Bucaniers of America: or, A true account of the most remarkable assaults committed of late years upon the coasts of the West-Indies, by the bucaniers of Jamaica and Tortuga, both English and French. Wherein are contained more especially, the unparallel'd exploits of Sir Henry Morgan, our English Jamaican hero, who sack'd Puerto Velo, burnt Panama, &c. |
 | I. |
 | II. |
| I. |
| II. | Chap. II. |
| III. |
| IV. |
| V. |
| VI. |
| VII. |
| III. |
 | Chap. II. Bucaniers of America: |  |
Chap. II.
Lolonois equippeth a Fleet, to land upon
the Spanish slands of America, with
intent to rob, sack, and burn whatever
he met.
OF this his designe Lolonois gave notice unto
all the Pirats, who at that conjuncture of
time were either at home or abroad. By which
means he got together, in a little while above 400
men. Besides which, there was at that present in the
Michael de Basco. This man by his Piracy had
gotten Riches sufficient to live at ease, and go no
more abroad to Sea; having withal the Office of
9
that Lolonois made for this Expedition, he
entred into a streight League of Friendship with
him, and proffered unto him, that in case he
would make him his chief Captain by Land (seeing
he knew the Country very well, and all its
Avenues) he would take part in his Fortunes,
and go along with him. They both agreed upon
Articles, with great joy of Lolonois, as knowing
that Basco had performed great Actions in Europe,
and had gained the repute of a good Souldier.
He gave him therefore the Command he
desired, and the Conduct of all his People by
Land. Thus they all embarqued in eight Vessels;
that of Lolonois being the greatest, as having
ten Guns of indifferent carriage.
All things being in a readiness, and the whole
the end of April, having a considerable number of
men for those parts, that is in all, six hundred and
threescore persons. They directed their course
towards that part which is called Bayala, scituated
on the North-side of the Island of Hispaniola.
Here they also took into their company a
certain number of French Hunters, who voluntarily
offered themselves to go along with them.
And here likewise they provided themselvs with
Victuals and other Necessaries for that Voyage.
10
From hence they set sail again the last day of
July, and steered directly towards the Eastern
Cape of the Isle, called Punta de Espada. Hereabouts
they suddenly espied a Ship that was coming
from Puerto Rico, and bound for New Spain,
being laden with Cacao-nuts. Lolonois, the Admiral,
presently commanded the rest of the Fleet
they should wait for him nigh unto the Isle of
Savona, scituate on the Eastern side of Cape Punta
de Espada, forasmuch as he alone intended to
go and take the said Vessel. The Spaniards, although
they had been in sight now full two hours,
and knew them to be Pirats, yet would they not
flie, but rather prepared to fight; as being well
armed, and provided of all things necessary thereunto.
Thus the Combat began between Lolonois
and the Spanish Vessel, which lasted three
hours; and these being past, they surrendred unto
him. This Ship was mounted with sixteen
Guns, and had fifty fighting men on board. They
found in her One hundred and twenty thousand
weight of Cacao, forty thousand Pieces of Eight, and
the value of ten thousand more in Jewels. Lolonois
sent the Vessel presently unto Tortuga to be unladed,
with orders to return with the said Ship as
soon as possible unto the Isle of Savona, where
he would wait for their coming. In the mean
while the rest of the Fleet, being arrived at the
said Island of Savona, met with another Spanish
11
Provisions unto the Isle of Hispaniola; and
also with Money to pay the Garisons of the said
Island. This Vessel also they took without any
resistance, though mounted with eight Guns.
Here were found seven thousand weight of Powder,
great number of Muskets, and other things
of this kind, together with twelve thousand Pieces
of Eight in ready money.
These forementioned Events gave good encouragement
unto the Pirats, as judging them very
good beginnings unto the business they had
in hand. Especially finding their Fleet pretty
well recruited within a little while. For the first
Ship that was taken being arrived at Tortuga, the
Governour ordered to be instantly unladen, and
soon after sent her back with fresh Provisions, and
other Necessaries, unto Lolonois. This Ship he
chose for his own, and gave that which he commanded,
unto his Comrade Antony du Puis. Thus
having received new recruits of men, in lieu of
them he had lost in taking the Prizes abovementioned,
and by sickness, he found himself in a
good condition to prosecute his Voyage. All
being well animated and full of courage, they set
sail for Maracaibo, which Port is scituated in the
Province of Nueva Venezuela, in the Altitude of
twelve degrees and some minutes of Northern
Latitude. This Island is in length twenty leagues,
12
belong the Islands of Onega and Monges. The
East-side thereof is called Cape St. Roman, and the
Western side Cape of Caquibacoa. The Gulf is
called by some, the Gulf of Venezuelo; but the
Pirats usually call it the Bay of Maracaibo.
At the beginning of this Gulf are two Islands,
which extend for the greatest part from East to
West. That that lieth towards the East is called
Isla de las Vigilia, or the Watch-Isle; because
in the middle thereof is to be seen an high Hill,
upon which standeth a house wherein dwelleth
perpetually a Watchman. The other is called
Isla de la Palomas, or the Isle of Pigeons. Between
these two Islands runneth a little Sea, or ra-
ther a Lake, of fresh water, being threescore
leagues in length, and thirty in bredth; which
disgorgeth into the Ocean, and dilateth it self about
the two Islands aforementioned. Between
them is sound the best passage for Ships, the Chanel
of this passage being no broader than the flight
of a great Gun of eight pound carriage, more or
less. Upon the Isle of Pigeons standeth a Castle,
to impede the entry of any Vessels; all such as
will come in, being necessitated to approach very
nigh unto the Castle, by reason of two Banks of
Sand that lie on the other side, with onely fourteen
foot water. Many other Banks of Sand
there be also found in this Lake, as that which is
13
deeper than ten foot; but this lieth forty leagues
within the Lake. Others there be that have no
more than six, seven, or eight foot in depth. All
of them are very dangerous, especially unto such
Mariners as are little acquainted with this Lake.
On the West-side hereof is situated the Citie of
Maracaibo, being very pleasant to the view, by
reason its Houses are built along the shore, having
delicate Prospects every-where round about. The
City may possibly contain three or four thousand
persons, the Slaves being included in this number;
all which do make a Town of a reasonable
bigness. Among these are judged to be eight
hundred persons more or less, able to bear Arms,
all of them Spaniards. Here are also one ParishChurch,
of very good Fabrick, and well adorned;
four Monasteries, and one Hospital. The
City is governed by a Deputy-Governour, who
is substituted here by the Governour of Caracas,
as being his Dependency. The Commerce or
Trading here exercised, consisteth for the greatest
part in Hides and Tobacco. The Inhabitants
posses great numbers of Cattel, and many
Plantations, which extend for the space of thirty
leagues within the Country; especially on that
side that looketh towards the great and populous
Town of Gibraltar. At which place are gathered
huge quantities of Cacao-nuts, and all other
14
the regale and sustenance of the Inhabitants of
Maracaibo, whose Territories are much drier than
those of Gibraltar. Unto this place, those of
Maracaibo send great quantities of Flesh; they
making returns in Orenges, Lemons, and several
other Fruits. For the Inhabitants of Gibraltar
have great scarcity of Provisions of Flesh, their
Fields being not capable of feeding Cows nor
Sheep.
Before the City of Maracaibo lieth a very spacious
and secure Port, wherein may be built all
sort of Vessels; as having great convenience of
Timber, which may be transported thither at very
little charge. Nigh unto the Town lieth al-
so a small Island called Borrica, which serveth
them to feed great numbers of Goats. Of which
Cattel the Inhabitants of Maracaibo make greater
use for their Skins, than for their Flesh or Milk;
they making no great account of these two, unless
while they are as yet but tender and young
Kids. In the Fields about the Town are fed
some numbers of Sheep, but of a very small size.
In some of the Islands that belong unto the Lake,
and in other places hereabouts, do inhabit many
Savage Indians, whom the Spaniards call Bravos,
or Wild. These Indians could never agree as
yet, nor be reduced to any Accord with the Spaniards,
by reason of their brutish and untamable
15
the Western side of the Lake, in little Huts that
are built upon Trees which grow in the water.
The cause hereof being onely to exempt themselves
as much as possible from the innumerable
quantity of Mosquito's, or Gnats, that infest those
parts, and by which they are tormented night and
day. Towards the East-side of the said Lake
are also to be seen whole Towns of Fishermen,
who likewise are constrained to live in Huts, built
upon Trees, like unto the former. Another reason
of thus dwelling, is the frequent Inundations
of Waters: for after great Rains, the Land is
often overflowed for the space of two or three
leagues; there being no less than five and twenty
great Rivers that feed this Lake. The Town
of Gibraltar is also frequently drowned by these
Inundations, insomuch as the Inhabitants are con-
strained to leave their houses, and retire unto their
Plantations.
Gibraltar is situated at the side of the Lake,
forty leagues or thereabouts within it, and receiveth
its necessary Provisions of Flesh, as hath been
said, from Maracaibo. The Town is inhabited
by fifteen hundred persons, more or less; whereof
four hundred may be capable of bearing Arms.
The greatest part of the Inhabitants keep open
Shops, wherein they exercise one mechanick
Trade or other. All the adjacent Fields about
16
of Sugar and Cacao; in which are many
tall and beautiful Trees, of whose Timber Houses
may be built, and also Ships. Among these
Trees are found great store of handsome and
proportionable Cedars, being seven or eight foot
in circumference, which serve there very commonly
to build Boats and Ships. These they build
after such manner as to bear one onely great
Sail; and such Vessels are called Piragua's. The
whole Country round about is sufficiently furnished
with Rivers and Brooks, which are very
useful to the Inhabitants in time of Drowths,
they opening in that occasion many little Chanels,
through which they lead the Rivolets to water
their Fields and Plantations. They plant in
like manner great quantitie of Tobacco, which is
much esteemed in Europe; and for its goodness,
is called there, Tabaco de Sacerdotes, or Priests
Tobacco. They enjoy nigh twenty leagues of
Jurisdiction; which is bounded and defended by
very high Mountains that are perpetually covered
with Snow. On the other side of these
Mountains is situated a great City called Merida,
unto which the Town of Gibraltar is subject. All
sort of Merchandize is carried from this Town
unto the aforesaid City, upon Mules; and that
but at one season of the year, by reason of the
excessive Cold endured in those high Mountains.
17
Flour of Meal, which cometh from towards Peru,
by the way of Estaffe.
Thus far I thought it convenient to make a
short description of the aforesaid Lake of Maracaibo,
and its Situation; to the intent my Reader
might the better be enabled to comprehend
what I shall say concerning what was acted by
the Pirats in this place. The History whereof,
I shall presently begin.
As soon as Lolonois arrived at the Gulf of Vene-
sight of the Watch-tower of the Island of Vigilia,
or Watch-Isle. The next day very early he
set sail from hence, with all his Ships, for the Lake
of Maracaibo; where being arrived, they cast Anchor
the second time. Soon after, they landed
all their men, with designe to attack, in the first
place, the Castle or Fortress that commanded the
Bar, and is therefore called de la Barra. This
Fort consisteth onely of several great Baskets of
Earth placed upon a rising ground, upon which
are planted sixteen great Guns, with several other
heaps of Earth round about, for covering the men
within. The Pirats having landed at the distance
of a league from this Fort, began to advance by
degrees towards it. But the Governour thereof
having espied their landing, had placed an Ambuscade
of some of his men, with designe to cut
18
them in the front. This Ambuscade was found
out by the Pirats; and hereupon getting before,
they assaulted and defeated it so entirely, that
not one man could retreat unto the Castle. This
Obstacle being removed, Lolonois with all his Companions
advanced in great haste towards the Fort.
And after a Fight of almost three hours, wherein
they behaved themselves with desperate Courage,
such as this sort of people use to shew,
they became Masters thereof having made use
of no other Arms than their Swords and Pistols.
In the mean while they were fighting, those who
were routed in the Ambuscade, not being able to
get into the Castle, retired towards the City of
Maracaibo in great confusion and disorder, crying,
The Pirats will presently be here with two thousand
men and more. This City having formerly
been taken by such kind of people as these were,
and sack'd even to the remotest corners thereof,
preserved still in its memory a fresh Idæa of that
misery. Hereupon, as soon as they heard these
dismal News, they endeavoured to escape as fast
as they could towards Gibraltar in their Boats and
Canows, carrying with them all the Goods and
money they could. Being come unto Gibraltar,
they dispersed the rumour, that the Fortress was
taken, and that nothing had been saved, nor any
persons able to escape the fury of the Pirats.
19
The Castle being taken by the Pirats, as was
Ships of the Victory they had obtained; to the
end they should come farther in, without apprehension
of any danger. The rest of that day
was spent in ruining and demolishing the said
Castle. They nailed the Guns, and burnt as
much as they could not carry away: burying also
the dead, and sending on board the Fleet such
as were wounded. The next day very early in
the morning, they weighed Anchor, and directed
their course all together towards the City of Ma-
racaibo, distant onely six leagues, more or less,
from the Fort. But the wind being very scarce,
that day they could advance but little, as being
forced to expect the flowing of the Tyde. The
next morning they came within sight of the
Town, and began to make preparations for landing
under the protection of their own Guns;
being perswaded the Spaniards might have laid
an Ambuscade among the Trees and Woods.
Thus they put their men into Canows, which for
that purpose they brought with them, and lan-
ded where they thought most convenient, shooting
in the mean while very furiously with their
great Guns. Of the people that were in the
Canows, half onely went on shore, the other half
remained on board the said Canows. They fired
with their Guns from the Ships as fast as was possible
20
could see, nor were answered by, no body.
Thus they marched in good order into the Town,
whose Inhabitants, as I told you before, were
all retired into the Woods, and towards Gibraltar,
with their Wives, Children, and Families.
Their houses they left well provided with all sort
of Victuals, such as Flour, Bread, Pork, Brandie,
Wines, and good store of Poultry. With these
things the Pirats fell to banqueting, and making
good Cheer: for in four weeks before, they had
had no opportunity of filling their stomacks with
such plenty.
They instantly possessed themselves of the best
houses in the Town, and placed Centries everywhere
they thought convenient. The great
The next day they sent a body of one hundred
and sixty men to find out some of the Inhabitants
of the Town, whom they understood were
hidden in the Woods not far from thence. These
returned that very night, bringing with them
twenty thousand Pieces of Eight, several Mules
laden with Houshold-goods and Merchandize,
and twenty Prisoners, between men, women, and
children. Some of these Prisoners were put to
the Rack, onely to make them confess where
they had hidden the rest of their Goods; but
they could extort very little from them. Lolo-
21
of murthering, though in cold bloud, ten or
twelve Spaniards, drew his Cutlass and hacked
one to pieces in the presence of all the rest, say-
ing, If you do not confess and declare where you
have hidden the rest of your Goods, I will do the
like unto all your Companions. At last, amongst
these horrible Cruelties and inhumane Threats,
one was found who promised to conduct him,
and shew the place where the rest of the Spaniards
were hidden. But those that were fled,
having intelligence that one had discovered their
lurking Holes unto the Pirats, changed place, and
buried all the remnant of their Riches under
ground; insomuch that the Pirats could not find
them out, unless some other person of their own
Party should reveal them. Besides, that the
Spaniards flying from one place to another every
day, and often changing Woods, were jealous
even of each other; insomuch as the Father scarce
presumed to trust his own Son.
Finally, after that the Pirats had been fifteen
days in Maracaibo, they resolved to go towards
Gibraltar. But the Inhabitants of this place having
received intelligence thereof before-hand,
as also that they intended afterwards to go to
thereof, who was a valiant Souldier, and
had served his King in Flanders in many Military
22
take no care: for he hoped in a little while to exterminate
the said Pirats. Whereupon he transferred
himself immediately unto Gibraltar, with
400 men well armed, ordering at the same time,
the Inhabitants of the said Town to put themselves
in Arms; so that in all he made a body of
eight hundred fighting men. With the same
speed he commanded a Battery to be raised towards
the Sea; whereon he mounted twenty
Guns, covering them all with great Baskets of
Earth. Another Battery likewise he placed in another
place, mounted with eight Guns. After
this was done, he barricado'd an High-way or
narrow Passage unto the Town, through which
the Pirats of necessity ought to pass; opening at
the same time another, through much dirt and
mud in the Wood, which was totally unknown
unto the Pirats.
The Pirats, not knowing any thing of these
Preparations, having imbarked all their Prisoners
and what they had robb'd, took their way
towards Gibraltar. Being come within sight of
the place, they perceived the Royal Standard
hanging forth, and that those of the Town had a
mind to fight, and defend their houses. Lolonois
seeing this resolution, called a Council of War
to deliberate what he ought to do in such case:
Propounding withal unto his Officers and Mariners,
23
very great, seeing the Spaniards had had so much
time to put themselves in a posture of defence,
and had gotten a good body of men together,
with many Martial Provisions. But notwithstanding
(said he) have a good courage. We must
either defend our selves like good Souldiers, or lose
our lives with all the riches we have gotten. Do
as I shall do, who am your Captain. At other times
we have fought with fewer men than we have in our
company at present, and yet we have overcome greater
numbers than there possibly can be in this Town.
The more they are, the more glory we shall attribute
unto our Fortune, and the greater Riches we shall
increase unto it. The Pirats were under this suspition,
that all those Riches which the Inhabitants
of Maracaibo had absconded, were transported
unto Gibraltar; or at least the greatest part
thereof. After this Speech, they all promised
to follow him, and obey very exactly his Commands.
Unto whom Lolonois made answer, 'Tis
well: but know ye withal, that the first man who
shall shew any fear, or the least apprehension thereof,
I will pistol him with my own hands.
With this resolution they cast Anchors nigh
the shore, at the distance of one quarter of a
league from the Town. The next day, before
Sun-rising, they were all landed, being to the
number of three hundred and fourscore men,
24
and one or two Pistols; and withal, sufficient
Powder and Bullet for thirty charges. Here,
upon the shore, they all shaked hands with one
another, in testimony of good courage, and began
their march, Lolonois speaking these words unto
them: Come, my Brothers, follow me, and have a
good courage. They followed their way with a
Guide they had provided. But he, believing he
led them well, brought them to the way which
the Governour had obstructed with Barricado's.
Through this not being able to pass, they went
unto the other, which was newly made in the
Wood among the Mire; unto which the Spaniards
could shoot at pleasure. Notwithstan-
ding, the Pirats being full of courage, cut down
multitude of branches of Trees, and threw them
in the dirt upon the way, to the end they might
not stick so fast in it. In the mean while, those
of Gibraltar fired at them with their great Guns
so furiously, that they could scarce hear nor see
one another, through the noise and smoak. Being
now past the Wood, they came upon firm
ground, where they met with a Battery of six
Guns, which immediately the Spaniards dischar-
ged against them, all being loaded with small Bullets
and pieces of Iron. After this, the Spaniards
sallying forth, set upon them with such sury,
as caused the Pirats to give way and retire;
25
Fort. They continued still firing against the
Pirats, of whom they had already killed and
wounded many. This made them go back to
seek some other way through the middle of the
Wood; but the Spaniards having cut down many
Trees to hinder the passage, they could find
none, and thus were forced to return unto that
they had left. Here the Spaniards continued to
fire, as before; neither would they sally out of
their Batteries to attack the Pirats any more.
Hereby Lolonois and his Companions, not being
able to grimp up the Baskets of Earth, were compelled
to make use of an old Stratagem; wherewith
at last they deceived and overcame the Spaniards.
Lolonois retired suddenly with all his men,
making shew as if he fled. Hereupon the Spaniards,
crying out, They flie, they flie, let us follow
the fugitive Pirats. After they had drawn them
some distance from their Batteries, which was
their onely designe, they turned upon them unexpectedly
with Swords in hand, and killed above
two hundred men. And thus fighting their way
through those who remained alive, they possessed
themselves of the Batteries. The Spaniards
that remained abroad, gave themselves for lost,
and consequently took their flight unto the
26
of eight Guns, surrendred themselves upon
conditions of obtaining quarter for their lives.
The Pirats being now become Masters of the
whole Town, pulled down the Spanish Colours,
and set up their own, taking Prisoners at the same
time as many as they could find. These they
carried unto the great Church, whither also they
transferred many great Guns, wherewith they
raised a Batterie to defend themselves; fearing
lest the Spaniards that were sled, should rally
more of their own Partie, and come upon them
again. But the next day, after they were all
fortified, all their fears disappeared. They ga-
thered all the dead, with intent to allow them
burial, finding the number of above five hundred
Spaniards kill'd; besides those that were wounded
within the Town, and those that died of their
Wounds in the Woods, where they sought for
refuge. Besides which, the Pirats had in their custodie
above one hundred and fiftie Prisoners, and
nigh five hundred Slaves, many Women and
Children.
Of their own Companions the Pirats found
onely fortie dead, and almost as many more
wounded. Whereof the greatest part died afterwards,
through the constitution of the Air,
which brought Fevers and other Accidents upon
them. They put all the Spaniards that were
27
one quarter of a league within the Sea, they sank
the Boats. These things being done, they ga-
thered all the Plate, Houshold-stuff, and Merchandize,
they could rob, or thought convenient to
carry away. But the Spaniards who had any
thing as yet left unto them, hid it very carefully.
Soon after, the Pirats as if they were unsatisfied
with the great Riches they had gotten, began to
seek for more Goods and Merchandize, not sparing
those who lived in the Fields, such as Hunters
and Planters. They had scarce been eighteen days
upon the place, when the greatest part of the
Prisoners they had taken, died for hunger. For
in the Town very few Provisions, especially of
Flesh, were to be found. Howbeit, they had some
quantitie of Flour of Meal, although perhaps
something less than what was sufficient. But
this the Pirats had taken into their custodie to
make Bread for themselves. As to the Swine,
Cows, Sheep, and Poultrie that were found upon
the place, they took them likewise for their
own sustenance, without allowing any share
thereof unto the poor Prisoners. For these they
onely provided some small quantitie of Mules
and Asses flesh, which they killed for that purpose.
And such as could not eat of that loathsome
Provision, were constrained to die for hunger,
as many did, their stomacks not being accustomed
28
some women were found, who were allowed
better Chear by the Pirats, because they served
them in their sensual delights, unto which those
Robbers are hugely given. Among those women,
some had been forced, others were volunteers;
though almost all had rather taken up
that Vice, through Poverty and Hunger, more
than any other cause. Of the Prisoners many
also died under the torments they sustain'd, to
make them confess where they had hidden their
Money or Jewels. And of these, some, because
they had none nor knew of none, and others for
denying what they knew, endured such horrible
deaths.
Finally, after having been in possession of the
Town four entire weeks, they sent four of the
Prisoners, remaining alive, unto the Spaniards
that were fled into the Woods, demanding of
sum hereof they constituted, ten thousand Pieces
of Eight; which unless it were sent unto them,
they threatned to fire and reduce into ashes the
whole Village. For bringing in of this Money,
they allow'd them onely the space of two days.
These being past, and the Spaniards not having
been able to gather so punctually such a sum, the
Pirats began to set fire to many places of the
Town. Thus the Inhabitants perceiving the
29
to extinguish the fire; and withal, promised the
Ransom should be readily paid. The Pirats condescended
to their Petition, helping as much as
they could to stop the progress of the fire. Yet
though they used the best endeavours they possibly
could, one part of the Town was ruined,
especially the Church belonging to the Mona-
stery, which was burnt even to dust. After they
had received the sum above-mentioned, they carried
on board their Ships all the Riches they had
robb'd, together with a great number of Slaves
which had not, as yet, paid their Ransom. For
all the Prisoners had sums of Money set upon
them, and the Slaves were also commanded to be
redeemed. From hence they returned to Mara-
caibo; where being arrived, they found a general
Consternation in the whole City. Unto
which they sent three or four Prisoners to tell the
Governour and Inhabitants, They should bring
them thirty thousand Pieces of Eight on board their
Ships, for a Ransom of their Houses; otherwise they
should be entirely sack'd anew and burnt.
Among these Debates, a certain party of Pirats
came on shore to rob, and these carried away
Church, on board the Fleet. The Spaniards,
who were sent to demand of those that were fled
the sum aforementioned, returned with orders to
30
performed, and concluded with the Pirats they
would give for their Ransom and liberty, the
sum of twenty thousand Pieces of Eight, and five
hundred Cows. The condition hereof being
such, as they should commit no farther acts of
Hostility against any person, but should depart
from thence presently after payment of the money
and Cattel. The one and the other being
delivered, they set sail with the whole Fleet,
causing great joy unto the Inhabitants of Maracaibo
to see themselves quit of this sort of people.
Notwithstanding, three days after they resumed
their fears and admiration, seeing the Pirats to
appear again, and re-enter the Port they had left
with all their Ships. But these apprehensions
soon vanished, by onely hearing one of the Pirats
Errand, who came on shore to tell them from
Lolonois, They should send him a skilful Pilot to
conduct one of his greatest Ships over the dangerous
Bank that lieth at the entry of the Lake. Which
Petition, or rather Command, was instantly granted.
The Pirats had now been full two months in
those Towns; wherein they committed those
cruel and insolent Actions we have told you of.
Departing therefore from thence, they took their
course towards the Island Hispaniola, and arrived
thither in eight days, casting Anchors in a
31
Isle is inhabited by French Bucaniers, who most
commonly sell the Flesh they hunt, unto Pirats,
and others who now and then put in there with
intent of victualling or trading with them. Here
they unladed the whole Cargazon of Riches they
had robbed; the usual Store-house of the Pirats,
being commonly under the shelter of the Bucaniers.
Here also they made a Dividend amongst
them of all their Prizes and Gains, according to
that order and degree which belonged unto every
one, as hath been mentioned above. Having
cast up the account, and made exact calculation
of all they had purchased, they found in ready
Money two hundred and threescore thousand
Pieces of Eight. Whereupon this being divided,
every one received to his share in Money, and
also in pieces of Silk, Linen, and other Commodities,
the value of above one hundred Pieces of
Eight. Those who had been wounded in this
Expedition, received their part before all the
rest; I mean, such Recompences as I spoke of
in the first Book, for the loss of their Limbs,
which many sustained. Afterwards they weighed
all the Plate that was uncoined, reckoning af-
ter the rate of ten Pieces of Eight for every
pound. The Jewels were prized with much
variety, either at too high, or too low rates;
being thus occasioned by their own ignorance.
32
again, that he had not concealed any thing, nor
subtracted from the common stock. Hence they
proceeded to the Dividend of what shares belonged
to such as were dead amongst them, either
in battel or otherwise. These shares were
given to their Friends to be kept entire for them,
and to be delivered in due time unto their nearest
Relations, or whosoever should appear to be
their lawful Heirs.
The whole Dividend being entirely finished,
they set sail from thence for the Isle of Tortuga.
Here they arrived, one month after, to the great
joy of most that were upon the Island. For as
to the common Pirats, in three weeks they had
scarce any money left them; having spent it all
in things of little value, or at play either of Cards
or Dice. Here also arrived, not long before
them, two French Ships laden with Wine and
Brandy, and other things of this kind: Whereby
these Liquors, at the arrival of the Pirats, were
sold indifferent cheap. But this lasted not long:
for soon after they were enhanced extremely, a
gallon of Brandy being sold for four Pieces of
Eight. The Governour of the Island bought of
the Pirats the whole Cargo of the Ship laden with
Cacao; giving them for that rich Commodity,
scarce the twentieth part of what it was worth.
Thus they made shift to lose and spend the
33
they were purchased by robbing. The Taverns
and Stews, according to the custom of Pirats, got
the greatest part thereof: Insomuch that soon
after they were constrained to seek more, by the
same unlawful means they had obtained the precedent.
| Chap. II. Bucaniers of America: | |