^ide our eyes from these ferocious beipgs, and to devote their deeds 'to' oblivion,. and thek. names to execration, if some estimable qualitie£i,.if (may it be added) some virtues, did not leconcUe us to these ferocioH^ Fr€i«« t.:;-:.* .:A:J:i:.(^Pf-:i''*-^D'^ ., HiiToftT or tnz FiftAfes; ::^-- in the Antilles, and cliiefly in the island of St. I)o- mingo, were a race of men whose mode of living was singular, and who, for the most part, were natives of Normandy. They assumed their name from the places where they had small fields in a state of tillage, and where their barracks were situated. Here they salted and smoked >their meat ; and these spots were dcnomi- Dated BoucanSt in the language of the country, or rather in that of their disgusting profession. The barracks, which constituted their places of re* fugc, were in fact only large huts covered on the top, but open on the sides ; consequently, though sheltered from the sun and rains, they were exposed to the wind, from whatever quarter it might blow. The Buccaneers were composed of French colo- nists, as well as those of other countries in Europe, of the descendants of these colonists, and likewise of va- rious Europeans whom the caprice of fortune had con- ducted to the West Indies, but the majority of them were nativfis of France. Having neither women not children, they constantly lived by couples iit an entire community of pioperty, and reciprocally rendered their services. 'I'hey called each other Matelets (con- :sorts or comrades), and denominated this method of living Matehtage. The survivor inherited whatever liad belonged to him whc first paid the debt of nature. Independently of this particular community, a general right of participation subiiisted between all the Bucca- neers ; iu consequence of which, any of them could take from another Bovcan whatever his necessities re- quired. Every species of window or fastening was rigorously prohibited, and the adoption of any such security would by them have been considered as high treason against the society. Mine and thitie were words utterly unknown in this republic. Disputes, in- deed, were of very rare occurrence in it ; paiA if any quarrels aiose, they were immediately terminated by the intervention of friends. The cede of the Buccaneers wai^ extremely sisiple : i C-'» ■•j^- ia«i<-- ...•■^Crl-:.MX^ Hr^TOAY Off THB »T«ATEf. W tfiey acknowledged no other laws than some agree* ments which they had concluded among thpm«elvesi ; and, if any improvements were proposed to be made, they coolly feplted-— ** It u not the custom on the " coast." Their former notions concerning submis- sion and leligion induced them to consider the go- vernor of Tortugas as a kind of chief or commander : and they denominated tliemselves Christians, without conforming in any respect wbatuver to the precepts of Christianity. When any individual wished to become a Buccaneer, he was obliged to relinquiiih ail the customs of social life, and even his family name. In order to designate the members of the society, each received either a new appellation or a kind of nick-name ; which often descended to their otl'sprmg when they married. Sbmo of them indeed did not announce their private nanto till the period of their marriage ; whence originated the proverb still current in the Antilles, thai ** we do " not learn to knovs people till they are married." Marriage, however, put an end to their previous mod* of living ; as the married men were no longer in com- munion with the society. They then ceased to be Bw caneerty and became colonists ; who, under the name of inhabitants, were formally subjected to the laws and regulations issued by the goveraor of Tortugas. . With r^ard to their apparel, each Buccaneer wore a shirt and a pair of pantaloons, both made of coarae linen cloth dyed with the blood of the animals they had killed. Their boots were manufactured with hog- skins (for they wore no stockings) ; and their heads were covered with a round cap. A strap, cut out of a raw hide, supplied them with a girdle, on which they suspended ornaments bectjming their profession, viz. a very short sabre, and a few knives. Their iire-arms consisted merely of along firelock, carrying two balls, each weighing one ounce. Every one was attended, according to his fancy, by one or more valets, servants, and by twenty or tlurty dogs, tliat followed him to , the chace y^] ^: ■^ fc ^ j^ I* J ■■« -.^lu"- •■*■■- •■^..^..: ,-v^K v BISTORT OP THE FIRaTE*. ,t/ Their chief employment consisted in hunting bOlls; as they chaced wild boars merely for amusement. The flesh of these animals supplied them with food ; nad the raw marrow fr>)in their bones niforded them a '•past at the hour of breakfast. Thub having very few wants, abstainini^ from bread and wine, and being like the Hottentots in the midst of the most disgusting Jilth, the nomber of their moveables was extremely circumscribed. For their meals, indeed, they had neither benches nor tables : they ate and lay on the ground : ttlniies and the trunks and roots of trees fur- nished thctn with tables and pillows. Wretched as such a mode of living must appeur, they were contont with it: their appetites were alvays great, and they enjoyed a hardy health of body, which did not lose its strength until many loi.^ \vurs had been spent in this laborious way of liv'ng. The wiser, however, (or, perhaps, in the opinion of some, the more etfeminate) of them devoted themselves to this profession only for a limited time, at the ex- piration of which they separated from tlieir brethren, and became colonists. But the rest were averse to a change of habit, and even relinquished considerable inheritance's which they might have gone to receive in Europe^ and continued to be Buccaneers to the end of their dfiys. .' Their principal boiicans, or pliaces of resort, were in the peninsula of Savanna, oti the north coast of St. Bomingo; in an island in the Bay of Bayaha (or Fort Dauphin) ; in a few other spots on the northern coaet of Hispaniola ; at Port Margot ; at Tortugas ; in the Burnt Savanna ; in the M>rbalais : and in an island on the south of St. Domingo, known by the French under the nnme of L'Avache. At these places the Buccaneers quietly followed their rude avocations ; while the Spaniards, notconsic' . i ^' ♦lia' the innocent traffic of th''; strangers was hiyir-iv '■ on to i ■ u nation, conceived the idea oi : > . ig v:.em from St. Domingo, rather, pf exterminating them if it were possible. "\"" '• ^ • m -?'oyM.v-r: /irtfca=i>**r:' ^f HltTOUT or .HE P1«ATE4. 9 The execution of this barbarous plan, which ulti- mately proved fatal to it- authors, was, at present, attended with no difficulty. Hinewiog the scheme they had so successfully folli»*^«d, with r "^pect to the hap- less Caribbee Indians, the bpaniards attacked the Buc-^ Canecrs ; who were dispersed in various dir«cti > U «» period, Uio h' I iters were always on their guardt going out only :.< amall detachments, who were always reedy to de- fend themselves ; and when attacked, they engaged their adversaries, the Spaniards, with such ardour and obstinacy, that, notwithstanding the latter were very greatly superior in number, they were defeated and put to flight in almost every rencounter. The war now assumed anew form. The Spaniards ceased to pursue men who had cost the lives of so many of their troops; and attacked the unfortunate Buc-> caneers by night in their retieats, where tbc^ slew every mie, whether mflster or servant/ that fell into their hands. These sanguinary cruelties excited the -resentment of the Buccaneers to the very last degree : they assembled together, and in their turn acted oh the offensive, sparing none of their enemies. This additional rage apparently subsided among the fipabi- ards, and the Buecaneers began to flatter themselves with the idea of Uving in peace. The Spaniards, howk- ever, were only waiting for reinforcements ; and, as these were received from their other colonies, the war recommenced on both sides. The Buccanoeis were assisted by the Fi'cach from Tortugas and other islands, as well as by a great number of adventurers; who wore excited to this undertaking, partly from animosity to tKe 8pii|iiards, partly by the allurement of plunder. Both parties fought without intermission; the soil of St. Domirvgo was every where sprinkled with human Mpod i and some of these numerous ^elds of battle ■ifii -, \itiKi, . .« '^- ^■... v4-v>» ■ y. "r t.'- *t(7 ITIWORT OF THE PIRATES* r '■ i ---•«*^- »,«»»'™ u have to this day retained the name of Massacre. — The events here recorded, occurred between the years iGttO and V665. In these contests the French governor of Torttigas had taken part, only with prudential caution : for, at that time, the situation of France, and her relations with the other Furopean powers, did not allow her oppniy to pr()tt*c« tho Rnrranppr« . TUo cvmit of Madrid, however, turned its attention seriously tb Tvhich it foresaw, and exa^erated. The Spanish court thought it im; ossible to save St. Domingo, and even to preserve the whole of its commerce in the New World, unless the French were entirely driven both from that island and from Tortugas. Pursuant to these counsels, orders were dispatched to America, to collect together a body of troops, from the neighbous- ing islands, and even on the Continent j the command of whom was-committed to Van Delmof, a veteraft officer, who had acquired considerable glory in the Low Country wars. Great rewards were promised to all who should distinguish themeclvcs iri tho approach^ ifig cnterprize. Van Delmof arrived at St, ))omlngo in 1663 ; and ift the course of a few days commenced his operations. As Savanna was the chief place 01' refuge which the Buccaneers had, he proposed there to attack them : accordingly, placing himself at the head of live hun- dred chosen men, and being provided with all the am- munition accompanying a body of European trOep?, he marched rapidly forward, and with all possible se- crecy : but the Buccaneers received information of his approach from one of their hunterji, while he was only a few leagues distant. Their number did not ex- ceed one hundred, and they might still have saved themselves, and safely reached another of their dwell- ings ; but they disdained to fly, and determined to lose no time in marching to meet the Spaniards. Suddenly they appeared, descendnig a mountain, to the utt«r ..iVa :-ii^. ■^•!fe^,^._ U4ST0RT OF THE PIllATESi Hf istonishnient of their enemies ; who, holding the Buc- fcancers in the greatest contempt, were far from ex- ipecting to meet with a vigilance that overturned their >lau. The superiority of their nurnberit, however, together with their arms and military experience, ^,;still seemed to ensure them success : the Buccaneers commenced the attack ; and both sides fought with ,«qiial ardour and obstinacy. At length the victory, i which had for a long time continued uncertain, de- cided against the deluded Spaniards, who were entirely overthrown, and driven back to the mountains; their comtnaader, together with very many of their troops,, being left on the field of battle. A defeat so unexpected made a deep i^npression upon the Spaniards, who returned to their former method of waging war; and who, observing that the BuccaneiMs rejected the necessary precautions while hunting, again began to attack them in detached parties. :he latter, who required no more than permission to live in peace, determined to transport all their boucans into the small islands that surround St. Domingo, and in future to follow the chacc on that isle, only in large bodies. From this time attacks became less frequent, and the war was discontinued for want of supplies. At one time, when the boucans were fixed in safe places, -they were successively converted into station- ary residences or d\veliii}gs where the colonists had settled. Such was the settlement of Bayaha, whore nature had formed one of the fine>t and most spacious ports of America. It was also in the vi( inity of Tor- tugas, whither the Buccaneers could, in a few hours, convey thi'mselves, t<^ di^J)Ose of tlioir flesh and hides, and supply themselves, with the few utensils which llieir profession required. In the cours<' of a slioit time, the advantaiios afforded by the p"r( o\ Baytiiia Rendered even this pabSii{.i;e unnecessary, as b;>tli the f'rcnch and Dutch resoiled thither to di>i)use ui their< cotiiniodities and to purchase whatever they wuiued,, > *'-S5 •* / ^.^..^ j j i pi^ ifa g.'iyft^---;^^- f,, >•■ '■y- 1^ mSTOllY 69 Tnt PtHAtCBi # 1^ .^ " ,;,t ♦.V m' '• IfiS^" It) the mean time the war bftd wot estirely c^Meidr, ns the Buccaneers were alftiost daily pasail^ ofrer te St. Domingo for the purpose of hlintirDg; where the Spaniards, who were always sQporior fn numher, from, time to time endeavourecl to surpriMi t!ien)> and with'^ «ut mercy killed every one on wfavita they could seize. The death of on^ of them was suffldsnt to throw a whole boucan into agitation; and ail labour was saispended till the death of their comrade had been -revenged. /'^*' ■-':/' \ ^: r- ," ■'■- One day foiir B«ccir«eert werf oWseryed to have disappeared. Their surviving campatttons instantly resolved to cross over to St. Domingo, in a body, and on no account to separate till they had aseeitained the fate of their companions^ in the event of whose death they swore to extirpate their murderer*. In a short time they took some prisoners, who informed them that sevcrkl of their comrades had perished, and that those, whose wounds had rendeiicd them incapable of self-defence, had been put to death in cool blood. These hnplcss prisoners were the ftrst victims of their indisci'eet discovery : and, after tlie Buccaneers had massacred them, they dispersed themselves with the ferocity of boasts over the adjacent dwellings, putting to death every Spaniard that came in their wa,y. Thus recommenced this war of extetinination, in which the Spaniards rarely obtained any success. One day thoy attacked, with a body of 200 men, 30 Buc* canecrs at the very moment when the latter, who had come fiom Bayaha, were landing on the shore of St. Domingo. They defended themselves with the ut- most desperation, though not a single individual of them escaped the swords of their enemies. Some time afterwards, another body of hunters, under the com- mand of* Tore, one of their principal chiefs, met with a similar tate. These men, who were returning from that island, had already reached Savanna, and thought th>?niselve3 tree from danger : this security the Spani- ards, who were in every case superior in numberS;» had' ■^'. i; .# #^=»' HISTORY OF THE UllATES. 13 expectetl, and accortliiif^ly they availed themselves of the cppoitunity. The Buccaneers, dispersed and lighting under every disadvantage, were at length over- come, after having made their enemies purchase their victory most dearly : one man only remained to carry this fatal news to Bayaha. From this moment the Buccaneers breathed nothing but vengeance, which they mercilessly executed, without regarding cither age or sex, even on many innocent persons ; and the terror of their name progressively extended. At length the Spaniards took a step, decisive indeed; but the fi\t^\ <*>.isequence of which, as it respected their own nation in America, they had not foreseen. Convinced of the impossibility of exierminating the Buccaneers, or at least of expelling them from St. Domingo by forcible measure>i, they determined to eradicate the evil by depriving them of their only means of subsistence. A general cluice of horned cattle was ordered throughout the island ; which was pursued with so much ardour and preservance, that nearly the whole breed of these animals was destroyed. Thus deprived of their occupations and resources, the Buccaneers were obliged to embrace another mode of living. Several of them settled as colonists at Bayaha, Tortugas, and in other small islands in the vicinity; but the majority, accustomed to brave all dangers, scorning a pacific life, and despising the restraint of laws, considered even agriculture as a dis- honourable pursuit, and were animated only by one passion, with which the recent events had inspired them, — the desire of revenging themselves upon the Spaniards. With this view they united themselves to their friends the Free-booters, who now began to be distinguished, but w ho did not become really tbrmid- able until after their iiitimate association with the Buccaueers. '! .-:' » H t: ^ ■.-.«;,.:^':^" li>r ^ : ' ■ tV=':^ i 'r>,.. / u WISTORY OF THE riEATES. CHAP. II. *• f' ^^« t'me now referred f\''^ ^^- ^^^""ngo i'lero ffcquentlv than rlf ' ""' ^^""^ '«'«nd had «eeM with their hisSrT t[? u''"^''"«^^^ycon- ''t*vemcenth century hn7' 7'^^- ^^^ '"'^''^« "^ tJie ««d devoted their aiS? ''''^ '^ ''^^al value . ^^^i<^h supplied he" bS '^^^ "r<^'y to the colohS mul^ /The French d d not"^:^^ '' "'^'^ -^^^ l^'*^^" , f ®««a in St. Domingo befori?r'/ ''"^^^ ""'^h of Mmd there, not a^^W !d^, ^^f^^^^^rs had J^'«leinait, that accorded 2l .1 '•''"* "" ^'"'^ of ^fW^r of life. Tm tha 1!" '"^''"^tions and ''^^^yihe small ne Wibou inr", *^7 ''^^ °^^»Pied ♦^h'fh ft single private FrTK^ '^^""^ ^^ Tortuias i\m9, forcib^;ro/c'rt^'««"' «^«-"«-t: ^^kt-n possession of It 'Z n ^^^'"^'•ds, who had «f ''y resource, in i gg, , ^"^. ''^' ^^'^^""te of />!«*'« scflrcely amonn; f '. ''^ P"P"Jation of its chief ^^'^'^^^thMindforfloi' tL7%" '"'^^">' ^'^^^-'d?f moktUm Has accdeated hv'^^'"^'''"^^' "»^' ^his ^^^^^"" to the gov•e:rct^n'^,6YlJ""V""'^^^ ' J 00 J. For this ■¥>':. .1, i U ■ i"*' »^ V»uE^ } X ih^ fcl^^ - . t^*.*. *t& ' ^ HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. 15 arduous office he was eminently calculated, as he united in his person the two opposite qualities of prudence and a spirit of enterprize : his character win highly respect^lc ; and he may, in fact, be con- sidered as the real founder of the French colony nt St. Domingo. Throughout the last-mentioned island^ at the period now referred to, there 'x^ere not more than 14,000 inhabitants, including Spaniards, Creoles, and Mulattos ; the number of negro-slave» was, doubtless, somewhat greater, but was by iu> means exactly determined. To these must be added 1200 fugitive negroes ; who, aiming at independence, had entrenched themselves in the mountains, whcnro they descended to levy contributions on the jilunfa- lions. Santo Domingo, the metropolis, contained (ivo hundred houses, and was surrounded with a wall, which was defended by three forts tolerably well provided with artillery, for that time. The second city in the island was Santo Yago, which was chiefly occupied by merchants and goldsmiths, and which was wretchedly fortified. The other places were only miserable towns, exposed on every side, and peopled by poor inhabitants. On the northern coast, opposite Tortugas, the French had gradually formed a few dwellings, the population of which, in 10"65, did not exceed 260 men. This very feeble commencement of a set- tlement, in a district very remote from the possession! of Spain, was scarcely noticed by that haughty nation ; consequently the French had both leisure and means to consolidate their efll'orts. Their colony may, indeed, be compared to a young tree that ha« been planted in excellent soil, and which, havuig taken deep root, grows with rapidity. 'ihose of the Spaniards, on the contrary, resembled an aged trunk, whose exhausted sap was altogether inadequate to its vegetation. The latter had no other resources than their own strength ; ^hilc the I'rencii Icund protectors in thos^e formidable Buccaneers and Free- •1i J m . { ' A / 16 IIISTOKY OF THE PIRATE*. ^t-.».' t-:J hooters, who were devoted to their interests, and who then amounted to about three thousand, both on the shores of St. Domingo, and on the island of Tortugas. They styled themselves '• Brethren of the coast :" they were men nearly savage, who aspired to perfect independence ; and who could be governed only with a degree of prudence, that does not fall to the lot of every individual. 1'he coasts chiefly resorted to by the Free-booters, were those of Cuniana, Carthagena, Porto-Bello> Cuba, and New Spain, together with those in the vicinity of the lakes of Maracaibo and Nicaragua, Ever rush and expeditious in their enterprizes, they were averse to minute particulars, which would havd diminished their activity. Their ferocious cupidity, however, was not excited by every ship indiscrimi- nately : in general, they permitted such as came from Europe to pass unmolested, as the carriage and dis- posal of their bulky cargoes would have been attended with too much trouble. They were attracted exclu- ^sively by such vessels as were on their return from Aftierica, laden only with gold, silver, and other valuable articles, for which they could procure a ready sale. Such was the situation of St. Domingo on the arrival from France of the new governor, who was gifted with all the qualities requisite to his office. Ten years before, Ogeron had been shipwrecked on the coast of St. Domingo, and had been obliged to live for some time among the Buccaneers. Being thus acquainted with them, he found in his new post no difficuUy in conciliating their esteem and legard, and inspiring them with respect for laws. He then attempted to expunge from their expeditions every thing that was odious in piracy, to render their Dfavery useful to the state, and to soften their man- ners ; wisely, however, tolerating what he could not prevent, without exciting great prejudices against tke French colonies. , . . cA'J- r."-i.ki-. 4."i&.' ..-i.t,> •j,'.k4'Vi'-^»i.«)*''^'.'"'<. ,'iM-^- HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. 17 its, and who both on the of Tortugas. :oast :" they to perfect sd only with II to the lot ■"ree-booters, Porto-BelK those in the Nicaragua, rprizes, they would hav(j us cupidity, indiscrimi- s came from ige and dis- een attended icted exclu- return from and other procure a ngo on the , who was his office, ^wrecked on obliged to jrs. Being in his new fsteem and for laws. expeditions lender their Itheir man- he could Ices against V i The l:ooty ac(}uircd by their vast entcrprizcs, both on shore and at sea, at length increased ro such a degree, that the islands no longer prcsontod sulilcient purchasers for such coninu)dities ; and tlii" Duc(ani.'ers t'uund tilt" latter no l()nL';er convenient to ihemselvcs than whik .hey could exchange them for Spanish pias- ters ; a circumstance which not a littli* conlributed to t'stabH.^h in France a new W'v-X India company : and this example was shortly at'tersvards followed by the English. A similar company, indeed, had already been formed, and had failed ; but circumstances ha.ing now become more favourable, the French government adopted a new system with regard to thrir islands, and committed their fate to the speculations of a new company. . The governor was ordered to an- nounce this determination to the colonists, and persuade them to submit to it. The task was diffi- cult. It was no easy undertaking to bring into subordination, men who had, till then, been strangers to the orders of a court, as well as to the yoke of dependence. Ogeron explained to them tiie na- ture of the alteration that was about to take place, and likewise the commercial prohil)irions which were on the point of being established. 1 tie Free-booters replied, that they would not submit to a trading company ; that they would willingly obey the king, but that he should not prohibit them h'om trading with the Dutch, with whom they weie connected, which was of greater moment than the protection of France. To a declaration so explicit no reply could be made. ' Ogeron was oblised to recede. . In order that he might more en^ly accustom the new colonists to a quiet life, and in order to sotlen the rudeness of their manners, he had re- course to a singular expedient, lie imported from France a cargo of young women, who on their arrival found husbands that were by no raeaus dilhcult to please. The ready sale of this novel hind of ^'- . 4: 'i .^tftm M lf-' tauii ' ^" ' ■ «■ **» »■ .»■' ^ v-^T^, 18 HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. merchandize encourajrcd similar speculations, which were undertaken by the India company upon their own account. They selected and sent other women ; and the expencc of their voyage was fully reimbursed by lovers who purchased them by auction. In the course of a short time, these attractive Europeans elVected an astonishing change in the minds and manners of the American colonists, to whom they imparted, — not indeed a delicacy and degree of virtue, to which they in all probability were strangers, but at least some of those inclinations, tastes, and forms which arc connected with a more refined state of civilization. They received in return, from the society of their hardy husbands, warlike dispositions, which were usefully developed under various cir- cumstances. These benevolent emigrations, how- ever, were shortly discontinued, to the great prejudice of the colony : their deficiency was very imperfect- ly supplied by hiring, for three years, women of abandoned lives, who were exported to the islands. Hence arose disorders of every description, which rendered it necessary to discontinue an expedient so disgraceful to morality, and so unfavourable to population. The dwellings, which had for some time been established by the French on the northern coast of St. Domingo, were gradually extended under the (liioction of Ogeron, and at length converted into small plantations. For some unknown reason, this part of that island was denominated Ciil-de- Sac* an appellation still given to a limited dis- trict in St. Domingo. The wise administration of the governor, wliich was devoid of every species of x.)ppressu>n, attracted thither many adventurers from ether islands : and these regions would have acquired an uncommon degree of prosperity, if the French .% * Tlmt is, a phicc through which tlieie is no thoroughfare. ~& ••^•f^»»<^-»4.- ••i^wHauv'-s^*--- -.•^"■^rt^^v niSTOUY OF TUB PIRA'PF.S. i9 •e refined stute urn, from the loroughfare. oovernnicnt hud supportrd him. This however was not the caie. While these transactions were taking j)Uice, a war broke out between Trance and Spain, in lt»"()7, wiiich would have aftected the small settlements of the i'ormer power, if Oi^eron had not dexterously succeeded in employing the I'reebooters, \\\n> attacked ships of war, islands, and fortresses, \\ith the completest success, spreading universal terror amonji; the Spaniards of America. Though he stood alone, and unsupported by the French government, Ogeron conceived the project of conquering the whole island of St. Domingo. Un- dismayed by the inattention of France, animated solely by patriotic motives, he dedicated his own estate to the execution ot his enterprize. Several years afterwards he procured from France 300 men, at his own expence; and, as the scourge of war had extended to England, he formed the plan of attack- ing, from Tortugas, the island of Jamaica'. From the measures he had adoj)ted, that conquest appeared certain of success ; the troops destined for the ex- pedition were ready to embark ; he was only wait- ing for gun- powder, which did not arrive. Another plan, conceived by this spirited governor, was likewise frustiated by the neglect of the French court. He was desirous of establishing a colony in Florida, in order that he might command ihe canal of Bahama, and seize the commerce of the Spaniards. To accomplish this undertaking, he re- quired only the moderate revenue of the island of Tortugas. France disdained to receive his project. She was at that time governed by the celebrated minister Colbert, lowborn tl.e French were hidebled for the superiority of their manufactures during the seventeenth century, and who was doubtless, in this respect, the benefactor of his nation ; but who, as far as colonies, navi'j;ali('n, and commerce were concerned, did not peih.ips entertain ideas much ^ superior to the narrow conceptions then prevalent. .1' '^^ -m ^CtrtJM :-:r.-.^' 'Sm ,1 4 r. f' ?>• ;• mi::. '4 k • • • .V * eI CO histohy of the pinATEs. In his estimation, the interests of colonics were iin- woithy the solicitudes of government, and iit sub- jects t)nly for tlie cares of trading companies. It was a favourite principle with him, that, provided these companies had their immunities, they could ijot mistake their oun advantages ; and that, in at- tending to their own interests, they would subserve those of the nati(m. France, therefore, beheld with indifl'erence the English settle themselves in that part of Florida, which had been the j rofkir d to the necessity of adojjting serious steps, bi'fortunately these pro- duced no other effect than to destroy his popularity. Ships of war were dispatched to his as'istance ; but, after a few engagements, they were obMged to withdraw, without reducing the rebels to subm'ssion. At length they voluntinily returned to their iHity; observing that durii g this disturbance no foreign siuj>s arrived, and loreseeing that the continuance of this contest with the French government would also be attended with fatal consequences to them- selves, they therefore submitted upon conditions, which the goverjior, who was left alone, was happy to accc}-t. Exclusive of their pardon, they obtained ■^•^rii^-iifc**^! n^iii . ^ .,„^ ■i j i^i W^ i •• ^ ,0if n ' p, l /-^i!\: IflSTOllY OF TllK PIRATES. 51 •a free piivilcije for all rrencli ships to trade aloiiju; the coasts ot' bt. Domiii^^o and 'I'ortugas, on paying the company a duty oi and their animosity against the Spaniards had, in some measure, rendered them allies. From' the beij;innin(j:, this association had been formed by necessity. There were many articles necessary, both for tiieir profession aiul for their support, which could only be procured from abroad, — a method of obtaininij supilies that was attended with inconveni- ences; in order to remedy which, those Buccaneers' who were least disiiosed to follow a hunting life, betook themspKes to navisratinn. By this expedient they were enabled to fetch in their own canoes what-' ever they wanted. At first they procured supplies by means of exchange ; but as they could often find nothinif to barter or to purchase ; and as they even tailed in ohtnininc; purchasers for their hide,s, they, oftiner than once, had recourse to violent steps: •these gradually led them on to a piracy, which at first was limited, and wit-hin the bounds of moderation, but which was afterwards reduced into a regular system. These " Brethren of the coast," who lived to- gether in the g.reatest harmony, were divided into three classes ; the Bvccancer hvntcrs, who were few in number, and some of whom applied themselves to cultivation; these by way of distinction from the rest were termed hihabitants ; and the Free- booters, properly so called, whose sole occupation consisted in piraaj. This profesMon was a source of profit that possessed great attractions for vagabonds, whose element was the sea. In a short time a very great numbe» HISTORY or THE P1RATE«. 23 of seamen, collected from men of war as well as from merchant ships, ot ruiiiod colonists, and of other adventurers, without distinction of nation, of religion, or of lan!»ua<;e, joined themselves to the Frec-booters; who at length formed an assemblage of French, Eng- lish, Dutch, Portuguese, and other Europeans, united by one common interest, — plunder. The Spaniards only, whose treasures were the chief object of cu- pidity, were excluded from the favour of admission into this armed association. This distribution of employment amonp; the Free- booters was, in the begiiniing, etl'ected only at Tortu- gas, and along the coasts of St. Domingo. At lirst indeed they were settled in the French island of St. Christopher ; w hence they sallied, inider the governor's protection, with small ships, or some trif- ling cruises. In this situation, however, their exist- ence was very precarious. They afterwards cast their eyes on the island of Tortugas, which they took from the Spaniards, from its favourable situation for their purposes ; and which, in the hope of main- taining themselves there, they iixed upOn for their constant residence. In consequence of this local change, they acquired a considerable degree of stabili- ty, that greatly facilitated the enterprizes by which they subse(|uently distinguished themselves. The occupation of Tortugas, which was by no means a difficult task, was the more -attractive, because the whole northern coast of that islaml was inac- cessible to vessels of every description, even to canoes ; and also because there was throughout the southern shore only one port, or rather a safe road, the entrance to which was capable of being easily detended. As the Spaniards were so rich in colonics, they had scarcely noticed this dimii'.itivc island : ihcir garrison here amounted only to 25 men, who were without diliiculty driven away, as soon as these Pirates (who had just organized themselves) had detcrnnncd. to -■ -J* - ■ ■ ■ .■"■ .r' ' ■■!;, *•*.**;' ^m. 4 24 HISTOIIY OF THE VIllATES. #■ abandon St. Christopher, and settle themselves in Tortuuccaueoi's, repulsed the Spaniards with great loi'.s. Souietiiuo afterwards Levasseur was assassinated .'i^. !,,;*■!»';. assassinated insTOUY Ol' THE ri RATES. '25 by two French officers whom he had adopted, And who wished to get possession of tlie island ; but their plan was frustrated by the arrival of two men of war, under the command of the Chevalier dc Fontenay, who assumed the government of Tortu- gas, and cultivated a good understanding with the Free-booters, whose strength daily increased. The cnterprizes of these men were highly favoured ky the situation of their new acquisition : they were continually cruising along the coasts of St. Domin- go, 'where no ships could arrive or depart thence without being seized and conducted to their com- rades, whom they left on the following day, ill order to recommoncc their cruises. The Spaniards, it may be easily conceived, spared no pains to oppose them : they collected together a consiilerable body of troops, landed on the island of Tortugas, and, climb- ing up by a narrow path to an eminence that com- manded the small fort, they soon compelled the garrison to surrender. At fiist the Buccaneers were dispersed, but they speedily after returned, accompa- nied by their maritime allies, the Free-booters ; and, having disembarked from their canoes untlor covert of the night, they carried the foit by assault, and again became masters of the island. With the view, however, of preserving a protection, the necessity of which they felt, they invested the French gentle- man of Raussct, who has been already noticed, with the command of it ; and their choice was con- tinued by their powerful protector. Thus their singular conlederates contiinicd to pursue their adventures : even in the midst of j)cace they carried on their piracies, sometimes under the French flag, at others under that of England, according as their caprice directed, or circumstances required. The treaty of the Pyreenes seemed to put an end to their transactions, jet from this very laomcnt it is that we must dale their formidable activity.' In vain did the Spaniards present bitti.'r complaints ut . ■ + . • 26 HISTOllY OF THE PIRATES. Paris and London against the excesses, which those courts appeared at least to tolerate ; the latter in- variably replied, that " it was not as subjects to *' the kings of France and England that the French " and English Pirates committed their devastations; *' consequently that they might be treated with *' the utmost rigour; that no letter of marque had " been granted to them ; an.) that the governor of " the islands had received! :^ jnjst explicit orders " not to atVord them any assistance." In order, liowever, to give the more weight to this political mancEuvre, those governors were recalled, whom the Spanish court accused of favouring the Frce-booters ; but they were succeeded by others, who faithfully trod in the steps of, their predecessors, and who carried their measures to a yet greater length. The letters of marque which these Pirates suc- ceeded in procuring, were carried into effect to the greatest extent. As soon as they had obtained them, Uiey laughed at the treaties of peace that might have annulled them, and of which they pretended ignorance ; and these patents, which it was no easy task to per- suade them to surrender, imparted to their piracies a kind of legality. Thus they prolonged the period for which they had been granted until a new war broke out, and sanctioned their past as well as their future enterprizes. Farther, as France was at that time constantly at war, either openly or secretly, it was a circumstance of moment to that power to have in these distant regions bodies of intrepid combatants ; who, being supported without any expence to her, were productive of great advantages, even in a pecuniary point of view ; it having been decreed, with the formal consent of the French admiralty, that the tenth part of their booty should be delivered to the governor of Tortugas, or of St. Domingo. With the view, also, of increasing the mass of plunder, as well as in order to give an honourable appearance to the protection ail'orded by the French government, * !W' ''''t ,** TEH, s, which those the latter ixi- as subjects to hat the French • devastations; treated with )f marque had le {governor of jxplicit orders !." In order, this political led, whom the Frce-bootcrs ; who faithfully ors, and who length. i Pirates suc- o effect to the )btained them, at might have led ignorance ; y task to per- their piracies 'd the period il a new war well as their 2 was at that )r secretly, it )ower to have combatants ; encc to her, even in a decreed, with miralty, that delivered to bingo. With plunder, as ppearance to government, niSTORY OF THE PIRATES. 27 f •A.nA to legitimate the piracies of the Frce-booters, France procured them letters of marque from Portu- gal, who was then engaged in war with Spain. Jn a .sliort space of time, therefore, the island of Tortugas became a real colony. A great number of French- men came and settled there : from that period, as had been the case at St. Domingo, the hunting of wild cattle and boars was relinquished, and the Buc- caneers renounced their occupations, the majority of them uniting with their former allies the Free-booters, and applying themselves to navigation. Several families from Bretagne and Anjou crossed the seas : they were followed by detachments of young Frenchmen, who were attracted thither by the twofold allurements of plunder and of n>urriage, andf who came to share the fortune of the Free- hooters ; so that the number of the latter was daily augmented. This concurrence of circumstances secnu'd to en- Aoble their piracies, and thus ranked them among the most lawful of military enterprizcs. Great numbers of colonists abandoned their useful and peaceable oc- cupations, and procured small vessels, that they also might enrich themselves by cruising, in junction with the Free- hooters. As, however, it was difficult to meet \Vith vessels of this description, they ventured out in their armed canoes, with view of seizing sohie ship proper for their purpose. Their favourite plan was to station themselves near Cape Alvares, in order that they might observe the Spaniards, who were ap- proaching these latitudes laden with provisions fop the Havanna: it was attended with the most com- plete success. By this expedient they seized a considerable number of vessels richly laden, and conducted them to Tortugas, where they disposed of the entire cargoes to European navigators. Thus also they were enabled to provide them'jelves with every necessary for which they had occasion, and to under- As soon as they had sometimes ako tlhciii take more exchanged extensive cruises, their canoes, and il ■.j. 'i *i « i i.t' y l.j j^i-' i upon another, to sleep ; and yto the inclem- all the dangers 1 so narrow a f nourishment, an sened only order to better s. Tormented heir frail skiffs, calculated nei- trength of the ley were about )ry ; of which bey gained it, )f attack they ig they board- he appearance danger : the el was theirs, heir reception, Ificient to sink ly manoeuver- es they never ys advancing turned round jnners, which The certainty vhose valour sure of vic- defence. In- compassion nder; for it irritated by ng the con- edible, that nued series celebrated MISroUY OF THE PIRATES. 33 banditti of Italy, evince a strong attachment to the external practices of r ligion. Such, however, was tho case ; previously to an*/ engagement they per- formed their devotions ; , praying fervently, and severely beating their breasts, iis though they were sincere penitents : afterwards tliey were mutually reconciled, asked each others pardon lor any offences they might have given, and embraced each other, to evince their unanimity. Accustomed to live in the woods,, and less addicted lo plunder, the Buccaneers were, in some respects, bt'tter than the Free-booters ; from whom they also differed, having more enlarged ideas of religion, and Sometimes performing the ceremonies of the church; while the Free-booters, though less vicious, scarcely paid any regard to religious doctrines or precepts. But this distinction ceased when the union of those two classes took place. All the cotemporary writers who lived with them (and some of whom even participated in their pillage), concur in delineatmg these men as being more mischievous than any of the savage hordes of America that were most celebrated for their barbarity ; and they add, that they were in no res- pect distinguishable from ferocious canibals, except- ing that tliey boasted of a certain fidelity to each other, and that they abstained from eating human flesh. This portrait, however, is somewhat over- charged, as will be shewn in the subsequent part of this history. Piracy was a source of too much profit, and a protiession too congenial to the manners of these uncivilized men, for them not to devote themselves passionately to that pursuit. But in order to consoli- date their association, as well as to render the fruits of their extortions more secure, and likewise. to enjoy life after their own way, they deemed it expedient to establish a kind of order and agreement amons ihemsclv us hence originated the regulation, or ■ •^ ^ ji I ?•'■ ,4* Im 34 HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. V fOTt of code, which they swore to observe at their entCance into the society. They were utterly unac- quainted with the Scriptures, and confirmed their oaths by a cVoss. The regulation above mentioned was a very concise collection of laws, which, with a few trifling modifications, were adopted by all these floating republics. After the extinction of the Frec-booters, it continued in force among those Pirates who infested the remotest seas of Ameri- ca, during the war concerning the Spanish succes- sion. There are some articles in this code which arc worthy of notice : it commenced by establishing the principle of perfect equality, and of the rights which resulted from it ; and enacted that, in every circuMH stance of consequence, each Brother of tiie coMt should have the power of giving his vole ; that every one, in common with the rest, might claim an equal share of all the fresh provisions and strong liquors that should be taken, and make what use he pleased of his own share, unless a scarcity of necessaries and the interests of the community should require them to be given up ; which, however, could only be deternuned upon by a majority of votes. Farther, to prevent all jealousy, and every oc- casion of discord, no woman or young girl was allowed on ship-board ; and, if any individual dared to introduce a female in disguise, he was punished with death. The same penalty was inflicted on tjiose who deserted their ship, and also on such as abandoned their post during an engagement. A very severe punishment was likewise inflicted on pilfering. By some of the small republics which composed the society, the rigour of these laws was mitiga- ted ; while others, especially the French, carried their severity to a still higher degree. Among these laiic, whenever a comrade stole any article from another, they slit the offender's nose and ears, and conveyed him, not indeed to a desert island, but " 1 HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. 35 to some spot where his situation could not but bo deplorable. Whatever was so stolen, whether money or any effects belonging to the society, if it were worth only a single piaster, the thief was (what they called* in their language) marone ; that is, he was exposed on the shore of some desert promontory, or some island, with no other provision than a fusee, some shot, a bottle of gun-powder, and another full of water. AVhere the offence was doubtful, a jury was nomi- nated to try it ; in which case theie robbers, if they were English or Dutch, and of course Protestants, were obliged to make oath on the bible ; while the French and other Catholics swore upon the crucifix. Petty prevarications were punished by a judge, specially nominated by the maritime society, and who ordered the delinquent either to be bastin- adoed, or to be whipped. Often times, some of their bodies or smaller socie- ties, by a plurality of votes, enacted particular laws, which could not be generally adopted. This was done ft.xording to circumstances, which regulated these barbarians as constantly as the compass. Thus, at certain periods, drunkenness, disobedience of a supciior's orders, or the abandonment of a post, even when no enemy was near, was punished by the offenders forfeiting his share of the booty. While on ship-board, all battles with one another were rigorously prohibited. If any dispute arose, it was deferred till they returned to land, when it was decided by the sabre or pistol, in the presence of a sea-oiHccr, The antagonists first fired at each other, and if the shots missed, they resorted to the sabre. The party first wounded was declared to be conquered, and the duel was terminated. Every Free-booter was obliged to keep his arm?, viz. his fusee, pi!*tol, and sabre, in the best order. This was, to them, both a kind of luxury, as wdf as an object of emulation. For a pair of pistols ■ S6 IHSTOnY OF THE FIRATES. ; i •< ; i! - they gave ,€20 or £30 sterlini;, and wore them sus- pended from the shoulder, lubtened to bandoleers \\ ilh party-coloured silk. Conformably to their Inw, fire and candle were to be extinguished on ship-board at eight o'clock in the evening; at which time, all who were drinking were obliged to pour out the contents of their bottles and glasses upon deck. By another regulation they were prohibited from playing at cards or with dice, for money : but these two laws, the execution of which was intended to secure good order, were al- most always violated ; nor was it by any means an uncommon occurrence to see the commanders themselves set an example of their infringement, by excessive gambling and drinking. Each society determined in what manner they were to proceed on dividing the booty. Every Eree- booter made an agreement with his commander, in which he promised to obey the latter to the end of the cruise, on pain of forfeiting his share of plun- der ; and he was obliged to bind himself to the full performance of his compact by a solemn oath. In general these barbarians were not sparing of oaths. They were also made to swear, at the end of erery expedition, that they had appropriated no part what- ever of the capture to their own profit. In these contracts every one was obliged to become a party, and he that was able to write signed them. A treaty or bargain was made with the commander who advanced the preparations necessary foi> the cxpeditioii, for which he was reimbursed out of the produce of the captures. A similar stipulatii.n was made for all who were employed about the shij), for the surgeon, and for tlie master-carpenter. Those who where wounded, received an indemnity pro- portioned to the loss of their limbs : — for the right arm, 6\)(.) piasters, or six slaves ; for the left arm or right leg, 500 piasters, or five slaves ; for the left leg, 400 piasters ; for an eye or finger, J 00 HISTOTtY OF TUB PIUATES. 37 piasters, or one slavo. All tlicso indcmailicalioiiswcre levied (Ml the cajitures jjicviously to a partition : the captain had six shares, the other officers three, and some ol" them only two ; to the remainder was allot- ted a single share. The ship's apprentices received the worst treatineiit, havin"; no more than hall'a i'hare ahove their moderate wa^es. And, besides paitici- j)atino; in all the dani;crs and labours of navigati(.n, they were char;2;( d wilh setting Hre to such captured vessels as could not be disposed of at sea, or be brought into port iuv want (»!' seamen to conduct tUem. Exclusively, however, of this subdivision, tlicru were rewards for iliustii(Uis actions, ^\'h( ever hauled ilown the flag of a ship, and planted in its stead that of the Free-booters, that is, either iVench or Eni;- lish colours (under one (/f which they sailed, ac- cording to circumstances and the wishes of the ma- jority), received a bounty of fifty piasteis. At critical junctures, or when they were destitute of news concerning the enemy, he who succeeded in taking a prisoner, obtained a reward of one hundred piasters. There was likewise a premium of five piasters for every grenade thrown over th a ship was ready tor sea, every one attached to ihe expedition was, on the first signal, to repair on board, and carry a fixed quantity of powder and lead. Their provisions consisted of pork, and the salted flesh of tortoises ; of which they furnished theni i.ives with supplies in a very ex[ . liitious manner, olien dis- pensing with payment even in the very island w.'.ere they were protected. They marked, liurin^, night, E t 3 ,:-,««3':.it_ . / 38 HISTORY OF THE PIRATES, '^ '>-J those estates vlicres wine were kept, and summon- ed the keeper to deliver them a certain num- ber. The slightest resistance, on his part, was expiated by a speedy death : the terror inspired by these murderers prevented all complaints against them, and secured their impunity. Before they put to sea, it was a common prac- tice with them to make their will. Their custom was, for each to choose himself a companion, with whom he shared what he already possessed, and whatever the captures might produce. Those who liad wives and children, bequeathed only half their property to their comrade, the remainder being allotted to the taniily. All the young women, and such as had agreeable figures, who had the misfortune to become the prey of these monsters, were treated like beasts uj burthen : nor could they escape their ferocious tyranny but by suicide. Rarely indeed did it happen, that inno- cence and modesty found favour in their eyes : when several at once considered a lovely woman as their prize, they had recourse to the lot, in order to avoid all disputes. The winner took her to his home, and called her his wife ; but she continued not the less common to their brutal pleasure, and their unaninuty was by no means disturbed by jealousy. This spe- cies of fraternity received from them, as well as from the Buccaneers, the appellaticm of niatelotage. The Free-booters seemed scarcely able to devour or to destroy, with too much rapidity, the produce of their piracies : the moment they disembarked, they gave themselves up to the most sinjiular whims imaginable. They arrayed themselves in the most magnificent dresses, overloaded with lace and em- broidery ; they purchased the most costly stufis ; and thus exhausted the warehouses of Tortugas and .la- maica, however well stocked they might have been. During their drunken revels, they broke whatever foil into tlicir hands, plates and dishes, bottles and ..^Irt^ ..i>.-j" ' . J^j. ' 1. . o. ^,: I'f. . S'.'Jjf't, A'/. . ..,>. . HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. S9 vasps of every description. When representations were made to them of their extreme folly in squan- dering away, with such rapidity, riches that had been purchased at the cxpencc of so many dangers and fatigues, they replied : — '* Incessantly surrounded " by dangers, our situation is widely different from " that of other men. Let us live to day ; to-mor- " row we may be dead. What good will it serve " to be frugal ? We reckon our existence only by the " ■,'» '^i: ' ' 43 HISTORY OF THE PIRATES, CHAP IV. f< i JL iiV, origin ami commencement of the Frcc-boofers, Of Ui'cthrcn of the coast, ucre so inconsideral)le, as Hi fmt to excite no attention. With the exception oi' a few boats, they were destitute of every kind of ihjjii, even of the smallest description : they had lieitlief ammunition, pilots, nor provisions, and but Ijttk* knowledge of navigation ; and at length they wen* destitute even of money. But aU_ these wants Wfve Coinpens.ited by their intrepidity, which sur- mounted every obstacle, and which daily increased With ihcir successes. Oh their first appearance they formed small socie- ties, which, after the example of the Buccaneers, they termed Matelotagcs. In general, they united together to the number of twenty or thirty, pro- i'Mfml ttfi open boat, into which they crowded, and ettihjtfked upon a cruise. At first they confined ffu'HJselVi'S to giving chace to fishermens' boats and iUmW craft ; till, emboldened by success, they at- tiicked ships of every si^c, and even men of war. T'<<*if crc'vvs were admirably favoured by innumc- wble Jifitural havens, gulphs, and small islands, which were for the most part deserted, but which fll^ounded with provisions, especially fish, tortoises, IJlittihe birds, and excellent water. These islands were very easy of access for small embarcations, but tould Hot be ap))roached without imminent danger by htrge Vessels, and still more so by ships. 'i'lie I 'rce- hooters couunenced their organized pi- fiicies iihout tl;e year \G0'\ and continued their ii/eprcfldtioiis, with various ui. difications, till the end «f the soveiitccntli century : if to thesjc be added ^;.^-.: jA- HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. WU tlieir less importa ,t cntcrprizcs, their continuance :rd'y be cxtemlcd to tiie eighteenth century. rhe tii>: Free- hooters were only common Pirates, Little did they foresee that their successors would in a short time have the amlacity, openly, to brav« Spain, whose ]:)Ower was at that time so great, and even to render themselves formidable to all Sj)arjisli America. At the period now referred to, they abuu- Vest Indies continued their prin- cipal theatre of their depredations, so long as those latitudes afforded them protection. The island of St. Christopher, and afterwards those of I'ortugas, St. Dommgo, and Jamaica, were their accustomeri residences, or rather places of resort ; and their [)iracies weie confined to the American seas. Tortugas, in particular, was regarded as tlu'ir real place of abode ; the planters of which island (already belonging to France) were, from a false policy, Telt altogether to themselves, with very cir- cumscribed means, both i)f subsistence and of c(nn- merce. Being in the vicinity of St. Domingo, they were envious of its happyr situation ; and, in order to indenuiify themselves for their own uncomforta- ble condition, they gradually formed a system <-f piracy, the object of which was, to procure by force that subsistence which, they were denied by circumstances. j1 >I I « ' |I ■< ^ ' « il % Il l I m I r-..^-^. ^ ik:. i^lKt'-^- ■ TIISTOUY or THE PIRATE!^. A Frenchman of Dieppe, Pierre le Grand, (which name aiterwards became his heroic appellation), led the way in this course by a brilliant action, which excited emulation. He set sail with a pirate vessel, manned only by twenty-eight men ; and, at the ex- tremity of Cape Filburon, on the western coast of St. Domingo, met a Spanish ship, the crew of which amounted to upwards of two hundred men, and which was also mounted with cannon. She belonged to a fleet of merchantmen that were sailing towards Eu- rope, but having been separated from the rest, was peaceably pursuing her route. As soon as the Pirates perceived her, they swore, one after another, on the hands of their chief, that they would capture her or perish, and immediately sailed directly to her. The sun was setting when they boarded the Spanish ship armed with pistols ; in a moment they pierced their own bark in several places, which sunk almost be- neath their feet, with every thing it contained. The ferocious conquerors slew every one that resisted^ took possession of the magazine of arms, surprized the officers who were playing at cards in perfect security, and in a very short time made themselves masters of the ship. The Spaniards, who were thus unex- pectedly attacked, perceiving no ship near them, con- sidered these Pirates as demons that had fallen from the sky, and said one to another, ** these men are del: Us !"--Thoy surrendered without making any de- fence. By this adventure, captain Pierre made a cap- ture by which all his crew were suddenly enricli- ed. Not wishing to run the risk of losing again the wealth thus rapidly gained, he landed all the Spanish sailors that were not absolutely necessary to work the ship, and immediately set sail for France. lie returned no more to America; but the memory of his brilliant act! are for self-defence. Alexander pro- ceeded yet farther: in his opinion, it was of lit- tle use to defend ihemtelves ; they ought to inak^ .\ TflSTORY or TUB PIRATES. 4f an attack, and with his proposal they all coinci- ded. In the mean time the ship cast anchor: it was a Spanish merchantman, armed for war; whose crew were in want of water, which they had come to procure from that island,, where it was excellent. The oflicers were far from susjjccl- ing that any Pirates were there ; but, knowins; the treachery of the islantlcrs, they directed those, wh(» were to till the hogsheads, to advance with very great caution, and gave them an escort of their best soldiers, of whom they took the command in person. The Free-l>ooters observed the very great order in which their enemies marched, and that, from their su|)eriority of numbers, it was only by attack- ing thorn suddenly, that they could obtain the victory. Acconlingly they concealed themselves in a thick wood, whence they seized an opportunitj' of firing upon them. The Spaniards stopped to defend themselves; they looked around, but no person was visible : the species of arms, however, which had just been discharged, soon ccmvi need tbem with whom they had to contend. With a view, therefore, to gain time, as well as to escape the danger of the moment, and to draw their adversaries out of their inaccessible ambuscade, tlicy laid themselves flat upon the ground. The Pirates, who had been able to distinguish them, notwithstanding the thickness of the foliage, could not account for their sudden disappearance. Instigated by impatience, Alexan- der issued from his retreat in quest of the Spani- ards, being accompanied by a few of his men. Suddenly, his adversaries arose ; and, shouting hor- ribly, nished upon the Free- hooters; whose com- mander was advancing directly towards the Span^* ish captain, vi'hen a root of a. tree tripped up his feet, and threw him down close by the latter. The Spaniard, witliuut giving him time to rise, was about to sever Alexander's head with his sabre: F '*-v".*^*" ■'*/ 1.' ■»» ' . V •J-' -,1/ < i iji^W'U:^... ^ 'U;.:^ .U' dtl&A;* i.^f tr-' ■*■*■■ -<;,.-• ,,., vft: » IITSTOaV OF THE PIRATES, :f.^' \rdered his comrades to spare not n sinf^le individual ; — liis commands were punctually olx»yenfounded 1st ; and rcinainc(i pare not unctually on board, ut entcr- icn; sup- isIandtH-s, cannon, he Tice- vjctorj : ey array- ps, which iscd, they he shore, ps which that had ship, in •ey were greater account k'ith such ird only nen and r defeat )rs, they rs made arrived t series Je time ir fero- irrsTonY OF the pikates. ^1 Among their various chieftains, however, there was none who signalized himself more than Olonois, both by his astonishing actions, and also by his singular fate. He was a native of Sttbles d* Olonne, in Poictou ; whence he derived the only name by which he was known. At first, he was merely one of those uncivilized men whose occupation consisted in hunting wild cattle in the island uf 8t. Domin- go. By his boldness he had acquirere he found means to^aiu over some slaves, who joined him. At length \4 \ / »>,■ ,. • '.•'jf^^7~rT;'"*''-i': '.^.^ ■ i ii mSTORT Of THX PIUATXS. Jbe had the audacity to enter the tow» itself; Mvhef* several of his comrades were in iroos* and th« iohubitants of which were rejoicing at his death. Here he had tlic good fortune to continue unknown for some time, dmii^ v.' ich he incessantly pur- sued his plans. His new associates stole a boat, in which he escafod with tbcm, find fortunately regained the ittlaud tants, a frigate mounting six cannons, and manned with a crow of ninety men.. Four other small ships, well equipped, which were woatering at Puerto del Principe, in the island of Cuba, were to join this frigate ; and the plan of QloiM'is was, to all appearance, overturned wilh«jut resource. The gover- nor's order was, not io return without extirpating oil these ^'irales : he even exacte«'. -#'^'' n-'- \W iriSTORY O*" THE PIRATESi 50 Aill possession of the ship, Olonois made the prisoners ascend, one after another, and with his own hand cut off their heads, without sparing even the negro, who was to have served as an executioner: and (which makes one tremble with horror) as this monster cut off each head, he Hckec' his- sabre which recked with blood. One Spaniard only was spared, for the express purpose of informing the governor, tliat, ** in order to revenge himself for " the sentence of death which hud- b«en issued " against him, he would shew no mei*cy to any " Spaniard ; and that he hoped shortly to inflict *' the same fate upon Monsieur the governor him- ** self, into whose hands he was t'uWy aetcrmined " never to fall, win!.* alive." ' At the same time he promised, that the four vessels, which had been sent out against him, should by no means escape him : he therefore immediately sailed towards Puerto del Principe, where he met and captured them, without experiencing any re- sistance. At this place he could take no prizes, he found only what was sufficient for his exaspe- ration, — new vengeances to exercise. He caused the whole crew of these four ships to be thrown into the sea, and ran them aground upon the coast. Thus Olonois found hiAiself in possession of a considerable ship, but he was destitute both of eeamen and also of provisions. It therefore became necessary that he should think of a return : but, before he carried this idea into execution, he set sail tor the port of Maraciiibo ; in the vicinity of which he likewise captured a vessel richly laden ; and at lengtli resumed the road to Tovtugas.. '.f<- ■ 4 '"*****■'. / 54 HISTORY Of THE PIRAT|ljl. ,1 i.'^ ' ••( '"^ .-;;;!', rs.;1 h^ ;'. -^ ... ■; :?,:; * CHAP. V, ^.#' '.J; JFrom this period Olonois conceived vast pro- jects. He associated with another Free-bootcr, named B^sco, formerly an officer, born in France, but originally from Spain ; who bad for a long time served in the army, in Europe ; had afterwards acquired great wealth in America by cruising; and who at length had determined to give him*- self up to retirement. To complete his plan, Olonois had need of a man who was already known from his achievements, and especially of one who was skilled in war by land ; he therefore drew Basco from his inactivity. These two captains divided their forces, both" marine and military, which amounted to 6"oO men, and dispersed them on board eight ships armed with cannon. That of Olonois carried seven- teen } the remaining seven carried a smaller num- ber. The arms of the two commanders were, a mifsquc't, two pistols, and a sabre. The year l660 was the pcri'(i of that memor- able cntcrprizc, which was followed by several others pf the same descrijition. At first the two pirati- cal chieftains bont their course towards the west- ern shore of the island of St. Domingo, to Cape Engaiio ; where fortune, as usual, decided in favour pf these plunderers. Scarcely had they arrived there, when they perceived a Spanish ship' at ^ distance. Olonois left the whole of his flotilla be- hind, and advanced only with his own sliip. The Spaniards, who had seventeen cannon, and sixty soldiers, beside the crew, did not evade an en- gagement. The battle continued three hours, and terminated by the surrender of the ship ; M'hi^jh ['.^:^i . A^->i^■-.^i * ■ •j^.***. r*' , -k ■ ■ ■ ■ - -^ - > '■ . ■**>-~ / ' '"'^^^.' '■':-': ■':'w a HISTORY OP THE PIRATES. 55 was laden with I00,000lbs. of cacao, 40,000 pias- ters in silver, and precious stones to the value of ten thousand. In the mean time the other barks had taken possession of another ship, niouniiiu; eight cannons, and laden with powder, fuseos> and chests of money, that was intended for the garri- son of St. Domingo. They afterwards set sail for Maracaibo. This town belongs to the province of Venezuela, and is situated on the shore of an extensive lake; the number of its inhabitants amounted to Ave or six thousand, who carried on a considerable trade. The avenues to this place were protected by two islands, and by the fort of La Barra, erected be- hind a sand-bank ; near which the lake, whose cir- cumference exceeded sixty leagues, discharged itself into the sea, after receiving the waters of seventy rivers or currents. The Free-b^oters landed at some distance from the fort ; the commandant of which was on his guard, and had sent a large detachment in quest of intelligence. liis soldiers were placed in am- bush, but- were detected ; part of them were slain, and the remainder defeated. One only escaped, and conveyed the fatal news to the lort ; which Olonois immediately ordered to be asbuuUed. It stood on an einincnce, and was garrisoned by two hundred and fifty men, protected by large bastions and seventeen cannon of considerable bore ; with which the Spaniards annoyed the asbailants. These, indeed, had no other arms than their sabres and pistols ; yet, in four hours, the fort was carried, and the whole of its garrison cut to pieces, 'iliis event being communicated to the pirates' lleet, by signals, they approached the city of Maracaibo, which was six marine leagues distant trom the fort. / ! vThe utmost confusion prevailed there; the arri- val of the Free-bootcis being anuouiiced by the fug» I ■• «••'■■ ^m^ 1 »■ , ' *. "■ " ■^*?r*';^^*#Htt**^-----r " ' ■" :.^MM^'^::i:Miii^M-t^..'-4t^d^^ ki»i;:s:.^:*i«3tr*'si*.A. ':'r«ift kv^Md^ ■ -..-„■■ ,J 'Pi w 50 lft*lTORY OF tllE PlttAT«y. t?ve«» The inhabitants, who had already received ft ilfflMftr tisjt, and who knew they had eveiy thing to (ippfd'hend from those plunderers, were in the preoteftt consternation. Tlic-y thought of nothing but thdr safety. Several hundreds rushed intd hmt§f together with their wive?, children, and pro- |»erty, in order that they might take refuge in the town of Gibraltar, which was forty marine leagues >4i$taiit< 'Ihe remainder saved themselves in the woods; even the aged and the stick were carried •way ', §0 that the place was in a moment deserted by all h» inhabitants, who left there tlie chief part W tlieJr property and articles of trade, togetlier with iffllttt^sc stores of bread, meal, salt- meat, game, wine, flfld bfflndy. The I'Vee-booters, however, who were now more * pfttdent than covetous, were some time before they 6§QUftQ,imd the vast prize which awaited them. Th*!y were busied in making arrangements • that W«re wore pressing. With this view they com- pl«?t*'jy destroyed the fort of La Bona, spiked the emnaUf hmut every thing that was not poitable, feurj^d their dead, and caused the wounded to be $Mm(\ on ship-board ; after which their detach- metits, having assembled together, marched into Mfifac'^lbo. What was their surprize, on behold- IHg thai extensive town entirely deserted ! They took possession of the best houses, established posts, iiWtl lintdc the largest rhurch tL.'ir principal guard- hoMSi ; and their eagerness, which liad been excited by M many fatigues and by Jong privations, found fttnple gratification in the great abundance of pro- fkktm that ha?! been left behind. i)n the following day six hundred Frce-booters W»*r(? fei*nt into the woods, in quest of fugitives ; they returned the same evening, bringing witli tbt*Jn twenty prisoners, several mules laden wirti phinder, «nd twenty thousand piasters. Some of fbi* prisoners were put to the torture, in ord<*r ^^Kttrir' ' -^«^-'l # ,>jt^- '«ilB» '"■^ci**?-'-' ajJ|rW(«« / wme, HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. bf that they might confess where their countrymen had concf'aled their elietts. The barbaroufi Olo- nois pushed his cruelty so far as to massacie one of them, to intimidate the vest ; but the unt'oiluuata wretches had nothing to dihclose. The fugitivuM had carried with them all their gold and »ilver| and had withdrawn further into the woods; where, being protected by forts and soldiers, ihey thought themselves tolerably secu4C. IJut nothmg could escape the rapacity of these plunderers, who, after residing fifteen days at JMaracaibo, determined t'J march towards CiibnUtar. Informaiion of their resolutions was op(>ortunely conveyed thither, and peparations were made for their reception. Tliat town carried k>\\ an extensive trade in to- bacco, and in its vic'inity was produced the belt cacao in America; it was situati'd on the bttore af a beautiful late, in a fertile plain covered with acajou trees, and watpied by several rivers. On one fcide ran a va'st cLain of mountains, called the mountains of Gibraliar: at the back of tl)C»o lofty mountains, which were always covered with snow, there were several towns, the largest and nearest was Merida. I'his was the Uhual place of resort of all the people of k)itune in Gibraltar, during the rainy seiison, which was extremely un- healthy ; so ttmt only artisans and the pooreht classes of people continued to reside there. '1'Imj unfortunate pei-sons, who had lied bet'ore the l-'reo- booters, came there to seek an asylum near tho inhalMtants of Merida, whose hospitality and assist' ance they implored. 'I'heir entreaties were not in vain. The govern(»r, Merteda, was a ve! 'An soldier, who had acquired fame in the Flemish wars, and who came in pci'son with four huiulred men well armed, to whom uore added an equal imni* ber of inhabitants from '^^-ibraltar. These cijiht hundred men hastily erected batteries ou, the sea poast, rendered impassable a deep roa. q\\ tho m |i-;^»UjE:-,i^r*'«r^ ^>!.,'\./ i^.Xt • / 58 msTonv ar TifB piiiati«. ^i,: m land side that led to the town, and opened a nc^ passage through the woods across a marshy coun- try. In this situation they awaited tlic aivjaoach of the rrec-bootei*s ; who, tmsuspicnns uf those preparations for their rccqilion, Inul ennbaikeO for Glbraltai, together with their priaoiKtiK and d' their plunder. Their Hect had~ been th;f;e days on theii' pas- sage, whfch was approaching to an end. The Frce-bootofs saw before them tl *; town, as well as the numcrfHis country residences with which its vicinity was decorated. Bvtt, on beholdiaj, \\m merisurofi whit'h had bvfn tjikcn for its dcfcncOj--- the.'nlrenchnients cut in the giound, inundate ' "dds, hollow roads, and bfttterii.>i,-- ihoy ( xpeiionced, f<»r some moments, a sensation which to them was «.!*tf,othev novel and unknown. They were struck wall a pa*Hc» for which Olonois deemed it necessary r.i. nnd a speedy remedy. He tlierefore immediately called a councii of war, and fairly represented to his comrades their real situation, — '* We cannot *^ dissemsbk/' said he, ** the success of our enter- '' prize is opposed by great difiioulties : the Spa- ** niards have had time to put themselves on the " defensive. They have large bodies of soldiers, '* many cannons» and doubtles* abundance of am- *' munition, Bup this is oik no consequence, comrades ; " lot U5 Kut lose our courage. We must defend " ourselves like brave men ; or we must lose, with " our lite, these treasures which have cost us so " much labour and blood. Here, however, a rich " proy is waiting for us. Fix your eyes on your " chieftain, and follow his example. There was " a time when, with much inferior forces, we hav^ " conquered emmies far more numerous than those " wc must slMit up in this town. And alter all, " the more they are, the greater will be our glory. *' and the rich'^r will be our booty." This ^lort a,d«ircs8 from a chk " ain, who kne^ > ' 't' ^^r'jr^i' \-' ' "y-rtr-s-; -■- t ■";■•"■', enter- , with us so a rich |)n your re was |\c hav*; n xiSToar OF the pirates. 59 what kind of men he had under his command, and who was acquainted with the mode of awakening their passions, produced a decisive effect. They ' all swore to folUiW him, even to deuih. In general, the Frcc-bootcrs were less apprehen- bive for their lives, than for the loss of their riches, whether In possession or expectancy : for, lu'ro, ihey tlu)ught to find accumulated all the weaitli of Maraciiibo, Gibraltar, and the whole of the neigh- bouring countries. IJchold them, thin, ready to brave every danger. Olonois replied to their oath in the following energetic manner : — *' I.rf vs march " on, then ; but take especial care what you arc ^ i-!oing to do, IVhoeter, from this iituwciit, Jirst ^* bctraiis ihe least fear, dies bt) my oxen hand !" Three hundred and eighty men disembarked be- fore sun-rise.; whose arms consisted of a short sabre ur cutlassL, pistols, and powder and shot for tliirty charges. They shook each other by the hand, as a mark of courage, and commenced their march under the conduct of a guide, who was devoted to .them ; but who, being utterly ignorant of the measures a(U>pted by the governor, led them to the hollow rt)ad, through which they could not pass. They wished to take another route acKoss the marshy wood ; but theyfound thenjselves knee- deep in water, and expected every moment to be drowned. From this embarassment, however, they extricated themselves, by cutting the bushy bran- ches, which consolidated the earth, and advanced; being incessantly fired upon from a battery that f ufiladea the road. Many fell beneath the fire of this artillery; who, with their expiring breath, ex- horted their comrades to continue their march, and assured them of victory. At length the brigands reached the wood, and found solid ground. They then hoped lo advance with less difficulty ; but fcudd dy ^bey wei^ exposed to another battery of tw»')} ' gum^, vhitli cleared their first ranks, Tlicy •^jl^,^^ j^^lfajy'j^yj^^^-- . i.fc^l^t^MlM^a-iStlj' ' f ?■'■'■ .is^.' ¥,' €^ HISTORY OF TUB PIltATES. were obliged to retwaf, and re-entered the marshy' road, where the first battery was stiU waiting to gall them. Olonois had not participated in the trifling di^gractf* of this retrograde march : with a band of men he had penetrated as far as the bottom of the fort. But all their courage was useless : without huldcrs, it was impossible for them t«) mount U|»nn the bas- tions ; they had only to perish in this situation, and were every one in <1espair but Olonois. That intrepifi chiefttdn, however, over whom the fear of death had loht its [)o\ver, preserved all his presence of mind, even at this dilJicuU crisis, and conceived a military stratagem, pretending,^ together with his nien, to betake themselves to flight. The Spaniiirds, who had all their forces concen- trated at this point, thought the moment an-ived when they could by a single blow exterminate their ferocious enemies ; in order to pursue whom they abandoned the fort. The scene now changed : the Frce-booters, observing the batteries to be silent, and that they could make use of their cut- lasses, turned suddenly round, and furiously attacked the Spaniards. They had to avenge the death of their comrades ; their rage was boundless ; and they slew every Spaniard their hangers could reach. The rest were pursued into the woods, while a body of Free-bor>ters rushed into the prin- cipal fort, of which they took possession. The Span- ish soldiers, who were guarding the other fort, surrendered vyithout resistance, on the sole condition of having their lives spared. Upwards of five hundred Spanfards fell this day, beside those who were wounded in the town, and those who went into tlm woods to breathe their last. In these bloody engage- ments nearly all their officers were slain ; and here the governor himself terminated his honour- able career. Neither Ohmois nor Basco were wounded; but they lott a considerable number of "'Htggt'Jit 1 *)■ ■A -i HISTORY OP THE PIRATES. these 61 llieir brave comrades ; forty the spot, and sixty-eight were wounded, most of whom died in consequence of their wounds, for want of due attention. Those who survived such dearly bought success gave thenist^lvcs up, with their accustomed frenzy, to tl»e delirium of victory. Thoy had taken fifty prisoners, whom they shut up in the principal church, together with a grent number of women and chiUJrcn; and five hundred slaves also formed part of their booty. In order to get rid of the dead bodies of their enemies, they loaded two large ships that wer« out of service with corpses, which were conducted to the sea, and there sunk to the bottom. \ The city was afterwards regularly plundered. What- ever was valuable, or capable '»f being carried away, was collected together. Ihis business occu- pied the Free-booters four weeks, during which interval most of the prisoners perished with hun- ger : for their ferocious conquerors had carried on board their own ships the remaining stock of pro- visions ; and a little ass's flesh constituted the whole support of these unfortunate persons. Tli« women who, either voluntarily or by compulsion^ served to gratify the brutal lust t-r the Pirates; received better treatment ; and the desire of l»f*i induced nearly all to surrender themselves. Beslda this, the prisoners were tortured in every possible way, in order to compel them to reveal the places where their own effects, together with those of their fellow-countrymen, were concealed. In vain did they plead their poverty, or their jgnoranco. A great number of them expired amid the most cruel toitures, Olonois, who could never be satisfied either with success or with plunder, antl who was incessantly aspiring after new dangers, wished to penetrate forty leagues up the country^ us far a« the city of Merida, I ' .--A..- '. -r^ .^:. "'^^M • * •>.■ >. ' i "■• u S'.- ■■\,- -.51 63 IlIBTOnV 0» THIS PIRATES. 4 This bis coinpai)ions in arms positively refiisiKl ; ho therefore submitted. A lonj^er rckidcncc on tho thoatre of th«ir slaughter would buvc l)ecome fatul, After dliiposing of the bodies of the sluin, they no longer t-rjijMod themselves with those who, on both lidi •, '. ■/ (lead of their woundu. Some inde, 'rhjs disgusting negligence, beneath ^o hot 9, eli« Umic, produced a contagious distemper, which at» |ack()d H groat number of these ferocious conque* rors, some of \\i}\o*y .,,i;(i bu' Ionl;j, while .other* beheld their wounds rcropcn. They ail sftw the press, ing necessity of quitting this country ; previously-, liowever, to their departure, they sent four Qi theiv piisoners into the woods, to summon the fugitive Spaniards to pay, within two set the town on fire, At the pressina instances of the Spaniards, who pronuscd lh<»t the ransom should ho paid, the fi>o was sMspcndcd j efforts were even mpdo to distinguish iht- flatnes, >vhicb hnd Already continued six hours i the firo }\ad consumed grept part of ihp town, end Iho principal church, At length the pwm required Rrrived, together with fi Vflnsojio cjttrnordinftry fop the prisoners, From thfvt mpmpnt the Fimten embarked with rU their booty, carrying with them nil the slaves who hod n<>t ' been redeemed, ftn4 returned tp Mftracaibo, T!>e Inhabitents hod re- tpntfc'tJd that plftce i U»eir dpsp^iir was re-awakened at the return pt the Free-bpoters j who informed them, that, unlesp they p^ld withput deUy thirty thPU8&a4^ piasters, their town should bo plundered ft«pew, wid efterward* reduced to flshe^, The inhftbltwi^s c«t» pUalftted, md made itn offer of twenty thousftud ^iftbtcTii ftnd fiv: hundreds cowi| which tender wm .-i.. 1 .. *«« , _-,^!S*C*-^ K Z,'.-r--^l* '1*" ' -^ ^ . * :% MlStOttT or Tlt» »lllATtl. Ci RCtfcpted. In ortlor, however, to occupy their IcisuW hionients, while they were waiting tor the result of these dcUberationS) the Free-bouters landed and plun* tiered the churches \ whence they Curried the pic- lures, ornaments^ rclics) cruciHxes, and even thd bells, The whole was deposited on board rhcif ships. On this occasion they were not animated by the thirst of plunder, but (as they tlu)Ughl; by ti pioUs motive. They were desirous ot erecting A rhapel on the island of Tortugas, and the hapless Spaniards defrayed the e.\ pence of its decofatioJu At k'iiglh the miisyirt wdi paid) tttitt th@ i>'t^ii>hbyteii Tb@y look ihelr routf hy the iilftnil of Avaeb^t OR the south of %\, Domingo i it was inhftblted by the yuceaneem, who lived tnere in tMlerable peaeei ami under wboie nroteetion the Free-booteri ibera found A itaple. it was at tbii pl^ce they supplied tliemielves with meat, for which these wild hunteri made tliem pay dearly} and here they proeeeded, ai toon ai they arrived, to divide the bouty ; after every man had placed his fingers on a eruciflx, or a bible» and renewed the oath of having stolen nothins. The value of this plumler, exclusive of the moveables which were destined for pious purposes, amuunted to 36'0,QOO piasters $ of which each Free- booter, that had not boon wounded, had one hun- dred for his portion. The shares of the dead wcro set apart, in order that they might be delivered to then- jvcirents and friends. i\fter this division, Olo* nois with his lieet set sail for his usual retreat, the island of Tortugas ; where two French ships, laden with wine and brandy, had just arrived. With this supply of strong liquors, the produce qf so many pillages and dangers and cruelties was in a lew weeks consunie:l. In a short time Olonois prepared himself ibr a new expedition, for which he destined six vessels Biaiined by seven hundred men, three hundred, of ■■■ 'i*" .1i^ 0^ ■ ■.*:]..if a im im t m > - .. • «»• 64 ». • ■*•■- \. BISTORT or THE PIRATT". whom were on board the principal ship, commantl- cd by himself. His intention was to return to Ni- caragun, but the fleet had to contend with contrary winds ; it was successively becalmed for a long time, and tossed about by violent tempests, and at length was driven into the l)ay of liunduras. The Free- Looters began to be in want of provisions ; to pro- ^ cure a supply of which they made some descents alon? the bay, and pillaged some villages, but could not obtain a sufficiency. They arrived at Pucrto- Cavcllo, where the Spaniards had a staple for mer- chandize. Here the Free-booters found a forty-guti ship of war, unprepared for action, which they took, almost without opposition ; and, having landed, they reduced all the warehouses and dwelliDg houses to ashes. t The articles thus consumed were cochineal, indigo^ hides, sarsaparilia, &c. which had been deposited at Puerto-Cavello, and were destined for Guatimaln. "What did these barbarous depredators now dof As they could only load themselves -with the valu- able metals, with diamonds, and similar precious articles of small bulk, they, conformably to their horrible practice, tortured the inhabitants, in or- der to compel them to disclose where they had concealed their efiects. Of a great number their tongues were torn out of their mouths ; while others were massacred, after having suft'cred the most ex- quisitely cruel punishments. Olonois spared two only, that they might serve him as guides towards the city of San Pedro, which was twelve leagues .i^ — HISTORY OP TUT. riRATEti 65 Id- ry th wore protected by a thick wood. The advnntft^c artorded l)y this position could luit save tliein. I'lio- lirst step taken by the c<»ainuinder of these rob- bers, was to kill his two guides, notwithstandinj; they were utterly ic;n'>rant of the ambuscade. Ilo then rushed instantly uj)()n the Spaniards, of whont a few only cscajietl ; the reiuuiiuler fell upon the spot, evfii the wounded beinj; cut to pieces bv tho barhcMous Free-booters. Olfjimis, however, sparciC tlie lives of a fow prisoners, in order they that inii^ht shew him sonic other road leading to San Pedro y : -e t*vo forinidablo bodies. In fact he fell upon both detachments,. which he successfully repulsed with some loss» Notwilhstan(lin>i; the Free-booters were ready to fall with fatigue, their resolution continued to supjwrt tlieni, anil they pursued their march. At lengtli they reached a wood, which was only two small leagues distant from San Pedro ; here, tormented by fatigife, hunger, and thirst, they halted, and spent the night. On the following day they approached the city,. \vhich they found had been carefully forthind. It was entirely surrounded with a thorny hedge, the sharp points of which vvcrc much more dangerous- than the cultrops usually employed to k;ep otf caval- 'Sri.' r- ■.■*>««>«(•«%, -•-^ •'I V'-. A: .*■,' - v." vas extremely rash, and utterly impractical)le. In fact, to the inconvenience resulting from the great- ness of the distance, weie added, not only the diffi- culties of the road, but also the means of defence which ^Quatimala possessed, in its vast circumference and its well appointed garrison, amounting to up- wards of 4,000 men. Thus had Olonois the mor- tification to sec his ideas thwarted by the coinpft* ''*i # * "I ^1 ;;;-;^:,'' ■ii * f 'HI I' H ^-'^-— ■— - | Mq»i'i'?«|ii3A. - '-^«.:».-;i»ft4i.~ . .»— ~,^«t»»^,ji. - ■■£)■■ ^:- ^ HISTORY OF THE PIAATES, nions of his ravages, who wcrc loss extravagant thaa l^iisclf. They continued sixteen flays lon4cr at San Pedro, whence they carried away every thing tl»at was portable^ and on their departure set the city on ^ The Pirates regained tlieir ships, with plunder to a considerable amount: but as they could nut yet remedy their want of necessaries, they were obliged not to withdraw, but to resort to the different islands wh|ch were in the vicinity of the bay. With the sole view of procuring piovisions, the} undertook a cruise in the peninsula ot Vuc.itiin, placing two ca- noes upon the iook-out. I'Ik^ caus»lit abundance of tortoises ; to take which, their industry prompt- ed tljeui to make nets with the fibrt)us bark of cer- tain trees. The produce of tlieir fishery was sulticient to place them above the reach of hunger. Lach ship cruised on its own account, being solely occupied in supplying provisions for its crew. Olonois i»im- self cruised apart with his (>\vn vessel. In this* bay they continued upwards ot three months. Here he waited for a richly laden Spanish ship, of whose near arrival he had been mftanicd : it wns one of those very capacious vessels which were every year dispatched from Spain to Guatimala wiih a cargo consistiiig of the finest productions of Europe. At length the ship ajjjiearcd in sight, bui under a very formidable aspect, beir.g prepared fo) an engagement, and carrying fifty-six cannons, besides several other sorts of hre arms then in use, a great quantity of ammunition, and three hundred soKliers. Without waiting for the rest of his fleet, Olonois impetuously attacked the Spaniard with i is own ship alone, which carried twenty-two guns. His enteqirizing boldness v>as this time frustrated ; the Spaniards defended themselves with courage, repulsed the Pirates, and obliged them to retire. The Frec-booters, nevertheless, persisted in their undertaking. Favoured by a thick fog, Olonois, 1: ■■■ "-i'-^'-M m-- ■■jTrvifgiti ..Ht^v #■ ^A, J,..^i 69 *. ifllSTORT OF THE PIUATE*. *■ without being perceived, filled four boats with hi» intrepid companion-, and, having joined them, he iti a moment boarded and took the ship. 7"he victors, however, found to thoir great regret that there had been sufficient time to send oft" the chief ])art of her cargo ; and lluit the vessel aftordcd them a prize of little value. The cargo, indeed, was reduced to a few chests of manufactured merchandizes or bar iron, and two thousand bales of paper ; upwards of one million of ;^iasters had boon landed. Ail these troops of robb.Ms were in dtjspair, on thus socinj; their calculati(ms frustrated ; especially such as hatt recently enrolled themselves in the very speedy ex- pectation of a rich booty, and who, liavina, till this moment experienced nothing but wretchedness,, were extremely discontented, and wishcil to return. The veterans, however, declared they would rather die than leave these latitudes, without making some capture. Olonois thought he might seize this circumstance, in order to call a council of war, and again pro- pose the expedition to Guatimala. This was the siijnal of total, discord : a division look place amonlii ife %Wiiii^*k^.w _^..:a.. '•■|r.-i|M^i ./ f pro- file to- ivirh- |jtc>rs and iund HISTORY OP THE FIRATBt. fy •n a sand ban!;, and, though nearly all the Pirates on board were saved, this accident overtumed all their plans of pillage, and compelled them to dis- perse in various directions. In the mean time Olonois continued with hit partisans, on board-a large ship in the bay of Hon- duras, cruising in every stay behind. The lot decided who were first to go; and those on wlium ,il fell embarked with Olonois at their head. 1 \ <■) I I ""■^y^ l-*-^- ,: ■• ■.JV. ..•«^'^.- 1. ^"•: **i i •.".'^ ■.'■' .'* - ''Wf ' J" ^^^ ^^''M^vAitam .. I v,.V r'"'' \ ! fO InstditY o* ttift MtiAttS. But tfic good foriune of that chieftain was tipJ Jjftfttntly exhaustedi Scarcely had they teachect the fiver 8t. John, whon t])Cy were "attacked oh every side by the Spaniards, who were rc-ihtorted by the ♦leighbouring Indians. These savages had, by thcii' ^OHltigc, inspired the Spaniards with a deitrcc of ^iteeiti^ and were by J hem called hs Indioc braVoa t the *'ombined attacks of. these two kinds of enemies Were ifrfsistible ; and the greater part of the FreC* hooien fell on the spot. OloOois atid a few othf'fs sltrvJvdd this defeat. iJhdJfiitiiiyed by the fevefse of fot-tuht*, he did b< t ti^tii)di)H the plftH ef etipfaping seme vesi^'ls, fof the mfpum ©f rpiebiiig hii eomrftdes, a^fl, with thi» Itlt^ntion he m m\ for the ?©R8l ©f CftrthapienRr B«t hi« l»«l hour had RPrivod. Having Uw\m ©iv lh« torrltdpy ef Darien, he wai attadieH by tht Iinll»n» hihabltlng th«t distfief, who wefe ©ne ©f th« moMt li0r©«i©iii hsrdei ihorouuhQUt Ameriea) they imk him priioner, flayed hini alive, and r©aitei Bfl(l duvoured hii meniWi, The ffltyority ©f hf» ttbl'ortimflte eofflpaniena received tha tame tftat* mmHf and »eme were even b«Ytit alive. A very ••wall number only survived t© carry the Informatteii tit the duplornble end ©f this celebrated chieftain^ whom wy miuht commisemte, if he had not dishea- mifml his vnloiu* by the most odious cruelties, '^ The Froe-booters who remained at Las Perfft»y (or » long time expected the return of tiieir friends^ ttfld it may be conceived with what impatience. At ienufhi after waiting six months, they perceived a pirate slrp approaching^ which did not form part of their flotilla, but which belonged to their tribe. I hey were t:ikcn on board, and in company witiv their new comrades wont in quest of fresh advert- tt»re«. They all landed at Gracias-(}-Dios, and as- eetKled the river in their canoes : but the inhabitants hild time to roach the interior of the country, vhither they carried all their eftects and provisions. I *»• ^^ / ^u U tg mf i W UK Wi ■»*» i* * 'H > " At ed a It of \V1 tU iven- 1(1 AS- Btants jions. IIIITOJVV OF TUB PlRATIt*, f% In consequence of this step, the Freo-bootors wtTn involved in the most terrible distress 5 for t>uine timo they wandered along tho shores a prey to fa;nin<>, ftntf rcdueod to the ncc'ssity of devouring tho h litht r pf their shoes, and the sqr*bbards of their sword-^, Of these pirates a small number only escaped ; iho re« ini|,inder were starved to death j or, havin({ dis!)er«(>4 themselves over the shore, were gradually mattsuvtiHi by (he inhabitants, who ha5l returned thilhei'. The following outline comprises jn a few wordi the history of ail the other bodjosof Free^booterH!-"* boldly to attack bir'e of all these events would only producy i\h>m gust, were wo nn'mtely fo pourtray tlicse vui'iom lierdps of Pirates, It will be sufficient to present (u the reader the most characteristic ti^its of their rob- beries, vyhlch we cannot venture tu term cxpltjitsj this we shall attempt in the following chapters, witlu put restricting ourfcclvos to cx.act clironological order, from which some deviation must at least bo ntu4w in ft nsriRtive vi this descriptiun, % „■«,; , "'W.I ii?A [I 1 '( 11 i i 1 ^«:.. fi.' ,*i2^^ ^. i. . f^'' \ ^\ : 1,. !. 'ft i^V.. '* ^ \ V VH.--. s iV'' ,(• "• 72 t-]-;}' niSTORY OF THE PIRATE . •v>i ,J CHAP VI. ... f ■-■i ,^4 One of the most important entcq>rizcs undertaken by the Free-booters, was that which they achievc'd in l683, against the o'^ulcnt city of Vera Cruz, and in which they displayed equal prudence and boldness. Both from its object, and also from the consequences it produced, this event indeed Uolongs more particu- larly to general history. Van Horn, a wealthy inhabitant of Ostend, hav- ing obtained letters of marque from i'lc governor of Tortugas, joined the Free-booters ; and connected himself with two of their most able commanders, — GrammoHtj a Frenchman, and Laurent de Graft, who was a native of Holland. — These three extraor- dinary men, who conceived and executed the design of pillaging Vera Cruz, are worthy of some parti- cular notices, which will also serve to place the astonishing society of Free-booters in a clearer poiRt of view. Van Horn was originally only a common sailor, who was an excellent steersman ; and who, faithfully adhering to the manners ><)/ his country, had by rigid economy accumulated some hundreds of piasters. With this money he entered France, obtained letters of marque, and fitted out a small ship, whose crew amounted only to twenty-five men ; and to which, the better to conceal his intentions, he gave the ca- pacity, f<)rm, and internal arrangemeiit of a fishing- boat. As this tioip of licenced Pirates had no can- nons, t^'cy could only attack by boarding. At that time France was involved in a war with the Dutch. ' IC may be easily conceived that such a **. > !•.' •' . .......»Fotested that his operations were always combined with tiio interests of France. The commander knew his orders, and wished to tack about his ship. " Take care, what you are going to do", said tho Pirate with fury. " Do you think my men will suf- . " tor me to be thus carried oil' before their eyes ? theyf *' are all chosen soldiers, tried men, who know ho\/ " to encounter death. My lieutenant is one of tho " most resolute fellows iq)on eartli. Your victory is **■ not near decided. Prepare therefore for a most *' desperate engagement." . This determined language staggered the French commander. He was afraid to bring the honour of his flag in competition with desperate Pirate;-!, with whose audacity*he was fully acquainted. \'an Horn was released : but as such a cautious conduct might excite discontent in the court of France, and as less moderate , commanders might succeed in iiudi|)g kiin u r I ^'' S ',v4''' .■•>• ■:: . :.y- n tllSTOllY OF THE PIRATES. i ■ in the European seas, he thought it most prutlent t* withdraw thence, and determined to steer towards the coasts of Spa* ish America. Van Horn first sailed towards Porto llico, whence he knew the galleons would in a short time depart for Europe. Spain was at that time involved in war, and was less afraid of the Frencli 'and Dutch men of war than of the corsairs of those nations. Tiie gal- leons could not safely undertake their voyage without the protection of a convoy. Under these circumstan- ces, Van licrn (whose name was celebrated among seamen) entered that port, amid the sound of cymbals and trumpets ; he announced his recent de- termination no longer to adhere to France ; associated with himself some ships that were on a cruise, and proposed to take the galleons under his protection. It will perhaps bo scarcely credited, that the Spaniards were inconsiderate enough to accept his oft'ers. Such in fact was the case : the fleet put to sea, and Van Horn accompanied it to a certain lati- tude. As soon as the moment appeared favourable to the execution of his plan (which till then had Tiecn carefully disguised), he seized the two of the galleons that were most richly laden : all the rest wore so fortunate as to effect their escape. This sudden stroke put him in possession of im- mense wealth ; and in a short time his hberalities became evident. He conferred the most magnificent rewards on the boldest and bravest of his comrades, as he had with his own hand kille.l those who, during battle, had betrayed the slightest symptoms of fear. To these dispositions, thus alternately ferocious and generous, was added a most singular vanity. When on shoi'e, he was arrayed in the most costly manner: round his neck he wore a string of the richest ori- ental pearls, and on his finger a ruby of inestimable value. Van Horn, however, soon perceived that, notwith- stiiji^ing his brilliant success, his situation ^vas both, At to D ^"y ^ fVf - rf^ , • ,7 "^ ■'■' TT .r 4 HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. ^~ dangerous and difficult. lie could no longer expect to be treated with respect by the French, English, Dutch, Spaniards, or, in short, by any of the great powers. With regard to them, he was only a solitary Pirate, and expo; J to all their ven'j;eance : he tliere- fore determined to nite with the l''ree-l)00ters, by whom 1)( was eagerly received ; as his opulence, nau- tical skill, and intrepidity, had acquired him a great name among them. — Such was Van Horn. Grammont was a Trench gentleman, and born at Paris. In 1678, he set sail with 700 men for Mara- ciiibo, of which he made himseh i\.. ter, as will be presently stated ; he alt^irwards left his ships, pene- trated into the interior of the country, crossed au impetuous torrent, repulse J ti .. Spaniards who op- po^ d his march, and took possesion of the city of Ti r :ha. Here, however, as well as at Maraciiiboy the inhabitants had time to make their escape with a!l these most valuable effects. Articles of bulk would noi suit these Pirites, who hastily withdrew. Gram- mont therefore returned to Torhigas with a booty of little value ; but what was most unfortunate, the greatest part of his crew iiad been canned off by diseases. He brought back only twenty men. The following year he undertook mother expedition to the C{\^t of Cumana ; carried by assault, with only 1 80 soldiers, the city of Puerto Cavello. and took two fortSy the works of which he desl jv , and spiked i their cannons. The whole country .ock up arms in* order to expel these Free-booters ; ui. 1 two thousand men were on their march against itie city and forts^, Grammont, who occupied the city with only forty- seven men, saw himself attacked by three hundred Spaniards. He was obliged to think of retreating ; and immediately ordered his men tf abandon the forts, and to embark. For two hour.- !'? ''"'i to maintain an unequal combat, together with luo chosen band : though dangerously wounded in the neck, he continued to hold out, and succeeded in protecting the erabarca' / t ■ f 11 'i- J. ^-■f\iu ^::. u 76 lIISTOnr OF THE PtRATKS. tion. Nor was this all : the desperately furious cott- nigt, disj)layccl by his companiuiis in arms, so struck tin Spaniards, that they suffered him and his troop to jit) on board, tohip) was his chief vessel, and earned in her all he was worth. At length Grammont recovered his health ; but, being stripped of every thing, he offered his services in the expedition to Vera Cruz, a» a com- mon Free-booter. Van Horn knew him too well not tutidmit him, under that title, among his companions in arms. Grammont became one of his chief co-ope- lators. -fL;?^;. The third principal in the undertaking (Lavraii) was not inferior to the two others, either in intrepidiRjr. or enterpriec. He was an excellent engineer, and had long been in the service of Spain. He had even cruised a-'ainst the Free-booters, some of whom he had often 3T ade prisoners, and at length himself fell into their* Ji inds. They had tried his courage, and proposed to iulmit him into their association. Some time aftei", be participated in the piracies of Van Horn, and shortly became the terror of the Spaniards. One day he was unexpectedly met by two ships of the line, belonging to that nation, each mounting sixty guns, and whicb had been sent out to pursue him. To oppose them^ he had only his own ship, which indeed was well armed. The contest, however, was too unequal : he made every et!brt to'esca])e, but all retreat was cut olF. Nothing remained but to defend himself to tho last extremity : he tlicrcfore forcibly represented to his soldiers, that they were,' on every side, surrounded; with to c the wli' his (|iiei * % Vw*; histohy of the pirates. 77 filty be ly of nuis- (iaiined : s ships !" ^^punisli ^^ilh the most terrible dangers ; and that they had only to choose between an infamous and painful death, or the most obstinate resistance. The courage of the Pirates was inflamed even to fury. In order to keep up tliis disposition, Laurent called one of ihe most resolute fellows amon^ them, whom he ordered to tetch a lioiitcd match, and take his post at the distance of two teet from the i^unnei's room, to which he was to set lire at tlu' rirst sii^nai. Then, after distributin«r a formidabh fjuetry U{x)n every corner of his sli' li " We must now make way across IJe was obeyed : and, notwithst bullets galled him severely, yet tuc j Free- booters followed in such quick succesoi . . were so well levelled, that the Spaniards (who wore crowdetl upon deck) experienced a very <;reat loss. Thoui!,h severely wountk'd in the tlii;;!i by a cannon ball, Laurent still kept the command ; and derived very great assistance in this unequal contest from Ids skill as an engineer. He himself pointed the cannons at the enemy, and succeeded in beating down the main mast of the admiral's shij). In short, availinji; himself of the disorder and confurion he had thus cau.^^ed among the Spaniards, he succeeded in effecting an escape. Never could greater good fortune be united to more boldness and dexterity. Shortly afterwards, three other ships were fitted out at Carthagena against these formidable Pirates ; each of the tM'O largest carried thirty-six guns, and were manned with a crew four hundred strong; the third had only six cannons and ninety men. In the mean time Laurent had been joined by some vessels manned with Free-booters. On seeing this increase of strength, the Spaniards (who had calculated upon their su- perior force, and dreamt only of victory) woidd have retired. Laurent, however, left' them no time lor escape, but immediately commenced an attack; and, after lighting eight hours, their tlirec ships were taken.- ^t m "i i" %% ■...C.Tif,,-- Ztl^U^^^g^*^-* "n-. • llBjilt*'' -• -.'V* --"*• '-^ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) /. if/ ^ >. ,v .4^ -^c z. ^ 1.0 ^li^ 1^ I.I 1.25 lit 1^ m ■ 40 12.2 1^ UUu Photographic Sciences Corporation ^ \ k** -* c\ \ 23 WIST MAIN STRUT WIUTIfi.N.Y. USIO (716) •72*4S03 I '. ,w. i'- -^%.. 78 HISTORY OF THE PniATES. . So many cliccks discouraged the Spaniards, ali5 CAUticd tht'm lor a long time to abandon the hope of oxtcrminBting their dangerous enemies. ' Such were tiie three men who, in l683, conceivicd the apparently extravagant plan of attacking, with no «»w»tHnt» but their Free- booths, a city so well de- fended as Vera Cruz, both by its situation, and also by it» (ortincations and soldiers. Some idea may be formed of the temerity of such an entorprizc, when it is considered that Vera Cruz. WU8 gnnisHoned by three thousand men, of that very naiion which was held in high repulij- for its militaty charHCtor. Heside these, there were eight hundred men and sixty cannons in a neighbouring fort, called St. Jetm-de-Luz, and which was covered on one side by tlie sea, and on the other by the city ; and in ' Iwonty-lour hours six thousand armed men could be aiwunbUid in the environs for the defence of Vera Cruz. C-rrainmout, who was intimately acquainted with the spot, M well as with the surrounding country (and who also had the direction of the expedition), previously informed his companions in arms, that the Spaniard* of this tlistrict had been accustomed to stand a first attack virry well ; but that, as soon as success appear- ed doubtful, tiicy never failed to carry away or to de- poHit in the ground their riches, and to save themselves^ in the woods ; and consequently that they must fi?l with prudence, and endeavour at once to astonish the enemy by an irresistible valour. To the assailants this was a secret highly valuable to be known, and equally important to keep. There WHH, indeed, no fear that the Free- hooters would them-* solveu disclose it ; their own interests recommended to them the most rigid discretion on this occasion. They know from experience, that, wherever they appeared, the Spaniards and their partisa\is would employ every possible mantKUvrc against them, and that the plan of their cnterprizo would be frustrated the momeiH kt> »)l)ould become known. -H' -Uiil,. •ywjjj^^ .t-n ■w,-. ■;>^;''S^' HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. f» ■ Notice of the intended attack was then communi-'' cuted to the assembled troOp, though only in a general manner. The two other chieftain!) perfectly accorded with Grammont, notwithstanding the majority of the Free- hooters opposed a plan, the execution of which was apparently beset with insurmountable difficulties. Their commanders, who knew that the certain pros** pect of a rich booty would triumph over their repug- nance, ordered some Spanish prisoners to be brought before the assembly, who informed them, that in a tew days two ships -richly laden would arrive at Vera Cni2 from Goava. This news made them decisive, and it was determined to set sail without delay. The Kr6c* bootei-s who were about to embark in the expedition^ were reviewed ; their number amounted to twelve hun- dred. It was agreed that, as soon as they should approach Vera Cruz, all the Free -hooters should go ©11 board two ships, with the exception of some seamen^ ■n ho were to continue at sea, in cnder to manage and guard the rest of the fleet, and who Vk -^re not to appear tmtil after the complete success of the enterpfize . The design of this manoeuvre was to conceal the real strength of the Free-booters, and to induce the enemy to think that the two ships they had seen arrive were those ex- pected from Goava. In fact, on their appearance the Spaniards flocked down to the shore, impatient to receive the cargo with which they supposed these ves* sels were laden, and of which they were in extreme want. The sight of the Spanish flag, which the Pirates had hoisted, occasioned universal joy. As however the ships continued ai some distance, and seemed rather to stand out than to avail themselves of the wind that favoured them, the Spaniards began to entertain some doubts. These were communicated to the governor, Don Louis de Cordova ; who, giving no credit to them, maintained that the two ships in question were really ihose which had becti expected, and that he recognised ■'<■'■'. ■«'.1 .>^AJ->ufc^As; 82 HISTORY or Till PIRATlfi. ■I ■ i , pilla<;cd, they never tailed to require ample intef^st tor the capitals vihich they had, an it were, lent tliem only for a limited time. At Vert Craa f hey did not neglect the subsidiary and rapid means of increasing their plunder, by exact- ing a ransom for the coniined prisoners. For this purpose they sent into the churen a Spanish priest ^ who, from the pulpit, anliounced in a tew words the imperious will of the conquerors to his nflVightctl audi- ence, and conjured them instantly to comply, if they wished to purchase their lives and their liberty. This forcible address produced the desired effect. As most of the prisoners, in their flight from their houses, had carried with them their money and jewels, a collection was immediately made, to the amount of two hundred thousand piasters. I'his sum the Free- booters thought too moderate ; but it was necessary to reconcile their safety with the interests of their cupi- dity. Already was it rumoured that the Viceroy of New Spain was marching against them with consider able forces; when a fortunate and unexpected circum- stance- occured to favour them. The Bishop of Vem Cruz was actually visiting his diocese at the time he heard of the fatal event which had just taken place in his see. Apprehensive that still greater misfortunes would be inflicted on his flock if they did not speedily appease the Free-booters, he excited all his zeal to collects a million of piasters, which were immediately sent to them. The deliverance of the prisoners how- ever was not effected till some days afterwards, nor were they set at liberty till tho moment tho Free-boot- ers marched out of the city. These robbers departed thence in tho evening, and carried with them all the slaves of both sexes, as well as all the mulattoes, not excepting those who were free. There were in their hands fifteen hundred hos- tages, who were to be security for the payment of another million of piasters, which Imd been promised by the bishop. In i'act| that sum biui bccu colleot(i:d> -3 bat hav( wai -^M! HISTOKY OP THE PIRATES. 83 bttt had arrived too late ; and the Free-bootcrs would have exposed themselves to too many dangers had they waited for its receipt. The Pirates, indeed, were the more pressed to set sail, as they had to apprehend an encounter with an army by land. The Mexican fleet, consisting of seven- teen ships, was ready for sea, and was actually met by them near the coasts ; though, notwithstanding its superiority, it did not venture to attack them. They were themselves but Uttle tempted to enga<;e in battle, as their ships were already laden with a tolerably rich booty, while those of the Spaniards contained only commodities which wore of difficult sale. With these dispositions the two fleets passed quietly near each other ; and the Free-booters might again acknowledge tlie faithfulness of their star. They were, however, shortly involved in anew trouble. As they had scarcely water enough for their own consumption, a violent contest arose among them, in what manner they could supply the fifteen hundred prisoners with it, whom they had brought away on board. In order to ap- pease the dispute, which was about to become bloody, it wa*^^ agreed to make a fresh division of the slaves on board the whole fleet ; but these unfortunate persons only had to suffer from the scarcity of water, and ihrec-fourths of them died of. thirst. Other accidents, fatal to these hitherto successful robbers, marked their passage. Van Horn and Lau- rent, two of their chieftains, quarelled ; their dispute arose io such a height, that they came to a duel : Van Horn received a severe wound, which was neglected,i and of which he died in the course of a few days after- wards. His body was for a long time kept on board, and at length buried in the province of Yucatan. His ship became the property of Grammont> who respectr ed the memory of his benefactor. Laurent could not, therefore, but be odious to him ; and this difference between them extended to all who were under their orders. , To prevent the occurrence cf transactious^ ''f..- '■;'.■>- '^'"*', ' '.'^'^f ^ .#:"' ft* 4 • ^-^ -.■* XiJ. la'- * ■jf %'.'.' ':0 ,«;s .» " , M HISTORY OF THE VlIlATEt. i%..- »*•■• -•■.•> becoming such ferocious men, they separated. ' All the ships in the fleet diiipersed. Their fortunate chftnccs vere terminated. Two of the vessels disappeavctl with- out any account being ever heard of them ;• another tell into the hands of the Spaniards ; and some were driven out to a great distance by contrary windi^. For- tune is generally inconfjtant when unaccompanied by prudence ; and the unbounded desire of riches meets with its punishment in its own excess. I Another capital enterprizc of the Frec-booters was executed, in l6'85, against Campcchy ; for which purpose they assembled together, to the number of twelve hundred, in the island of Avache. They could not but know th. .£ an attack upon Campcchy would in every respect be as difficult as that upon Vera Cruz, and that its success would not bo equally profitable ; but they were, so to speak, commanded by imperious necessity. Most of them had rapidly passed from opulence to misery ; so that new exploits became re- quisite, in order that they might acquire new trea- sures. The expedition, therefore, was determined upon ; but the most pi"ofound secrecy was promised. Every precaution, was taken to prevent their j)lan from \' being |)enetratcd citlier by the English of Jamaica, or M even by their friends of Tortugas. They addressed, however, the French governor of the island, the esti- mable Cussoy, to request a grant of letters of marque, nnder the pretext of cruising against the Spaniards, but without disclosing to him their real design. How gfeat was their consternation, when Cussoy himself replied to their request, and informed them that his govern- ment was extremely displeased on account of their insubordination, and that n a few days several frigates would arrive from France for the purpose of forcing them to obedience ! Grammont (the same person of whom we have already spoken) veiUured to apologize for his com-* panions in arms. He pretended that the king oould know nothing %l ni^TOtlY or TFIE PIRATF.S. 87 they spt'cdily ♦♦ft'Ctcd n buttery. From thence a lunmu (iiv \VH«» fuiifiiuuMif lor nine hours, till abreacb WH« \mu\i: ill thi* tort j while six luiiidrcd I'lce-booter.-, wliuwiTC >.f(tri(Mu*(l nil an eminence, kept up an inces- wiiit iliMlirn'm' <»f' nui«t(|iietry against the ramparts, and carriiul iWl I'vyry Spiminrd that appeared there. They had not, howt'ver, succeeded in opening the breach, but had (iHl'i'ivd their intended assault till the follow- ing imM'iiill^ } when, on the same evening, they wer« inlbj'iiH'd thuf fl)« Spaniards had abandoned the fort. At rtriit, >>iich un instance of weakness appearetl incre- dibl(? to th« J''rec-bo(.tcr» : they doul)ted it all night { nor w»H it till the ensuing day that they were con- vinced uf lliM fact. Two men only were found in the I'orl J ftii )''»gli»hnian, who had served the Spaniards as an iintiiiu'oi', hikI a young oflicer, who from a principlo of honour, pivffnvd to cxposti himself to every danger, I'uthui' tlmii dinKi'HcefiiUy to abandon his post. Grani- inont, who kttcw liow to be genorouswhen his passions dill nut POlnmuitd him to be atrocious, received him with distilifc'tioii, ordered his property to be respected, WJl him (It hiMM'ty, and even made him some presents. ' Tha tii'st stt'p tinit occupied the Free-booters' at- tention, was tu fet'Ctirc themselves from any attack. They found in the houses belonging to the city only a ti'ifti)i|j; booty ; and, to them, the immense sup- pliaij of Cttinpfchy wood, which constitutes the chief WPftlth of th»! country, were of no use whatever. The plundei't'i'M, who were daily sent out in large detach- ments to kmw distance from the place, were not more huccewl'ul, they met only with a few savages ; and ono UftV it pitrty of thirty fell into an ambuscade, wliere tm govt'i'iiof of Merida, in person, was posted with mm liv)*i«i;'t;d Spaniards. The contest was too miecjiifil. 'i ho Free- hooters, who were mounted on hoiws iind muk% were unaccustomed to fight in that position ; thoy dtnormined therefore to retire towards the city, defending themselves in the best manner they i'U\ild. Twpiity uf them lay dead on the spot j and. •f * .t;,. i-;i^ 88 lllSTOnT OF THE PI11ATE8. wliat was still more painful to them, two of their coiiipuny were taken prisoners. in order to recover his companions in arms, Gram- luont made an attempt of a novel kind. He demand- ed their deliverance of the {governor of Mcrida, to Mhoiii he promised the restitution of all the Spanish jnisoners, as an equivalent, not excepting even the jj;t)vernor of Campechy : but, if that proposal, so udvdiitagcuus, so magnanimous, was refused, he threat- ened to massacre all tlic prisoners, and set the place on fire. The governor haughtily replied, that the J'ree-booters were perfect masters of burning and kill- ing, according to their fancies ; that he had money to rebuild and repeople the city, and soldiers also to light Grammont and his brigands, and thus to accora« piish the object of his expedition. This bravado irritated Grammont to excess ; and in a vcrv short time he threw off the mask of modera^ tion he hud worn. He took the governor's messenger with him, and in his presence ordere complish his menaces : he contented himself with re- ducing the fort to ashes. He afterwards celebrated the festival of St. Louis, by discharges of artillery and musquctry ; and by a kind of^w de joye, hitherto unparrallelcd, in honour of the king of France, he ordered Campechy wood to be burnt, to the value of 200,000 piasters. Immediately afterwards he prepar- ed for his departure, and set his prisoners at liberty : and, after residing seven weeks at Campechy, he set «ail for St. Domingo, on the 29th of August l685. This cnterprize of Grammout's was undertaVen, fts ^ their iram- nand- a, to unish n the I, so ireat- }lacc the kill' ney to Iso to ccom« /f-'- HISTORY OP THE P1RATE9. 89 already intimated, in direct opposition to the intention of the governor of the island, and to the orders of the kin^ <>f l-'rauce. The I''ree-b(K)tcrs niij;ht therefore liavc conceived some apprchcasions let>t, in the in- teriiu, Spain should have committed hostilities against I'rancc, in defiance of the peace tiiat had been con- chuled between those two powers. In fact, the Spa- niards had landed on the French side of St. Domingo, and had taken away ships from the very ports of that cohmy. In conse(iuence of these prociedin^s, Trance found herself dispensed with taking any measures on their account. Cus^ey, w ho esteemed the courage, talents, and even the character of Grammonf, had represented this lust e.\peditii«hcn9ion of being c•' ».«/ 'm ;- *-"f^*T*^#^- ; " m 't l«»'''>t-' \- ■-tr. i ■-' 1 1 93 IlISTOttY OF THE PIRATES. budics of troops, lie was content for the moment, witk live hundred cuttle, lie took, however, six of the ])rit\(!i|;al iuhubitants as hostages ; and the Free-booters set sail. Thuy were extremely displeased with the inconsider- able amount of their booty, which, exciuj>ive of some cominoditicB, did not exceed 50,000 piaorors. Dis- putes aro»)e, in consequence of whicij a Frencinnan was killed by an Enajlishman. The national animosi- ties were re-excited (for the body of Free-booters cons»i»te''■'} ..,.' ,j"i*iJ! ■ikri.' itk lltSTOnY OF Tltfi PinAtES. T more intimately united, and promised Morgan iL I. ihcy would follow him every-where. They sedu- lously applied themselves to the procring of new recruits at Jamaica ; so that, in the course of a few weeks, they had collected nine ships of various sizes, and four hundred and sixty men, all devoted to theit brave commander. Till then, the Frec-booters had only landed in the islands. Morgan conceived more extensive plans : he turned his views to the continent of America ; and the great, the opulent city of Porto Bello was the place he inte? ded to plunder. Porto Bello, which was defended by three forts, 15 situated on the shore of a gulph, on the southern side of the isthmus of Panama. For thie last two centuries to the present time, it has been known as the greatest mart in the world for the valuable metals, At the period now referred to, it ^hi A city of the grcatost importance, and, next to the Havanna, the strongest place of all the Spanish- possessions in America, The entrance of its port was defended by two castles, St. James and St. Philip, which wer&^^uted to be im- pregnable, and were garrisoned by^ree hundred sol- diers. Notwithstanding its vast circumference, the xity was inhabited only by four hundred families, on account of the unwholesomeness of the climate. It contained scarcely any thing else but warehouses for articles, the proprietors of which constantly resided at Panama, which is situated at a small distance. Thence were sent to Porto Bello on mules, at certain periods of the year, the gold and silver that arrived from Peru and Mexico. The inhabitants of the first named place, though few in number, had the character of being excellent soldiers ; and they deserved their reputation, from the valour with which they had on various occasions defended themselves. Morgan had not communicated to any individual his design on Porto Bello, to prevent the Spaniards tVoro obtaining any information concerning it. The I- .;^ -,*■ I* >:L.iS*-: ^'.L ^dilkiiAii^A. ,•7 "T,;.',, • ■ 1 ) 9* IIISTOHY of the nUATES. :i ^M! If . Pirates themselves were very far from suspectinq it 5 and, when it was announced to them, were intimi- dated. The most intrepid among them shook their heads, and exclaimed against the smallncss of their mimber, with which it was impossible to take so strong and so extensive a city. " What signifies it," replied Morgan, " how sniall " our number is, if our hearts are great ! Tht *' fewer we are, the more intimate wiil be our union, " and the more considerable our shares of plunder." — • This short address at once aroused their cupidity and their courage. The expedition was unanimously de- termined to be carried into execution. It was accordingly executed in 1688, when the Spaniards had just concluded their treaty of peace with France, at Aix-la-Chapel. Reconciled to all the European powers, they were at length enabled to breathe, and in fact had no other enemies but the I'fee-booters ; who, however, were to them perhaps more dangerous than all their other foes, because they attacked the strength of the state at its very source. In vain, when discussing the treaty of pirace,, did they wish them to suspend, for some time at least, their formidable enterprizcs. " This treaty," it was re- plied, '• does not concern us ; we have not been call- " ed to conferences; we have had no representatives ** at congress." They persisted therefore in theif design on Porto Ikllo. Morgan moored his ships, during the dark, at some distance from the city ; a very few soldiers only being left on board ; the remainder went into boats and canoes, in order that they might land in silence near the port. The descent being effected, Morgan de- tached four men, under the conduct of an Enghsh- man, who was well acquainted with the local situatioti, with orders to kill or bring away, without noise, the sentinel of the advanced post. Circumstances fa- voured the taking him prisoner. The soldier was eurpri/cd, stripped of his arms, and with his hand* i'. -A yjA . * _ ''i^W *'*i^^^5Bil'*^-'" ^ ' ''"^H. . ■' ■^"',7!5«'~"- ' ■ "•«'•' *" ■ HISTORY OP THE PIRATES. .o.v bound, wiiH coiuluctcd to the commander of the Pi- rates ; who, by means of tl reats, extorted from him all the information he wanted. The first of the two forts was next approached ; and they reached without detection tlie very foot of the wall. From thence tl.e captive soldier was compelled, with a loud voice, to announce to his countrymen, in the name of Morgan, that if they did not instantly surrender, they should he cut to pieces. This menace produced no effect : the jE;Hrrison began to fire upon them, and made a courage- ous resistance. The first was, notwithstanding, carried in a short time ; when the Free-bootcrs, with a view to intimidate the inhabitants, thought it necessary to accomplish their threat. They therefore collected all the captive soldiers together, set fire to the powder magazine, and blew up both the fort and garrison into the air. ^Vithout losing a moment, they marched towards the city. Trembling with teiTor, the inhabitants were busily engaged in concealing a part at least of their riches, either by throwing them into the wells, or burying them in the earth. The governor, not being able to prevail upon them to defend themselves, shut himself up in the second fort, from which he commenced a terrible (ire upon the Pirates. These however at- tempted an assault : it lasted from day break till noon, ami was frustrated. The Frec-booters then tried the firing of red hot balls against the gates of the fort. They were nctr' more succcdsful. These gates were almost wholly com|>osed of iron ; and, in addition to this impediment, the garrison threw down from the top of the w alls so many htones, so many pots filled with powder, that the intrepid assailants could not approach without meeting with certain death. Even the headstrong Morgan himself began to be doubtful of victory ; when he beheld the English flag flying at a small dis* tance from the fort just taken. This sight re-nni* muted bis' courage, as well as that of his men. Iit«^ .*, -, ■i ,W if''".f:r*< m j • •1 ;■ *. lUSTORY or THE PinATES. * made all the religious, of botli sexes, quit their con* vents ; and caused twelve huldcrs to be hastily made, and of sufficient width to udntit twelve men abreast to mount them. The wretched religious were obliged t» plant them against the walU, and served as a bulwark to the Free bootcrs, who were marching behind them, Morgan had taken for granted that the governor would not venture to tire on his countrymen, especially on persons whom superetition must render sacred to him. These monastics also, impatient of their horrible situ* ation, amid the pangs of death, with which they wcro threatened, cried with all their might, and conjured the governur, in the name of all the saints, to surren- der the fort, and save their lives. The Pirates added yet more to the horror of this jtccne, by a menace, which in their lips was never in vain, that a general massacre should take place in case of longer resist- ance. The wall, at the foot of which the assailants presented themselves, was not lofty : the batteries of the i'ort were so e.xpoHcd, and the Frec-booters were such able marksmen, tbftt every cannon-shot was followed by the death of some of the Spanish ar- tillery men. They j)ersiKtcd notwithstanding in their determination of holding out against the Pirates. The governor, in particular, was alike deaf to every menace, and to the lamentations of the wretched re- cluses, near whom were the ladies of the city, tho wives of the lower classes of people, and their chil- dren. Regardless of so many innocent victims, he ordered his artillery to fire upon thi» living rampart ; behind which the Frec-booters were sheltered. To these terrible assailants his fire did but little damage ; but it overthrew a vast number of monks, of female religious, and of women in general, before these hap- less persons succeeded in applying tho ladders to tho walls. The assault then became more easy to the Free- booters, although they had no other arms than thei? pistols a^4 sabres. l\\9, bhprt time Uiey reached thft ■■■i.".TV->*l- •f ■•... .. i_:.\ ...:'• '.' .:\. fflSTORY OF THE PIRATES. 97 summit of the wall, whence they discharged a kind of earthen shot, filled with powder, upon the Spa- niards, who were giving way a little, defending thenir selves at the same time with their pikes ; but who,, still persisting in their refusal to sun'endcr, were all cut to pieces. The Pirates had still to carry the other fort, into which part of the garrison belonging to the first fort had retired, together with the governor. The first was of less importance than that which they had just taken, and served to defend the entrance of the harbour; but the Free-booters were under the necessity of occupying it, in order that they might secure them- selves free access to their ships. There was, in fact, no impediment whatever, to prevent thorn from plun- dering the city at their ease ; but, in order lo carry off their booty, and especially to take away witl» safety their numerous wounded comrades, thc'r ships ftere indispensably necessary. That no time might be lost, they summoned the governor to surrender, promising him to spare all his soldiere. Cannon-shot were the answer. They had no time for c(msideration. This fort, like the former, was attacked, sabre in hand ; and its surrender was accelerated by the vanquished being compelled to direct their own cannons against its walls. The offi- cers quitted their arms only with life. The soldiers, on the contrary, laid down theirs, and demanded quarter. The governor, who was a Castihan, and whose name deserved to have been transmitted to posterity, continued furiously to defend himself; and, with his own hand, killed several of these robbers. His valour forced their admiration: lie haughtily rejected the pardcm they ofl'cred to him. In vain did his wife and daughter with tears conjure him to save his life. — " I had rather,'' he replied, *' die on *' the field ofhonovr, than on a scqfold!" In fact, a glorious death only could terminate his valiant career. ». ^*h' ?::li!.*;ii«.jff:4:.-i^'-. 98 histohy or the piiiati:s. ■ i %■' 4. Thus Morgan found himself master of two stft>n|; rt themselves almost wholly on horses' and assc*' flesh. This scarcity \va» peculiarly fatal to the prisoners, who had no other siistenancc but very small portions of that food, no bread, and some cistern water. This unwholesome and muddy fluid was, indeed, the ordinary drink of the inhabitants ; but they had recourse to flltration ; an expedient which was prohibited to these unfortu- flate persons. The robbers themselves had no other wi|||cr ; and tliis circumstance not a little contribut«il to hasten their departure. But, before they quitted the place, Morgan had the audacity to send to the president of Panama two pri- soners, who viere ordered to demand 100,000 piastres for the ransom of Porto Bcllo, if he did not wish to see it reduced to ashes. The president had been able to muster only 1 500 men ; which number, however, he thought sufficient to carry without delay his answer. But these forces, though so greatly superior to those of the Pirates, did not impose upon them. They marched to meet the Spaniards, occupied a defile, where they attacked them, and occasioned considera- ble loss among them. Gusman, who did not doubb but that the reinforcements he expected would ulti- mately secure him the victory, was by no means disr couraged at this first check ; and sent to inform Mor- gan that nothing could save him, unless he instantly quitted Perto Bello. Morgan replied, that above all things he wished to have the ransom demanded ; and that, if he did not obtain it, he certainly would embark ; but that it should not be till he had burnt the city, demolished the forts, and had put every prisoner to death. This terrifying answer damped the president's courage. The moment he had heard of the capture of Porto Bello, he had dispatched an express to Carthagena, to press the sending of a small fleet, which was to cut oil the Free-bootcrs by sea, while 9' ■' •■ '■, '■w: oV>;, .^'•iw-. "'T^;p',.'V^ 3 ioo 'i^ HISTOUT OF THE PIRATES. _ . he attacked them by land. Rut these measures,' ;^ tl»oii<>h fo exceedingly urgent, were slowly carried in- ; • • to execution ; and when the Pirates were ready to set . ^' sjiii, no hope remained that the flotilla would arrive in time. In this situation the president left the inhabi* r- taiits to save themselves, how they could. The hun- ^ tired thousand piastres were speedily collected and paid. Gusman, who had served in Flanders in the rank of general, could not but admire those Free-booters, who had pcrfomed such vast exploits with so few men ; and who, without undertaking a formal siege, had smp- ceeded in taking a city defended by a wall, ramparts, and cannons. He could not conceive what arms they had made use of, in order to obtain such signal sue** cess: he therefore sent a messenger to Morgan, to carry him some refreshments; and requested him to return him a specimen of hh armti, as a mark of hii remembrance. Morgan gave the messenger a hearty reception, and by him transmitted a pistol, together with some liitle naUs, and thus addre-^sed him;— " Tell the president, if he pleases, to accept this small *' specimen of the arms with which I have conquered " Porto Bello, and to keep it one year. At the ex- " piiation of tint term, I promise to come myself " to Panama, and shew him how to use it." To his thanks, for s\ich a promise, the president added a fin« emerald set in a gold ring ; but he returned his pistol and balls, with directions to inform Morgan that he did not want for arms of that sort; and advised him to si)are himself the trouble of coming to Panama, as he should not there succeed so well as at Porto Bello, At the same time he could not, however, but express his regret, that such brave fellows were not in the service of some great prince, and that they could not display tiieir singular valour in a lawful war. It may be easily conceived in what manner this frank and ingenious compliment was received by the Freer bootcrs. - . / . yiil .ju^»>* 5» »^"' c 'ffi- "■ ■?wp*«v;^^*- ■ *..; -jj-..-,- --™ vn:v • '. :• MHTOnY OP THl PIRATES. 10* At liMJfftli tfipy departed without any obstacle oc- curring!, Jiffrr they hud taii * ii''-t iil ri gB W ig|ii, il ., HISTORY OF TUB PIRATES. 103 At ; but , and were , the cvengo To rench under, at the Cubp. ar 4..1- v..4h- Hit li„>, itiment ith the in ai.i ner on off the caused I, were were so intox.ciited as to be unable to make any effort* for that purpose. IW this accident three hundred and twenty Pirat* were l«st. The survivors exerted theni- st'lves very actively in (ishiit? them up again, — not indeed from any piou'^ regard lor the mortiil rcmuinH of their coiuiades, — but to strip them of the tjold rings, which tliesc corsairs commonly wore on their lingers. The English asserted that it was their prisoners who, instigated by rage, had caused the ship, which contained a great number of them to blow up. though they sacrificed their own lives. Strange as this sus- picion might appear, it was confirmed \>\- certain j)apers that were found on them, and in whic h the English nation were delineated as their enemies, and therefore ought not to be spared. These discoveries, added to the remembrance of former plots, aj^peared sufficient to Morgan to justify in takini: a doscisive part. With the feeble survivors of his companions in •arms, he made himself master of the F'rci li ship, and conducted all the Frenchmen on board he, to Jamaica, as prisoners. The destruction of his principal ship wa> to him a very sensible loss ; he had now only fifteen omaining, the largest of which carried only fourteen ^ nmll can- nons. He could still reckon, indeed, (m board his fleet nine hundred Free- hooters ; but he ha 1 not yet arrived at the height of his misfortunes. In t>ne night, after various adventures, his fleet was so ill-treated by a tempest, that on the following day it was reduced to eight ships, and his little army to five hundred men. In case of a separation, it had been previously deter- mined that they should resort to the bay ot Ocoa, as the point of re-union; and thither the coniiander in chief hastened, but not one of his ships a: reared there. From that time he changed his plans of ope. lion ; and by the advice of the celebrated Peter the 1 card, who had been with Olonois in the expedition to 4 »'5^ *^>i«'i *— ^ r? *ilP '^'^;'"«':-!f "!'■' V v^ 104 HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. '4' Maracaibo, lie dutonninotl to pay a new visit to that Spanish possession. He t'ortimutcly arrived vith \m men on the borders of the hiivc of that name, where he found that the Spaniards had recently built a fort, the artillery of which commenced and kept up a most terrible fire upon his ships. With this unexpect- ed rece[)tion the I'irntcs were by m means daunted ; they ventured to lund. Intimidutei hj such pudacity, which recalled to mind the fiist attack of the Free- booter , the Spaniards rapidly evacuated the fort, after haviuij; placed a li!j;hted match near the i^owdc magazine, in order to blow up both the fort iu:(( the Pirates themselves. Thi! plot, however, was detected by Morgan at thi very moment when the exj losion was about to take place. He found in the fort thirty quintals of jiun-powdci, seviral fusees and pikes, au extensive military bagj;a{[;e, mid seventeen larg*.; can- nons. A few pieces only were -piKCti, the remainder beinr; carried on boaul the ships. I'lie fort was de- molisuod as far as prccipiiaiion would alhw them ; for it was constructed in a pi'culiar manner, so that it could only he yt«*ceiided by an iion lauder, which was drawn up as soon as \\w person ascending attained the top of the wall. But thi- (onqupff was not attended with any great utility to (lie !■ a-e- hooters. 'Ihey were oblic'cd to advance further, and ihe^ Imd miuiv • 'o.-tacles to sur- mount. Tl.e hjviiiov/ru'Si of the water compelled thrm to aban: 1/ « ^>K^r I ■■ it-ji ' ilLii'iiW ^- ■ ' ■fr "'til ah 1 1 ' ', ■'. ■ wr/" '•'.T,^'-"'^ HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. 105 fiiospital, a very small quantity of provisions, and the houses stripped and deserted. The Spaniards had had time to secure their merchandize and moveables ; tliey had even sent their small craft out of the port, and had conducted them further into the interior of the lake. Morgan ordered the woods to be searched : in a short lime there vvere brought in fifty mules richly litden, and thirty fugitives, men women, and children. Conformably to the horrible custom of these robbers, they put the hapless captives to the tortur«, in order to extort their confessions. Their liii\bs were fastened to ropes, which were violently drawn in contrary directions ; to their fingers were applied pieces of burning wood ; their heads were tightly bound with cords, till the eyes were ready to start from their Mocketi. Home elaves who would not betray the place of their maiteri' retreat, ware cut to pieces while nlive. Every day were detachments sent in the woods to hunt the fugitives; and the hunters never returned without bringing in some human prey. Morgan continued at Maracaibo tliree weeks, and then advanced towards Gibraltar, whither he was per- Huadcd all the opulent fugitives had fled. It was now three years since Olonois with his Frcc-lwotcrs had nppparcd there. Peter the Picard, who accompanied him then, and who served as a guide to the present rxpeditiQH, recollecting the bloody obstacles he had to «urmount*, prepared his comrades not to expect an easy victory. They were agreeably deceived. Some resistance, indeed, was at first made ; but the inha- bitants shortly saved themselves by flight into the woods, where they intrenched themselves behind the felled trees. Thus was Gibraltar a second time taken. That t:ity, which had been reduced to ashes by the Free- booters, had been rebuilt since their departure, and * See Chap. V. p. 57. if- ,i*aAi ;>-;r if ■;..;, -lij-ffr. y ■ \o6 HISTORY OF THE PITIATEJ. again bpcnme the theatre of new horrors. The scenes, m lAiniliar to these covetous brigands, were repeated : they bunted the fugitives, pillaged to a great distance, CNcrcised tortures, and put in practice every horror that can dishonour victory. The Pirates seemed now Civcij to improve upon their accustomed ferocity. Two himdrcd and fifty inhabitants were brought to them, chained and trembling. Never was their cruelty mor« terribly ingenious than in the inventions to which they resorted. Some of these wretched victims wer« JiiMtcncd naked to crosses, and tortured with burning nro-brands ; many others were hung up by their ami?, while stones of a prodigious weight were attached to them, and consequently by this horrible extension the muscles were torn out from their sockets or fastenings, fmd the bones from their joints. There were some— ^ (shame and humanity make one tremble with horror) '—who were suspended in a posture the most disgust- ing^, till their horribly mutilated bodies tell down from thi*it' own Mc'ight. In this manner the unfortunate wrttches jan^uifched four or five days under the most dreadful siiflernigs, unless some robber, from an im- \)w\m of compassion, terminated their woes by putting rhcMi to death. 'I'he ever execrable authors of these atrocities exei- cined them indiscrimately on all their victims, what- ever their age, condition, or colour might be. Wonicn, decorated with all the graces of their sex, — children, who were protected by their innocence, — aged persons, whohc weakness was their protection, — whites, mu- lattos, negroes, — all were involved in the same fate. 'I'hoste slaves who betrayed their masters, were for the most part rewarded with their liberty ; though there were but few that were willing to purchase it at that [)nce. Some there we*c who, through revenge, wickedness, or inveterate hatred, denounced their masters, nutwithsfanding they had nothing to disclose. One of these false infoiniatious furnished the ferocious Morgan with an opportunity to disguise his cruelty '< ..*■ ■-* . '^ *^ #v >• Wii j'l 1- .^r,..r. Bto.'••f'->#^^ ijcv;*- ,-..',:- engage- HISTOIVY or THE PTRATCS. Ill Jays for reflection, at the expiration of which he was to attack them. That period had elapsed, and he had not appeared ; nor, indeed, had they heard any- thing spoken concerning him. In fact, the Spaniar• 112 IMSTOUY OV THE rillATES» had been brought for that purpose. The Spanish ad- miral, however, {lis|)layed much presence of mind : hv. ordered several Spaniards to board the iire-ship, in order to cut down its masts, and, if it were possible, to prevent the explosion of the flames ; but his active adversaiies were beforehand with him, and, as they Mere quittin<^ the lire-ship, had already kindled the combustibles it contained. In a very short time the admiral's ship took fire, which raged with such vehe- mence, that she was almost instantly buried in the waves, together with the greater part of the crew. Many of the Spaniards had thrown themselves into the sea, and were endeavouring to save themselves by swimming, but they sank before they could reach the shore. Some of them indeed might have received assistance from the Free-booters, who, from motiveif of humanity or from some other impulse more congie- Dial to their character, attempted to rcMCue them from the sea ; but the Spaniurds pretervod to perikh, rather than owe their lives to those ferocious enemies, from whom tlicy apprehended a treatment worse, perhaps, - than death. A very small nun\bcr only succeeded in landing ; amon^ whom was the Spanish admiral, who . had taken refuge in a shallop, the moment he saw his ship in flames. The Free-booters availed themselves of the fir^t moment of their enemies' consternation, to attack the second ship of war ; which they took by boarding, after a feeble resistance. They made the air re-echo with tiicir cries of victory, as-soon as they beheld the- principal vessel disappear. At the sight of these astonishing events, which to them seemed miraculous, the Spaniards on board the third ship were struck with such a panic, that they thought less of fighting tlian of saving themselves. They llmrcfore cut their cables, and rapidly made for the fort ; before which they bored tlieir vessel, and sunk her to the bottom. The Pirates hastened to seize at least a few pieces of the floating wreck ; but the moment the Spaaiards ■■:..,;^' iTV. IIISTOEY OF THE nilATEH. 113 flmt wcvR on shore saw thorn apprfmcliiuc;, they M't the wreck on lire. — All these circumstanc(;s, ju-^ re- luted, occupied no more than vhc hour! 'I'his iistonishin;4 dehverance at so critical an emer- •If^ncy, and the ^'ainiii^ of such a signal and complete > ictory in so short a lime, with such little force, and without losinu; a single man, was to the Pirates almost a dream, liut they were not content with it: they determined without delay to attack the fort, which was guarded by the seamen w ho had saved themselves, not indeed with the hope of lindiny any thmg to plunder, but merely that they might impress tl*c Spaniards witli an exalted idea oflheir courage. I'he Spaniards, however, had to congratulate themselves on their fore^right in ])Utting the fort into a ^tate of defence : under the conduct of the admiral, who liad likewise lied thither, they made such excellent use of ijieir cannons, and in general defended themselves with so much vigour, that the Pirates, who could neither raise batteries nor plant ladders against the walis^ were obliged to relinquish the assault, and withdi*w on board their ships, somewhat confused, smd bitterly regretting their folly, ha\ing lost thirty men killed,- and forty wounded. From a Spanish pilot, vho fell into their hands, Morgan received an explanation of all that had occur- red previously to their arrival. 'Hk hostile fleet, which was at first six ships strong, had been sent out. from Spain tor the express purpose of exterminating the I'Vee-booters ; but the two largest vessels, each of which mounted sixiy-six guns, were thought incapable of being eliectively employed in the American lati- tudes ; they were therefore sent back, and one of them had sunk in a storm. Don Alphonso, whose chiet- ship (the St. Louis) w as manned by a crew of three hundred mtn, wjis dispatched, with the rest of the squadron, in quest of the Frec-booters. Not meeting vith them, either at IIispaniola,Ci4nipechy, St. Do- mingo, or Caracasy he vowgratuJatcd hisisclf on liint- C._-^!.-LA iJ ■ 114 HISTORY OF THE PIRATJ.S. ing them at IMaraciiibo. Two days before the fatal catastrophe, he was inturined by a negro, who had escaped from the Pirates, that they were preparing a fire-ship : he received this news witli disdain. — " How " can those rascals," said he, " luive ingenuity enough *• to construct such a ship ? Where will they hud *' instruments and materials necessary for that pur- *' pose ?" I he Spanish pilot also related, that on board the vessel, which had been sunk, there was sil- ver, both in bullion and money, to the value of forty thonsand piasters. This information Morgan thought ought not to be neglected ; and his active Free- hooters spared no pains to draw up this treasure from the sea ; and thus pay theivis««lves for so many latigues, from which they had hitherto gained nothing but glory. Morgan therefore lett one ship behind, the crew of uhich suc- ceeded in drawing up from t!ie ijottom of the sea. About twenty quintals, as well in iiigots as in moveables, both of silver and piasters. 'I'his interval was employ- ed' by that indefatigable commander in returning to jVIaracaibo with the remainder ol hi* licet. lie there a})propriated to his own use the frigate that had been captured from the Spaniards, and which mourned twenty-two guns, 'u\> i, he smallest vessel of their squadron. He repealed to the Spanish admiral liis injunction of paying a ransom for the town, if he was desirous of rescuing it from total desi^ruction ': but the latter, overwhelmed with the weight cf his misfortunes, insensible to any other losses than those he had already experienced, and huving nothing to appichend for him- self from the destruction with which ^iaIacaibo was threatened, would listen to no such proposition. But the terrified inhabitants were more tractable : without the admiral's permission, they capitulated with Mor- gan, and gave him twenty thousand piasters, by way of ransom, imd five hundred head of cattle for tho sustenance of his crew. Still, however, the Frce-bootcrs had another great '"'♦r I" ■'ii V-.' ""— - •"— •«* >. IIISTOtlir OF THE PIUATES. 11.5 fatal liad ling a I' How Miough fy ftiiti pur- Jiat on |as siU forty (lilHeuUy Ut fltirnioiuit. In order to re-enter the Cic'uuM from IIm' lake, tliey had to pass ch)se by that tort, whk'li had resisted their vah)ur, and which had fth'itHjIy t'ont them »o many men; to have attempted a lOCOtuI ititnck wouhi have been imprudent ; as its »iUC'C'i'«»t) Hu«, (It the best, very uncertain, and, even if tUvy wtTU •tut'te^i'tul, it would not increase tlieir booty. On thi* t»th»'r liund, if they risked a passage under the CunnoiiM of that formi(hiL>!e tort, their i^hips would either h« dl»Jiin!rity, if not all, of themselves being incapable of IHirf*uiiiu their route, would fall into tiie hands of thi'ir vnfiMiie»t. In this dilemma, Morgan tried what vlli't't tlu) boldness of his language and new threats would produce : he therefore sent a niessage to Don Alph(;lii«o, to inform him, that he would set all the prlM>iUM'>» at liberty, provided a free passage was grant- ed ; lull that, in case of a refusal, he would hang thi*m all upon the masts of his ^hips ; and tluU, not- with^ltllKliht;, he pledged his word to the Spaniards thnl 1)0 would pass in deriance of every obstacle. Honut prisoners were charged with the conveyance of till'* fvvere message t«j the admiral; whom tiiey tonjuii'd with tears to take pity on their wives and fhlldrtiii ; but the Spanish commander was inexora- ble} he w»» too much chagrined in having lost his tleei in such a manner ; he still flattered himself that he might be able to repair his disgrace, and alleviate his vcxafion, by precipitating those insolent Pirates to the bottom of the sea, at the very moment they were pasHJnjj;. 'I'hc persons deputed by jNlorgan, who were no exceedingly interested in the success of their mis- »iion, interceding for their friends, for their families, ftml f(»r themselves, met therefore with a very mdif- i'lwnt reception. The ailmiral reproached them with their cowardice, and told them, — " If you had prc- •* vented the entrance -A' these Pirates, as 1 am detcr- *' mineil to prevent their departure, you would never ** kttVC' been in your present situation," Lvk^rfUL^i i.4.. .-'_.(.-■ t ,-<4> •'•'iJt^'^'M.ikig^j. - hn iiisrouY oi THE piratk*. e.V^ 'I'licy lia«l no o\\\cr aiiswiM- to carry hack ; an(> Morguii rccci\C(l the ndiniral's reply witli his usual urrof^anci". *' Weil then," said he, *' since the adini- '* ral persi^♦s in refusing me a tree passage, I will lind *' a way by which to pa^s, without his consent :" and he took his n«easuix's accordingly. First, he ordered every one to bring the plunder he had collected, in order that it might be immediately divided anions ail the Free-bootcrs. It was estimated at two hundred and titty thousand piasters, both irv gold, silver, and in precious stones, without rcckonini» the slaves and an immense (|uantity of merchandize. Kvcry imiividual then received his share ; which he was from that nu)meut charged to defeiid. While this division was carryijjg into ell'ect, Morgan conceived a military mana;uvre. Very early in tho morniiig he caused some hundreds of I'ree-booters to be coiiducteut all the rest of the booty, agreeably to Morgan's decision, was relinquished to those who had so bravely acquired it. At length the fleet under his orders, the greatest that had been commanded by a Freu-bootcr in the I V* ■^B %:• f^i :M 120 HISTORY OF THE TIHATES. V (• I West Indian soas, was ready to set sail. It cnnsist- vi\ of tliirty-seven ships, of vaiious rates; the ad- niirors hliip carrying thirty-two, the others twenty, cightucn, and scventren cannon ; and the smallest four |)ieco«. On board the fleet there was a great quantity of ammunition, together with powder machines of a new invention, and also two hundred marines, exclu- sive oi tlic seamen and wabbers. With such force ^retit expectations might bo formed : INIorgan, there-, ibre, jn'omised his Free-booters, that, on their return, they shouhl have wherewith to spend their remaining (hiya agreeably ; provided, as already hail too often ha)>pened, they did not attack places of little strength, but would direct their valour against the strongest ; for experience had caused Morgan to adopt this prin- ciple : — ly/iere the Spaniards obsthiatc/j/ defend them- arlvvs, there is something to take ; consequently their ln'Kt fortified places are those which contain the mos^ treasure. Morgan hoisted on his main-mast the royal flag of Knglund, and divided his nuval forces into two squad- rons, distinguished by white and red flags, and formally Uhstuned the title of admiral. He afterwards nomi- naled a vice-admiral for each scjuadron, who took an oath of lidelity to him ; established signals ; and chosi; all his officers. There were four, on whom tiiis chief of robbers had even the impudence to confer the title of admiral ; thus extending, in a most arbitrary -man- ner, the power which had been granted him by the govcriKU' of Jamaica, They were, indeed, only eni[)- ty tiflcM, wliicii were of no value whatever except iimong his men ; though, in a political point of view, they were not without advantages. 1 liey caused a kind of engagement to be contracted with honour ; ihey excited emulation ; bound these untractable Pi- FHteH more particularly to obedience ; and sti'engtheji- e'd the lies of subordination between superiors and inferiors. Mon.'HU also formally issued patents and letters of ■^I)^: V u^^ ailSTORT OF THK PIRATES. ICl onsist- le ad- Aciity, st four antity s of a cxclu- fdice there-, ctinn, aining often Cllgth, ngcst ; prin- them- / thdr marque, empowering them to attack with hostihticsy and in every possible manner, the SpaniardSy both oh sea and on land, so long as they iverc the declared enemies of his sovereign, the king of England. After these acts of authority, Morgan ai^semblcd all his officers ; on whom he conferred full powers to sijfn in the name of the whole fleet, a convention or agree- ment with regard to plunder. It was stipulated that Morgan, as admiral, should first have an hundredth part of the whole, and afterwards, for every hundred men, such a share as every private Free-bootcr would have ; that the commanding ofliccr of every ship should hiive eight shares, beside what would be due to him on account of the money, provisions, &c. which h« might iiave advanced for the fitting out his vessel ; that the chief surgeon should, in addiiion to his app(»int- ments, receive one hundred piasters out of the whole, for medicines ; that every ships' carpenter, indepen- dently of his pay, should have a present of one hundred piasters. By the same agreement, the indemnities* already fixed in the general regulation for the loss of diftcrent limbs, were augmented ; and particular Rewards were established for every illustrious achieve- ment, either in engagements or in the attacking o£ fortresses. lentil all these measures had been effectuated, Mor- gan did not announce his plan to his companions. He proposed nothing less than to attack Panama, that great and opulent city, where he hoped to find ac- cumulated all those heaps of gold and silver which were annually sent, as a tribute, from America to Euro[K?. The difficulties in executing such a plan were apparently innumerable. 'I'ho chief obstacle « as, the great distance of that city from the sea ; and not an individual on board the fleet was acquainted with the road that led thither. To remedy this incon- venience, the admiral determined in the first instance tp go to the isL)^ uf St. Catherine^ wkcr«: ibo Sj^w- a :,» 122 HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. niards confined their criminals, and thence to supply themselves with guides. The passage was rapid. Morgan landed in that island one thousand men ; who, by threatening to put to death every one tliat hesitated for a moment to iiurrender, so terrified the Spaniards, that they speedily Cf^pitulated. It was stipulated that, to save at least the honour of the garrison, there should be a sham' light : in consequence of this, a very sharp fire ensued, from the forts on one side, and on the other from the ^lips ; but on both sides the cannons discharged only powder. Farther, to give a serious appearance to this militivy comedy, the governor suftered himself to be taken, while attempting to pass from fort Jerome to another fort. Hence followed an apparent disor- der. At the beginning, the crafty Morgan did not rely too implicity on this feint ; and to provide for «very event, he secretly ordered his soldiers to load their fusees with bullets, but to discharge them i« the air, unless they perceived some treachery on tho part of the Spaniards. But his enemies adhered most faithfully to their ca])itulation : and this mock engage- ment, in which neither party was sparing of powder,- Avas followed for some time with all the circumstances which could give it the semblance of reality. Ten f{»rts surrendered, one after another, after sustaining a kind of siege or assault : and this series of successes did not cost the life of a single man, nor even a scratch, on the point either of the victors or of the conquered. All the inhabitants of the island were shut up in tho great fort of Santa Teresa, which was built on a steep rock : and the conquerore, who had not taken any sustenance for twenty-four hours, declared a most serious war against the horned cattle and game of the district. In., the isle of St. Constantine, he found four hun* tired and fifty-nine persons of both sexes ; one hun111ATE«. 123 ipply \vtrc Wn forts, containihg sixty-i^ight cannons, and which were so defended in other respects by nature, that very sinallj^arrisons were deemed amply sufficient to protect them. Ikside an immense quantity of fusees and (grenades (which were at that time much MKcd), upwards of three hundred quintals of gunpow- der were foinid in the arsenal. The whole of this ammunition was carried on board the Pirates' ships j the cannon, wliich could be of no service to them, w(!rc sj)ikcd ; their carriaj^es were burnt ; and all the forts ilemojished excepting one, which the Frcc-booteriS themselves garrisoned. Morgan selected three of the crinunals to serve him as guides to Panama; and wliom he afterwards, on his return to Jamaica, set at liberty ; even giving them a share in the booty. Tlie plan, conceived by this intrepid chieftain, inspired uU his companions in arms with genuine cnthuifiaBm : it had a character of gratideur and audacity that enflamed their courage ; how capable they were of executing it, the subsequent pages will demonstrate. Panama, which stood on the shore of the South Sea, in the yih degree of northern latitude, was at that time one of the greatest, as well as mosi opulent citie$ in America./ It contained two thousand large houses, the greater number of which vvcrc very fine pllcis of building, and five thousand smaller dwellings, each mostly three stories in height. Of these, a pretty Goiisiderable number were eroried of stone, all the Jfest of cedar wood, very elegai ly constructed, and magnilicentjy furnished. That ( y was defended by a. rampart, and was surrounded witii walls. It was the emporium for the silver of INIexico, and the gold of Peru ; whence those valuable metals Were brought on the backs of mules (two thousand of which ani- mals were kept for this purpose only), across the i.sthmus towards the northern coast of the South Sea. A great commerce was also carried on at Panama which trade was at that time almost m negroes > V- \:- 1-^ 124 MISTOAY OF TII« riRAT»l. exclusively confined to the English, Dutch, Frcncft, and Danes. With this bmnch of commerce the Itahans were intiniutely ac'()Uiiintod, who gave lessons in it to all the rest ot' Europe : and, as two things wore necessary (in which the Genoese were by no means deficient), — money and address, — they were chiefly occupied in the »1avc trade, and supplied the provinces of Peru and Chili with negroes. At the period now referred to, the president of pjuiama was the principal intendant or overseer of the civil department, and cuptain-nencral of all the troops in the vice-royalty of PerUi He had in his depen- dency Porio Bello and Nata, two cities inhabited by the Spaniards, together with the towns of Cruces, Panama, Capira, and Veragua. The city of Panama had also a bishop, who was a sufTragan of the arch« bishop of Lima. The merchants lived in Krcat opulence } and their churches were decorated with tincotnnion mngnift- ccnce. The cathedral was i*rected In the italhtu style, surmounted with a lart^o cupola, and enriched with gold and silver ornanienls j as also were thp eight convents, which this city compulsed. At a small distance from its walls, there were some small islands, alike embellished by art and by nature, where the richest inhabitants had their country houses; from which circumstance they were called the gardens of Panama. In short every thing concurred to render thii place important and agreeable. Here several of the European nations had palaces for carrying on their commerce ; and among these were the Genoese, who were held in great credit, and who had vast warehouses for receiving the articles of their immense trade, as also a most mognifjccnt edifice. The principal houses were filled with beautiful paintings, and the iiiaster-pieces of the arts, which had here been apcur- mulated, — more from an intense desire of being surrounded with all the splendour of luxury (since they possessed the means of procuring it), than from a silv< sup( the pn ,,-*-'--*'-^. ,^ hlStOKV OF THE PIRATKS. 1215 :e the cssons things by no were pplicd a refined taste. Their superabundance of gold and silver had been employed in obtaininf^ these splendid superriuities; which were of no value, but to gratify the vanity ot their pnspcssors. Such was Panama in KvO, when the Free hooters selected it as the object of their bold attempt, and as the victim of their extravagancies ; and immortalized their name by reducina; it to a lieap of ruins. In t!ie execution of this design, which stupefied the New World, they displayed equal prudence and cruelty. Previous to the ad(.'ption of any other mea- sure, it was necessary that the Pirates should get ])ossession of fort St. Laurent, which was situated oii the banks of the river Chai^re. With this view Mor- gan detached four ships, with four hundred men, under the command of t!ie intrepid Brodely, who had so happily succeeded in victuallin;: the fleet, and who was intimately acquainted with the country. Morgan continued at the i-laud of St. Catharine, with the rest of hii lorces. H.s plan was to dissemble his vast projects aiiiunst Panama, as long as it was possible, and to cause the pillage of fort St. Laurent to be regarded as a common expedition to which he would confine liimsclf. Brodidy discharged this cominissioil with equal courage and success. That castle was situated on a lolty mountain, at the mouth of the river, and was inaccessible on almost every side. The first attempts were fruitless ; and the Free-booters, who advanced openly, without any other alms but their fusees and sabres, at first lost many of their comrades : for the Spaniards not only made use of all theil' artillery and musquctry against them, but weic also seconded by the Indians that were with them in the fort, and whi'se arrows were far more fatal than the bullets. The assrilants saw their companions in ".ims fall by their side, without being able to avenge them. The danger of their present situation, and the nature of their arms, seemed to render the enterprizc altogether impracticable. Their courage tcgan to waver ; their > ■ I I ^>i ^s • j^'A^- '{!«* L b 126 HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. I. ranks were thrown into disorder, and they already thought of retiring, when the provocations of the Spa- niards inspired them with new vigour. '* You heretic " dogs,'' cried they in a triinnjjhant ton<; : ** You " cursed English, possessed by the devil ! Ah ! you " will go to Panama ! will you ? No, no ; that " you shall not ; you shall all bite the dust here ; and " all your comrades shall share the same fate," From these insulting speeches the Pirates learnt that the design of their expedition was discovered ; and from that moment they determined to carry the fort, or die to a man upon the spot. They immediately commenced the assault in defiance of the shower of arrows that were discharged against ihem ; und undis- mayed by the loss of their commander, both of whose legs had been carried away by a cannon ball. One p( the IMrates, in whose shoulder an arrow was deeply iixod, tore it out himself, exclaiming: — " Patience, " comrades, an idea strikes me ; all the Spaniards " arc lost !" He tore some cotton out of his pocket, with which he covered his ram-rod, set the cotton on fire, and shot this burning material, in lieu of bullets, at the houses of the fort, which was covered with light wood and the leaves of palm trees. His companions collected together the arrows which were strewed around them upon the ground, and employed them in a similar manner. The effect of this novel mode of attack was most rapid • many of the houses caught fire ; a powder waggon blew up. The besieged, being thus diverted from their means of defence, thought only of stopping the progress of the fire. Nighi came on : under cover of the darkness, the Free hooters attempted also to set on fire the palisades, which were made of a kind of wood that was easily kindled. Tn this attempt likewise they were crowned with success, the soil, Ly which the palisades were supported, fell down for want of support, and filled up the ditch. The Spaniards nevertheless continued to defend them- selves with much courage, being aiiimiitcd by the -1 IIISTOIIY OP THE PIRATES. 127 and example of their commander, who fought till the very moment he received a mortal blow. The garrison had, throughuut, tiie use of their cannon, which kept up a most violet fire; but the enemy had already made too much progress to be disconcerted with it : they pcrservcd in their attack, until they at length be- came masters of the fort. A great number of Spanairds, finding themselves deprived of all resource, precipitated themselves from the top of the walls into the river, that they might not fall alive into the harids of the Free-booters ; who made only twenty-four prisoners, and ten of these were wounded n>en, who had concealed themselves among the dead, in the hope ofescaping their ferocious conquerors. These twenty-four inen were ail that remained of three hundred and forty, who had com- posed the garrison, which had shortly before been re- inforced : for the president of Panama, liaving been apprized from Carthagena of the real object of the Pirates' expedition, came to encamp, with three thou- sand six hundred men, in the vicinity of the threaten- ed city. This information was confirmed to the Free- booters, after the capture of the fort. At the same time they learnt, that, among this body of troops, there were four hundred horsemen, six hundred Indians, and two hundred mulattoes ; the last of whom, being very expert in hunting bulls, were intend- ed, in case of necessity, to send two thousand of those animals among the Free-booters. It is scarcely credible, that Brodely continued, to command, notwithstanding the severity of his wounds : but he would not, by retiring, compromise the advan- tages which he had so dearly purchased i for out of four hundred men who had composed his little army, one hundred and sixty had been killed, eighty Abounded, and of these eighty, sixty were altogether out of the battle. The bodies of the French and English were interred ; but those of the Spaniards were thrown down from •f1 128 nisTonY OP Tn« pihates. ,«• ',fi- the top of the fort, and remained in a heap at the foot of its walls. IJiiKJoIy touii'l much ammunition, iind iiltundunce of provisions ; with which ho wUs the more satisHc 1, as he knew that the grand fleet was' greatly in want of both those articles. He caused the tort to be re-built, as far as wa?* practicable, in or.'.vu' tliat he might defend himself there, in case the 8panitirfls should make a speedy attempt to re-take it. In tliis sitiiHtion he waiti d for Morgan, who in a short time appeared with his fleet. As the Pirates approached, they beheld the English flag flying on the fort, and abandoned themselves lo the most lunu.ltuous joy and excessive drinking, with- out dieaming of the dangers occuring at the mouth of the river Chagre, beneath whose waters there was a sunken rock. 'I'hc coasting pilots of those latitudes came to their assistance ; but their intoxication, and their impatience, would not permit them to attend to the latter. This ne^^'ligence was attended with most fatal consequences, and cost them four ships, one of which was the admiral'.s vessel. The crews, however, together with their ladin^>, were saved. This loss g fatly affected Morgan, who was wholly intent upon hia vast designs; but who, nevertheless, made his entrance into St. Lament, when; he left a garrison of live hundred men. He iunj detached fi'om his body of troops one hundred ami iifcy men, for the purpose of seizing several Spanii^h vessels that were in the river. The remainder of his forces Morgan directed to follow himself: they carr!(xl but a small supply of provisions, not only that his march might not be im- peded, but also because the means of conveyance wore very limited. Besides, he was apprehensive lest he should expose to famine the garrison he had left in the fort, who did not abound with provisions, and werfc cut otf on every side from receiving supplies : and it was likewise necessary that he slioiild leave sufficient for the support of all the prisoners and slaves, whose immber amounted very nearly to one thousand. r- III^TOhY OF THE PIRATES. i'20 Afl«r all tlid«« strp.Hhad been taken, Morgan briefly nddreiMt'd hi» conirudcs, whom he excited to arm thcmwlvc** with coura^^c calculated to subdue every obitat'lo, llmt they might return to Jamaica with ah incr«'0«c ol* ^lory, ai d riches sufficient to supply all their wjinti lor the rest of their lives. At length, on the 1 8th day of January, he commenced his march tommin I*unu/na, with a chosen body of Frce-booters, who wflrf their arrival at Rio de los Bravos, the VXpet'tfltlonii of the Pirates were frustrated. At the plut'y wl»/fH tlifv landed, they lilerally found tiuthinji; s llio tflmil', wldi-'h they uvery-whore insplrcjd, hud pre- tydyd th»ni i the Spaniards had betaken thcmseK%*s ta Wi^ht, And had carried with them all their cattle, and tfveii the very last article of their moveables. They had cut the gmin and pulse without waiting for their muturjfy, the roots of which were even torn out of the tjrouild J the houses and stables were empty. The iU'nt day of their voyage was spent in abstinence, to» baeco utforditig them the only gratification that was not refused them. The second day was not more prosperou!*. In addition to the various impediments by whieh their passage was obstructed, want of rain had rendered the waters of the river so shallow, and the great number of trees which had fallen into it, presented almost insurmountable obstacles. On their arrivttl at the Cruz de Juan Gallego, they had no otiier uUemative left, but to abandon their boats, and pursue their route by land ;. otherwise they must have resign- ed themselves to tJie confusion necessarily consequent •a retruciwg their steps. Animated, however, by tlieit ■^■^/•n 130 HISTORY or THE piuatcb. h' f chieftains, whom nothing could discourage, thry determined to try the adventure. On the thirtl (hty their way led them to a forest, where there was no beaten path, and the soil of which was marshy. But it was indispensably necessary that they shmdd leave this wretched passaj^e, in order that they might reach, with incredible diflficulties indeed, the town of Cedro Bueno. For all these excessive fatigues they found no indemnification whatever ; there were no provisions, not even a single piece of game. These luckless adventurers at length saw themselves surrounded by all the horrors of famine. Many of them were reduced to devour the leaves of trees ; the majori- ty were altogether destitute of sustenance. In this state of sevei^e privations, and with very light cloathing, did they pass the nights lying on the shore, benumbed with cold, incapable of enjoying, even in the smallest de- gree the pleasures of sleep, and expecting with anxiety the return of day. Their courage was supported only nith the hope of meeting some bodies of Spaniards, or some groupes of fugitive inhabitants, and con- sequently of finding provisions, with an abundance of which the latter never failed to supply themselves, when they abandoned their dwellings. Farther, the Pirates were obliged to continue their route at a small distance only from the river, as they had contrived to drag their canoes along with them } and, whenever the water was of sufficient depth, part of the men em- barked on board them, while the remainder prosecuted their journey by land. They were piTcedcd a few hundred paces by an advanced guard of thirty men, under the direction of a guide, who was intimately ac- quainted with the country ; and the strictest fiilenco was observed, in order that they might discover the ambuscades of the Spaniards, and, if it were possible, to make some of them prisoners. On the fourth day the Free-L^ioters reached Tor- na Cavellos, a kind of fortified place ; which also had been evacuated, the Spaniards having carried at\ay IflSTOKY OF THR PIRATES. m with them every thing that was portable, and con- sumed the rest by fire. 'I'hcir design was to leave the Pirates neither moveables nor utensils : in fact this was the only resource loft thcni, b} which they could reduce th'>se forniidulile guests to such a state of pri- vation, as io compel them to retire. The only thing Avhich had not bceii buirit, or carried oft", was some large sacks of liidcs ; which was to these famished Free-booters an object of avidity, and which had almost occasioned a bloody dispute. Previously to devouring them, it was necessary to cut them into pieces with all possible equity. 'I'lius divided, the leather was cut into small biis, these were scraped, and violently beaten between two stones. It was then soaked in water, in order to become soft, after which it was roasted ; nor, thus prepared, could it have been swiallowed, if they had not taken most copious draughts of water. After this repast the Frce-booters resumed their route, and arrived at Torna-Muimi, where .nlso they found an abandoned fortress. On the fitth day tiicy reached Barhacoa ; but still no place presented to their view cither man, animal, or any kind of |*rovisions whatever. Here likewise the Spaniards had taken the precaution of carr;ying away or destroying every thing that could serve for food. Fortunately, however, they discovered mi Ui holbw of a rock two sacks of tiour, some i\ uii, and two large vessels tilled with wine. This discovery would have transported with joy a less numercms troop ; but, to so many laniished men, it [>resented only' very feeble resource. Morgan, who dnl not suffer less from hunger than the rest, gene- rously appropriated none of it to his own use, but caused this scanty supply to be distributed among those who were just ready to faint. Many indeed were almost dying. These were rrjuveyed on board the boats, the charge of which was committed to them; while those who had hitherto had the care of the vessels, were re-united to ihe body that was .t ■ 132 tflSrORY OF THE PIRATES. travelling by land. Their inarch was very slow, botli- on account of the extreme weakness of these men, even after the very moderate refreshment they had JLSt taken, as w«ll as from the roughness and difficulty of the way : and, during the fifth day, the Pirates had no otltcr sustenance but the leaves of trees, and the gra^s of the meadows. On the following day the Frec-booters made still less progress ; want of f(X)d had totally exhausted theni, and they were frequently obliged to rest. At length they reached a plantation, where they found a vast quantity of maize in a granary, that had just been abandoned. What a discovery was this to men whose appetites were sharpened by such long protractions ! A great number of them devoured the grains in a raw state ; the rest covered their shares with the leaves of the Hnnana tree, and thus cooked or roasted the mai'/e. Rcinvigorated by this food, they pursued their route ; and, on the same day, they discovered a troop of Indians on the other side of the river ; but those savages betook themselves to flight, so that it was im- possible to reach them. 'J'hc cruel Frec-booters fired on them, and killed some of them ; the rest escaped, exclaiming,-—" Come, you English dogs, come into the *' meadow, we will there wait for you." To this challenge the Pirates were little tempted to answer, 'I'heir supply of maize was exhausted ; and they were further obliged to lie down in the open iir without eating any thing. Hitherto, in the midst of privations tht! most severely painful, as well as of the most diHicult labours, they had evinced an inex- haustible patience ; but, at length, violent murmurs arose, Morgan and his rash enterprise became the object of their execrations : a great number of the Frec-booters were desirous of returning ; but the rest, although discontented, declared that they would rather perish than not terminate an expedition so far ad- vanced, and which had cost them so much trouble. . On (ho following day they crossed the river, and HISTORY Oi" THE PIRATKS. 133 liirectcd their inarch towards a place which they took' for a town, or at all events for a village ; M-here, to their great satisfaction, they thought they perceived at a distance the smoke issuing from several chimnies. ** There, at last," said they, *' we shall surely find " both men and provisions." Their expectations were completely frustrated ; not a single individual appeared throughout the place. They found no other articles of sustenance' but a leather sack full of bread, together with a few cats and dogs, which were instantly killed and devoured. The place where they had now arrived was the town of Cruces, at which were usually landed those commodities which were conveyed up the river Chagre, in order to be carried by land to Panama, which was eight French leagues distant. Here wore some fine warehouses, built of stone, and likewise some stables, belonging to the king of Spain ; which, at the moment of the Pirates' arrival, were the only buildings that remained untouched, all the inhabitants having betaken themselves to flight after they had set their houses on fire. Every comer of these royal buildings was ransacked by the Free- booters, who at length discovered seventeen large ves- sels full of Peruvian wine, which were immediately emptied. Scarcely, however, had they drank this liqour, which was to recruit their exhausted strength, than they all fell ill. At first they thought the wine was poisoned, they were overwhelmed with constern- ation, and were fully persuaded that their last hour was come. Their terrors were unfounded ; as their sudden indisposition was easily accounted for, by the nature of the unwholesome food they had so recently taken, by the extreme diminution of their strength, and the avidity wi.h which they had swallowed the wine. In fact, they found themselves much better on the following day. As .Morgan had been reduced vo the hetcssity of removhig, at this place, to a distance from all his ships,, be was obliged to land all his men, not even excepting •'>■: ■— 1 • ■.•■f,""*' 134 HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. m t thodo who were most exhausted by weakness. The shaltops alone, with sixty men, were sent to the spot where his vcHsels and largest ships had been left. A tingle Hhullop only was reserved to carry news, i!( occasion oflered, to the flotilla. Morgan prohibited every man from going alone to any distance ; and even required that they should not make excursions in troops nmounting to less than a hundred men. Famine, however, compelled the Free-bootcrs to infringe this prohibition. Six of them went out to some distance m quo^t of food : the event justified the foresight of their chieftain. They were attacked by a large body of Spaniards, and could not without very great dif- ficulty regain ihc village : they had also the mortifica» tion to see one of their comrades taken prisoner. Morgun now determined to prosecute his march, after reviewing his companions in arms : they amount- , Cx\ to eleven hundred. As he foresaw, that they were apprehensive lest their lost comrade should betray the <*ecret of their enterprize and the state of their forces, Morgan made them believe that he had not been taken ; that he had only lost his way in the woods, but had returned back to the main body. 'I'he Frce-bootcrs were on the eighth day of their painful journey, and nothing but the hope of speedily ttununatiiig their labours could support them much longer ; for they had now ascertained that they wero in the way to Panama. An advanced guard of two hundred men was therefore formed, who were to watch the njovements of the enemy. They marched onward U>v u whole day without perceiving any object what- ever ; when suddenly a^owcr of three or four thou- sand arrows was discharged upon them from the top ot a r'.ick. For some minutes they were struck with astonishment : no enemy presented himself to their view. They beheld around them, at their feet, above their heads, nothing but steep rocks, trees, and nhysics ; nnd, without striking a single blow, they reckoned twenty of tkeir comrades killed or wouniied* ItlSTORY OF THE PIKATES. 135' * "This unexpected attack not being continued, they })ursued their march across a forest ; where, in a hol- ow way, they fell upon large body of Indians, who opposed their progress with much valour. In this engagement the Frec-booters were victorious, though they lost eight killed and ten wounded. Tiicy made every possible effort to catch some of the fugitives ; but these fled away with the velocity of slags across the rocks, with all the turnings and windings of which they were intimately acquainted. Not a single maa fell into their hands : the Indian chieftain was wouud** cd ; and, notwithstanding he lay on the ground, he continued to fight most obstinately until he received a mortal blow. He wore a crown of party-coloured feathers. His death made a great impression on tho Indians, and was the principal cause of their defeat. The ground on which they had attacked the Pirates, was BO favourable, that one hundred men would have been fully sufficient to have destroyed the whole troop of Frec-booters. The latter availed themselves of the inconceivable negligence of the Spaniards, in not tak- ing more effectual measures for the defence of such an important pass. They exerted all possible diligence to make their way out of this labyrinth of rocks, (where a second attack of a similar kind would have been attended with consequences of the most fatal tendency to them), and to get into an open and level country. On the ninth day they found themselves in a plain, or spacious meadow, entirely divested of trees, so that nothing could shelter them against the ardour of tlie solar rays. It rained, however, most copiously at the moment of their arrival ; and this circumstance avho betook themselves to flight the moment they saw the formidable Pirates approaching. To the latter, no reconcer could be more desirable. They were ready to fttint with famine and fatigue : the sustenance which tlicy immediately devoured, would contribute to give thiem that strength, which every moment would become so necessary to them ; and it is altogether inconceiv- able how the Spaniards could abandon such a prey to their famished enemies. This want of foresight can only be accounted for by the panic with which the, Spaniards were seized. The spot, which had just been deserted, was occu- pied for some hours by the Free-booters : they stood in great need of r t, and were in much gi'cater want of provisions. Tlioy rushed therefore on the animals that W been left behind, of which they killed a great nul ttVl V.J be tli( ilol a mil k) »j.i,, HISTORY OP TH^E PIRATES. 137 numb*.", and devoured their half-raw ilcsh with sucU ttvidity, that the blood streamed in torrents from tlicir lip» over the whole of their bodies. What C(^i'.ld not ije c rity to such a length, as not to disturb that repose of which they stood 80 greatly in need ; nor how they could allow then the ncccmary leisure for recruiting their exhausted strength, and thus become the more fit for battle. They availed themselves of this over- sight, and were perfectly «t case ; after they 'had glut- ted themselves with aliimal food, they lay down upon the (;rass, and slept quietly. Throughout the night the Spaniards made their artillery roar without inter- mission, in order to display their vigilance. • On the ensuing day (which was the tenth of their march), January 27th J6'7l» the Pirates advanced at a very cfw'ly hour, with their military music, and took the road leading to Panama. By the advice, however, of one of their guides, they quitted the main road, and went out of the way across a thick wood, through which there was no foot-path. For this the Spaniards were unprepared ; having confined them- selves to the erection of batteries, and construction of redoubts, on the highway. They soon perceived the inutility of this meuNure, and were obliged to relin>- quish their guns, in order to oppose their enemies on the contrary side ; but, not being able to take their caraons away from their batteries, they were conse- quently incapacitated from making use of one part of their defensive means. After two houro' march the Frec-booters discovered the hostile army, which was a very fine one, well equipped, and wai advancing in battle array. The sokliei-s were clad in party-coloured silk stuffs, and the horsemen were strutting upon their mettlesome steeds, as if they were going to a bull fight.* The president * In Spain, the divenion of Itult figltting S« in high estimation, Mrhich is conducted witli grent m»gniiiceiicc, the nublcs and ladies of tank atteudt/ig as spcgtatufi. " '«»^**'**t •■■:t?' • ..' m vihii couii Spaj regii ^'•■"^W" '^ ,.., . I ■i • .-_".. they hem how lecu- niSTOAY 6V THE PIRATES. 13$ in person took the command of this- body of troops, which was of considerable importance, both for the country and likewise for the forces supported there b_, Spain. He marched against the Pirates with four regiments of the line, consisting of infantry, besides two thousand four hundred foot soldiers of another description, four hundred horsemen, aiid two thousand four hundred wild bulls under the conduct of several hundi'cd Indians und negroes. Tliis army, which extended over the whole plains was di.covefcd by the Pirates from the summit of a small eminence, and presented to them a most im* posing appearance, insomuch that they were struck with a kind of terror. They now began to feel some anxiety as to the event of an engagement with forces so greatly si^rior to them in point of numbers ; but they were soon convinced that they must actually conquer or die, and encouraged each other to fight till the very last drop of their blood was shed ; a determi*- nation this, which, on the part of these intrepid men, was by no means a vain resolution. They divided themselves into three bodies, placed two hundred of their best marksmen in the front, and marched boldly against the Spaniards, who were drawn up in order of battle on a very spacious plains The governor immediately ordered the cavalry to charge the enemy, and the wild bulls to be at the same time let loose upon them. But the ground was unfavourable for this purpose : the horspmen encounr- tered nothing but maiTshes, behind which were posted the two hundred marksmen, who kept up such a con- tinual and well-directed fire, that horses and men fell in heaps beneath their shots, before it was possible to etfect a retreat. Fifty horsemen only escaped this formidable discharge of musquetry. The bulb on whose services they had calculated so highiy, it became impracticable to drive among the Pirates. Hence such a confusion arose as completely reversed the whole plan of the battle. The I'rcc-booters in 'IC' l!.:^i\,\,'>, ^ . ^..' ■- '.'1 .J' : fiifctffj^fr ^'''*- ■■'■-'■ vMl ^^^^•r..^:^ , /t . ■< \ J 46 HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. ■r- '/■. 'jr consequence attacked the Spanish infantry with so much the t^ieater vigour ; they successively knelt on the ground, lived, and rose up again. While thosc^ vbo were on one knee, directed their lire against the hostile army, which began to waver, the Pirates, who continued standing, rapidly charged their fire-arms. Kvery man, on this occasion, evinced a dexterity and presence of mind which decided the fate of the battle : almost every shot was fatal. The Spaniards neverthe- less continued to defend themselves with much valour, which proved of little service against an exasperaled enemy ; whose courage, intlamed l)y despair, derived additional strength from their successes. At length the Spaniards had recourse to their last expedient ; the wild rattle were let loose upon the roar of the Frce-booters. The former never drcanit that these had, in this expedition, associated the Buccaneers, who had for a long time been accustomed to act ■against these animals : and this attack, which was to be decisive^ frustrated all their plans. The Buccaur eers were in their element : by their shouts they intimidated the bulls, at the same time waving party- cdouied flags before them, fired on the animals and laid them all upon the ground without exception. The en- gagement lasted two hours ; and notwithstanding the Spaniards were so greatly superior both in numbers and in arms, it terminated entirely in favour of the Free-booters. The Spaniards lost the chief piu*t of -their cavalry, on which ihsy had built their expecta- tions of victory : the remainder returned to the charge repeatedly ; but their efl'orts only tended to render their defeat the more complete. A very few horsemen only escaped, together with the ruins of the infantry, who threw down their arms to facilitate the rapidity of their flight. Six hundred Spaniards lay dead on the field of battle ; beside whom, they sustained a very considerable loss in such as were wounded and taken prisoners. ArtiOng the latter were some Franciscans, ivho had exposed tliemsclvcs to the greatest dangsis,. in HISTORY OF THE P111ATE8. 141 in order that they might animate the combatants/and sviford the last consolations of religion to the dying. They were conducted into Morgan's presence, who instantly pronounced sentence of death upon them. In vain did these hapless religious implore that pity, which they might claimed from a iuss ferocious enemy : they were all killed by pistol-saut. Mauy Spaniards who were apprehensive lest they should be overtaken in their flight, had concealed themse.ves in the flags •and rushes along the banks of the river. They were mostly discovered, and hacked to pieces by the merci-* less Pirates. ' The Free-booters' task, however, was by no means, executed; they had yet to take Panama, a large and populous city, which was defended by forts and ■batteries, and into which the governor had retired, together with the fugitives. The conquest of this place was the more difficult, as the Pirates had dearly purchased their victory, and their remaining forces were in no respect adequate to encounter the difficul- ties attending such an enterprizc. It was, however, determined to make an attempt. Morgan had ju^t procured, from a wounded captive Spanish officer, the necessary information ; but he hud not a moment to lose. It would not do to allow the Spaniards time to adopt new measures of defence : the city was therefore assaulted on the same day, in defiance of a formidable artillery, which committed great havock among the Free-booters ; and, at the end of three hours, they were in possession of Panama. * The capiuie of that city was followed by a general pillage. Morgan, who dreaded the consequences of excessive intoxication, especially after his men had suffered such a long abstinence, prohibited them from drinking any wine, under the severest penalties, lie foresaw that such a prohibition would infallibly be infringed, unless it were sanctioned by an argument far more powerful than the fear of punishment; he 4hcrefore ' caused it to be announced that he had (■ ivw- ^'-'-f, «' V ,:v. . ■M^'j- uz iriRTORY OP THE riRATEi. :f ./"■ * I. A- received information tliat the Spaniards had poisoned all their wine. This dexterous falsehood produced the desired effect ; and, for the first time, the Free- booters were temperate. The majority of the inhabitants of Panama had betaken themselves to flight ; they iiad embarked their women, their riches, all their moveables that were of any value, and small in bulk, and had sent this valuable cargo to the island of Taroga. The men were dispersed over the continent, but in sufficiently great numbers to appear formidable to the Pirates ; whose forces were much diminished, and who could iu)t expect any assistance trom abroad. They therefore continued constantly together ; and, for their greater Becurity, most of them encamped without the walls. We have now reached the time when Morgan com- mitted a barbarous and incomprehensible action ; con- cerning which his comrades (acme of whcmi were his historians), have given only a very ambiguous explana- tion. Notwithstanding all the precious articles had been carried away from Panama, there still remained, as in every great European trading city, a vast number of shops, warehouses, and magazines, filled with every kind of merchandize. Beside a very great quantity ot xvrought and manufactured articles, the productions of luxwry and industry, that city contained immense stores of flour, wine, and spices ; vast magazines of that metal which is justly deemed the most valuable of all, because it is the most useful ; extensive build- ings, in which weie accumulated prodigious stores of iron tools and implements, anvils, and ploughs, whicii had been received from Europe, and were destined to revive the Spanish colonies. Some judgment may be formed, respecting the value of the last-mentioned articles only, when it is considered that a quintal (1 cwi.) of iron was sold at Panama tor thirty-two piasters (about £6. 12.). All these multifarious articles, so essentially ncces- 0h:. r^x-: ;;;i^>Sk,!^'i^|^^ NlKTOnr OF THE PtIlATES. U3 uceJ^-' I. ■.^'W% -*^^yy*^l>», Ill MuK'f «ii. '*>il..»*'- i h'lch )Iu- )tc'--f »iit«',' i --', vr- 1»» ■:r'-«;.;"-!V;T'--;Tv 14$ HISTOnY OF THE PIRATES. •;1l • refuge in some bay that was in the vicinity of Panama. He therefore detached four of his barks^ which cruis* cd for eight clays in the circumjacent latitudes. Their cruise was fruitless ; and the little flotilla returned vitliout bringing in a single capture, and even without giving any hop of making a prize. Troni Chagre the most satisfactory information wa^ received. Lvery thing there was quiet, and in the best order. The garrison had succeeded in taking a Spanislv ship, which had unsuspectingly passed near the fort, She came from Carthagena, and there^verc found on board some chests full of emeralds. In consequence of this circumstance, Morgan determined to prolojig his residence at Panama for some time ; for he was not yet undeceived. lie still flattered himself with the hope of ultimately meeting with this galleon, the object of general desire, and towards whjcli his attention .and his prayers were incessantly directed. In the nlean time iiirt men pursued their researches ii-io the ruins of the consumed houses, within which treasure was most certainly concealed. In fact, some of the Pirates did discover treasure in the wells and cellars, where it had been secreted by the Spaniards ; while others of them were employed in burning the rich stuffs. In order to olitain the gold and silver with which they were embroidered. Every iv|)prehennion of any attack from the Spani<* urds being thus removed, the l''rce-booters settled them- selves in such of the houses as were spared by th^ flames, and livc»d in perfect tranquillity, relying on the active vigilance of their strong patroles, who scoured the environs, and contimialiy brotight back booty and prisoners. In a short time ihey had seized upwards of one hundred nudes richly laden, and more than two hundred persons of both sexes, who were tortured in the most barbarous manner, in order to compel them to disclose the place's where th«»y had concealed thcii' precious effects. Many ot tiiom actually expired amidst these tortures « but their death affected thei^' - • -^ PI- ■ , HISTORY OF THE PIRATRS." 147 lama, icruis. jlhcir lurnt'd ftliout nxcctltioners so much the less, as it released them from several uselesss mouths, and a scarcity of provisions began to prevail. A few women of noble rank, and who were gifted with external advantages, were treated with a degree of respect, which they could not expect from these ferocious men ; but this was only when they yielded to their brutal desires. Those, on the contrary, who would not submit, experienced the most horrible treatment. Morgan himself set an example to his comrades. The following tale, which delineates that impetuous man in all his colouis, deserves to be related. Among those that were brought in, was a young and • most lovely woman, of a mild and modest mien, but who possessed an elevated soul. She was the. wife of an opulent merchant, who was then on a journey to Peru, whither his affairs called him, She was flying with her parents, whun she was detained bv the Free- bootors, Tho moment Morgan beheld her, he destined , (. her for his pleasures. At first she was treated with respect, and separated from the rest of the prisoners ; although she with tears besought him to spare her this distinction, more formidable than flattering. He gave fccr an apartment in his dwelling, together with negroes to attend her, and supplied her from his own table, lie "even permitted the captive Spanish women to visit her. She was astonished at tliis treatment ; as the l''reC-booters had been represented to her, as well as to her country-women, as a kind of monsters, equally hideous in their form as their character was odious. It is related by those, who have transmitted to us tho iparticuhirs of this event, that a Spanish woman ex- claimed with surprize, when she beheld them for the lirst time, — " O Holy Mary ! These robbers arc iix •' every respect like our Spaniards !" At first, the heroine of thid little romance did not suspect that her charms were the cause of such a deli- cate and unexpected reception. She shortly, however, ikjarnt the real design of this treatment. Morgatt ■1: vW - s ;' i'H ■M f. ■-•■^ '•wrt' ♦;,•,, Ml'' ,i ' •' c^-^^.V'-T'r- •"V,^-,ir /if:- -«j,v us HISTORY OP THE PIRATES. gave her three days to consider whether she would voluntarily yield to the passion she had inspired. He laid at her feet whatever was most valuable of his booty, cither in gold, pearls, or diamonds. But she rejected all his presents ; and, after stedfastly refusing the most pressing entreaties, she told him with the greatest firmness, — *' My fife is in yovr hands ; hut ** you nhall exercise no dominion over my body until my "' soul is separated from it.'' As she uttered these words, she drew forth a dagger, which she had con- cealed, but which was instantly taken from her. The ferocious Morgan, incapable of any sentiment of gene- rosity, a stranger to every kind of virtue, and violently irritated at such an unexpected resistance, caused her clothes to be torn off, and cast her half naked into a dark and fetid cellar, where she was supplied only with the grossest food, and in such small quantities as w*iro scarcely sufficient to prolong her melancholy days. Similar barbarities, yet more revolting, were of so common occurence among the Free-booters, that the fate of this unfortunate woman would have been altogether unheeded, if her singular beauty had not excited the pity of Morgan's comrades. Those rob* bcrs, less ferocious than their chieftain, blamed his conduct with such vehemence, that in order to excul- vatti himself, he v as obliged to have recourse to an imposition. He piciended that this woman had re- paid h»s kindness by the blackest ingratitude and kepj: up a becrct intelligence with the Spaniards ; the design t)i which was to destroy him and his brave companions io arms. They heUeved him ; their murmurs ceased, and Morgan continued with impunity to torture hi^ liAlbrtunatc captive. In general, however, the Free-booters were suffi- ciently discontented with their chieftain. Many of thom had formed the dcsgin of separating from him, and without returning to Chagre, of sailing directly from Panama, and making the South Sea for some time the theatre of their cruises, as they would thet* .^v¥=M^^' HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. 149 con- The Jinve no attack to apprehend. Their intention was, afterwards to intrench themselves in some remote island, there collect booty in silence, and then return to Kurope, by the West Indies. In pursuance of this design, they had already secretly collected a consider- .•|>' able supply of provisions, powder, and ammunitiony^j^"^!^ together with a great quantity of arms. They hadvJ^^-V' likewise clandestinely taken a few pieces of cannon 'V= ." out of the ships, and had fixed upon the largest of the r: prizes for their voyage. This plan was on the eve of ■:.■/ being carried into execution, when it was detected by Morgan, who instantly conceived an expedient for frustrating it : he caused the main-mast of tlie ship in question to be cut down, and set tire to that vessel, as well as to all those which were then in port. Morgan began now to think seiiously of returning. After three weeks' residence at Panama, the Free- booters abandoned that city, or rather the site which it had Jbrmeriy occupied. The booty, which consist- ed principally ol gold, silver, and jewels (tor no other articles were porttible), was laden on one hundred and seventy-five beasts of burthen, by the side of which upwards of six hundred prisoners, men, women, and children, inhabitants as well as slaves, were compelled to walk on foot. Ignorant of the place of their desti- nation, and exhausted by hunger and fatigue, these unfortunate persons abandoned themselves to lamen- tations, which would have excited compassion in the breasts of every one but their ferocious conductors, whom they conjured upon their knees to giant them the favour of returning to the pile of ashes which hud been their country. Morgaii replied that he would grant them permission, provided they would produce money for their ransom. Such a condition was tanta- ^;. ; mount to a refusal. The captives, however, , waited V four days, for the return of some ecclesiastics, whom, they had dispatched for the purpose of collecting, if it were possible, the sum recjuiied by the insatiable INlor- gan. As they did not return, the Pirates icsumed t -:i^ .'«! •.■>■'' :,':'iU?>„. i- ♦*»! ;: i:£^i:.. y^^UKSt/SrSfiSik ■'■••^t v-'»'»'"S"'^ 150 HISTORY OF THE TTHATES,. dicir march, violently goading and beating, even to death, sucki as did nut walk with sufficient speed. In this gruupe of unfortunates were mothers, carrying in- fants at their breast ; and who, being theniselves des- titute of sustenance, could not yield a single drop of milk foj- the support of their offspring ; and among them was the lovely woman already noticed, for whose liberty Morgan required a rai;som of thirty thousand piasters. To raise that sum, she had sent two monks to a particular spot, whaice they returned with the money she had expected. But, instead of ■employing it in her deliverance, they appropriated it to the redeeming of some other prisoners that were their friends. This atrocious treachery soon became known, and increased the interest which the Free- booters took in the fate of the hapless victim. Mor- gan himself could not suppress »n emotion of pity ; he interrogated the other monastics ^vhom he was ed all the monks by way of retaliation, in order to atone for the perfidy of their brethren. They also succeeded in procuring their ransom ; and, during their march, many other prisoners had the same good fortune ; but the majority, not being able to obtain the sum exacted for their ransom, were obliged to continue their route. They halted about half-way from Chagre ; when every Frec-booter was called upon to aftirm by oath, that he iiad not appropriated to himself the slightest portion of the plunder. Notwithstanding the oath was taken, the suspicious Morgan demanded that the clothes and portmanteaus of tkv "liole troop should he minutely examined, one after anofthw. In order tp obviate any thing that mig'it be offensive in these ia>mmands, he undei*went an examination first ; and iest any thing should escape the strict search to wiiich he himself had submitted, he stripped off his own iliiots. !^'rotn tliis rigorous inqiiairy 4iom nii kh ooRi- tk ■, ,» 4,*J.^.'.JMA;^• ,.. .sCm'!^?;, .:W'*-- |cn id In igin- |s des- fop of jimong for [thirty ' sent urned lad of ited it were icame I Frce- Mor- he ITISTOaV OF THC PIRATE9. 151 :v:,i paraons in arms durst shrink, although very man/ ol' them, particularly the French, murmured ioudiy with much bitterness at such a proceeding. The execution of the chieftain's orders was committed to the officers, who discharged them with extreme seve- rity* Even the fusees were taken to pieces, lest any predous stones should have been secreted between the iron and tlie stocks. This excessive mistrust CKcitcd the indignation of some Froc-booters to siudi a degree, that they threatened Morgan with dea^,) but ths inujonty of voices was against theniy jyxj^j^E^purtcd a measure which the common interest 8eemoid.fd rc<}nire. In this point of view, every thhig was lawful ; every thing was commanded on one part, and tolerated on ^he other. Morgan, who knew how to uaiite address with imperious arrogance on some occasions, had recommend to the olficers to lake silently away the concealed articles their impiiries might have discover-^ cd, without divulging the transgressors of ihe. law. Thjcsc manoeuvres produced the desired etto^t, and the general tranquillity was not distui"betl. ; .1 At length, on the 9th of March 10'71, the-Ftee*- boptcrs reached Chagrc, where they found all diings m tolerable order, excepting that ntost of their woiimded comrades had expired for want of proper asststanoc. From Chagrc Morgan sent all his prisoners in a ship to Porto fiello, which city he threatened widli total destruction, unless it were redeemed by a very heavy ransom. To this requisition it was answered, that not a single halfpenny would be given ; and consequently that he might do whatever he pleased. Morgan's threats were never in vain. He caused all ithe camion belonging to the fort to be conveyed on board his owa 'Jxipf with which he dcmolishc ^ lie walls, caused tibe houses to be burnt, oikI destroy od every thing which, could not possibly be canied away. - The expedition was now terminated ; and it only i'otatunc ' ' ' make a division of the hooty , 'vhich was valued at louf inuiulrod and ^octy-thfec thoxisand two t • i;^ ■^ . .i ' ;■(. '\,^ i" I, i Ji J \: ii'.it^/':4.3 I & ■^i^. I "f^-:-^ « 152 iriBTORY OP Tim rillATl.S. hundred lbs. \vGin;ht of silver, at the rate of ten piasters per lb. On this occm'ion Morgan behaved like a shameless robber toivurds those very comrades who hr.d so quietly submitted (■) lui (iNrtUiination, and who had brouijht into the CWinvsn chest every luing they could have approj)riate»l to rheniaelvos, to -is detri- ment. -He allowed tho mo??!, flni^itious s|r'n;\tions, causing a vast qt antity '!>' j)n'(Vv)is •lom'^ !■■ be set apart fo" his own use ; so that each of his companions in armi, or rather . ch «r lih accomplices \n all his ioitures at i crueltief , received, as a reward for so iiiii'iy fatigue- and dangers, only to the valut of two hundred piastoi'ii ih{ \m rvn shave. Ti\Pi Free-buotei'S e;(prvf»sn(l thrir displeasure in violent murmuvs; fhcy leproftche . Mocpun to his face for w)t biin;finj.ahc most. pTcious articles into the tientnal mass, and changed hlin with applying them to his own use exclusively. The charge was certainly well founded ; u «!;reftt luimbei' of articles, which many of the Pirates had brought in, having disappeared at the time of making the tiivisifm. To these complaints were added others of cijual wei/;,ht ; which would, at seme moment or other, excite a mutiny : but the faithless chieftain was not nt all disposed to grant any satisfaction to the mak'Conl'Utf^. He did not, however, wait for the breakinjj; out of' the rebellion ; and, in order to reconcile cvoi-y dlHerence, he went st>cretly on board his own ship, and mt sail with three other vessels, whose commanders had been equally dishonest as lijm- sclf w'lh regard to the bootyi and who were in conse- quence devoted t' him, 'life remainder of the fleet was left behind. Furious at finding themselves so phamefuUy abandoned, the other Free-bootcrs deter- mined tc pursue Morgan, and immediately attack him; but they were 4.'ompk',ttdy (htstitute of provisions, and c\cry other necessary uilicle. They were thorelV)re obliged to disperse thcmselvrs into small troops, in or- der to proc^.iro sustenance by pillaging tho coast of Costaiica, and afterwards ivyun»c ihcir route from, dif- :. .:■/ !.,■«■ *■ HISTORY or TU£ TIRATES. 153 iercnt quarters. But this plan was frustrated by a variety of accidents which occurud ', nor did they succeed in re-entering Jamaica till a long time had elapsed, and after they bad ciu^Quntered infinite diffi- culties. Notwithstanding his fortunate exploits and his la- borious exertions, Morgan did not yet think of relin- quishing the stormy profession of piracy *, and, although he had lately conducted himself so unfairly towards his comrades, still he was certain to meet with others who would co-operate in his future expeditions. He therefore conceived a new project, which entered into all his views, and was to render his successes more solid. lie proposed to convey a certain number of men to the island of Saint Catherine, to fortify it care- fully, and to render it the residence of the Frce-boot- crs. This plan was on the eve of being carried into execution, when an English ship of the line arrived at Jamaica with dispatches, which were a thunderbolt to the Free-booters. The governor of the colony was recalled home to answer for the protection he had given those bloodthirstt/ and plundering riucals; and the officer who was to succeed him was then on boai*d,. No sooner had the latter landed, but he published, i|i: every port under the British dominion, the king o^ . England's determination to live for the future in a good understanding with the Spanish monarch and his sub-^ jects in America. And a very severe prohibition was therefore issued, forbidding any Frce-booter to quit Jamaica with the design of attacking the Spanish possessions. The English Pirates were at sea when this news arrived : they were unwilling to incur the risque of a I'etiirn, lest they should lose all their booty, in conse- quence of this change in the political arrangements. For some time, therefore, they were obliged to wander at the pleasure of the winds, and were fortunate enough V' tce^k the Fieucli island of Tortugas, the anticuk ■■:M^ » - . , ■ i -"-r"^ ^^ , ■.•<>"':'■ 154 IlISTOilV Of TItE ritiATi:^, .'\ ': '. / f ' i... V; i ik {■ ' j 1- M 1 1,: 'i^ t. »t * \' 1-cfuge of the Pirates, ahd the only place in the Vvcbi Indian seas which now continued hpen to them. From this time Morgan relinquished all his vast "projects, and withdrew from this theatre of robbery^ oil which he had acted so chief a part. '1 o that fierce activity which seemed to be his peculiar element, suc- ceeded a peaceable and tnuiquil life. He settled at Jamaica, where he was promoted to the most distin* guished offices • and enjoyed, in perfect security, those riches which had cost his unfortunate victims so many* tears, and so much bloodshed ', but whicli did not pro* ducc any remorse whatever in his callous heart. 'Hi: CHAP. IX. .-•i'; */ ^ii-,>(\»'.' ^9 i\if* polUleftI r«lRtioni between Franee Rnel Spftin were altogether ditferent from those subsisting between jSpiiin antl England ; and further, as France and Hol- land Vv'ere involved in a war, the Free-booters, especi- ally tlie English, who were most numerous, were still enabled boldly to pursue their piracies in defiance of the prohibitions issued by all the European, courts, by alternately placing themselves, according to circum- stances, under the prote-.tion of the different powers, Amoijg their new commanders, Sh.irp, Harns, and Sawkins, were particularly distiuguihhed ; who, agrecr ably to the example of the Free-booters that had pre- ceded them, captured ships, pillaged insulated cities^ effected landings, and even penetrated to a consider- able distance into the interior of America. In the month of April UJ/l, three hundred and one of these ' orsairs landed on the coast of Darien ; and, after twelve days' march, as toilsome 4is it was dange- ■I .1 ••• / ' Wl- HiSTORY OF TItE PIRATES. 155 Vvcbf vast ry* on Ificrce Slic- ed at listin* I those lany pro« rous, sometimes bv hn\d, sometimes followinst in sixty- eight caiii/i's, the course of rivers, during which they ex- perienced only inconsiderable losses, they arrived at the City of banta Alalia, which was indiherci.tly peopled, but stood in the vicinity of .he mountains that were reports cd to contain the :ichest gold mines of all America. Tills expe.iiiion was achieved uj;der the guitiance of a bt:r.^ and even to serve 'hem as guides. .» The heavy calamity, inflicted on Panama by r}-: hand of-Mofgan and ( f his Freei-booters, had in son>o respects been productive of advantage to the inhabi- tants, of that city ; the activity of whose commercial speculations had in a short time enabled them to repair, their .losses. They li^d rebuilt it four leagues further westward ; its new situation was more favour- able, than the old site, and its port was also much better. There was also an abundant supply of fresh water,. in consequence of it being erected u! thc: moutl^ of Rio Grande, or the great river, whicl s qjally distinguished .for its breadth and its impi-rtance, and which here discharged' its waters into the South Sea, admitting vessels oi the greatest burthen to moor un- it 1 (' 1i M '■'.[ '•■ .-■..^5......*V >. 156 mSTOIlY OF THE PIRATES. der the very walh of the place. The new city ww likewise of consickraWy greater extent, and iK-tter fortrfied than the old one : in the latter, the majority of tlie houses had been constructed with cedar wood ; but now almost all the new dwellings were built of stone, and several stofics in height. The Spaniards verc also occupied in re-erecting eight churches ; thwigli their labours were not completed, because the designs, after whidi they were to be built, were of a vor^' . M ■ . architecture. The new city was upwards of an Knglish mile and a half in length, and somewhat more than a mile in breadth. A considerable number of |X)or persons still continued to dwell amongst the ruins of the old city ; whose cathedral, together with its capacious dome, had escaped the ravage of fire. Duiing their passage the Free-booters were expos- ed to many sufferings. For some days they were totally destitute of fresh ^vater and provisions. Some- times torrents of rain poured down upon them ; at others they were inundated by vast waves, from which notliing could shelter them; sometimes their frail canoes, which exposed thst all their eftects ; nor wa« it without very great difficulty Ihat they could save their Irves by swimming. The place of re-union of the ^viiole flr'tUla, -which was under Sawkru's orders, was the ishmd of Chq)illo, seven marine leagues distant from Panama ; Kv-hitlier all the canoes at length arrived, together with two oared Tessefe tlmt hnd been captnred from the Spaniards. They jvere, ^iowever. outstripped by a ship which crwvded all her sails to gain that citj, which thcj' wt^e planning how to assault atwl plcnder. All their efforts to overtahx^ her were fpiritJess ; an4 t' tjy could no longer doubt but that the Spaniards ' re informed of their speedy appToach. For the prcsem, they Tclinqui^ied tbe fcope d" aarpnsing !%• \ ■\.£^,.^ ^'j^iikAi'Kii 'm3--- IIIIITORV or TP.t. PIRATES. 157 narna niut tnkjng it by assault ; whidi hope cannot but appear extravagant, when the weakness of their tTHWH, tiM well as tljcir means of attack, are consitlcr- ih\, T\wy had calculated upon the confusion that liMHt prevail in a city in the act of being rc-buili, luui which thry supposed to be in a slow state of pro- gl'UMj but they soon found that they must abandon not only every idea of plundering the place, but even uf attempting an embarcation. They confined their plwni*, therefore, to that of seizing all the vessels they ini^ht meet with in those latitudes, and render them- iwlveg masters of the ocean. Afi(ree»bly to this new design they rowed all night, nutwithfitunding the heavy rain that fell, and before «itn«r}sitlB they came within sight of Panama. Five htr^o fliid three small ships, which had been expressly urmed Hiid manned in order to check the incursions of the riratcs- were moored near the island of Perico, two fflftrine league- distant from the city, where wveral warehouses and various buildings had been erected for commercial purposes. The three small nhipu of war were ready to set sail, and were under the orders of Don Jacinto de Barahona, high admi- ral of the South Sea, who was present ; and whose ihip wag manned by ninety-six Biscayans, who have elwftys been reported to be the best soldiers and M^nmen of the Spanish monarchy. His crew was wholly composed of volunteers, who were desirous of trying their courage. That of the second vessel, coni- maitJed by Don Francisco de Peralta, consisted of HXty-eight negroes ; and on board the third ship, which was under the direction of Don Diego de Cara- VftXftl, there were seventy-five mulattnes. — The com- manders of these vessels had already si realized thera- lelves by valiant achievements, and ho.d been formally ordered by their government to grant no quarter to the Free-bootcrs. The tnomcnt the Spaniards discovered the Pirates* canoeii which were navigating at some distance from J 1 ■. , 1 ■ ...V;.; .fE>-«-V«*?:^j. ^.^^^^i^ii IjS HISTORY OF TI;E PIRATES. i> \1\ i .:k another, they put themselves in motion, and sailed di- rectly upcjn them. Five cunc;':s and one oared vessel were in company, the ciews of which consisted only of sixty-eight men, who were extremely debilitated by their laborious rowing; all iii<;ht in tempestuous wea- ther. There was not an opportunity to allow them leisure to recover from their fatiji^ues, and their ene- mies could not find a more favourable lime to attack tlicm. The bhip manned by mulattoes commenced the action, and endeavoured unsuccessfully to sink the canoes which were advancinir, upon her. Five Froc-booters only perished by the liie of her artillery. l)urin<5 these occurences the admiral's ship came up ; the battle now became very unequal. But the singu- lar dexterity with which these corsaire Ihod, together with their extreme intrepidity, compensated for their disadvantages ; their shot, being accurately levelled, covered the Spaniards' decks with dead. They [»ar- ticularly aimed at the admirars frigate, wisely calcu- lating that the event of the engagement would depend upon the fate of that vessel. Every man that was placed at hef helm was sur^ to receive a mortal blow the next minute. The mulattoes made an eft'ort to assist the admiral, but the canoes thwarted hercourse; and as the violence of the wind rendered it impossible to board her, they made ample amenils for this obsta- cle by pouring in a shower of balls upon the crew. This was crowned with success. In a short time Xh^ mulattoes' ship had lost so many men, that she hadj «ot hands enough to manage her. Don Diego, hci- comjnandcr, was therefore obliged to flee away with crowded sails. Thus the admiral's ship was left alone : the Free-hooters surrounded her with their canoes, amid military shouts, the forerunner of death, and repeatedly exhorted the Biscayans to surrender, pro-, mising to grant them their lives. The brave crew obstinately refused all their offers, and the engagement continued with desperate fury. More than two-thirds of the ship's company fell beneath the blows of thq :,A^-,. .r.Vl-^A**^V^-^i' |c(l di- vesMil inly of .(J by uca- tlu'in |r cne- ittack Icnced sink I-ivc illerv. e up ; ftlSTOKY OF tllP, PIHATES. 159 coi'sairs, and the majority of the survivors were wound- « Only five-and-twenty men were found alive on boaru the admiral's ship, out of ninety-six, which had been. his full compliment; and, of these five-and-twenty men, seventeen were most severely wounded, and only five were fully able to handle their arms. This tremendous engagement continued ahnost nine hours; and, from the number of the combatants, was the most bloody engagement the Pirates had cxperi- N ;. ^ 5f^ .V I ijif-^Ki! l6o HISTORY OF TIIK PIRATES. t.iSi ;-; cnccd. Their success was dearly purcliased. Twenty* eight only, out of sixty-eight, were perfectly sound* eighteen having been Jiillod and twenty-two wounded. Among the siuin was captain Harris, a Kentish man* whose h»S8 justly excited tlieir sincerest regrets, lie had received a shot, which crossed both his legs, strip- ping away the flesh even to the very bones ; yet, not- withhlanding the blood streamed from his severe wounds, ho had sufiicient strength to climb up the rnemy's ship, on board of which he shortly after cx- {)irod. Such acts of lirmness and of courage would lave done honoui to heroes fightina; in defence of their country, actuated by the noble sentiment of glory. And we caimot but feel a degree of regret in having to admire them in the persons of robbers, instigated only by excessive desire of plunder, or at most, by an inor- dinate thirst for a tremendous celebrity. The I'Vcc-booters did not sleep in the bosom of their victory, Wi'hout loss of time they sailed directly towards the inland of Perico, where they seized five other Spanish vessels, of a larger size than those which they had just taken, and met with r. very trifling resist- ance, the :rews having been taken out for the purpose of assislidg I lie three ships which only could oppose the FiraU'H. The Santissima Trinidad, the largest of the (ive, was totally abaiuloned, and was burning. The Spiiniards had taken the most effectual measures to destroy that vessel, having set her on fire, and bored her in very many places. The Free-booters, however, arrived in time to extinguish the flames, and to stop up the openings which would otherwise have sunk her, and afterwards put all their |)risonerson board. Tliit* f the fourth with Hour, and the fifth with ballast. With this booty the Free-booters were content, ami for the present did n<>t undertake any attempt against ranama; where, exclusive of the inhabitants, whonv eiji ^-^s^r ""•'h- ■• HISTORY Of the PIllATES. 161 tlicy must expect to find under arms, there ^vas a yarrison consisting of fourteen huiulreil reri;ular sc. idlers. Can it be credited, that, not\vitlistandin2; their extreme inferiority in point of numbers, they were desirous of attempting a landing ? But this project was frustrated by a dissension which broke out among them. It has already been intimated, that no more than sixty- eight men had been engaged in the last battle. The other canoes, together with the largest of the oured vessels, came up when there was no occasion for their services. I'heir delay was attri!)uted to one of ilic Ciiptains who had stayed behind, and who was much blamed for his want of c(/urage. Witlj such a charge, whether well or ill-founded, he was much hurt, -and fieparatcd from the society, together with seventy othi-r men, whom he persuaded to follow his example. 'I'liey took the smallest of the captured ships, and one of t!)e oared vessels, and directed their course towards tl.e river of Santa Maiia. The king oi the coast of Darien wished to accompany them. lie therelore took leaN<', of the main body of the Free-hooters, recommending to thciu, while they continued in the vicinity ot Pa- nama, th(; tot;d destruction of their coniinon eiiemicij ; and left them his son aJid 1. -j^liew a-- pledges of his fiiendship, and as co-operators mu then* execution of that undertakinfj. Thus baw'kirs became commander in chief of thp?e ]'ree-booters, who remained < nly ten chivs in ih'.; vicinity of Panama, whence liiey set sail ti wiirds Xha neighbouring island of Taroga, where tiiey could dij;- cover every ship which sailc(l towards thai jx-rt. lleic they were visiied by several merchaiits froi.i Panama; who, forgetting their just resentment agains; i!ie .uithcis of all the evils their country had suffered, rame lo treat with them as they would have nofmciated with good neighbour*. They sold the Pa'atis whatevei the latter wanted, and inirchaicd of iluhi the car'jncs of the cap'tured shj])s, as also the negroes iit two hundred piasters per head. They further received a liiess^^o ■ t ■J M fi "' w»r t i^ajSTilil"" jf- \GAll cir- fiims-tnnce occurred, which silences our indignation for a moment, and proves that these robbers were not always inaccessible to benevolent sentiments. By the merchants who came from Panama, Sawkins was in- formed that the bishop of Santa Martha, who had four years bel'ore been his prisoner, was then the bishop of Pananui. lie had conceived much esteem for that pielate, and was desirous to testify his regard for him, by sending him two loaves of sugar, which formed part of the booty. The bishc^p accepted this present, and acknowledged it by that of a gold ring. But at the hame time a second message arrived from tflfe govern- or, to the following efiect : — "That since they were " English, he desired to know in whose name they had " undertaken their expedition, and to whom he must *' complain of the heavy injuries, of which they were '* the authors." Sawkins concisely, but forcibly rc- pli<'d : — '* Tell him that all our troops are not yet " us»cnihlcd. — The moment they are all collected, wc (< /'■ ■' '***-«i»-m»iigii.^(ig*%?* " "H HISTORY OF THE PIRATES, i6j who rrival hmen, law- is had nly to r the Iful o£ Itormi- se no Would they nne of I ono that if (the tualiy posbi- " will go to Panama, and will exhibit our full aiithori- '* tics from the mouths of our cannons, and they shall "i.bc very distinctly read by the light of the flames," ■ A considerable number of ships, which were sailinjT with perfect security in these ordinarily pacific sca«, fell into the Pirates' hands ; one of which had on board two thousand tonsof wine, fifty quintals ot gun-powder, and fifty-one thousand piasters in cash, intended for the pay of the garrison of Panama. They learnt tliat another vessel was expected to arrive from Lima, in the course of ten or twelve (Uiys, by the same route, with a cargo of one hundred thousand piasters. Allur- ing as this prey was, which to all appearance could not possible escape them, and notwithstanding they had great expectations of obtaining or extorting from the city of Panama very heavy sums by way of capitulation, the Free-booters were neverlheless, from the want of provisions, rendered so averse lo any fur- ther continuance in those latitudes, that they were deaf to all the representations of tlieir commanders. Sawkins was therefore obliged to abandon Taroga, and set sail towards the isle ofOtoca, which abounded with birds, swine, and other articles of provision ; but this advantage was deaily purchased. Two canoes were lost in the passage thither, anttwith them twenty- two men who perislioti in the sea. Shortly after the fleet nio.-neii in the vicinity of the island of Cay boa, which is celebrated for its pearl fishery. Here Sawkins selected sixty men out of his body, with whom he proposed to attack the city of Puebla Mueva, which was eight marine leagues dis- tant. But the inhabitants were jirepared to receive them ; the enterprise tailed, and cost Sawkins his life. The death of this chietlain, who was greatly esteem- ed by the Fne-boou r::, occasioned a new divi.«'iMn among them. Part of these Pirates separated ironi their cdmrades, and oliose captain Sharp for t!ieir commander. He immediately convened the whole — ai»i.it-jikM*^.^ J- .yj^.; ■"iTWi-T'^ I .s ;' . i 1(J4 ntSTouY OF THE piuates. body of Free-bootcrs on beard the principal sliip, and invited thcni to declare \vi>eiher they would return, or would continue in the South Sea, and determine Uf)on the execution of their former plan. In case tliey adopted this second measure, he proposed to j)ass through the Streiahts of JMagollan, and thus complete the tour round South America ; adding to this project, that they might calculate upon booty to ihe amount of one tliousanJ pounds ste-ling per man. The ma- jority of the Pirates was privy lely of opinion for the most speedy return ; but this could only be effected by travelling principally by land through countries peopled by savages, and dui'ing tiie raniy season, which in these regions was attended with the gioatost incon- veniences ; generally speaking, this route in far* -c- sented to them a terriiying prospect of fatig'" I dangers, without glory, and especially withou: proM\ Sixty-three men, however, notwithstanding t >>• hau solemnly promiacd not to separate from the rcbc, de- termined to undertake this voyage or journey ; for which they took, by way of guides, the sons of the sovereign of Daricn, together with the other Indiar^s, who had joined the cause of the Free-booters. '1 !>ey were presented with a ship, and with abundant si p- j)lv of provisions, and departed tov/ards the end of lO'SO. With regard to Sharp, he set sail with twr ships, and the Free-booters who had continued faitlitul lo him, towards the lieseit island of Gorgoua, which is situ.ited in tlie fourth degree < ^' north latitude, near the c(>ast 01 J'opayan. Here he stayed some time, to rep.'ur the ilanuiges which hi. principal ship had sus- tained. Me then [)ursued his course, passing by the Isle Did Ciallo, which h'.y at the distanc' of several lengues to the south-west from the former; the cf S.tn Jago and San Mateo ; and the capes of San )'Vanci:j('o and Fassao, wiiich are separated by the equator; thence' he sailed near the port of. INIanta and the island de la I'luta, at a very small diblauco- crs •J fr '* «y »'» r'^J^lt^ly^,*^^ histohy op thb firates. >, and iin, or upon tlit'y pass nplc'tc )j(;ci, iua- tlic -•cted ntries vliich K-on- I nnr. " haa , di- ; for i" tlic i'hey SI p- 1 of from the coast of Guayaquil. That island had receiv- t*d its name from the illustrious navigator Drake, who put in there, and divided among his comrades the booty which they had taken from the Spaniards. At this division they did not take the trouble to enume- rate the pieces of valuable metal, but filled large pitch- ers with silver, and distributed them among the par- tics entitled to shares. At the period when Sharp appeared in these latitudes, viz. towards the close of the Si>ventcenth century, the Spaniards still spoke with astonishment of that famous expedition of the English, the results of which had been transmitted to them, though greatly exaggerated by tradition. They pre- tended that Drake's ship, notwithstanding it was of great size and burthen, could not carry away the pro* digious quantity of silver with which she was laden, and that he was obliged to throw a considerable part of it into the sea. 1'he following was the plan proposed to be carried into execution by Sharp. Under the conduct of an old liCgro, who was acquainted with the coast, he was to go to Arica, a city o^ Peru, situate in the 8th degree of southern latitude, and which served as an emporium for all the gold dug out of the mines of Potosi, Chu- quisaca, and other mines contained in the neighbour- ing mountains. From the island de la Plata, whither he had put in, the very opulent city of Guayaquil, containing about five hundred houses, was perceived, and which was the port of the great city of Quito. The Free-booters commenced their operations by seizing several Si)ani3h ships, whence they took out every thing of any value, and afterwards left their prisoners the liberty of gomg wheresoever they pleased, detain- ing;, however, the nobles and naval officers that fell into their hands, and treating them with much ijianagc- mcut. 'i'hey had constantly guarded with ihem, cap- t::in Peralta, who had been taken prisoner at the bat- tle of Panama. Wherever the Pirates went, thoy compelled their prisoners to accompany them, and to ...fX <* If* ty ''' 'ills'- ^'^'J****^? f ..«*^ij!t- J . iA . iv^^--l:»'t,.,... _:;„ .<^4^t:4&k:M^'i' .fr ijlg0r libO' IflStonV OF THE rTflATRS. ■!*;<; m ■ ' ■,' share their ftitigucH nivl dant^efH, and without douLf vxtovted ttHefnl Inforintttion from tliem. In tho mean time tlifl wontlicr became bad, and Watof benfiin To bo wcHrc**. 'rrnipests arose ; in conse- quence of which the whipN were obliged to keep oft'thti land ; and when they did attempt t > apjiroach it, the steepness of the shore prevetitcd rh< ni from landino;. To crown ail their n»i«»for(uneM, the whole country was prepared for the I'ree-booters' arrival ; the canoes were in danger of breaking to pieces a<:;amit the storm- beaten rocks ; and the le/ist inconvenience they had to experience was, that tliey could not possibly prevent their arms and air;nunition from being wetted. At length the scarcity of water increaf penetrate further in the country ; for they saw thiit all tlu' neit^hbouring coasts were occupied by the Spaniards, who IumI assembled there from the provinces, and whoNe luiniber continued incessantly to increase. In this dilemma it (iiily remained for them to avoid an engagenunt, jr(»m which the most fatal conse- quences must ri'sult, and avail themselves of this has- tily landing U\ procure what they most wanted. This was accordingly eilrcted : they fdlcd their barrels with water, collected great supplies of sugar, oil, fruits, and pulse; rci-entbarked during the night, and immediately set sail. Their design was, next to land- al bcreim, a citx,<''<>'»tuining eight churches and four con of rat< tan fle( pill mg api sen SOI r ,rf^'-3ftWfc ■ HlSTOllY OP THE TIRATES. m doubf convents, and from which they might form some hojic« of procuring some booty. But the plan of thofto Pi- rates was in a great measure irustrated ; the inlutlii- tants, who had been opportunely informed of it, had fled awaj' with all their valuables. 1 he Free-bootcrs pillaged the little that remained, without ox{)crienc- ing the slightest resistance. The Spaniards, however, apprehensive lest their ciiy should be reduced to ashes, sent a trumpeter to the Pirates, to offer them a ran- som. Tins was soon granted : the sum required was fixed at nim ty-live thousand piasters ; but the pay- ment of it experienced some delays. The Spaniard*, having rallied then- courage, flatteied themselves with the hope of saving the ransom to which they had agreed, antfcAj'^^ ■'•■4 fn rid of sailed :e be- The them, : they It they linand- mder- stance Ame- #• HMTO&Y >F THE PIRATES. I69 -lifig, and some of their principal seamen. Others had been taken prisoners. The Spaniards breathed no- .Uiing but vengeance against the cniel enemies of their .nation The Frce-bootois were too inferior in num* jbers to 5^ >tcrtain any hope of success. They rephiced .thoniseives under the orders of their former command- er, Sharp; whom they entreated to superintend their jetreat. This measure was the more ui'gent, as they suffered extremely from thirst, and liad not taken any sustenance throughout the day, so that their strength was exhausted. Shai p . Ided to their entreaties witli much difficulty. UnaweU by any danger, he revolted from the very idea of lenving his companions in arms in a state of c ipli'ty. Mis aversion to resuming the command originated neither from the excessive desire of plunder or vain gl. . y, nor from any exalted senti- ment of honour ; but it was produced solely by that devotion to his bjethren, which was to each mem- ber of the association the most imperious of all duties. It was, however, absolutely necessary that he should determine to save the remainder of the com- bataats. At length they retired from the city, though not until they had, Ly dint of valour, cut a bloody pas- sage through their infuiiated enemies. They had lost twenty-eight of their men, slain and taken prisoners ; and they carried along with themselves eighteen who were most severely woun d. At the same time they experienced a loss \\iM> 1 ilicy could not but feel most sensibly', They were 'bilged to separate from their three ships' surgeon? who were so intoxicated with wine, that it was impossible to bring them to their assistance. During their retreat they were pursued by the Spa- wards into the ope 1 country; when, being free in their movements, thoy formed themselves into a body, and took sudi deliu-sive measures as disposed the enemy by no means to renew the engagement. To- wfU'ds the approach of night they regained their ships, and set soil lor the gulph of Nicoya. Here their jjody *^mi»-viUim»kM>.^''^i^'''iou to a more iuippy man, consisting of MlSTOnY OF THE PIRATE*. 171 hftd In contctui with the most violent tempests ; and, lW)f liciiig able to tind the entrance of the Streights, iht'y w«r« driven towards the pole into unknown seas, where they were every moment apprehensive of being (litfihyd against the rocks, or of foimdering on sand- buiikit. In this perilous situation their sole consolation f«»nii»ted in the sight of their rich booty, in contemp- Ittling nnd dividing whi ^ ♦' cy spent their time. At li«*(it they shared anion" li buth m cash and in porlttble articles that of the remainder >\ iiioinent. The portio. ^old, iiilvcr, jewels, and oimi articles, was, from this lime, valued at live hundred and forty-eight piasters (nb'Kit .t'lOU). r>ut this small Inrtunc, whieh ihey filijoyed only in expeciancy, could nut relieve or ruiiiedy the extreme want which they experienced in Other respects. Being altogether destitute of fresh tnuat, ihey were reduced to the most wretched food. One hog yet remained on board, which was kept for noma months for a festival ; at length it was eaten on Christmas-day 16"80, and was indeed a repast, after >»UCh long nrivations. Ennui often obliged these rob- bers to leek tor some amusement in gaming, in which »evt»rttl of them lost the whole of what they had ac- quired with such intinitc trouble and dangers. At length, towards the close of January 168I, they arriv- ed, to their great satisfaction, in the latitudes of Bar- badoex. They duist not, however, venture to* land Imnu'diately on that island, as an English frigate was moored in its port, and they were apprehensive of be- ing detained as corsairs who had been cruising without letlers of marque, and consequently of being treated tt» I'irnfes. I'hey determined therefore to sail towards Antigua, whither a canoe was dispatched to purchase l^wwiipiovisions. At the same time they requested permis- •ioit of the governor that they might land ; but this v>tt» refuied, and the^ only obtained what was abs«- S'i -^'*er--*- ^r "% *fv > %W^ '/ IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 ■ SO '"^ 2.5 1^ tm^ I.I I4P 2.0 1.8 L25 11114 III 1.6 Photographic Sciences Corporation 'V, ^vf :/. 23 WEST MAIN STRUT WEBSTfR.N.Y. MSBO (716) 872-4S03 s^^^ M-t .- 5 '1 ii" M itt niBTORY OF THE PIUATES. Iwtely necessary for them. Thus it became imprnc- tkable to dispose of their ship, as well as of any part of their eflfects, whether of greater vr of less value* Such of them as had lost their all in gaming, had to congratulate themselves on these adverse occurrences; to them Was given lip the ship, with suitable provi- sions, in order that they might go in quest of other ad- ventures. The remainder, who constituted by far the greatest number, separated from their comrades that were forced again to seeL their fortunes, and embark- ed as passengers for England, where they arrived after ft prosperous pasfcagc. .' ,- " CHAP. X. The preceding chapters have sufficiently winced, that, although the Free-booters were regulateci by the same principles, the same mamiei s, and the saiwc ob» ject, and were subjected to the same taws, yet they did not constitute an indissoluble association, andlhcir plans were destitute of unity ; that every one of their bodies was formed by chance, and acted on its own account according to circumstances. This defect, tftgcther with the absence of a chieftain to preside over the whole, and the diversity of characters arising from the various nations that composed the Brethren of the Coast, — all these accumulated causes prevented them from having a decided influence over the destinies of the West Indies. What prodigious effects might not have been produced by these men, animated by such courage, and possessing such patience in supporting fatigue and danger, togethier with all their military qualities^ and the uniform succciis that distinguish0« '■^. .. Sx^^%^^^ ■ ■--^.p--;.,^ *-T'5^.-* iuiil { Tbb alone was wanting. Consequently thoir hiitory e»n he little else than a collection of detached facts httvhi|S( ito mutual 8Uf^)ort or dependency, and often no connee- tion M^fttQver, and each of which is more or lem int«- resting, according to the grand object «»p^ct«tl to be derived from it, though sometimes according to tb6 character and reputation of the chieftain who at tha time had direction of the whole. For, it mu^t be ac« knowledged, these chieftains were men who, notwitii- standing their untowcard conduct, pust»e!»«cd tboN» rare qualities which cannot but excite the att(-'ntioii of tn&iy reflecting iiiid feeling reader, and cxtQrt fi'OJrt him *i kind of interest, similar to that we Oipcficni.o nt tbtf performance of a tragedy, iu which we oxppct the final triumph of justice; — a hope this, which, it mtwt be confessed, is but top often frustratiid in the hUt«, i'r •I .liJ*^ ^^it^ . , I *W- I. Ti*****« ■-. ^ft i iurf *!">••»*--• ,- i^^^" '.' •"' men. M. ' mStORY or THE PrUATES. ifS atnl were, on every occasioii, employed by the go- vernors of the istaods as soldiers, in the operations of' powers in the West Indies. These miUtary occurren- ces, however, would not have a place in the present' history, were il not that the soldiers, known under the name of Free- hooters, conspicuously distingiushed themselves among the combatants. In 1697 i the French admiral Baron de Pointis fitted out an expedition against Carthagena, consisting of a squadron of seventeen ships of war, to which were added eight others, manned by Free-booters ; who were commanded not by a chieftain selected from among themselves, but by Du Cussc, the governor for the king of France. Three vessels, whose crews were composed wholly of colonists, and two others inwhicb negroes only were employed, likewise formed part of this expedition; which, altogether, formed a small army of five thousand four hundred men. On thisr occasion the Free-booters displayed their accustomed valour, and carried by assault the very strongly fortifi- ed castle of Bocachica. The other forts were succes- sively taken ; and alter a siege of three weeks, during which the Spaniards made a very courageous defence, which cost the Frenc'^ a great number of theip men, the city of Carthagena surrendered by capitula- tion. On the first appearance of the French squadron, all the opulent women betook themselves to flight, to- gether with their valuable effects, which were sent, on the backs of one hundred and twenty-eight mules, forty leagues into the interior of the country. Th,cr«i was, notwithstanding, an immense booty still left in Carthagena, consisting of the precious metals, dther in a wrought state or in cash, of jewels, and portable articles of merchandize. The whole was estimated at forty millions of livres (about two millions sterling) > exclusive of what the French ofllicers clandestinely appropriated to their own use 3 each of whom^ beside ;|*-: ^ I. :-r.< I'tey ■**--«»■■ ■:#^-. ^.'.••.A\» 176 HISTORTf OF THE PIRATES* •"V:-'.' bis share of the general plunder, embarked to the value of two hqndrcd thousand piasters (about ^31,000)» the produce of his individual pillage. Further, there were many other things, which were not included in the profits of the booty ; such were, in particular, several hundred cannon, the best of which, ninety-six in number, were sent on board the ships. The conqnerors abandoned themselves to the most horrid excesses; and notwithstanding the majority were soldiers belonging to a sovereign, and commanded by ofhccrs likewise appointed by a king, yet they did not behave with less ferocity than the Free-booters. There were no crimes which they scrupled to commit, no horrors in which they did not indulge themselves. The capitulation was violated; the churches were profaned; the relics, objects of veneration to the faithfuU were torn from their shrines, and trodden under foot ; the monks were tortured ; the young women were stripped naked, and violated on the very altars. Humanity had also to experience outrages against it. Thtve was a great number of sick people in the hospital : under the pretext of avoiding the con- tagion of the disorder, with which they were afflicted, Ihey were deprived of all assistance, and given tip to the despair arising from the most cruel abandonment. At first, the French designed to settle themselves at Carthagena, and there establish a commerce, which might have proved exceedingly advantageous ; but a violent epidetiiic distemper suddenly broke out among them, and carried off so many men, both soldiers and seamen, that apprehensions were entertained lest there should not be a sufficient number of mariners to re- conduct the ships to Europe. In consequence of this catastrophe, Pointis determined on a speedy re-embar- 'Cation, which took place four weeks after the. seige ; J)ut before that was completed, they crowned the rav- ages they had just committed, by blowing up the forts and by destroying every establishment belonging to commeice and navigation. *k . J IL #j(< .. \*-^-i .•«*7^*i^'. "^ ..■j:r-,-.^fr--^7^'%r>C',^' value |000), there lied in |cular» |ty-six most iriSTORT OP Tilt nilATES. 177 The Free-booters had essentially C(Mittibuted to the capture of Carthagena ; but, as was always the case, when their services became useless, they were speedily forgotten, and Pointis himself was the first to set the example of foul proceedings against them. Under the pretext that the enemies were on their march, he re« moved the Frec-booters from the city ; in fact, thi» was done only that the French might dispose of their booty without interruption. The Free-bootcrs return- ed without having met a single armed man ; but, in order to deceive them, the French exclaimed on their return, how useless the researches had proved, which bad been made in the houses during theif absence: they were even refused admittance into the place. Their ey«i were now opened ; they becAtne furioai, in consequence of being thus trifled with. They would have attacked the royal troops which were stationed at the gateit and have employed forcible measures to compel them to open them. Pointis, however, bad s^ifficient prudence to appease this storm, and revoked the prohibition against their entering the city. Ho did more; and in order to gain them over if possible, bo appointed to the command of Carthagena, the French governor of St. Domingo, Du Cassc, under whose orders they were, and who was greatly beloved by them. In this capacity Du Casse demapded an account of the sums that had been recovered ; 'vhich' being refused by Pointis, a violent dis])ute arose be- tween the two chieftains. Du Cassc resigned his com- mand, and required that all the Free- hooters,; colonists, and negroes, who had been brought from St. Domingo, should without delay be given up to him ; declaring that, in case of a denial, he would make the general responsible for all the injuries the colony might sustain, in consequence cf the prolonged absence of its strength. Terrified at this menace, and too happy in ridding himself of these turbulent men, of whose services he had no longer any occasion for, pointis consented to, tho required departure. He only .s ^ -/ * -■'ti Mi.^^^^ i^.i-'lt^^i, 178. HISTORY OF THE PIAATE9. i^l. desired that he might keep near his person a certain' number of w :jroes, and the fourth part of the Free- booters, whom he hoped to manage with more facility. In the mean time Du Casse beheld, with regret, his faen labouring under every kind of evils. Not only were they devoured by the epidemic, but the total want of assistance for the sick and wounded, together with want of sustopance, caused the death of many. The food of such as remained in health, consisted of nothing but the flesh of horses, dogs, and cats. The displeasure of Du Casse and of his Free-booters con- tinued nevertheless to subsifct ; they would not break forth till the booty was shared. At length it was de- posited in chests for the purpose of l)eing embarked j on uhicb sul'ject a violent murmur arose among the members of the society, who announced their deter- mination to oppose, even by force, the shipping of the plunder. At the repeatedly pressing requests of Da Casse, they at length consented to it, but refused to continue the further demolition of the fort, until a di- vision of the booty had been made. As soon as the whole was on board, Pointis, 'who had hitherto ap- peared tractable, no longer kept any measures what- ever. He ordered the spoil to be divided according to his caprice ; and in this division the Free-booters were treated as common sailors. In stead of receiv- ing some millions, which they had expected from the estimate that had been made, they had only forty thou- sand piasters (7 or 8,000l.). This was indeed wounding their pride by contempt, and deceiving their cupidity by injustice. They became furious : recollecting their antient name and independence, they refused with dis- dain the portion of plunder offered to them, and de- termined to attack the admiral-commandant's ship, which was sailing alone. Du Casse left no measures untried, in order to dissuade them ; all his efforts were useless. They were about to carry their rash project* iijto execution, — ^^and perhaps with success,rr]gb^ (« .-fi-fW^-^ .r ■ ''V**T'"'^.'jr-^*'* ■ ^"'S',"' ■ " • " r T^" ''^ HISTORY OF THE PIRATEf. 17^ ©nc of them suddenly exclaimed :— " Brethren, we ** wrong ourselves in laying hold ot this dog. — He has " taken nothing from us. — He has left our share at *' Carthagena. — ^Thence we must go and fetch it." This proposal was received with enthusiasm. The gloom that had hitherto prevailed amongst them, was succeeded by the most tranquil serenity. Braving the contagion and scarcity which they had just esca[i!ed, they set sail towards Carthagena. Du Casse, who was on board a royaf frigate, and who was violently irri- tated with this new scheme, addressed Pointis, whom he pressed instantly to adopt sumo measures to prevent its execution. But the admiral had that day been faken ill, and had transferred the cominund to general de Levi, who replied to the pressing instances of Du Casse, that they must hang all these robbers, but that lie certainly could not run after them. Du (-ajse had now no other resource left, but to trv the cffeot of an order, accompanied by eirtreatics in writing. He there- fore wrote to them : — '* That they gave offence to the *' greatest sovereign in the world, who had no cbncei:n " in the injustice they had experienced from one of " his officers ; that he would himself carry their com- ** plaints to the foot of the throne, where they would -" infallibly receive justice ; but they must relinquish '* their design on Carthagena : if, however, they pcr- ** sisted in their determination to carry it into execu- " tion, they must consider that they would deliver to " a scaffold, him, their innocent commander, and who •* was so attached to their interests." These entreaties might have mtwed men less exaspo- rated, and who were not Free-booters ; but with these tlicy produced no effect whatever. They continued their voyage, and arrived at Carthagena, where their appearance excited the nwst profound terror and con- fusion among the inhabitants, who had not yet re- covered themselves. The very name of these robbers, the bare idea that they would give themselves up to every excess, inspired theiu.with a mortal fvar. I'bey • t '■■» -• ». 180 HISTORY or THE PIRATES. /' took no defensive steps, and were subdued the moment they were attacked. The Froe-bootcrs confined all th« men in the church, whither deputies were sent, who addressed their captives in the following terms :-~> ** We are very well aware, that you consider us as *' faithless, without laws, without religion ; as crea- ** turcs that are rather devils than men. During our '' residence near your gates and within your walls, you '* have given us offensive proofs of these dispositions, *' and of the hoiTor with which we have inspired you. " We arc now here, arms in hand, and in a situation *' to revenge ourselves if we would ; and you doubtless " c'XiH-'ct on our part the most cruel treatment. The ** paleness of your countenances sufficiently indicates " your terror; and your consciences must tell you, ** that you have deserved all our resentment. We " wish to undeceive you, and evince to you, that the infamous epithets you have bestowed on us, belong not to us, but to the general under whose orders you saw us fight. That traitor has deceived us; for, ** though he was indebted to our valour alone for th« " conquest of your city, he has, contrary to his pro- '' mises, refused to share with us the advantages he " thence derived. This has compelled us to visit you '' again : we are sorry for it ; but we have no other ** resource. Nevertheless, we flatter ourselves, that /' you will be satisfied with our moderation, and \\\t\x ** a fiuthful performance of our word. We promise " to quit your city without causing the least disorder^ " the moment you shall, have paid us five millions, " tVe demand no more. But, if you refuse an olfcf " so just as this, you must expect every calamity " imaginable, which you will have to attribute only to . ** yourselves and to general Pointis, on whose memory " you are at perfect liberty to accumulate every kind " of imprecations." To men of this temper the inhabitants of Cartha- ,gena well knew they could make no other reply, than .payment of the sum required. A monk, therefcre, ixjr <( ^>.lvj4tMS!»t.. ■7 ,^- . loment ned aU sent, IS :— . r us as HMTORY O^ THR PCRATES. ]8t id lOr ft&ntly ascended the pulpit, aiid conjured his auditors to give all the gold, silver, and precious stones they had left, in order to extricate themselves from their horrid situation, lu general, however, men will rather re- nounce the hope of preserving their lives than that of saving their treasures : this remark was fully verified by the collection made after the exhortation, tho amount of which proved much inferior to tho sumtf demajided by the Frcc-booters. It was transmitted tn them with the assurance that it was all the wretched inhabitants of Carthagena had remaining, since the first pillaga of their city. This protestation by no means persuaded the Free-booters ; who, faithful to their menaces, commenced the plundering of the city a second time. They dug into the most secret corners of the houses, as well as into the churches, and even into the tombs; and, as they found but little, they put the principal inhabitants to the torture, in order that they might be constrained to discover where they had concealed their effects of any value. This cruel mea- sure also was without success. Those barbarians wero unwilling to kill them, but they were more averse to retirii^ without booty. They therefore conceived a stratagem. They caused two of the most considerable inhabitants to come before them, whom they threaten- ed with death ; and as this menace extorted no con- fession from them, they pretended to conduct them to torture, amid the groans and tears of th^ir fellow- citi- zens ; but the Pirates contented thema^ves with con- fining them in a very remote place. ' Shortly after some dischai;ges of musquetry *vcre heard, which tho Free-booters accounted for, according . to the opinion they wished to have believed. All- the other distia- guished inhabitants were successively taken away, and told that the same fate awaited them, if they persisted in excusing themselves on account of their ignorance. The tremendous sentence was likewbe pronounced in the church before all the prisoners, and at length pro- duced the expected eifect. On the same day upwaj;ilt ''.•'i'-fL-/A.-^--ii^j/». tKH-i; •.-*& ik*.^#^ m^ ■ m w 183 IITSTORT OF THK PIRATES. ^M- of one mrllion of piasters were collected ; which the Free-bootcrs were convinced was the last possible effort. 1 hey put a stop to their violent proceediii£5s, and continued three days longer at Caithagena ; whence they embarked, one hundred and twenty female negro slaves, and set sail with a booty, of which each man's share, in money and valuables, amounted to more than thirty thousand piasters (nearly .t'3000 sterling.) Previous to their departure, the inhabitants of Car- Hiagcna lieheld, with surprize mingled with terror, an instance of the manner in which justice was adminis- tered among the Pirates. — Two of them had infringed g prohibition, by which cvciy kind of violence was severely prohibited. Some young girls had been vic- t^ln8 to their brutality. Their parents ventured to com- '; plain, invoking the formal promise the Free-booters iiad given them of abstaining from all violence. These 4?omplaint3 were received ; the guilty were arrested, tried by a council of war, which their comrades hastily ibrmed, and were condemned to be shot. In vaii^ did the families, whom they had violated, intercede in thrar behalf. The sentence was instantly executed. The Pirates' flotilla consisted of nine sail. Scarcely had it left Carthagena when it tell in with an English squadron. Each ship, regardless of the fate of the rest, thought only of its own safety. The two largest, which were laden with upwards of one million of pias- ters, were t^ken by the English after a most valiant defence. A third took fire, and foundered on the coasts of St. Domingo, but her crew was saved, toge- . tber with the money on board. A fourth was by the tempest cast on the very shore of Carthagena, and thus afforded some kind of consolation to the unfortUf.. nate inhabitants who had been so recently plundered. . The whole crew of the wrecked vessel fell into the bands of the Spaniards, who spared the lives of the Free- booters, and confined themseWcs to the employment of their labour ia repairing those fortifications' tvhick ^'i#SS;;!::?;::'iift.^siiv HISTOILT or THE riRATlS. \99 »icH the possible 'eedings, jhagena ; \y female fch each mted to .€3000 rticy had so lately destroyed. The other Ave »hipt turtuuately arrived at St. Domingo, with their ricli cui^oes. The French government were exceedingly displeased with the transactions at Carthagena. Nevertheless, as far as re8|)ected the division of the booty, they de- clared in favour of the Free-booters and colonists against admiral Pointis, who had defrauded them of their due proportions, and one million four hundred thousand livres were ordered to be paid them ; but this order was never earned into execution. Louis XIV. was then arrived at that period of his life, in which his brilliant reign was dishonoured by his bigotry. He forgave himself the misery in which his dissipation had involved his subjects ; the wars with which his ambition had desolated Europe; and the persecutions he had excited against those unfortunate persons who did not adhere to his creed. He devoted his attention to the reparation of disorders of very considerably less moment. His indignation was aroused, on learning that the French had despoiled . -the churches of Carthagena of their riches and their ornaments, and that men in his service should have been permitted to commit such a profanation. H« therefore ordered the spoils of the churches to be separated from the rest of the booty, and dispatched a vessel for tha express purpose of re-conveying them to Carthagena. There were still some other detached bodies of bold corsairs ; who, under the name of Free-booters, con- tinued to cruise, — no longer in the West Indies, where they found neither protection nor independence, but in remote seas where they had no place of refuge. Among these hardy adventurers, a Frenchman, named Montauban, distinguished himself; who, in 1695, Mnade the coasts of Guinea the theatre of his piracies^ and who wrote with his own hand, in a few pages, an account Qf his exploits. An English guard-ship, that iwas moored near Angola, was desirous of inflicting -•■■t. ■ V*. v^^ll: ■'-A: J "<*«U«VM.1(^.^ •v-t* • 184 IIISTORT OF THR FIHATCS. justice on the&e PirntcB, and accordingly attackecJ. them; but they defended themselves with such fury, that the assailants, who had calculated upon an easy victory, were taken by boardinjr. The English com- mander was in despair at such an unexpected event ; and, thinking he ou^ht not to survive his disgrace, he blew up his own ship into the air. That belonging to the Pirates also blew up at the same time : the whole of the English crew perished ; Montauban and fifteen only of his men escaped this terrible danger. They fell alive into the sea, and soon were able to resume their cruises ; 'but, for want of an asylum in the neigh- bouring latitudes, their lobberics could not long con- tinue; and the ocean was delivered from this scourge. Hostilities were also carried on between bodies of Free- hooters, who depended entirely on the French and English governors; and who had only the name, together with part of the tcrocious manners/ of those formidable Pirates. There were likewise others who undertook cruises on their own account. The antient association no longer subsisted, whose members were bound by a kind of fraternity, and who in certain in- spects made a commc^n cause. The French Pirates, who styled themselves Free-booters, made different descents upon, and pillaged the very coasts of Jamaica, where the primitive society had so long found an asy- lum and protection. Such, in particular, was the case of a celebrated corsair, or rather of a real Pi- rate, Daviot, who landed on those coasts in l6'92, with two hundred and ninety Free-booters. Bitt after the landing was efiected, one hundred and thirty-five of these robbers were separated from their ships, and wandered into the interior of the island, having to contend incessantly with the inhabitants, among whom were found some of the antient Free-booters, and ap- prehending every moment that they must yield to the superior force of their adversaries. They had already lost twenty wof their men, but in return had taken forty prisoners ; still, however, their number amounted ^V-v ■"''>nJS>-VJi ••j?*S"-»i*'^' ;. r •... attacked, ich fury, an easy isb corn- event ; 'ace, he "ig'ng to le whole d fifteen They resume e iK?igh- )ng con- scourge. odies of i'rench e name, >f those crs-who '■ antient Jrs wer« Plain fe- Pirates, different imaica, an asy- vas the cal Pi- •2, with fter the five of s» and ing to whom lid ap- to the Iready taken unted HISTORY OF THE 7IIIA.TES, 11$ to one hundred and ifteen, when an occurrence as strange as it was terrifying suddenly changed the scene. TJ'.is was one of the most terrible earthquakes which has ever been mentioned in the annals of the world. The shocks were so awful that it was thought the whole island was about to be swallowed up iu the sea, while the air was altogether calm, and the sky un- commonly serene. The moment the Frcc-booters perceived the ground shake beneath their feet, they ran with all speed possible towards the shore, and threw themselves into the canoes that first offered to them. Such, however, was the precipitation and dis- order, with which this embarcatioiii was conducted, that many of the canoes were overladen and sunk, and the Pirates could with diffic iity regain the shore. During these transactions the sea was most violently agitated, dashed to a distance from the coasts those canoes that still had men on board them, inundated the whole country, and drowned a great number of these Free-booters. The rest climbed up tiie most lofty trees, and continued five hours clinging tathe branches, until the earthquake ceased and the sea re- entered its antient limits. The r^Afages occasioned tliroughout the island by this scourge are indescribable ; nearly eleven thousand men perished by it. Port Royal was almost entirely swallowed up ; great part of the fort fell down, and the walls tumbled into the sea. A considerable num- ber of ships of various burthens that were in the port was dashed to pieces, as likewise were several others that drove from their anchors ; nor did a single vessel escape without receiving great injury. The city, which was situated two FreiKh leagues up the covHi- try, became a mass of ruins. Whole mountains ifell down into the vallies and filled them; while o'thfrs divided into two parts, and formed new precipices. By these horrible phenomena all communications were cut off from ttic inhabitant > nor could they pass from ■■¥' l^|i ih'jl iai » i ' i i " Jr / i ''^':' - ir'iwHr - ■ » iii f -^**-^-y':i»4i,i^tiiim*^i . ♦■'■ CV'"'" •"■"■ ' ' ■^ ■ '"-'. ' J'"^' ' * ■ "^■■5 V-r -' 186 BISTORT OP TIip PIRATES. one place to another, without hazarding their lives bj leaping over tremendous cavities. ^ . •; -^ •; In consequence of this csrtastrophe the Frcc-hooten lost ttll their arms, together with thirty-five of their men. Scycral prisoners perished in the waves, but such ns could continue in the canoes preserved themselves. These, however, were not the only persons saved ; alter various accidents the rest of the Pirates succeeded in escaping this host of dangers to which the island of Jamaica had exposed them. . uo'-m:^.:^ Towards the close of the l7th century a total re- volution took place among the Free-bootcrs, so that (as already intimated) mnhing remained of them but the name. Their orighial independence was now for- gotten, and with it disappeared that degree of consi- deration in which they had been held by different na- tions, together with the other traits that characterized their society. Many of them abandoned themselves to excesses, and committed crimes for which they were obliged to llee^ otliers dispersed themselves, and so far renounced every sentiment of regard for their Country, that whole bodies of '* Brethren of the Coast" |)asscd over to Jamaica, and there fought against their countrymen. The very name of Free-booters acquir- ed another acceptation, being assumed by all those lawless adventurers, those vagabonds of every nation, who were employed by belligerent powers as Pirates in the Wcbt Indies. Not only had Jamaica, Saint Do- mingo, and Tortugus their self-styled Free-booters; they were likewise found in Martinico, and in other islands. T'hus the Spaniards, after expelling the French Buccaneers from St. Domingo, formed new bodies of Ruccancers of their Own nation, for the pur- pose of employing them in the chace, and preparing the hides of the slaughtered cattle. By this expedient they hoped to supply the place of those whom they had exterminated ; but, for this purpose, it was not suffi- cient to give them the same name, and the same prp- fcssion. On the contrary, a very wide difference sttb- rf ir.^sissd^'^ififci' '■.1. f l^es bj 5oteri their It such pelves, alter led in [nd of il re- HISTORT THE riBATir, ' 'f0. sisW between this modern corporation dtid tbe Antiet^i association of hunters ; and the tamendq^d«nc@, ii much distinguished from thq antient, active, indiMtrbuff and valiant French Buccaneers, as the modern Fr^e- hooters, — especially those of Martintco>^-'=^ere ffoni the primitive Free-booters of 8t. Dominj|;Oy Vi\\^ htt" tm nxsTOAT or thb piratis. h-^l ■ B 4Jlrawn frpm them by England, at length also ccmed on the part of France ; and from this time likewiic ceased those bold expeditions of the Free-bootert, properly so called, in the American latitudes. But it was no easy task to extingui»h their spirit of inde- pendence, thirst of booty, and their inclination for fool-hardy enterprises ; tbis revolution indeed proved peculiarly difficult to effect among the English sea- men, who, in consequence of pence being concluded in Europe, had no longer any enemies to engage at sea. It now became impossible any longer to make use of a pretext, of which the English and French had till then availed themselves, to carry havock amongst the hostile nations, by appearing to act in the name, and for the advantat^e of their respective kings and countries. They therefore became real Pirates, or rather robbers ; and, as they C(mld no longer meet with protection or safety in the West Indies, they turned their attention towards the South Sen. On this sea, it was a very rare occurrence even for Spanish ships of war to appear ; those belonging to other nations had never been seen there ; the Free- booters were hitherto utterly unknown; and the ves- sels which frequented the coasts of Mexico and Peru had hitherto been accustomed to pursue their naviga- tion unmolested : on all these accounts, therefore, the South Sea had always been very attractive to these adventurers. In fact, the very numerous and irnpor- tant ports of Spanish America, that presented them- selves along the coast froni Chili to California, afford- ed them a certain prospect of a booty as rich as it was easy to acquire. The principal of these ports, commencing with the south, were Arica, Sugna, Nas- ca, Pisca, Pachacama, also termed Ciudnd de los Reyes, and the harbour of Callas, where the king's ships that escorted the fleet to Peru were moored ; afterwards, the cities of Truxillo, Paitii, Qucaquilla or Guayaquil, Barbacoa, Panama, Jlcalongo, Te- coantepequa, AcapulcOy And other considerable pluCQ» *■-■■■''' . -. •. K*., „ .,,^^,,,j^^:^,r.tS(S^^j^^ '^■x.s--'-' ■ ^j-^Slrtiifc"*--. :^iji-«4 •■ »',, w 192 HISTORT or TII« FIRATStk I A. »"';. Wf This engagement therefore wa^ one of the most rash adventures of which their annals make mention, and to them could not but be attended with the most un- fortunate consequences. They were thus involved in a very critical situation, fron> which their valour alone could extricate them. One of their ships was in great distress, being on every side surrounded by tho Spaniards. The other Free-booters, who were near them, might have escaped with their ships ; but they unanimously swore to die rather than abandon to the enemy the very smallest of their embarcations ; or at all events, if any one should fall into the hands of the SjKiniards, th«y should conquer only its wreck, and should not find a single man on board. Contrary to every appearance, this oath was accomplished ; so that this battle, though unsuccessful, did th^m as m.uch honour as a victory. But of their flotilla they lost only one bark, containing prisoners chiefly, and which was so severely treated by the Spanish bullets, that she was at the point of sinking, when the crew had time to effect their escape. Delivered by this circum- stance, and knowing. the extreme danger that threat- ened the vessel in which they were, the prisoners found themselves between a speedy death and a prompt deliverapcc ; without hesitation, therefore, they made what haste they could towards their country- men, to throw themselves into their arms ; but the Spanish admiral, not knowing what had occurred, took the vessel for a fire-sjiip which they had sent among his squadron while tney were retiring. Misled by this error, he lost not a moment in firing upon her ; $he sank, and with her went to the bottom all these unfortunate prisoners. After this battle, as the waves were still greatly agi- tated and the wind still continued contrary to tb* Free-booters, their bhips (lisperscd, and they t\cver succeeded in re-assembling together again^ Con- cerning the fate of sevt-ral, or of their crjws, nothing has evar transpired : soinp of them went through ,•.,..4. :^¥^' ntStOttY OF Tilt riRATES. 1D3 *!tranf?c adventurcs, which we sluill proceed to relate, particularly those which hci'el three luindrcd men who marched to the island of 8iin Juan de Cucblo, five ujilps distant tVorn the continent. Previously, however, to this •;cnoral- dispersion, a division arose amonp; Ihcm, which paralysed ull dicir further schemes, and could not but be productive of c'9nsequences the most dangerous to tlicsc prudent adventurers, who were so uniformly eforc been ; for the Spaniards had carefully carried away to a considerable distar.ce all the provision in th« neighbourhood. In conscquf^nce of this measure, iho Free-bootcrs were obliged to return to San-Juan tie Cucblo, where the sea promised them either plur.- dcr or some other resources, while part uf their com- rades continued in these latitudes. Here lilso they met with their maritime forces, which consisted of one rhip, two barks, four canoes, and some pirogui;*, tbo building of which was not yet completed. They were in a state of perfect inactivity, whcu thiy suddenly discovered bi";tecn ships sailing towards the coast. Persuaded that they were Spaniards, ami already considering their shi]) that was in the road as lost, they conveyed with the utmost precipitation every valuable or useful article she contained on board their barks, and ran her aground. At the same tin»o they took every possible measure to prevent a disera- barcation, in case the Spaniards were disposed to at- tempt it. Their precaution proved useless. Tivc Spaniards were by no means inclined to sugh a liold cutirprize. TUey confined themsclvef, there' i-e, to carefully visiting the ruins of the stranded siji(i. Jio!u which they took out the irou she still contain if a. u, content wilh these spoils, which they doubtlc^o Uc^ard- ed as trophies, they burnt the yet floating pieces, of wood, and ioi-tantly set sail. ■' The i'lec-bootcrs had goUectcd the wUole of thck .■> l.„v ■ Viksfc .8fe>j!ii;4»ii£2iaytt»i!j ■StKHKk MISTOIIT OP THE PIRATES. 197 little flotilla together in the bay of r"nldeita, in order to deliberate on some grand cxpcclitioii, when a \isscl came in sight, which they immedi itcly chac '. How great was their astonishment whyn, on couun^ up with her, they found her to be a pirate ship, manned by Englishmen, and which bad formed pan of David's squadron. The most .fatal consequences mii;ht havp ."siil Jed from this rencounter. By his arrogant cr:.'^ it to '.ards the French, Tusley, her commander, iiaa %ri :JA J contributed towards the disunion which had ])rovecl so injurious t« both parties. He was the, > lore, together with his crew, (which however consisted only of one hundred and twenty-five I'^nf:;- lishmen), made prisoner without delay, and their ves- sel was declared to be a law ful prize. Tusley and his men could not conceal their con- sternation, which the French enjoyed ij^ secret, but which they did not abuse. Placed as they were at the extremity of the globe, exposed by their piracies, which were sanctioned by no power, to dangers of every kind, and deprived of all assistance, could they think of surrounding themselves with now eiipmies? They confined themselves, therefore, for live hours, to the semblance of a resentment which nothing could appease ; and after reproaching their captives in a manner rather fraternal than menacing, on acf»nmt of their past proceedings, they thought they had inflicted sutHcicnt punishment by the terror they had inspir- ed. The prisoners were all set at liberty, and their ship was restored to them with ail that was on board. ^ Bing thus rest Tod to favour, the English promised for iSc future to make a common cause with tiicir old ' friends, and never more to separate from thecn. Tiio Fiec-l>!oters' forces lia\ihg, byihis occurrence, receivod a c 'nsiuerable augmentation, it was agreed •to UHviertake a grout ontcrprizo. An attack upon the .city i.t Gienada was res ived upon ; and, on the I7th of April h(>7, thrci' hundred i\nd fort^-tivc itk n took the road iea-uinij to that place. They had been expected : -1 ■ *x'- t' z f \t -■i 7- < f 1^8 HISTORT or THf flTlATr*. there for a long time; all tlio valuable effects had been removed to a distiuice, and preparations were . made for their reception. From a j)risoner>vhom they ^ad taken, the rroc-buntori» learnt that all the inha- bitants were in arms, and entrenched Ix-hind the walls, on which were planted twenty pieces of cannon; and that six companies of cavalry were charged with the defence of the place. Grenada was a large city, containing well-built houses, several fine convents, and maanilicent churches ; and was reckoned to be, in other respects, one of the richest cities of Spunish .\merica. It was situated on the shore of the. lake Nicaragua, twenty leagues diiitant from the South Sea. Before its walls , stood a vast number of sugar bakehoust-s, which, on account of their vast circuniferi-ncc, migiit have botMi taken for so many towns. 'I'he centre of the town was occupied by the depAt of arms, or rather by ;i (piad- ruugular well fortified fort, cniiable of holding an entirt; army. All these appavent obstacles were easily con- quered by the Tree-booterH, who were in a few liours masters of the city with the loss of oidy twtdve men. Nothing, however, remaiui'd that was of any use to them, as every article of value had been sent out ot. the place. Nevtr before had the Free-booters taken a great city, which there was actually nothing for them to plunder. The few mo\eal)les and articles of com- merce that were left, \fere in their eyes altogether \v<»i tides':, 'i'he lake of Nicaragua, nevertheless, which disemhogties itself into the sea on the north kide of ihis part of America, oll'ered to them a way of qviittiiig the Americai» continent, with equal salety iuul convenience. lUit the idea of returning without some consid-'riibk' booty, al'ti'r such a series of ad- ventures, fiitigucs, and dangers, was to them more in- •■ipportable than (K-ath. They left CJrenada, therefore, with tl'.c well determined j)lan of patiently -waiting some happy turn of fortune, and took uitli llicw only t t t \ .%,■: •*.- ... niaronT or the pirates. ipp One single c.innon, which proved in the event of the greatest utility to them. For no sooner had they entered the open country, but they were attacked l:^ a body of two thousand five hundred men, who betook themselves to flight at thejirst cannon-shot. Another detachment of five hundred men, who had come from the city of Leon, which lies some leamies to the nortli- west of Grenada, was repulsed with equal facility., liut on the tollowing day, as they were crossing a dwcrt, they were in consequence of the intense heat, and for want of water, obliged to spike and abandon their precious piece of cannon, as the oxen that drew it were dead with thirst. Not one of the districts, through which they thus passed, afforded them any sus- tenance whatever; the Indians having, by order of the government, t be conveyed to a distance. '■ ' The inhabitants of the town of Ginandejo had in- > ited the Free-booters to repair to them, but this was tirdy a snare iti which they were themselves caugbl, 'Ihe Spaniards had fortified a passage leading to that town, and had popted two hundred men there. The }• lee-bootcrs approached, and with their accustomed iiitropidity forceil this passage, which they seemed dis- jK)sed to contest. 1 he garrison fled without even at- tempting a resistance. The irritated conquerors en- tered Ginandejo, and set it on fire. It iqipcars aim? st incredible, that the Frce-bootefs should be in the vicinity of one of the finest and most fertile provinces, and yet be exposed lo a terrible famine'; hut this enigma will be explained when tHo nature of their naval fmres is considered. ^hey had only vvrotclied vcvsel.^, in whicli they durst not venture into the main sea ; consequently they were obliged to creep close in upon the shore, iind tlius be constantly in si^-'Jit (jf the Spaniards; so that the latter could watch all lluir motions, and had the leisure necessary to remove before their arrival all the \alu- able aiticlcs und provisions which the country produ- :M .*- v'^^ i*i^ - ••^•%^ i»00 BISTORT OF THE PIRATE*. cctl. Tlius the Frce-booters ha^ no possible means of making a sudden attack, which would have been no difiicult task to them with a large ship, which tlicy TOight keep at such a distance that she could ni^t be watched. Their position was nevertheless extremely inconvenient to the Spaniards; through ut the whole length of whose coasts the presence of this formidable enemy was announced. Already had a great num- ber of ships fallen into his hands ; the terror he inspir- ed interrupted all communication by sea between the maritime cities of Chili and Peru. The Spaniards durst no longer send out any of those vessels, scarcely even one of those small craft, which carried on an active and flourishing commerce between different points of those coasts ; and they were reduced to the ivecessity of trading only by land, — a more certain mode indeed, but far more expensive, — so long as the Free- booters were pleased to continue in those latitudes. At length the great body of Free-booters, of whom we are here speaking, reached the shore in the vicini-r ty of which their comrades were stationed. When they were all re-united, they deliberated on tlie mea- sures they had to take. Some proposed to cross the height of Panama, hoping that the Sijanij.rds, taking . courage from the distance of their very formidable . enemy, would resume their navigation. By others it was objected, that at the then present season a long series of hurricanes often prevailed on the South Sea, that it was much better to sail t'.wards the west, to winter in some island, and thei-e wait tor a more fa- vourable season. As each parly persisted in iis (pi- nion, it was agreed to separate. In this body ot I- n o- bootcrs there were six severely wdiiuicd, aiui tour who were cri|;pled ; they lliuuj>lit. un'ietoie, thai a very particular care oui'ht, hi;,t • i iol, lo bi taken of them; and to the accouiplislnr.eiit or iliis huuume and fraternal duty, ilu y dovoiou all tde inoiicj wlucli was dc) ositod in Use spare chest ot tlie si'icty, 1 i.o six wounded mca /eccived six hundred piu:>lcr» uach^n^u^ .■'"•wi.■^ Ur^t niSTOHT OF TIIR PIRATEf, QOX the four cripples one iliousand each. All t\m bnrk*, canoes, 'naval aminuiiitioii, and provisiou«, w^m flltii- cably flividcd. The nnml)er of FrenchiiuMi h1i« w«*ro dehirous of goin;:; to Piinaina whs one luifMlr'i''d «»id forty-eight ; they \yere joined by all the li^ngl^lt, Jtnd especially by the one hundred and tU'i»»}^«fiv« tluit had been brought by captain Tusjey, oji whom tl»? command in chief was 'jonferred. 'Ihe other body wm less numerous, coui^isting of one hundrt'd nHt\ fofty- eig'.it Frenchmen, who wislied to sail. under llif oi'd^fs of captain Grrurnier ; but he was unwilling Ut (\i'Uwh himself from the stroni^est troop, 'i lu'ir lornud wprt- ration took place on the 13th of Miirch \(iHii} btit, for want of a complete information, we ^Imll lu*}« only describe the adventures which beti?! the |/(iii(;)|«ul body under the command of captain Tusley, The first undertaking of these I'rey.bootPfs wfls th« capture of the city «f Vallia, thirty k'ftjiiJei distftiit rom Panama, where they took three hiiMdml pfifton- ei'^, and found gold ttnd Kilvet' to lUtf utiumttl of l)f« teen hundred thousand piasters, ftiid mQtcUmd'm to the amount of one million and a half, 'I'lu*y took away only the most valuablo articles whleh wt?r« Itiost easy of conveyanco, in the expectation of yoiti|)U'tii»g their plunder by extorting very heavy %\nm for th^ ransom of the city and prisoners, 'i'lu' /Vkatde (th« supreme magistrate) had fled ; but mmm \vei« foidul to convey to him an offer for a kind of t'Hpitululilori, lie haughtily replied, that he had noothwr mh*o«t for the Free-booters than powd«r ami bhot, whk'h wtre at their service ; that, as for the priwiiuM'*, he flhHti- doued them to the decrees of Providence j and, fuflher, that his troops were already avseuibl«>d, lit order to cultivate an acquaintance with th 'it' iwv, ^u»*^t«», (hi the arrival of this answer, the town WH» j»»»tttntiy burnt and abandoned. The booty i^o/s put Ott board two canoes, which descended the river aiul t'oJivcyed it towards the sea; while the inaiit body j>u«Ui'U y.: It *... J..., . HM ir x n-m-i.^'^'n R< m. fiOi HISTORY OF THl PIKATfS. their course, marching at 8om« dihtancc* from liv sliores. The Spaniards durst not attack thcin ; but six hundred formed an ambuscade, in order to watch the passage of the plunder, which being indiffprcitly protected, they succeeded in wholly re-hiking it, by a sudden attack upon the canr»es. Afttfr »ome impru- dences on the part of the Alcalde, which cost several Spanish prisoners iheir lives, ten thousand piasters (betvcnn 2 and 30001.) were at length paid for the ran (Mn of the rest. Ill the course of these rash cntcrprisics, which could rot hut be attended with the most ditfasttrous conse- quences to the authors of them, t>uccei^»c8 and failures ahenmtelv occurred. The Frce-booters captured a ?»hip that was coming from Panama, by whose crew they were informed, that thirty-nix of their comrades had, on board a small bark, attempted to reach the oppo- site coast by following the course (»f the river Boca del Chica; but that the SpaniardH, havitig UHrtcd with the Indians of the country, had iiltacked thern during their paoaagewith RUt-h kuperloi^foi'(,H*i thatniontofthe Frca- bootershad fallon, and one of tWm had boon conduct- ed prisoner to Panama. It was addod, that two bodies of Knglishmen, each consliting of forty men, had on their march experienced the same fate, and had all of them Uecn cut to pieces, Tliew fatal news, however, were compensated by the information which the Free^ hooters at the same time received j that two ships were every moment expected to arrive at Panama from Lima, with a cargo of grain, and with money for pay- ing the garrison. They stationed themselves near th« , island of Taroga, in order to watch their pawnge. But, during the interval, a Spanish prteoner eon- ti i\ ed to effect his escape to the governor of Panama, whom he informed of the weaknesi of the Free-boot- ers' forces. From this information ample ackantage was derived, as the event will shortly prove. A frigato . and two barks, appeared one day, at a very early hour . >^ ifA' . /.;.• :;t'^ ■,-.,--.;;4 ■ ■■^, ">(■"'■■-- _■•>":■,' ■"*.■ HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. 203 in the morning, and bore down upbn them full sail. Tho Frec-booters could expect to gain no booty, iheif strength was too unequal. It was impossible for them to avoid fighting; and they engaged with their usual ardour. They poured a shmvcr of grenadoes into the frigate, produced on her deck the greatest disorder, and took her by board- ing. They also took possession of one of the barks • the other, in her flight, ran aground upon the coast, and lost the greater part of her crew. Out of one hundred and twenty men, the complement of the frigate, eighty wore killed or wounded ; and, of sixty- six belonging to the bark taken by boarding, only nine- teen escaped without being wounded by the shot of the Frcc-booters. The conquerors were occupied in throwing into the sea the dead bodies of the frigate, and in repairing her rigging, when they discovered two large barks coming from Panama. The Free-booters concluded that the news of their victory had not reached the city, and hastened to avail themselves of this presumed ignor- ance. They hoisted the Spanish flag on board the frigate, and let the two barks advance, 'i'he moment these were near, they opened a terrible fire upon them, and commanded them to yield. On their re- fusal, such a vast number of grenadoes were poured into one of them, .that she took fire and sunk; the other was taken in a. lew minutes. On board the lat- ter, the Free-booters found fvur largos bundles of ropes, which the Spaniards (not dotibting but that ihe victory had been decided in favour of their country- men) sent to them as a necessary article, the di-^^^tina- tion of which was by no means iH]uiv( cal. 'Ihe prison- ers, who had been charged with this mission, expi- ated it in, a most cmel manner. They wore all put to death. In the course of these various engagements the Free-boolers had only one of their conuiuies killed, but twenty -t\^o were severely wounded, and among I , . «» . > ■•<• '^mm^;:^^'^' tO^ IHSTORY OT THE ^IRAlESi others captain Tusley, who died soon ofterwards od Lis wounds, as also did all the others without excep- tion ; which circumstance contributed to give some degree of credit to tlieir supicion, that the enemy's shot bad been poisoiied. These unexpected successes having restored the rrcc-bootcrsto a kind of tranquillity, they recollect- ed that, in their comrades' attempts to withdraw across ihe country^ five of them (four English and one Frenchman) had fallen into the hands of the Spaniards; in consequence of which they seized an opportunity of entering into a correspondence with the president of Panama. They demanded the libe- ration of the five prisoners, threatening him, in case of a refusal, that four Spanish captives should be put to death for each of thcn>. The pivsident refused the demand, and excused himself in a letter, whicli the commandant of fort Seppa was charged to transmit to tiicm. They verbally replied, that unless their live comrades were restored, they would infallibly send him the heads of the Spanish piisoners. The president was in great perplexity^ the Free-bfioters' menaces appeared to him exceedingly formidable. He thought the intervention of a minister of religion might suc- ceed in mitigating their anger 4 and he accordingly availed himself of the assistance of the archbishop of Panama, who addivssed them a letter in the following terms:—" Gentlemen, — The president has written to " you in a severe tone ; but, for my part, on the con- " trary, J ferxeiiHtj beseech you no longer to shed the *' blood of the innocent that are in your power, since *' they have "11 been conqioljed to fight against you. *' The president's refusal to restore you the prisoners '" of war is founded on the obedience which lie owes ** to his sovereign's ordeis. who has prohibited ex- " changes of this descri))tioti. I will, however, exert "every effort to procure the liberty of your compa- " nions. Rely on my word. You ihall be satisfied. But I must at the same time inform you, that 4( IfTSTOKY OF THE PIRATLS. 205 " the four Englishmen have all become catholics ; " that there is already a catholic church at Jamaica, " and that the four prisoners of that nation have been " converted, and have therefore determined to con- *' tinue among us," The Free-bootcrs saw clearly that the Spaniards wished to extricate themselves from their embarrass* mcut by a decent pretence ; but whenever those Pi- rates were deeply interested in any thing, it was im- possible for them to be put off with vain subterfuges. Tlic sight also of their comrades, who were (lying one after another of wounds which they supposed to be poisoned, rendered them still less susceptible of com- passion. They therefore put their terrible menace into execution, and sent twenty of their prisoners* heads to Panama, with an assurance that, if any fijr- ther delay took place in the deliverance of their com- panions, they would very speedily send all the heads of the other Spanish prisoners. Of these ninety-six still remained, of whose fate no doubt whatever could be entertained after thjs first specimen of ^rocity. The president of Panama therefore set their comrades at liberty without any further hesitation; and, at the time he sent them back, he transmitted by them a very polite letter, together with considerable refresh- ments for their wounded men ; and likewise with at\ assurance, that, if he had a greater number of prison ers, he would have liberated all of them. The Free- booters in their reply reproached him with having thus become voluntarily guilty of his countrymen's death. Their answer also contained very bitter com* plaints respecting the poisoned shot; it was, said they, a violation of every law of war, which ought ir justice to have been pufiished by the execution of all the prisoner, as well of those who were then in thei^" power, as of such as might in future fall into their hands. They however, sent back twelve wounded Spaniards, with a declaration, that, if the president wished to save the lives of all the rest, hcj|nui>t paj T I'. '%- .A ■K ■ ■ ' f •job" HISTORY OF !rilE PIRATKS, a ransom of ten thousand piasters (between 7 and 8001.). Although this new menace was very terri- fying, they were obliged to repeat it before they could obtain the sum required. The Pirates afterwards continued to land at and pillage different places, in the expectation that some richly laden vessels might become their prey, an4^ still retaining the hope that some favourable oppor- tunity would occur o£ regaining the north sea, with their booty, by some passage across the country. Their first expedition was directed against Quea- quilla, a very rich city of Peru, which was built on the banks of a river of the same name, about ten miles from the sea. It is wholly erected oil piles, on ac- count of the frequent inundations to which it is ex- posed ; and, as well as the river that washes its walls, is called Guayaquil. Seven hundred Spaniards at- tempted to march against the Free-booters, but they were immediately put to flight, and withdrew into three forts that commanded the city: and, notwiA- standing each fort was garrisoned by five thousand men, they fell one after another into the hands of tht intrepid assailants, who fought eleven hours succes- sively, and did not rest themselves until they were completely masters hpth of the city and of its forts. The governor and principal officers, who valiantly defended themselves, were wounded, and had the vexation of being taken prisoners, together with seven h\mdred other inhabitants. The fugitive, Spaniards were pursued across the country by the English Free- booters ; while the French, like good catholics, as- sembled in the principal church, and sang Te Deum ! This glorious conquest* however, Nvas dearly pur- chased by fhe Free-bootei's, and cost them a pretty considerable number of th^ir comrades, and among others, captain Grognier, who was mortally wounded, and died on the following day. The loss of this com- Biander, who was distinguished among this band of robbcri by his genius and moderation, was very sen* ■?;;.,.-«-, n'mt MHA'i ■-r^i ■^-. HtStOtlY O* THB PltlATCI. 207 tfbly felt by them, especially m it followed so closely upon that of another valuable chicftuin, captain Tuslcy. At Guayaquil they took an immense booty, con- sisting of pearls, precious stones, ingots of silver, aind seventy tliousand piasters (nearly Jtl 6,000). But far more considerable treasures, containing among other things, three millions in cash had been saved by the inhabitants during the battle. These riches were carried off in some shallops, which were pursued to no purpose, as they were gone too far. The Free- booters could only take away a cannon of massy silver of twenty thousand piasters weight (worth about £5000), and a golden eagle, intended to decorate the high altar of the principal church, which weigh- ed sixty-eight pounds, and was ornamented with emeralds. There were in the pert fourteen ships, which were altogether tiscless to the victors, as also were the cannon in the forts, and several other ar- ticles of too great bulk or too little value. But the Free-bootfrs had recourse to another expedient. They made the governer stipulate fot the ransom of the prisoners, the city, foits, vessels, &c. that one tnillion piasters in gold (about ^230,000) shbtild be paid beside four hundred sacks of corn that were to come from the city of Quito, which was eighteen leagues distant. While these affairs w^re transacting, an accident oc- curred, which called forth all the Free-booterft* piie- sence of mind. During the night a fire broke oiit near the spot where all their booty, gun-powder, and ammunition were deposited. The whole was rapidly conveyed on board the ehips which were moored in the port, and -all the prisoners v/cre confined in the largest of the forts. As soon as these precautions had beeh carried into effect, the Fiee-booters exert- ed every possible effort to extinguish the fire, which notwithstanding reduced one third of the city to •ibes. rb^- ■'H' ■ ^fM ., ■■■fr» SOS HISTORY dp THE PIRATKS. This, misfortune, however, produced no cflfect In the treaty which the governor promised punctually to fulfil. 'I'ho .streets of the city had continued incumbered with (lead bodies to the number of nine hundred, ilcncc arose a terrible infection, which produced dis- orders that afTccted most of the conquerors. They determined therefore to qiiit this dangerous theatre of their glory, and set sail for the isle of Puna, after having spiked all the cannon, and selected five hun- dred prisoners of both sexes to accompany them. In that island the Free-bo'^ters spent three days in the midst of amusements and rejoicings. Each dpy were brought to them, from Guayaquil, not oi^ly fresh provisions, but also whatever could flatter their appetites, in the greatest profusion. As all ti.e musicians of the city were among the prisoners whom they had obliged to accompany them, their days were? ; merrily passed to the sound of theorboes, guittars, hurps, iind lutes. Ko anxious cares di&turbcd this continuity of pleasures, for both parties were perfect- Jy secure. The performance of the o Tinl-on ap- j)eared to meet with no further difficulties ; and the J'rec-booters seemed to have forgotten their manners, and presented themselves to the conquered only under the most agreeable aspects. These long con- titmcd scenes of voluptuousness were favoured by the beauty of the climate ; and the women even offered themselves Jo their embraces with a degree of ab(ui<' donment. In the bosom of a captivity like this, they were under less constraint than when they were in their own houses; they participated in the general festivity, danced, sang, and even drank with their reputed fero- . cious victors, who endeavoured to render themselves Almost constantly amiable, and who permitted the women to taste more lively pleasures than those with V'hich they were surrounded, so/ that they no longer uppcarcd to be'under any controul. This delijjhllui situation, however, was sooij intpr- v: ,-ji.. ':*a^-^4,. ■-^;' ,,..,:■. ii, _■.«;' >. i'^i*,. '.;-•■ ,^.'-; *'W^ • *' ■ '^* -* -..i,-^^ HISTORT OF TUB PIAATES. 209 rupted. Tiietcrm fixed for discharging the ransom wat expired, and the payment of it was not completed. A respite was granted ; but in lieu of the promised money, ah officer came and brought them exhortations to patience. The Frce-bootcrs now began to be per- suaded that they were trifled with, and that the Spani- ards were desirous only to gain the time necessary for enabling them to adopt some violent measure a- gainst th^n. They were therefore resolved to intimi- date their enemies by a terrible lesson. The pri- soners were obliged to draw lots ; and the four unfor- tunate persons on wljom the lots fell were instantly beheaded. Their heads were transmitted by wiiy of answer to the oflRcer who had been sent to them, anaynient of the ransom, without regardir^ any thing the deputy -governor might say or do. During these trftosaction a back usived at the is\t of Puna, witk -■rned the Spaniards with another visit to Guayaquil the moment that tejm should be expired. On the second day, it was announced from the city, that, instead of the remaining money promised, they would only pay nvenly-two thousand piasters (about ci'5000) ; and that, for the rest, they had five thousand mcij ready lor the Free-booters' reception. On the arrival of ihis message, the Pirates were transported with the utmost fury : some of them proposed instantly to de- < iipitatc all the prisoners; while others represented that this would be needless cruelty, since they were at all events resolved to retire from the South Sea ; and that the reinforcements which the Spaniards had re- vftived rendered the event of a fresh engagement alto- ♦ ether uncertain. They thought, therefore, that it would be best to accept the Iwo-and-twenty thousand piasters which V ere offered ; and with this opinion the majority coin- tided. The money was in consequence punctually fent; and by way of exchange, the prisoners were lestored, with the exception of fifty principal persons, among whom was the governor. 1 hese were com- pelled to embark on. board the vessels, with a view to answer another ransom, which the Pirates ex« pected to extort from them. . At length they were ready to depart from the islo of Puna, where they had spent thirty days in every gratification of life. A fortunate occurrence preceded their departure. Captain David, their first command- *r, from whom, as we have already noticed, they had two years before been separated, very unexpectedly appeared at Puna with a frigate, and immediately after rendered them very essential services. Scarcely had he arrived when they fell in with some Spanish men- .«f-war, that had been sent in search of them. In this -.-^ ff in^^&l&i-..,. .,,'.u '. --T' HISTORY or TIIR 1»1UATPS. ?M enga^fment thcrp was an extreme disparity, both in thtt size of the ships as well as in the bore of the gun* and the strength of the crews. For, since they had parted from the original fleet, the Free-lx)<>ters, hnd not had any sliips properly so called, but only some wretched vessels, with \*hich they could not remove to any distance from the coasts. The Spaniards, however, oljtained no advantage over them. The combatants urrc separated by the night; on the ensuing morning *kf! engagement was renewed, and lasted till night. 'Vl.e following day the Spanish men-of-war were out c;t sight. • Benig thus released from this hard fought rencoun- ter, the Free -hooters landed i^car Cape Pastoa all their irmainiHg prisoners, who were very chargeable to thrni, "by consuming a part of their provisions, which .was a clear loss to the IMratcs. The captives were TC .tored to their liberty without any ransom ; and the Free- booters afterwi-rds directed their course towards ihe mouth of the river Guayaquil, which was their usual place of rendezvous on the termination of such .©f their cruises and expeditions as were of short dura- ,tion ; but they were thwarted by contrary winds and tempests, which threw their flotilla into great coritu- •ion. Most of their barls.s were dispersed ; a few only kept together, the crews of which had yet greater fufferings to undergo. Their provisions began to fail, and at length they experienced such a degree of .•scarcity, that they ale only once in eight-and-forty ,hours. They were likewise entirely destitute of fresh /water; but from this trying crisis, beneath which they were ready to fall, they were opportunely relieved by a very heavy shower of rain. In order to allay tht thirst with which they were tormented, they resorted .to every e\> edient for collecting as much as possible of that beneficent fluid. A short time after they ar- rived la latitudes wlieie there was fish and sea-wolves in very great abundance. At length they reached • • . ■^. ■ ^4} ■. ,. t ■:. i>AS:di. .- ..■- #»s:^ " ,' --..■- -j"l /^ iV.^ . ■■.-" #■ "-■\-^ ^vaiaaL:^- c •_». . i'i. ^^9^ te.^- :^^Mz .•.^MBtfev-. '♦IS HISTORY or THE PIRATEf. the bay of Tccoantcpaqua, which lies On the west of, Guatima)a. On the shore of that bay stood a large and opulent city of the same name, and which had eight suburbs. At the sight of it their avidity for plunder was re- awakened. They were desirous of al tempting to land, m order to pillage the place ; notwithstanding it was garrisoned by three hundred men, to whom they could only oppose one hundred and i< rty combatants. Rash as this cnterprize must appear, the) were dc** tormined to undertake it by their pressing want of provisions. They therefore sipproached the city, •vhich was protected by entrenchments ; crossed the river that parted it, and fouglit up to their waists in water for upwards of one hour. They alterwards forced the entrenchments, and in a iew hours wore masters of the place, with the ext option r>f an abbey, which resembled a fort, and was still dotondod by the most valiant men of the garrison. Of this also they would, in all probability, have taken possession, had not a circumstance occurred that frustrated aH their calculations. The capacious river which washed the city walls overflowed its bunks so prodigiously, that the Free-booters being on every side surrounded and in danger of drowning, were obliged to leave all their spoil behind them, and withdraw as quickly as possible. At length they reached their ortlinary rendezvous, Guayaquil, together with all their vessels. But this ro-union uas not of long duration. The fickle David again separated from his old associates, with the viow of rot iir mg home by wn) "t the Stroi-hte of Magellan. Du.ir; his first scparatu n he had been very active in ii iN.;irpri/('8; havina tukon s^me Spanish shi| ., .Un-h In had released alter ]>iunJoring them, and .lis liincu'd ai Saivna, Arif'n, I'lsca, and several ■■•>tLu.i ri icrs. Tiio • ''.lulor I.e liad thus col- lected \va'- u> • nsidcnilile, i: 't the hinav •>! ^i;vl^e of his cor :.-:t: . aiiiLuiittd to ijfty ihouiauu piasiecB (about £:::.'..■;. •Ife. HISTORY OF THE PIRATE*^, 213 Another body of IVcobooters, after the c 'T-iple *f David nnd his men, separated from the t.cciety. , It consisted of fitty-fivc men; wlio were by no inoans disposed to incur a second time the da«igvr> of sailing through tiic Strei^hts of Msrijclian, nor of braving the still more formidable ones to which they ux-re exposed •, by travelling by hind. They embarked on board a . sitiall vessel for Californin, in order to make an effort to reach by that course the opposite shore, and, if it were possible, to arrive at one of the western Antilles. • As they ceased to form part of the great corporation^ .we shall only briefly notice their fate. Scarcity of provisions, together with the wretched state 6f their bark, compelled them to land at a short distance from the coasts of California, on three small contiguous desert islands, known by the name of the Three Mary Islands. Deprived of every thing neces- sary to enable them to continue their route, they , were obliged, so to speak, to settle there; and ' JNcd tlicro t')ur surcc»»iNo yiais in & state of absuluto privation: surrounded by a vast number of Spaniards and Indians, they could make no effort to procure from the ncignbouring continent, the means of savin;^ themselves. At last they determined to return to Guayaquil, in the hope of still meeting with their former comrades at that place. They abandoned themselves, therefore, to the mercy of the waves in their wretched bark, and sailed southward to th# . object of their researches, 'i'hey were fruitless : so . that these corsairs had no other resource but to con- tinue their route towards the Strcights of Magellan. . "J'hus they sailed nearly two thousand marine leagues, with the winds almost constantly against them, and a prey to atiflictious of more descriptions than one. They had already reached the middle of the Streights, when the idea of returning poor, after enduring so , many fatigues, inspired them with the extravagant project of leturning buck again, and of pillaging thp ^ re(uvian coijist;:. They diil moie : they actually guy- * ti ^ .».. u .^^ .r.rrgt..,«< ^ \y S14 HISTOUV OF THl PIRATES. i f ■i. tied their scheme into execution. On their rt f* back, they Icartit by chance that there was in the p('r» of Arica a ship, laden with ingots of silver, which ap- parently thought herself in perfect safety. She hn J on board the moat recent productions of the relebratcci tnines of Potosi, to which the port of Ar« a srrved as a mart. Her cargo was valued at two millions of piasters (nearly »€230,000), the w^ole of which be- came the prey of the Frec-booters, who had only to make their appearance, in order to take possession of the ship. They immediately embarked, and thought their plunder perfectly safe, when they had the mis- fortune to run aground in the Streights of Magellan. Part of their treasure was saved. With the wreck they constructed two shallops, with which they sailed along the shores of Brasil, and at length arrived, vithoul further accidents, at the island of Cayenne, llcrc some of them settled, while others departed for Saint Dominoo, and the i^maindcr ict sail for France with their rich b«oty, Captftin Le Sege, of whonfi we have spoken in a former page, was not less sucecosful with his Free- booters, • He algo wished to en' or the South Sea with two hundred men; but the season being too far advanced, he could not possibly pass tho Streights bf Magellan. He was therefore obliged to cruise along the African coasts, where he took many prizes. With the produce of this cruise he was enabled to live for two years in the greatest plenty; when a fortunate chance threw into his hands a sliip belonging to the Dutch West India company, and which had on board a great quantity of gold dust. For the present, the Free- hooters thought they had reason to be satisfied with their cruise : they quitted the African seas, artd j-cturncd to Saint Domingo, With regard to those who were on their way to Europe under David's orders, with their rich booty, their destinies were not yet terminated. During their long voy?^e they were tormented with cnnto; ta rous. HISTORY Oy THE PI&ATRf* am avoid which they had recourse U) gamb1inp[f and thus violated one of their laws. Many o( th^m lost all they had; and, supported by the fundllint?litfijl principles of the Brethren of the Coait^ they possi- tively refused to return home without milkjft$( jkw captures. With their demands David Wft^ obliged to comply, and accordingly gave orders to t»ck &bo(if« notwithstanding they were already in the vi^'ioity of the Streights of Magellan. Just as \UU tffwgmde movement was carrying into effect, a sinj^'itlftr ACt'ldetit brought to their view a ship manned by I'r<»€»b(»(H('fS } flicy were their comrades and fellow-countrymprt, who had likewise returned under the command of fiiptittii Wilnet. Like themselves, the Engljkh Um\, iot waiit of i^ccupation, given themselves up to gambiittg j and the losers, like the mal-contenls in I)(ivid'» ship, fould not determine to pursue their route, An fXchuKgc, as singular as this rencounter, was iiititafitly pr^iposed and executed. The winners who were o» boitrd the last ship", were very averse to the risking of t\mf riches by prolonging their continuance in the** mm, whem they might be exposed to new dangeri. Thfy c«m- barked, therefore, on beard Wilnet** mim], who had go.t rid of his ftal-contents, by permitting th(?m to join David for the purpose of recommencing 4'ruisfs, by which they were to repair their low>e», David was unwilling to leave his ship. Behold hlin th^n agnUi launched into the South Sea, with ftixty El^U»h and twenty Frenchmen, and sailing towards tlnm* latitudes where he had so recently loft his friends. In fflcf, they arrived at Guayaquil, and wer« re4'eiv«d Mith transports of joy. Just at this moment news were reepjvt*d that two other Free- hooters' ships, under the comnittfid of Crtp* tains Henri and Swans, had set sail fui tb6 We^t Indies, in order to doj)<)sit their booty in mk'iy. Thus wore dispersed in troops, n)ore or k'^¥> nufflc- reus, and who abandoned thcniselvt'i to the most ■»i 216 HISTORY OP THE VIllATlCfl- k I u r- 1 strange and diversified adventures, those Free«bootcrs who had appeared in the South Sea*, and who wwr- equally formidable by their number* and by their valonr. CHAP. XII. jIhf, Free -bootei-s who continued the latest in the South Seas, at length ben;an to think f(eriou«»ly of tboif return : but how was tins to he cf!l»cted with t})rii wretched barks? They were therefore obliged to think of making an attempt l)y crossing the eontment. But to what dangers were they about to expose themselves ! What difficulties had they to conquer ! They were destitute of guides. Enemies there were on every side ; but they had no provisions for their company, no fodder for their cattle. Mow then roiild they pro- ceed, with so many dangers, with so many impedi- ments before them, in conveying ih^ir sick and wound- ed ? Every step they advanced they mu»t fight. Ma- ture and mankind seemed to concur together to oppose their march : yet they must brave every thing, or le- nounce for ever the ho|.e of again j^teing their country, and resign themselves to perish miserably, one after another. After having interrogated all their priwners, and having weighed and compared their report?*, they di'tormined to take their route by the city of New Segova, which was dependent on the governor of Nicaragua, on the nortli of liw lake of that name, at the distance of forty French league* from the South Sea, and twenly-live from a river t^at discharged itself into the sea opposite Cape Ciracias-^-Dios, In order to collect every infcMnuUion necessary, sixty men were sent up tl prisoners till they learnt th bourhooc Hieir seai Eighteen raot with were nea habited groes, m these l"r( proach. The fi go in qu( pillage tl they wc: cover th( alone. vehemen spii'cd sij think of eighteen Here th( of horse: was an also tho whom \\ they lea tioned n Pirates penctra that th j)ort of guns, a pute tli Intl small a HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. 217 sent up the country, particularly charged to take some prisoners, if it were possible. These emissaries nmrrh.id till they had exhausted their strength; and h^ui/sg learnt that six tliousand Spaniards were in the ni;:,li- hourhood, they thought they ought not to cc-nlinuo Mioir searcljes any further, and accordingly returned. Eighteen only iiad tlie audacity to advance. They met with thiee liorsonifu, who informed them that they ^vere near the sm*il city of Chilotcca, which was in- habited by four hundred Spaniards, exclusive of ne- ppoes, mulaitors. and Indians; but who, they assured these rrec-bootcrs, were utterly ignorant of their a})- proach. The first idea of these eighteen adventurers was, to go in quest of their comrades, and return with them to pillage the city : but, on more mature consideration, they were apprehensive lest such delay would dis- cover them, and determined to attempt the enterprise alone. They rushed therefore into the city, uttering vehement cries, and by thiy suddeii irruption ihey in- spired such a terror, that the inhabitants did net even think of defending themselves; and in a moment these eighteen Frce-booters were masters of the i)lace. Here they commenced with taking a certain number of horses ; which, in their present desperate situation, was an object of great jmportancc to them. They also thought it necessary to take some prisoners, amonj: whom was the commandant of the city. Troni him they learnt that the great galley of Panama was sta- tioned near Caldera, for the purpose of watching the Pirates ; who, it was presumed, would attempt to penetrate, with their ship-;, to the c])posite sea ; and that there was at the j^ame time stationed near the jjort of Realejo another ship of war, mounting thirty guns, and with a crew of four hundred men, to »lis- pute their entrance to that poi t. In the mea'n time the inhabitants, who seeing so swall a number of assailants had recoNfred from their u mtiMKtgtm'-^'^'^' 218 iiistohy of the pirates* fust terror, had taken arms. The eighteen Frec-booters defended themselves with their accustomed valour ; but as their adversaries increased every moment, they mounted the horses they had taken, and withdrew fij^htiniT, being pursued by six hundred men, who could not reach these audacious adventurers. These had the good fortune to rejoin their comrades, who had posted themselves on an island in the bay of INIapalla, which ^had recently been pointed out as a general rendezvous ot the Frce-booters; and who were impatiently expect- ing their return. It was unanimously resolved at all events to ap- proach the sea of the Antilles. In vain did all the news they received tend to present this ))assage to them as exposed to insuperable difficulties. They had formed the firm resolution of attempting it ; and, in order to take away every means of abandoning it, they determined to take all their barks, large and small, to pieces, with the reservation of a galley and a few canoes, which they still wanted to convey them from the island to the Continent. The whole troop, w hich consisted of one hundred and eighty-five indivi- duals, was then divided into four companies ; from which forty men were to be selected, during the march, to form the advanced guard. As they were very ill stock- ed with provisions, their prisoners were very charge- able to tliem ; but, on setting them at liberty, they had compromised the secret of their march, their inferiority of their forces, and all their measures. In other re- spects these prisoners were by no means useless to -them, they being employed in carrying the necessary utensils, medicines, and the sick. The Frec-booters made every previous arrangement possible, in order that the dangers they were about to encounter, as wx'll as the prizes they yet hoped to take, might be shared among; them, according to fixed rules. Above all, they proceeded to a new divisionof the blunder thfy already possessed, and which was valued HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. 219 at five hundred thousand piasters (about ,£200,000). The massy silver was easily divided by weight ; but great difficulties arose respecting the partition of the gold, jewels, pearls, and precious stones. There was no other expedient but to sell them by auction, and making them be paid for in silver valued by weiglit. Of this last metal several of them had such an abundance, that they were unable to carry it away ; so tiiat they gave large quantities for valuable articles of less bullv. Thus, for small pieces of gold coin worth ten livres in silver, even fifteen were given; and for an ounce of massy gold, eighty and even one hundred piasters. For some time past the Free-booters held silver in little esteem, on account of the difficulty of carrying it, and attached value only to gold and jewels. I'hus there had been left at Guayaquil pretty considerable quan- tities of silver, with which they would not incumber themselves : and also, after their engagement near that city, being informed that one hundred barrels, ^ach of which contained eleven thousand piasters, were desposited at a small distance, they did not take the trouble of going to collect that portion of their plunder, which under other circumstances would have been so valuable. * Although gaming, as already noticed, was prohibited by the rules of their society, yet ennui, the source of so many evils, often made them infringe this wise prohibi- tion. They had no other means of amusing them- selves in such a remote part of the world, where they experienced the privation of the most necessary articles, sjnd where time passed, for them, with excessive slow- ness. Such also was t'.icir resource in the situatibn they were in while on the coast of Nicaragua. Thus, at the moment of their departure from the South Sea, a great inequality prevailed between the various por* tions of the .plunder that had been shared. Some of them had even lost their all, and where reduced to extreme poverty^ Among the most fortunate winners I -t.' '!'fi^«yi 220 HISTORY or THE PinATES. • was Ravcnneau dc Lussan, to whom we arc paf- ti.illy indebted for the narrative of their adventures. He possessed, for his own share, gold, pearls, and precious stones, to the value of thirty thousand piasters (nearly £7,000). The comparison of the opulence of some with the poverty of the others could not but be revolting to men, among whom (ac- cordinjT to their principles) the most perfect equality ought to prevail. It produced a conspiracy : eighteen of the poorest determined to assassinate all Hieir rich comrades, and seize their spoils ; but their de- sign was detected, and its execution prevented by wise means. Lnssan relates that he saved at least a great pait of his property, as well as his life, by an ex- pedient, of which thecflect appeared to him most cer- tain, lie displayed before his companions ( >:'ry thin^ he had, and shared it among several of theiii on con- dition that each of them should, after their happy ar- rival at St. Domingo, restore to him a certain portion of their easily transportable deposit. Is it not singu- lar that these men should be afraid of assassination, while they were not permitted to rob one of their liv- ing comrades ; and yet that they should confide them- selves to them as to faithful depositaries ? — On the ji:st day of January 1688, these Free-bootcrs of the South Sea, to the number of two-hundred and eighty- five, began their march with sixty-eight horses, 'fhcir departure took place in the sight of these very armed Spanish ships with which they had fought the evening before. They bad previously cast their cannon into the soa, together with all the moveables and utensils they could dispense with. They had burnt part of their cflfiscts, and had broken to pieces all that yet remained of their barks. They had notomittcd solemnly to ofler up their petitions to God, that they niight obtain a prosperous voyage. Their crew was inconsiderable. 'I'heir gold and silver were the heaviest articles of car- riage. Every man carried what belbngcd to himseU'; \Nhich was not a light burthen. Many, who had lost u ..j<^:-:^ 1 .. HISTORY OP THE T'lRATES. 221 H-: their all by gaming, were freed fro ^ this inconveni- ence ; but to prevent them from murmuring, tlic rich, after the example of I^ussan, made an agreement with them, and gave such as were poor a part of their precious metals to carry, on condition that, if they arrived without any accident at the common placo of destination, they should keep half as a reward for their trouble and attention, but that the other part should be restored to the proprietors. The I'ree-booters' marcii lay across that part of Spanish America, which comprises the province of Guatimala, having the coast of Honduras on the nortli, and Cape Gracias-a-Dios towards the west. 'iTut inhabitants of these countries were prepared for tlirir appearance, and opposscd every possible obstacle in tlieir way. 'Ihey blocked up their passage with felled trees, and other things calculated to stop up roads, , and to render the very foot-paths impassable. All the provisions were convoyed to a distance. The herbag« of the meadows and fields was consumed by fire; so that both men and horses were threatened with suf- focation Ly the smoke and heat. Often wrc the Free- booters obliged to stop until the fire was extinguished ; in consequence of which their march was frequently in- terrupted, and the views of the Spaniards completely answered ; as the latter were busily engaged in throw- ing up a great entrenchment that was not yet finished. The Free- hooters travelled but slowly; they fell into some ambuscades which were prepared in the middle of the woods ; and, on the eighth day of their march, they fell into one at Tusignala, where three hundred Spaniards were lying flat on the ground, who supriaed and killed many with shot from their fusees. The assail- ants were indeed, speedily dispersed ; but being rein- forced by fresh detachments, they constantly kept near the intrepid travellers, behind forests of fir-trees, or, were concealed in thick bushes. Every night and morning they regularly blew their trumptcs ; and wheu SHI^**-'^*''*. J iriSTOllV OF THE PIRATES. cvrr the road was favourable for a surprise, they never lulled to fire upon the advanced guard. On the ninth diiy, the Frcc-bootcrs arrived at a great amubscade, uhich, however, they opportunely discovered : the Spaniards were furiously attacked, and forced to flee, Inaving their horses behind them. The Free-booters always had the precaution to encamp either on an eminence, or rather in the open country, whence they could have a very extensive prospect on every side. On the eleventh day they arrived at New Segovia, where they expected a severe engagement, and hoped to obtain, if not a rich booty, at least some provisions ; but they found nothing; the inhabitants had carried off every thing. This was a most fatal mistake for the I'Vec-booters ; for they had fully intended to indem- nify themselves for some time, for the extreme fatigues they had just experienced. Tliey had incessantly to climb up steep mountains, to stagger on the borders of deep chasms, to descend again at the peril of their Jives by very rapid c 'clivities. In the morning they felt a penetrating cold on these mountains, and were plunged in such a thick fog, that they could no longer see one another, and could only recognise themselves by the voice. This mist is usually dispersed about ten o'clock ; and then they felt a most severe cold'^ from which they were exempted at the foot of the mountain ; but the lower grounds were very narrow and confined. They had scarcely travelled one league in the valley, when they were obliged to climb up nix leagues further, and again to descend, with much fatigue and danger. New Segovia was situated at the bottom of a bason or plain surrounded on every side with these steep mountains ; it was, further, a large city, containing very fine houses, and several churches, which presented but a wretched appear- ance. As this deserted city offered no allurement to the Frctt-booterSi k vras abandoned by them the day ''^'J*^'y*-:,^^:;^ri.-Z'^'^Wiiia^X^ ■njiiimM I i>iii I .l;?/ tnSTOUY OF THE riRATF-S. 2C3 ftftor thoir arrival there, wliich was the twelfth of their march. They were in very great uncertainty as to the means of continuing their route ; for the prisoners, ^vilo had hitherto served them as guides, were unac- 'quainted with the roads beyond Segovia. A new pri- soner, however, fell very unfortunately info their hands, whom they took with them, compelling him to conduct them towards a river, which was still twenty leagues from the entrance. Towards sun-rise they were on the summit of a mountain, whence they discerned, to their great sur- prise, in a valley, from twelve to fifteen hundred beasts passing, and which they at first took to be oxen. What a rencounter for travellers famished with Lun- ger «nd exhau!;ted by fatigue. Their joy was but of phort continuance : these animals were horses, sad- dled and bridled. Forty of their comrades who had been sent out for intelligence, received the mehuicholy con- viction of v\c fact; but what was more fatal, wjis •that on their arrival close by these horses they disco- vered these entrenchment^, which rose like terraces •ne above another. This formidable amphitheatre was carried all round the mountains, and completely stopped the way, which the Free- hooters must ne- cessarily pass on the following day. There was no means of eluding this passage by taking a circuitous route. On one side of the mountain flowed a river ; and a small eminence, surrounded by an entrenchment, Commanded the only passage by which the Free-boot- «rs could go out with their forcei". The whole sur- rounding country was a thick, impassable forest, beset with rocks, intersected by precipices, partly covered with morass, across which there was not the slightest appearance of a way, or even of a foot-path. Never- theless, as the only road that e.xistt;d passed close by the entrenchment, and as the Free-booters would kave been separated from the Spaniards, who were ex- pecting them only by a narrow valley, there were i&aS> 224 JIISTORY OP Till PIRATES. fewer difficulties and less dangers in their attempting to force their way across the forest. As they could not hope to avoid a battle, which ever step they took, they paused for a moment at the idea of taking the Spani- ards in the rear, and suddenly attacking them in their entrenchments. It might perhaps have betn practicable, if they would have left all their baggage behind, and, carrying nothing but their arms, have attempted to climb, one by one, up the mountains and steep pre- cipices ; but they were extremely averse to abandon any article whatever which they had brought with them, so that this expedient was toon rejected. They agreed upon that which their imperious circumstances dictated, viz. the diminution of the number of their adversaries, and which had hitherto been so incon- siderable. For there was still behind them a body of three hundred Spaniards, who continually kept in sight of the spot where they were encamped. Their camp indeed was only an inclosed space, barricaded with chariots, and was to be placed out of danger of an attack while they undertc^k the perilous attempt. Their arrangements were made after the following plan : the baggage, horses, sick men, prisoners, and in short whatever could not accompany them, were left in the camp under an escort of eighty Free-booters. They further took care to continue every manojuvre that was calculated to inspire with terror the Spani- ards that w'ere in their front and rear, by keeping up fires all night, repeating the rolls upon the drum, re- lieving the sentinels with a great noise, and amid the cries usually accompanying that business during war, and at intervals by disciiarges of musquetry. Their baggage was arranged in the form of a square, in or- der to form a kind of entrenchment ; in the interior of which the horses were disposed, and where the sick, wounded, and prisoners had their respective places. All these measures continued to be taken with extreme rapidity, as the evening began to approach, and they ^'SCiM ■V MISTOUV OF THE PIR/irES, 2'?5 lYi.ist, of necessity, put themsclvs in motion as vhom they had sent out to reconnoitre t!n' ground. Previously however to marching, they did not neglect to say their prayers, but in a low voice, lest the Spani- ards should hear thcni. The latter were almoist at the same time thundering out with a loud voice the evening prayers and the litanies, and discharged their mus(|uctry and artillery in honour of their saints, as if they had been desirous of insulting the vanquished, ahd of celebrating before hand their infallible victory. 'l"hc Frcc-bootors pursued tlicir way to the number of two hondred. Thoy encountered incredible difficul- ties in working themselves a passage across the forest, in climbing up and descending steep rocks ; some- time creeping on their knees, at others sliding along the rapid declivity of the rocks ; sometimes being obliged to leap up precipices, without keeping on foot even for a single moment. At length they reached the summit of a mountain, from which they saw the Spanish entrenchments uolow them on their left. Day-light appeared. Tbcy were involved in the greatest difficulties. The greatest impediments had been surmounted, but iheir object was not yet accom- plished. Their audacious attempt, however, was fa. voured by a thick mist, so that they were not perceiv- ed till it was too late ; but, in other respects, tliis fog rendered their situation more critical ; it prevented them from seeing for several paces, and depri\ed thnu of the means of proceeding with safety. In the mean time they heard a patrolc at their feet, whose heavy step served them as a guide to a certain point. Tho voice of the Spaniards, who were reciting aloud the iwoniing pruyerj pointed out to them still Uiorc particU'- 'V — ">■— 'r y'j ..—,... ^^ ^> '■'■ -t-^ 225 III5TURY OF THE PIUATKS. -v itr hi,"'- larly at what distance, and on what side their enemy was stationed. ,, * These two indications led them directly to a post be- longing to the rear of the army, and which consisted of five hundred men. This dctttchmcnt, which was expect- ing tliem below, was extremely astonished to see them arrive from above. The Spaniards believed that they had actually fallen from the clouds ; and so great was their terror, that they all fled without fighting. The other Spaniards, who were dispersed within the en- trenchments, though their fusees were become useless siiice the enemy was already within the parapet, yet defended themselves more courageously. 'I'hey fought one houi*, at the expiration of which, despairing of victory, they thought only of their safety. They fled , towards the valley ; but they were stopped by the very obstacles which they had prepared against the Free-booters. The felled trees that incommoded their flight, contributed to their utter defeat. These ..viifortunate men had sworn not to ask quarter of the .robl^crs, whom they believed to be in a league with hell. They kept their Ivord ; and suffered themselves .to be put to death, without c^ideavouring to soften their .ferocious conquerors. The Frc^e- hooters who had (will it be credited on their single testimony ?) only one killed und two wound- •edy were, at, length fatigue with killing, and suffered a • .few to live. The commander in chief, an old valiant oflicer^ viaj^ dead from the number of his wounds. The ^ovcrnQj:' of Costa -JUca had been desirous of- sending him eight 'thousand men ; he demanded only on- ' ^*^'n^**^'ti!ai^^5i yw: HISTORV OF THE PIRATES. 2127 **^are cither men or dovils : if tb'^y arc men, they can- *• not with all their efforts climb up tliesc rocks in '* eiiht days : if they are devils, all the measures we ** can take against them will be of no avail." The event has at all times proved the truth of this pro- blem in every country, viz. that things apparently impossible, must be expected from an enemy driven to despair. The Free-booters were themselves astonished at their success : they clearly saw that if the first detachment Tof five hundred had done their duty, they must have all been thrown headlong into the chasms. They found in the pockets of the deceased commandant various let- ters from the governors of different placp«^ (ht-m ; "' that they had penetrated into the ittterwr of the " country only fcrr the purpose of returning homw } and ^' that they hoped to succeed in detiftut!© itl theJ^paui- " ards' oposition."— The officer returntjd t9 hb prin- cipals with this answer. Uut the frec-booters who remained in tW catnp soon thoUj^ht of acting for themselves. Having ob- served tti [ina.h made by their comrade* from thi* top of the ■ i \ chment, and being thus convlnt'ed that they ha,i no longer to apprehend any rft»1#»tatif»rt on their rear, they committed the charge <4' (he h«ggogo and prisoners to a small guard, niounted th<;'ir hoiJics, and suddenly attacked those very Spaniards wUl had just challenged them, i^art of whom thi'y Cttt to pieces with their hangers, and dispersed th« renminder. The two victorious bodies afterwards re 'United } and, being thus masters of the whole country, they rested Ihein' selves one entire day. Other circum'^tanee*, hwwever, ^ still continued to render them uneasy; frwm the ac* count of their prisoners, they learnt that six mih'« fur* ther there was another great intrenchmimt, whieb they conldnot possibly avoid. They be^an to fear, lest the very numerous fugitives should have put the whtdo cmiit'^ try in motion, and, by having jt/i»ed the debu'hfnent that was entrenched near the banks of the river, should still more increase the extreme difliculty which Ihey must jcspcrience in crossing it. Tliey als** pereeivetl tires kindled at a distance on the summits ©f lome loity mountains, which they conje^fturtd t(> h^ signals. . ■ X I '', I »•'•:■: try-y-r V ^ t30 HISTORY OP THE PIRATEfl. B-» , f* -"k ",' ' * •-' ■ * '■ I V - \ ' * ix '.■■'"' - ftTii.'' rk'*' r**-- - %i..-,- ' .'•♦ t/'-.'i t:% i. )^ ■■ V:' - Nevertheless, these alarming circumstances did not prevent tlrem from rcturniiig t» their journey on the ensuing morning, after they had lamed nine hundred horses, which would have mcommodcd thcra in their • irch. They had brought them thuK (ar, not only to makp use of them for riding and for c^irrying their baggage, but also to support themselves with th.ir flosh during a journey which might still be long, and artbrd them no means of subsistancc, I'wo days after they arrived at the entrenchment which had been announced to them ; but the Spaniards vho guarded it were so terrified, that they did not make the slightest resistance. They remained very e abysses ; and, afti-r iialling over upwards of one hundred natural cascades, three cf which have a pcculiaily terrific aspect, it at length discharges itself inti; the feea of the Antilles, at a small ^distante fff m Cfi[)e Gracias-a-Dios, 'I'lic I'rce- hooters heard for several miles the formidable report of the waters, as these flowed inipi'luou«ly along. These ca- taracts would have rendered injpiacf ible every means of passing the river, if at the enlrantc and termination of each there had not b' t'u a va»»t bason or head of still water, where the IVce-ijuoters might hope to'fttop and convey to the 0|>p( !>ite banks their embarcatioiis, or floating machines of some kind or other. ^1 ieiuained for then; to attempt, by incurring mcny '■*».=■ • »»■ .v^*!t-v* »*1 Ml lgW . ' " i J ' *« -«, ' -W-- .•.".i<*"»-« '.■•S!»"A-( HISTORY OF THE riHATES. 231 (lannors and much trouble, to overcome this passage, which would doubtless be> terrifying to men of less in- trepidity than these. They were destitute of vessels, ropes, and every Htcnsil that was indispensably neces- sary for water-carriage. Before them was a very large Hnd extremely rapid river, the course of which was impeded by a host of rocks, that would have bcer> almost impassable, even if they had been provided with every necessary instrument. Further, none of the em* barcations commonly known, — pirogues, canoes, bouts, or shallops, — would have afforded them any assistance. ' To enable them to glide down this dangerous river, and to brave its very numerous cascades, they stood in need of large baskets, or of tuns, in which they might enclose themselves up to their waists : but they were des- titute of models of such machines. They were there- fore obliged to invent and construct them, and to sup- ply themselves with provisions for this novel kind of passage, and to take many other steps required by their altogether extraordinary circumstances, and inthe ex- ecution of which the Spaniards would not fail to molest them. By these manifold obstacles the Frce-booters were by no means intimidated ; and every man set to work in -order to tiiumph over them. They killed part of their horses, sailed their flesh, and left such as were useless behind them. But the furnishing of pro- visions was one of their slightest labours. In the ac- complishment of their undertajcing, every man display- ed such a constancy, indefatigable activity, and cou- rage, as the most critical situation, perhaps, they had ever been in, fully demanded of them ; and we are justified in saying, that at no period of time, and in no country whatever have mankind carried those qualities to a higher degree than the Free-booters did on this op- casion. \n the neighbourhood of the river there was an ex- tensive forest. They cut down the small trees, the wood of which was light, stripped oft' their bark, cut them into pieces, which they colU'Cted by fives, and u 4» i:i^ ■Xrl^fc- M^^. •"•■'iniMiiiu'''*'*"' ■ <» i->""i.'' ,^i-.'.f AV, . i tait .- i "■?»^ •^32 lirSTOKY or THE rillATE*. %i i lastened together, for want of ropes, with a kind of very tenacious resin, produced by the forest. Thus they formed a great number of small, frail machines, which Ilavenncau de Lussan calls /j/jyer/e-**, and which were Tieither canoes, nor boats, nor raits; but which boie some lesemblance to fruit baskets, or large pitchers made with osiers, that sunk two or three feet deep into ihe water, and each of which would carry only two men. In these they placed themselves, sinking into the water as fai; as the waist, biich were the diminutive size, the form, and manner in which these contrivances were made, that the Pirates must keep in an ereci po" iition ; having long poles in their hands, by w hich thfiy supported themselves against the current, and kept as far as possible from the rocks, which would have dash- ed their frail craft to pieces, and from the abysses that would have absorbed them. These baskets were drag- ged from the forest to th;i rivei*, without the slightest opposition on the part of the Spaniards, not one of "whom came even in sight during the whole of their work. V After they had restored all their prisoners to liberty^ and had armed themselves with their long poles, these bold adventurers coraiuenccd their voyage, — certainly nncof the most rash enterprizes which the annals of mankind have ever mentioned. » .; At first, their piperies (as Ravcnneau calls them) were hurried along by the force of the current. Being tremendously tossed about by the wavesj, the Free-boot » * The, following short description hns been gix-en by a Frep-lKJot- rr, who was himself ein|>loyetl in this novel kind of manufacture,, and who lias recorded this expedition : " T\^ese piper k^ were four or ■" five trunks of trees, the wood of which was light, 'and ■ hirhwere *' fastened together with liannes. They carried two or three men, ** who could only keep themselves upright with long staves which ** *hey held in their, hands to secure themselves from the abrupt pro- '* jections of the rocks." On comparing (his account with t^hat plven by our airthor, it is still difilcuU to form a just idea of these in^chines, and of the saanncr in which the Free-hooters luade use of them. / . . . . . i I- *^-*^' \> ■^iSOT^Vl^* HISTORY OP THE PIRATES. 233 ers were themselves every moraent covered wit|j the spray ; but the extreme lightness of these floating bas- kets, in which the Free-booters had strongly ^xcd them- selves, soon brought them up again to the surface of the water. Nevertheless, from the continual efforts thoy ' were obliged to make, lesi they should be thiown out, they were exhausted with fatigue, and thus prc.ented from availing themselves of other means of safety : this determined th^m to fasten themselves to their piperksy out ofwhich there would have been no safety for them. Yy this precaution, they prcscrNcd the liberty of one part of their motions ; for they had occasion to exert all their activity, in order that they might incessantly oppose their long poles to the rocks, with which they were surrounded. Often times they could not avoid these formidable impediments; oftener stillit became, impossible for them to rise up again to the surface wheu their piperies had been overwhelmed by the violently agitated waves, and which the weight of their bodies liad carried to the bottom ; or rather when, being turn- ed upside down, they remained too long immersed be- neath the waters, and were drowned. Some, indeed, of these unfortunate persons still contrived to save their lives ; but this cost them all they possessed, and thi;y beheld themselves in a moment deprived of that booty which they had acquired after so many datigers, and which they had so much difficulty to drag along with th,em. The vast cataracts, where thewatcrrushedimpetuous- ly down on every side from a prodigious height,^ made (as even the intrepid Ravenneau de Lussan has himself acknowledged*) the stoutest hearts of the whole com- pany tremble, however familiarized they might have been with dangers of every description. "Whenever they found themselves near any of these tremendous water- * Everj' tkinir, indetd, says Tie, was so formidable, that those only who have experienced it, can form any adeqivite conception : for my yart, who have passed the cataracts, I confess myself incapable of giving an) idea that would uot fall infioitely short of the reality. ".* 'S^ 'sm \.,^i ;.j, . v^;v. ,/ V M "1^ ■V. u •. ^ y-^ 'V- 1234 - HISTORY OF THE PIRATES. falls, they made every possible exertion to reach the nto&rest bank. If they succeeded, they drew their float- ing machines on shore, took out of them every thing they conta: jd, carried it in their hands, or on their shoulders. Nothing in fact was left in them, as every article that was deposited therein was indispensably ne- cessary to them. Thus laden, they climbed up long j^ ^les of rocks till they arrived at the end of the cascade. 4il|*i'^^^c^'s* t^cy sent some of their comrades to throw fieir piperies again into the river ; uhich, being empty, ecame the sport of the foaming waves, and bounded down the current towards the spot where they were stopped. The Free-booters then swam to meet them, and recovered them. This descent was perfoniied with the rapidity of lightning j and those who Avcre waiting for them had not a moment to lose. Sometimes they missed their frail craft ; in which case the swimmers were obliged to return to land, fell other trees,^and cut them to pieces, in order to construct new machines. For sometime all their ^iperie* kept constantly toge- ther, with the view of affording mutual assistance ; hence arose many accidents. It often happened, tiiat one of these machines, being hurried along by the violence of the torrent, fell upon another, and both were in dan- ger of sinking. Some of them were dashed against a roek, from which they could not be disengaged, because they were closed in by those who were following them. In these critical moments, no other resource remained,, but to separate the pieces of wood of which the ma- chine was -constructed. The Free-booters who were in it caught hold of these fragments, and abandoning them- selves to the current, generally succeeded in saving themselves. On the third day of this equally singular (ind troublesome voyage, Ravenneau represented to his comrades, that, since they had nothing further to appre- hend from the Spaniards, it was utterly useless lur all the machines o continue to sail close together, and that all their etforts should be solely directed tnwurdfr the nieans of conquering the difficulties presented hy ■(/■■ \ ■y ■■■*''/'■ »»t«TOIlY OF TT!E l>ItlAT£*, «35 t]\c river. It was therefore resolved to keep, frfr the future, at some distance from each other ; so that thos*- who went first might, by hosting certain flags, point out the most dangerous places, l\nd such as followed *hcm might know from these signals where they might most easily land, either or the rock itself, or on thfc bank. Bnt, notwithstantling all these precautionsi there were stiU some of their machines that weresunk. It seems as if these men, who astonish us by their temerity, h-a^ been doomed to the re-union of ell those trials, one of which wouUl have been sufficient to dis- courage ordinary men. Can it be credited, that, after so many painful exertions, they were not yet near the close of their sufferings ? Scarcity of food came to ag- gravate their d?plorabb situation. The salted horse- flesh they had brought with them was so tainted in C( n- sequence of being frequently wetted, that after the second day they were obliged to tiirow it away. . There was an abundance of game around them ; but they could not shoot any, as their arms were wet, and their powder was of no service to them, notwithstand- ing all their efforts to secure it against the frequent ir* Tuptions of the waves. Their only sustenance consisted in the fruit 6{ the banana tree, which grew abtindant- ly on the banks ; but that afforded a very inadequate support to the vigour of these men, who were unremit- tingly exposed to the most fatiguing labour, The hope of soon Ending themselves among men with whom gold and silver must have some value, had a more powerful influence on «ome of these villians, than their present misery, and the host of dangers which surrounded them could produce. The fear of death produced no effect on them : they were only appre- hensive lest tliey should not have the means of hving at their ease. Instigated by this sentiment, six French- men who, had lost all their silver by gambling, resolv- ed to indemnify themselves by Tnurdcring and plun- >(leriug their richer comrades. The riispersion>af the tio- tilia favoured their scheme. They concealed thcm- ■•' % Km ■;J f. 'IP'' -, :- '|y^:■^ f.- \ t ^' ' ''V*''' ^ '535 HISTORY O? THE PIRATES. selves behind the rocks, and attacked five Englishmen, .>vho ^vere reputed to be in possession of much silver, nnd who were in the vicinity with their floating ma- chines. After they had killed them, they seized their spoils : the bloody bodies of the murdered men were found on the bank by the river, but the assassins had disappeared, and their comrades never tacked about for them. The voyage, always accompanied with the same dan- gers and with the same miseries, continued till the 20th of February, which was the twentieth day since their departure. The river now became broader, and being much deeper, its course was less impetuous. The Free- booters met with no more cataracts ; but, in lieu of these, the river was so obstructed by large trees, ilie roots of which it had washed away and drawn the trunks along with its waters, that the wretched craft could not ad- vance any further : many were overturned, and the Free- booters drowned. This impediment at length ceased, and the danger was diminished, but they were still sixty marine leagues distant from the sea. The Free- booters, who were about two hundred and fifty in numr bcr, determined to divide themselves into detachments*, and to build canoes, each capable of carrying thirty men, with the wood that grew in great abundance around them. Four of these canoes were soon ready ; one hundred and thirty Free-booters embarked in them, and pursued their voyage ; the remainder continued behind.* On the 9th of March l688, the 68th day of their ro- mantic voyage, the Pirates who had embarked, at length reached the mouth of the river, at a small distance from Cape Gracias-^-Dios, and entered the ocean after a navigation, — not due north, but almost constantly in a nortli-westly direction,-— of more than thre-■_-; ^';i..' .■'^^^. * . ^ ■:\,..f..;■^_^,^,/■..:. nrSTORT OF THE riRuATKS, 237 Fortune, however, had only partially bestowed her Rivours on these boUl adventurers; for most of them, in consequence of the frequent submersions of their float- ings machine, were completely /joor ; their duthcs also were falling to pieces. Their hideous appearance ex cited more pity than terror, and they might have been takon lor wretched savages: but they consoled tliem- selves with the idea that the moment was fast approach- ing when they would revisit their country. In a few days they landed at the island of Porlas ; on thti coasts and neighbouring latitudes of which they met with some English ships, as well as with tliose belonging to other nations. They embarked on board of these iu - small companies ; and, towards tlie close of April l668» they arrived without further accidents in the West India islands, with the httle that yet remained of tljeir plunder. The celebrated retreat of the ten thousand has been much, and doubtless justly, extolled; but, while we pay homage to all the illustrious circumstances attend- ing them, — the cause for which they fought, — the name of Greek soldiers, — their general, and their historian% — thou^i some may be averse to compare an anny ^f heroes, whose remembrance awakes only grand iclea«, with a troop of robbers, who inspire us^ more with hor- ror than with admiration; yet it must bealluwod, that this retreat of the Ffee-booters, — so long in its duration, — opposed by such difficulties,— undertaken with so much boldness, and supported with such constancy, — is in no respect inferior to any astonislung atchieve- ments which history has transmitted to us. This may be considered as the last undertaking of these adven- turers^, which deserves the attention of posterity. There were indeed, for some time, corsairs, who assumed the name of Free-booters, coinraitted piracies, and fought with much valour. But they were widely ditl'erent from, the real Brethren of the. Coasts, and did not enjoy that independance, which so cmineutly characterizes^ that celebrated association. iil, I '■?> . •'/■ » ^:* 23* J1I3T0TIY 6r THE frnATES. Since the astonishing mlvcntiire which wc have just rclatcrl, there has been no numtioli whatever made of the Free-bootcrs properly so called ; alth' ugh, as re- marked in a former chapter (ch. \), that appellation has been «;ivf n to the banditti who infested the West Indies, — absolute vagabonds, who formed no-perma- nent Corporations and Irad no ships in their own posses- sion. The profession ofCorsairs, or rather of Pirates or Sea-robbers, wast(>o atiiactiv*- to bold j^ailors and men of corrupt morals, for other assbcii.fions (after the dis- solution of the gi and sr.cicty) not to be formed, — whicli were only temporary indeed, and less mimcrous ; but which,, taking the Free-bootcrs for their model, carried on, though on u small scale, the same business^ and assumed their name as a means of exciting greater ter- ror. — Neither the peace of Nimeguen, nor that of Utrecht, which wjis of still more imjiortance, and at length restored pence to Europe, which had been dis- tubcd by ii long war, could put an end to the piracies of these robbers. Even after the first tw cnty years of , the eighteenth century, small bodies of Pirates, ^hief* ly English, embarked with the view of scouring tli© seas on their own account, and of bringing to a close expeditions, the consequences of which were indeed of little moment, but in the execution of which an in- finite degree of boldness was absolutely necessary. Either by the force of habit, or by mistake, these Pirates were denominated Free-booters, notwithstand- ing there was q vast diflferenco between them and the 4>r\ginQ\ Brethren of the Coast, The following are the names of their most celebrated .commanders that have been preserved : Misson, Bowfn, Kidd, Avery, Teacht Martet, England, Vane, Bonet, Rackani, Darts, Amtis, Roberts, Worley, Low' tker, Exfi'ts, Philips, Low, Spriggs, and Smith. A concise history of their exploits, courageous and glo- rious, if glory can be the concomitant of robbery, Las b«en collected into a volumei in which each has a .A ,>«i.-..u^ !>s. •'~>«^'r«S!*i"-^>r_ V • I I MISTORY OP THE URATES. W9 chapter appropriated to their atchicvcmonts.* Among thcin were two women, Man/ Read and Ann Bonny who entered into their a«i80ciation, not from licentious motives to gratify their pleasures, but solely by a thirst of plunder, and as copartners in their dangers as well as in their profits. They retained the apparel of their sex, to which they added long sailors' trowsers ; they wore their hair dishevelled, a hanger at their waist ; pistols on their breast ; and a kind of hatchet, such ,as the English marincra of the middle age were accus- tomed to use. The asylum, orrathcr place of resort of these Pirates, was at first in the isle of I'rovidence, situated neartho eastern coast of Florida, and which was the most in^- portant of the Bahama islands. They made choice of it chiefly on account of its port, which was too shallow to admit large ships, but spacious enough to conUiin more than five hundred vessels of moderate si /c. From thence, however, they were soon chased by the English men of war: they then directed their course towards the Spani! e of Utrecht : they formed;' kind of society, %vhich was in some respects modelled according to that of the Free-booters. I, ike them, they composed statutes, which they swore to observe on ^ •fc.-itchet iiiblead uf the bible. \i ^^> '■■ai- -■_ "*^'Ky ,^- -.»^i-»";.-.;-, .......itafciC*'^***'* V '■' i r t40 niStOTiy Ofr tllE tlUAl'ES. ted them. A few indeed escaped, and dispersed them* selves over various purts of the globe : many of them terminated their existence in the prisons of the Ame- rican ishmds; while others were sent to England, Avhere they were put to dcdth as Pirates. There had now, for a long time, remained no traces of the Frce-booters pTopcrly so called. Their name only had ctMitmucd to be f;i\Tn to those assemblages •of robbers who infested the West Indies both by sea and land; until, after the peace of Utrecht, the ser- vices of this second race of Free-bootcrs having be- come u<5eless to the belligerent powers, — 'ftnd the civi- lizedxvorld, which had so long been desolated by war, having for some time recovered trancjuiljity, — the fiamc^of that association of Pirates became conipleiely o"blitena^t; Sucft wRS the end of the celebrated republic of Fred.^)e^gter»;, which, during thchiitcr part of its ex- istcncB^nlyAVanted a chieftain possessed of great ge- nius an< < grand vitWs, to subject America from one pole to the^othetf, and to give otir globe a political form, al- togctlwr'difl'cront from thai which it has since «cquii:- ed, in cort*equoncc of the e»tablishmont of colonies, of cotnmerco,' and of -navigation. These men, how- ever, just as we have d«'lineatcd them, — with their tu- r^tdtuous and lawless condtict, and independence, — withcut fixed rules, or any determinate object, — with- out a roal thirst of fame,- — instigated s-olcly by the at-